Overview
With surreal landscapes that beckon the hiker, classic towns, and a proud cultural heritage, northern Argentina is utterly intriguing. We’ve woven together a journey that brings you from the beautifully preserved colonial city of Salta to the renowned Calchaquí Valley, home of the highest vineyards in the world, to dreamy Cachi and surreal salt flats. Our hikes and explorations lead to wind-sculpted canyons with towering multi-colored rock formations. Along the way we learn to make pottery in a village, savor an asado at a private estancia, sample elegant vintages with a winemaker, and enjoy the vibrant and welcoming culture of northern Argentina.
This trip was everything I want a WT trip to be—beautiful hikes I can’t find or access on my own, real cultural opportunities and interaction, expert local guiding and leadership. Just wonderful on all counts.
— Ken K., Philadelphia, PA
Days 1-3
Salta / Vineyards of Calchaquí / Cafayate
In Salta, with its beautiful colonial architecture, we enjoy a private viewing of rare 14th century Inca mummies and a Welcome Dinner at an historic club. Heading north to the wine mecca of Cafayate, where snowy mountains rise above the vineyards, we walk (and sample wine!) with a geologist-winemaker, meet a potter in his studio, and hike amid the towering red-rock walls of the high desert.
Salta / Vineyards of Calchaquí / Cafayate - Days 1-3
Solar de la Plaza
Day 1 (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.
Patios de Cafayate
Days 2 to 3 (2 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 4-7
Quebrada de las Flechas / Cuevas de Acsibi / Cachi
Along the legendary Ruta 40 that runs the length of Argentina, we’ll walk in the spectacular Quebrada de las Flechas—canyon of the Arrows—where eons of wind have eroded the sandstone into fins that stretch for miles below the desert sky. Our hike to the Cuevas de Acsibi takes us through a spellbinding world of orange sandstone to a hidden cave illuminated by a single shaft of sunlight. Overnights are in the adobe village of Cachi, set below snow-capped Nevado de Cachi (20,931').
Quebrada de las Flechas / Cuevas de Acsibi / Cachi - Days 4-7
Hacienda de Molinos
Day 4 (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 5 to 6 (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.
Estancia El Bordo de las Lanzas
Day 7 (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.
Days 8-10
Salt Flats / Purmamarca / Depart
We cross over the Cuesta del Obispo to our beautiful estancia, one of the oldest in Argentina. We’ll learn to make empanadas on the outdoor oven, and enjoy a traditional barbecue as we watch the equestrian skills of local gauchos. From Purmamarca, with its incredible setting right below the ‘Hill of Seven Colors’, we head up to the surreal ‘Salinas Grandes’ to walk on the shimmering salt flats. Depart on Day 10 via Salta or join our Iguazú Falls extension.
Salt Flats / Purmamarca / Depart - Days 8-10
El Manantial del Silencio
Days 8 to 9 (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!
Adventures in Salta and Jujuy
Highlights
Highlights
Details
Moderate day hikes, 2-4 hours a day (one 5-6-hour hike), cultural exploration, altitudes between 3,700-8,300 feet
