North West and Salta

Wild and Exotic sample itinerary for North West Argentina

No region has such a varied landscapes as Argentina's northwest. In the space of a single day, a trip up the Quebrada de Toro takes you from the colonial city of Salta, with its plazas of tall waving palms, through forest-clad valleys, past mighty red mountains and on to the stark beauty of the high altitude puna, dotted with llamas and shimmering salt flats. Indigenous culture still thrives in Jujuy, the starting point for the Quebrada de Humahuaca. In this vast valley of ochre and terracotta rock, quiet oasis villages add a splash of green. From Purmamarca to Humahuaca, tiny churches are filled with treasures, Carnival is a riot and Easter is extravagantly celebrated. South of Salta, an exhilarating road snakes up the dramatic Cuesta del Obispo to the magical Valles Calchaquíes, home to sophisticated pre Inca cultures, whose marvellous ceramics fill every local museum. You will discover calm in the small villages of Cachi and Molinos, perfect for walking in the mountains or relaxing in lush valleys, with acres of scarlet peppers laid out to dry in the sun. Cafayate's picturesque bodegas transform high altitude grapes into delicious wines, whilst the valley's weavers turn llama wool into the softest ponchos. There are fascinating pre-Incan cities at Santa Rosa de Tastil and Quilmes, at atmospheric Las Pailas and a hilltop fortress at Tilcara, which commands breathtaking views of the valleys below.

Day 01: On arrival into Salta airport you will be met and transferred to your hotel. In the afternoon you will be given a walking tour of the colonial town of Salta, located in Argentina's most traditional region of the Andean Northwest stopping at the cathedral with its gold-leaf altar, and the Church of San Francisco to see the image of the pregnant Virgin Mary. During this excursion you will learn about the connection of this area to the Potosi mines in Bolivia during Spanish colonial times. Overnight in Salta: El Lagar

Day 02: Today you will be transferred to Purmamarca driving through "Camino de Cornisa" an enchanting subtropical environment of mosses, trees, bromeliads, and epiphytes. This lush environment shelters a rich variety of Andean birds. Spectacular geological formations accompany us throughout our journey. Purmamarca is at the base of the polychrome Hill of the Seven Colours. Overnight: El Marques de Tojo www.marquesdetojo.com.ar (B)

Day 03: From Purmamarca, we visit the Salinas Grandes in the province of Jujuy, where you will see one of the biggest great depressions of the province, with over 12,000 hectares of salt opencast, an infinite vastness of whiteness, it is located at 3,350 meters above sea level and salt is from 10 to 50 cm thick. You will have lunch at El Mojón, a fascinating restaurant and museum run by a small indigenous community, before continuing onto Tilcara. Overnight. Posada de la Luz  (www.posadadeluz.com.ar) (BB + L)

Day 04: This morning you will visit the archaeological ruins of Tilcara Fort, and learn about the Indian traditions of the Alto Perú. Continue to the Quebrada de Humahuaca, a Unesco World Heritage Site, which offers spectacular geology, an artist's palette of colour splashed on the surrounding hillsides. You can visit the traditional town of Uquía with its 17th century church displaying a collection of paintings from the Cuzco school (Peru) featuring the famous ángeles arcabuceros, which are angels equipped with Spanish colonial armors. Because the Spaniards colonized this area from Peru, it has many features that recall the Andean countries, including numerous adobe churches. You will continue through remote and only recently passable (by vehicle) valleys to the enchanting town of Iruya, which overlooks the valley of the Iruya River from a height of 2780 metres close to the border with JuJuy Province. Iruya is concealed within the folds of mountains and has a truly "far from the beaten track" feel. The name comes from the Quechua language and means" site of the high pastures". Iruya was used a resting place by caravans and muleteers carrying goods from the Puna highlands to the Río San Francisco River, and vice versa. Overnight: Iruya Inn (www.hosteriadeiruya.com.ar) (BB)

Day 05: Today you will start your journey back to Salta, by the same route that took you from Tilcara, passing by Humahuaca, Huacalera, Maimará and Tumbaya again. Near Huacalera, you can see the Tropic of Capricornio monolith. On arrival in Jujuy, you will take a detour to the 34 provincial route, which is a quicker way back to Salta city. Overnight: El Lagar (BB)

Day 06: Today you will be transferred to the village of Cachi, driving across the "Cuesta del Obispo" and reaching the 3720 metre summit with stunning  views to the "Valle Encantado" or Enchanted Valley. You will continue being driven along the "Tin Tin" stretch (part of the old "Inca Road") and passing by "Los Cardones National Park" (abundance of giant pascani cacti). Overnight: El Cortijo (B) www.elcortijohotel.netne.net

Day 07: This morning you will depart towards Colome, which lies some 60kms km south of Cachi.
Nestled in a hidden nook of the Calchaquíes valleys, Colomé boasts the oldest vines in all of Argentina. You will stop at Molinos, which used to be part of the Inca Road and a melting pot of  of different races and cultures. You will continue to Estancia Colome, which is a luxury boutique hotel, surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty. Estancia Colome provides a refuge in which to unwind and enjoy the Colome Experience, which unites the quest for adventure, the wisdom of native culture and the utmost in comfort and quality. Overnight: Colomé www.bodegacolome.com (BB)

Day 08: Today you will be transferred to Cafayate. The route passes by the "Quebrada de las Flechas", where the rough dirt road winds through breathtakingly beautiful rock formations of wind-eroded reddish brown sandstone strata folded and fractured by the upheavals of the Andean orogeny. You will have a brief stop to visit the village of Angastaco's main square and will continue to the villages of Molinos and Seclantas before reaching Cafayate. This town, which is located in the centre of the Calchaquí valleys, is internationally recognized for the quality of its wines, the affability of its climate, the friendliness of its people and the beauty of its surroundings. The charms of this beautiful and important town are best appreciated by wandering its streets to admire the Cathedral, central plaza, the picturesque old stone mill and museums filled with history.

Afterwards you will continue onto Salta, towards the "Valles Calchaquies", which is a scenic drive along the "Quebrada de las Conchas" gorge, where deeply coloured sandstone rock formations were deposited as sediments during the Eocene-Paleocene. You will also pass by the historical villages of Cerrillos, La Merced and Coronel Moldes. Overnight: House of Jasmines - www.houseofjasmines.com  (BB)

Day 09: Today will be transferred from your hotel to the airport in time to check in for your flight home.

Notes

The cost of this itinerary is based on two people sharing accommodation. A single supplement may apply if guests are not prepared to share accommodation

The price is inclusive of all activities described with an English speaking guide, together with meals as shown on the itinerary (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch and D = Dinner).

The price does not include international or domestic airfares, items of a personal nature, gratuities, etc.

UK and USA visitors to Argentina and Chile currently do not require a visa for stays of up to 90 days.

Neither Wild and Exotic nor the operators or suppliers can accept any responsibility for changes to itineraries or dates that may arise due to weather or unforeseen circumstances such as changes, disruptions or delays to airline flights for whatever reason. This holiday is subject to Wild and Exotic's terms and conditions, a copy of which is enclosed with your booking form.