Argentina Discovery

Day 4 marks the day you travel to Salta. You will be met at your hotel by your private driver and taken to the airport for your internal flight to Salta.

Upon Arrival you will be met and taken by private transfer to your hotel for the next 2 nights.

The Argentine Northwest is a land of contrasts, with colonial plazas, red mountains and green oasis. Indigenous culture is still alive in the traditions and folklore of this area, formerly part if the Inca Kingdom. Travel from Tafí del Valle to Quilmes along Pre-lncas ruins. From Cafayate to Salta visiting breathtaking vineyards and towns such as Molinos and Cachi in the Valles Calchaquies. Follow through Salta, La Linda (the pretty) and later from Purmamarca to Humahuaca along tiny churches and colorful hills.

Walking City Tour in Salta

After arriving, you will have this private walking tour your English-speaking guide.

An ideal tour of Salta (Known as ‘Salta La Linda’) and its surroundings, to get a general idea of the area, a bit of the historical, architectural and geographical knowledge. You will be visiting, among others, the main square, the Cathedral, the Cabildo, The San Francisco Church, San Bernardo convent, the Monument to Güemes; the San Bernardo hill from where the city is appreciated; San Lorenzo Village, a picturesque site minutes from downtown; the Artisan Market (old flour mill), with an important concentration of handicrafts throughout the province.

This is an easygoing, 3 1/2 hour tour, with the entrance fee to MAAM included in the price.  (MAAM closed on Mondays.

Full day Rafting & Canopy

Shared service. Private Transfers and Lunch included.

Next day, you will be taken to the rafting base. After an instructional rafting and safety course, the equipment is delivered and then begins the descent through the rapids of the Juramento River. There are 10 Class III rapids plus 5 Class II rapids, framed by the imposing landscape of the Juramento River Canyon. The return to the base by land takes about 20 minutes

Once at the base, the asador will be waiting for you for a casual asado lunch with this amazing landscape as your backdrop. Short time for siesta and just after a prudence time after lunch the next activity begins.

The canopy circuits begin with an instructive talk about the activity and the proper use of equipment so that you can enjoy this adventure experience feeling safe and comfortable. You will be taken with 2 trained guides to the hill where a trekking of 15 to 20 minutes starts, ascending to the first platform. There begins the tour of the steel cables, the first cable serves to test the technique and gain confidence in the team. The last cable takes you back to base.

You will be met at your hotel by your private driver and start the tour of 2 days in the Northwest.

The town of Purmamarca sits under celebrated Cerro de los Siete Colores (Hill of Seven Colors), an otherworldly, jagged formation resembling the marzipan fantasy of a megalomaniac pastry chef. The village is postcard-pretty, with adobe houses and ancient carob trees by the bijou 17th-century church. This authentic Andean village is a glorious spot and an excellent place to shop for woven goods; a flourishing market sets up on the village plaza every day.

Big Salts

Private service in 4×4 vehicles with English speaking chauffeur guide

After passing the town of Campo Quijano, you ascend through the Quebrada del Toro, to Santa Rosa de Tastil, a small town with only one street. Continuing North is the town of San Antonio de los Cobres, named for being within the famous Copper Mountain rich in this mineral. After an hour and a half following the old road of the troperos, you will find the majestic Salinas Grandes (big salts), whose origin dates from an extensive period between 5 and 10 million years ago. Ascending through an amazing mountain road, you will reach the highest point of the route and the beginning of the descent to the town of Purmamarca, the Abra de Potrerillos (4170 masl). Then, you will take the famous Lipan slope that in just 20 km in length but will lead you to descend about 2000 m until reaching Purmamarca (2300 masl) at the foot of the hill of the 7 Colores. Spend the night in Purmamarca.

Humahuaca

On the second day in the Northwest you will visit the Humahuaca Gorge, declared as Natural and Cultural Heritage of Humanity (UNESCO) in 2003. Along the route you will discover landscapes, towns and cultures. Journey through unique villages, such as Purmamarca, famous for the frame of the Hill of Seven Colours, visible from its scenic streets and from the handcrafted market around the main square. You will travel through many towns on this day, for more information view ‘Additional Information’ further down the page.

Ending in Salta city.

Note that if combining with other several days tour the last day might vary to adapt first day of next excursion.

The Pucará de Tilcara entrance fee is included.

You will be met at your hotel by your private driver and start an incredible 3 days tour in the Calchaquí Valleys.

This town of colonial and baroque-style houses dating back to the late 19th Century is one of the most popular regions within the Calchaqui Valleys.  It is an important tourist centre for exploring the Calchaquíes valleys, and because of the quality and originality of the wines produced in the area. Its church is one of the few churches of 5 naves in the country and has a sculpture of Virgen del Carmen (Virgin of Carmen) from Cuzco.

Calchaquí Valleys – Day 1 – Cachi

Private service in 4×4 vehicle with English speaking chauffeur guide.

