Argentina - The Undiscovered Northwest

Free day to enjoy the city and its many attractions!  We suggest to visit a traditional estate where you will experience the native Gaucho traditions to the full.  If you want more experience of the city itself, visit the variety of neighborhoods and their distinctive characteristics and vibe.  From the historic barrios of San Telmo and La Boca, to the impressive parks and plazas of Palermo and Recoleta, and the contrasting modern skyscrapers of Puerto Madero. Taste your way through Buenos Aires - from Argentinian pizza, Choripan, Empanadas and dulce de Leche with alfajores, for those with a sweeter tooth. 

Today we will head to the domestic Airport, for your flight to Salta airport. On arrival, you will be met by your local guide who will take you to the hotel.  We will then visit the MAAM museum. One of Northern Argentina's best museums, MAAM has a serious and informative exhibition focusing on Inca culture. Exclusive to this museum are the mummies of the child sacrifices, found on some of the Andes’ most imposing peaks. The centrepiece is the mummified body of one of three children which are rotated every six months. These mummies were discovered at the peak of Llullaillaco in 1999 and it was a controversial decision to display the children's bodies in a museum, so be prepared for an unusual and emotive experience. We will then continue on to your hotel for the evening. 

Today we will visit the Natural and Cultural Heritage site of Humahuaca Gorge.  We will visit the villages of Tilcara, Uquia and Humahuaca. We will continue on our way to Iruya.  This small village has been paused in time, maintaining its ancestral atmosphere and can be found amid the stunning mountain scenery.

Today we will visit Purmamarca. Purmamarca is a village in the Jujuy province of northwest Argentina. It is found at the base of a striking, multi-coloured mountain called the Seven Colours Hill. From the village, we will take the “Paseo de los Colorados” trail, which leads into surrounding desert landscapes for spectacular views of the mountain. Adobe houses line the streets, and the plaza 9 de Julio, hosts a popular crafts market. Nearby is the Santa Rosa de Lima church, dating back to colonial times.

The afternoon is free to enjoy the surroundings or kick back and relax.

Full day visit to The Big Flats.  These salt flats are second only to the Uyuni salt flats in Bolivia for pristine beauty. We will then take the Lipan Gorge route to get to the Puna before continuing on our way to Salta and passing through a number of quaint Argentinian villages. Salta is a beautiful colonial city with excellent dining options and a relaxed vibe, where we will spend the night. 

Today we head to the Calchaquies Valleys, visiting Cachi, and De las Flechas Gorge on the way, to arrive at the town of Cafayate.  Cafayate is a town in Salta province, in the northwest of Argentina. Many vineyards mark the landscape, which is famed for its reddish rock formations. The town also boasts a museum called The Museo de la Vid y el Vino which explains the whole traditional, winemaking procedure.  

Free day to explore the village and its authentic vineyards.  

Today we will return to the city of Salta visiting De las Conchas Gorge, which form a part of this spectacular route. Water sources, wind and tectonic activity have formed this stunning gorge and are somewhat reminiscent of the surface of Mars! Take all this spectacular scenery in and get the photos! Tomorrow we return to the “big smoke”.

Today we will head to the Salta Airport for your flight to Buenos Aires. We will head back to the city hotel for your final evening, with the option to organize your dinner and tango show in one of the famous tango houses of Buenos Aires.

We will take you to the airport for your onward flight back home, or onto your next destination!