Argentina: El Norte

With a fascinating colonial heritage, traces of pre-Columbian cultures, colorful artisan villages, and breathtaking Andean scenery, the provinces of northern Argentina are utterly intriguing—and well off the beaten path. From mountain-ringed Tafi del Valle to the beautifully preserved colonial city of Salta, our explorations lead to ancient Indian ruins still under excavation, into wind-sculpted canyons with amazing red-rock formations, across arid salt pans and high Andean plateaus, and into isolated valleys suspended in time. Along the way we enjoy visits to workshops of local artisans, sample regional Argentine wines, and enjoy the enchanting estancias and historic wine estates that express the charm and character of this yet-to-be-discovered corner of the world.

Itinerary at a Glance

For a more complete description, Download Full Trip Brochure

Days 1-3
Buenos Aires / Tafi del Valle

After an exploration of lively Buenos Aires and lunch in a private home with a local chef, we fly north to Tucuman and head out through the narrow gorge of the Rio de los Sosas to the peaceful mountain village of Tafi del Valle, where we enjoy a mountain hike. A historic estancia founded in 1718 is our base for exploring this beautiful countryside. The estancia, still a working farm, produces delicious Manchego cheese and other products.

Days 4-7
Amaicha / Cafayate / Bodega Colome

Heading across the scenic Cuesta del Infiernillo, a mountain pass at 12,000 feet, we arrive at Amaicha del Valle. In this picturesque village of pastel-colored houses, we meet local weavers, then visit the remains of a fortified citadel built by the Quilmes Indians, a proud culture that resisted the Incas but fell to the Spaniards in 1667. We overnight at a beautiful wine resort in the town of Cafayate, where the torrontes grape is grown. A drive through stunning mountain scenery brings us to Bodega Colome, a luxurious wine estancia in the Calchqui Valley. At this historic vineyard, founded in 1831, we sample the torrontes and malbecs, the signature wines of Argentina, and explore the spectacular Calchqui Valley on foot.

Days 8-9
Cachi / Salta

We explore the delightful mountain village of Cachi, above which rises snow-capped Nevado del Cachi (20,925'), then continue to Salta, one of the oldest colonial cities in Argentina, spectacularly located in a high valley surrounded by mountains. We explore Salta’s crafts market and Museum of Archaeology and relish the city’s rich artisan traditions, folk rhythms, superb regional food, and harmonious convergence of Hispanic and colonial influences.

Days 10-12
Quebrada de Humahuaca / Purmamarca / Buenos Aires

After a visit to the pre-Inca fortress of Tilcara, we head through the dramatic red-rock canyon of Quebrada de Humahuaca, a World Heritage Site, with a hike along the river. A dramatic overland journey at 12,500 feet brings us across the puna (high Andean plateau) amid herds of llamas and adobe villages with ancient chapels. We continue across the Salinas Grandes, where salt is still harvested, to reach the tiny colonial village of Purmamarca via the Cuesta de Lipan (13,681'), a magnificent mountain pass that is the highest point of our journey. Depart via Buenos Aires on Day 12.

For a more complete description, Download Full Trip Brochure

What the Trip is Like

This trip is rated Level 3, Moderate. It features sightseeing with day walks and hikes and some long drives on rough, unpaved roads. Much of the trip takes place at considerable altitudes, ranging from 5,740 feet at Cafayate to over 13,000 feet as we cross a mountain pass on the high Andean plateau. Appropriate time for rest and acclimatization is included in the itinerary, but for your own enjoyment of the trip, we recommend that you make a special effort to be in good physical condition. Throughout the trip, we enjoy hotel and lodge accommodations.

Explanation of Trip Levels