The first day begins in Salta, leaving behind the fertile Lerma Valley, passengers ascend along the Quebrada de Escoipe and then continue along the impressive Cuesta del Obispo and the Encantado Valley, surrounded by mountains. Then, the tour goes to Piedra del Molino (3,400 meters above sea level), through Los Cardones National Park, which occupies 65,000 hectares in the middle of hills and dry ravines of around 2,700 and 5,000 m.a.s.l. The magical Cachi, the highest area of the valleys, is a village at the foot of the snowy mountain (6,320 m.a.s.l.) that bears the same name. The town stands out for its old colonial-style houses that are located on the edge of narrow cobbled streets, its church dating from the 18th century and is known for its floor, ceiling and cactus wood furniture and its adobe walls. In addition, the town has an important Anthropological Museum, where the history of indigenous civilisations is exhibited in almost 5,000 pieces. Overnight in Cachi.

The tour includes: 2 standard wine tastings.

Calchaquí Valleys – Day 2 – Cafayate

This is the second day of the Calchaquí Valleys adventure.  After your breakfast, the tour continues along the national route No. 40, there are other attractions on the way such as Seclantás, Angastaco, and others which can be found under the ‘Additional Information’ section. You will arrive at Cafayate, a town known for its colonial-style, baroque, single-story houses from the late 19th century. Its church is one of the few temples in the country that has 5 ships. Overnight in Cafayate.

Calchaquí Valleys – Day 3 – Cafayate & Salta

The final day of your 3 day experience will see you visit the wine centre of the province, particularly famous for the “Torrontés” wine variety. In the town you will visit a winery where the whole wine production process will be explained to the passenger, as well as some wineries offer a small tasting as a courtesy.

After lunch, return to the city of Salta, driving along the Quebrada de las Conchas that originated in the Tertiary Age, 70 million years ago and divides the Lerma Valley and the Calchaqui Valley. Wind erosion has formed a succession of capricious natural phenomena such as Los Castillos, El Obelisco and Garganta del Diablo (The Devil’s Throat), a deep and narrow canyon. Return to Salta for the night. Last night to be spend in Salta before flying out.

Note that if combining with other several days tour the last day might vary to adapt first day of next excursion.

You will be met at your hotel by your private driver and taken to the airport for your internal flight to Mendoza.

Upon arrival you will be met and taken by private transfer to your hotel for the next 3 nights.

The area of Mendoza used to be a desert, but the hands of hard working immigrants and the blessing of water and climate have turned it into a green fertile land. The city of Mendoza is both the capital of – and gateway to – this region, which offers optimum conditions for grape cultivation and wine production. In this area the finest Argentine wines are produced, and many vineyards can be visited to enjoy a wine tasting! The Andes mountain range and the highest peak in the Americas (Mount Aconcagua 6,954m) can be seen from the entire region and can be visited on a full day excursion.

Excursion into Uco Valley Area

Day 12 commences with a full day tour into Uco Valley Area, a private service with English speaking guide.

The mountains and the beautiful views in Uco Valley prepare our senses to experience the aromas and flavors of these high-altitude wines. Not to mention, the wineries you will visit which make world renowned wines from this precious land, complete the tour. This high-end tour is designed for you to share and enjoy an excellent day of wine. You will visit some of the most important and highlighted wineries in the region.

The tour includes entrance fee at 3 standard wineries with standard wine tastings but does not include lunch.

Day 13 is spent relaxing and enjoying the area of Mendoza.

You will be met at your hotel by your private driver and taken to the airport for your internal flight to Mendoza.

Once you arrive you will be met and taken by private transfer to your hotel for the next 3 nights.

The area of Mendoza used to be a desert, but the hands of hard working immigrants and the blessing of water and climate have turned it into a green fertile land. The city of Mendoza is both the capital of – and gateway to – this region, which offers optimum conditions for grape cultivation and wine production. In this area the finest Argentine wines are produced, and many vineyards can be visited to enjoy a wine tasting! The Andes mountain range and the highest peak in the Americas (Mount Aconcagua 6,954m) can be seen from the entire region and can be visited on a full day excursion.

During the days 10 & 11 you will be enjoying the menu of activities proposed by the lodge.

The meals and activities included during these days are:

• 2 visits to wineries in Lujan de Cuyo (Catena Zapata, Achaval Ferrer Altavista, Dominio del Plata -Susana Balbo-, Ruca Malen, Chakana, Norton, Terrazas, Séptima, Pulenta Estate, Lagarde, Vistalba, Cruzat, Belasco de Baquedano, Melipal, Walter Bressia, etc)
• 1 activity (rafting/biking/horse ride/visit to the Museo Fader y Chacras)
• 3 lunches
• 3 dinners (with non alcoholic drinks included)
• 1 massage of 1 hour per person per stay
• Free access to the gym, pool, sauna and jacuzzi (reservation required)

You will be met at your hotel by your private driver and taken to the airport for your internal flight.

Upon Arrival you will be met and taken by private transfer to your Estancia for the next 2 nights.

In the outskirts of Gran Buenos Aires, there are many Estancias, extensive ranches with farmed and cattle land with traditional houses. Most of these Estancias are attended by their owners, who show guests a taste of real traditional Argentine life.

Many Estancias offer horse riding, some polo, while others allow participation in activities related to cattle and farming. All of them will surprise you with a delicious and authentic “asado” (barbecue). Estancias can be visited on a day trip or for a couple of nights stay from the entire region and can be visited on a full day excursion.

These final days are at your leisure to enjoy the experiences provided by the Estancia you are staying.

On Day 16, your final day, you will be transfered to Ezeiza Airport by a private service.