Antofagasta de la Sierra

It was a short drive from El Peñón to Antofagasta de la Sierra, but the scenery made every mile feel significant. The road carved through vast extensions of lava that spilled out from ancient volcanoes, a stark reminder of how small our human presence is compared to the immense geological forces that shaped this land. Looking at those black, frozen waves of rock, I couldn’t help but wish for a million-year timelapse to witness the violent, beautiful birth of this landscape.

Antofagasta de la Sierra is technically one of the largest towns in the Argentine Puna, though “large” is a relative term out here—it still feels wonderfully intimate and remote. My first stop wasn’t for sightseeing, however; I had to head straight to the local police station to report the loss of my documents back in Villa Vil. The officers were welcoming and efficient, and within thirty minutes, I had the paperwork I needed. I’m crossing my fingers that this official report will be enough to get me across the border when the time comes.

With the administrative weight lifted, I doubled back to the entrance of the town to catch the day’s final act. I launched my drone as the sun began its descent, and the view of Volcano Antofagasta from above was nothing short of breathtaking. I stayed there, mesmerized, watching the very last beam of golden light graze the volcanic peak before the desert chill set in. As the colors faded into twilight, I headed back into the quiet streets of the town to find a warm hotel for the night.

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