Overview
With surreal landscapes that beckon the hiker, classic colonial towns, and a proud cultural heritage, the provinces of northern Argentina are utterly intriguing. We’ve woven together the many strands that make this region so captivating on a journey that will bring you from the beautifully preserved colonial city of Salta to the renowned Calchaqui Valley, home to the highest vineyards in the world, to dreamy Cachi, and the extraordinary “painted mountains” of Purmamarca. Our hikes and explorations will lead to ancient ruins, into wind-sculpted canyons with towering red-rock formations, across shimmering salt pans, and into isolated valleys suspended in time. Along the way we’ll learn how to make savory empanadas at a private estancia, sample elegant vintages with a winemaker, and enjoy historic inns and estancias filled with character. Join Trip Leader Rob Noonan for an adventure into the incredible vistas, culture, and cuisine of this enchanting corner of Argentina.
Days 1-2
Salta
We visit Salta’s archaeological museum for a private viewing of its rare Inca mummies, and hike in the montane forest of the Reserve Finca Las Costas.
Salta - Days 1-2
Solar de la Plaza
Days 1 to 2 (2 nights),Day 12 (1 night), Salta, Argentina
This welcoming, colonial-style hotel has a great location, right on a leafy square and just a few blocks from the main plaza. Guestrooms are clean and comfortable, and there is a small rooftop pool and fitness center. The staff is friendly and accommodating.
Days 3-5
Canyon Country Hikes / Vineyards of Calchaqui / Cafayate
Our hike in the Quebrada de Las Conchas Nature Reserve is the perfect introduction to northern Argentina’s red-rock scenery, and we visit a historic vineyard in the Calchaqui Valley, with a special winery walk with a geologist-winemaker (and a tasting, of course!). Other hikes brings us to a pre-Columbian ruin and into sandstone canyons with fantastic colors. One evening, we head to a vineyard for a festive Salta asado (barbecue), complete with local music.
Canyon Country Hikes / Vineyards of Calchaqui / Cafayate - Days 3-5
Patios de Cafayate
Days 3 to 5 (3 nights), Cafayate, ArgentinaWake up to the sound of birdsong at this wonderful country hotel, a beautiful old colonial-style manor house surrounded by the vineyards of the El Esteco winery. Each of the 32 guestrooms is generously sized and offers wonderful amenities. Several courtyards, some with fountains, grace the property, as well as an inviting swimming pool—and horses and llamas roam the property!
Days 6-8
Quebrada de Las Flechas / Cuevas de Acsibi / Cachi
After a visit with a potter in historic San Carlos, we hike in the Quebrada de Las Flechas (Canyon of Arrows), an incredible rampart below the desert sky, with sandstone fins stretching for miles. From the delightful village of Cachi, our off-the-map adventure is a spectacular hike through the canyons to the Cuevas de Acsibi.
Quebrada de Las Flechas / Cuevas de Acsibi / Cachi - Days 6-8
Hacienda de Molinos
Day 6 (1 night), Molinos, ArgentinaSet on the outskirts of the quiet village of Molinos, the beautiful, restored 18th century Hacienda de Molinos is a welcoming respite in our travels. Its remoteness gives it a special charm (not to mention the thick adobe walls and ceilings made of carob wood), and the 18 guestrooms are spacious with comfy beds. Relax with a drink in the courtyard under the spreading branches of the huge pepper tree, or take a dip in the pool with its views of the Cachi mountains.
La Merced del Alto
Days 7 to 8 (2 nights), Cachi, ArgentinaNestled in the stunning countryside, the family-run La Merced del Alto is a peaceful oasis where you can be at one with nature (you’ll just wish you could stay a little longer). The 14 guestrooms are spacious and have a welcoming old-world charm, and the spectacular mountain vews make you feel like you’re in a different world. Be sure to take a stroll on the lovely grounds.
Days 9-13
Private Estancia / Purmamarca / Great Salt Flats / Salta
We cross an 11,000-foot road pass to descend into the Valle Encantado and are welcomed at a private estancia with its own nature reserve. A dramatic new landscape unfolds as we enter Jujuy Province to reach Purmamarca, set below striking multi-colored mountains. Our final hike brings us across the Salinas Grandes, with blue skies above, red mountains all around, and glittering white salt flats spread out before us. We return to Salta on the historic Yunga road and depart on Day 13.
Private Estancia / Purmamarca / Great Salt Flats / Salta - Days 9-13
Estancia El Bordo de las Lanzas
Day 9 (1 night), El Bordo, ArgentinaYou can share in the authentic lifestyle of a working estancia at this landmark estate, one of the oldest in Argentina (property deeds go back to 1609!). The antique-filled estancia is still a family home, a gem of a place owned by the incredibly warm and welcoming Arias Cornejo family. Every night here is a dinner party—traditional, convivial meals are based on regional specialties using beef and ingredients from the estate. We'll eat well and abundantly! The extensive gardens are spectacular—pick a nice spot to sit and read or just take in the lovely scenery.
El Manantial del Silencio
Days 10 to 11 (2 nights), Purmamarca, ArgentinaThis quiet boutique hotel has a lovely surreal setting and colonial-style architecture reminiscent of a religious cloister. The living room area is a great place to relax, with its inviting fireplace, and the outdoor pool has fine views of the mountains. Take a stroll in the spacious gardens—you might run into the pet llamas who wander there!
Solar de la Plaza
Day 12 (1 night), Salta, ArgentinaThis welcoming, colonial-style hotel has a great location, right on a leafy square and just a few blocks from the main plaza. Guestrooms are clean and comfortable, and there is a small rooftop pool and fitness center. The staff is friendly and accommodating.
Adventures in Salta and Jujuy
