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.
The landscape was otherworldly; the cultural sites, riveting; the estancias, lovely; our local guides, most knowledgeable. Spectacular.
— Esther R., Carlisle, MA
Days 1-2
Salta
In Salta’s well-preserved colonial capital, we enjoy a private viewing of rare 14th century Inca mummies and hike in the montane forest of the Reserva 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
Vineyards of Calchaqui / Cafayate
The wine town of Cafayate is stunning, with the snowy peaks of the Andes rising beyond the vineyards. Our vineyard walk with a geologist-winemaker unlocks the secrets of this unique terroir, and we’ll sample the aromatic Torrontés and spicy Bonarda, specialties of the region. We hike up to Yesera for panoramas across the multicolored hills of the high desert, visit a ceramicist’s studio to try our hand at the wheel, and hike through the ruins of the ancient city of Quilmes.
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
Traveling the iconic Ruta 40 highway, we explore the Canyon of the Arrows, an incredible rampart below the desert sky, and the adobe village of Cachi, set below snow-capped Nevado de Cachi (20,931'). Amid towering red walls where condors nest, our hike to the Cuevas de Acsibi takes us through a spellbinding world of orange sandstone to a hidden cave illuminated by a shaft of sunlight. From our estancia, we’ll hike up through a wonderland of giant cardon, the tree-sized cactus of the high desert.
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 / Salinas Grandes / Salta
Our route crosses an 11,000-foot pass into the Valle Encantado and our private estancia. A new landscape unfolds as we enter Jujuy Province and discover Purmamarca’s striking mountains, with their layers of color. We’ll even hike across the gleaming white Salinas Grandes, with blue skies above and red mountains all around. We return to Salta on the historic Yunga Road and depart on Day 13.
Private Estancia / Purmamarca / Salinas Grandes / 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
Highlights
Highlights
Details
Moderate day hikes, 2-5 hours a day, cultural exploration, altitudes between 3,700-8,300 feet
