Take your time exploring Salta, then travel by road to Cachi, a small town in the Calchaquí Valley, known for its adobe houses and white colonial buildings. Continue along the legendary Ruta 40 through incredible landscapes, including the Valley of the Arrows. Explore Cafayate, one of the finest wine-growing regions in Argentina – perhaps even try some wine flavoured ice cream! Then drive the “Quebrada de las Conchas” (Valley of the Shells), next heading out towards the Tastil Ruins and up high into the Andes following the tracks of the world famous train to the clouds to arrive at San Antonio de los Cobres. Stay in the village of Purmamarca, located at the base of the striking, multi-hued mountain called the Seven Colors Hill. Visits to Tilcara and Huamachuca round out our trip before returning to Salta.
Your tour highlights
Charming remote villages, outstanding landscapes, this is northwest Argentina! Stay in the sleepy village of Purmamarca, while exploring the Humahuaca gorge. This village is set at the foot of the famous hill of seven colours!
Have fun in the white desert- Salinas Grandes (The Great Salt Flat), where your mind will boggle at the sheer immensity of the area.
The Cafayate wine area is one of the highest places in the world that is suitable for viticulture, and offers some of the best wines in Argentina. Sample Torrontes Rioja and Malbec wine, surrounded by the magical Calchaquí Valleys.
- Experience a more remote part of Argentina, the northwestern Salta region
- Discover pre-Columbian culture, anthropology, local history
- Visit MAAM musuem in Salta, home to the Llullaillaco Children (preserved Inca mummies)
- Travel part of the famous Route 40
- Stay in the village of Purmamarca, location of the 7 colours hill
- Explore Cafayate, one of the finest wine-growing regions in Argentina
- Stunning landscapes, incredible rock formations
Tour itinerary
You will arrive in Salta, the provincial capital of the mountainous north-western region of Argentina. Known as ‘Salta la Linda’ which means ‘Salta the Pretty,’ the city is known for its Spanish colonial and Andean heritage. Today is an arrival day and you are free to explore. Perhaps take one of the cobblestone streets to Parque San Martin and board the Teleferico to the top of Cerro San Bernardo for outstanding views of the city.
Today you will enjoy a half day city tour of Salta. Highlights include Plaza 9 de Julio (the city’s main square), the MAAM and the San Bernardo Convent. Plaza 9 de Julio is surrounded by the Cathedral Basilica de Salta, El Cabilido Historical Museum, El Palacio Gallerias Shopping Mall and the Teatro Provincial de Salta.
The MAAM features the mummified remains of three Inca children who were sacrificed to the gods and later found on the Llullaillaco volcano. The San Bernardo Convent is Salta’s oldest building and you can visit the external algarrobo door and purchase fresh pastries made by the convent’s nuns. The afternoon is free to continue exploring Salta at your leisure.
Overnight in Salta
From Salta you will travel overland over the Piedra del Molino mountain pass, keeping watch for condors in the sky on your way towards Parque Nacional Caldones. Parque Nacional Caldones is known for its giant cactus groves which flank Cuestra del Obispo (or Bishop’s Slope) high above the Calchaquies Valley. Arrive to the small and charming town of Cachi where you will overnight.
Overnight in Cachi
Continuing on the famous Ruta 40 you will make your way south from Molinos to Cafayate across the Quebrada de las Flechas, a desert valley with eroded limestone and quartz cliffs which resemble arrow heads that point towards the sky. Your day will end in the town of Cafayate, the Tuscany of Argentina.
The area produces an aromatic dry white wine known as Torrentes named after the type of grape used. There are a number of bodegas within walking distance of the village to visit and enjoy a tasting, or you could head to the Museo de La Vid y El Vino to learn more about the areas wine industry.
Overnight in Cafayate
Today you head back to Salta along the Route 68 through the “Quebrada de las Conchas” (Valley of the Shells). The valley is strewn with vast, bright red rocks and there are many photo stops to admire the incredible rock formations and viewpoints in the valley. The site has a number of marine fossils within the rock formations, hence the name of the gorge.
Back in Salta, why not dine at one of the local parrilladas for some steak and pasta or try some local empanadas?
Overnight in Salta
Today you will travel to the town of Purmamarca. Located at the base of Seven Colours Hill, the village features a whitewashed adobe church and a handicraft market situated in the main square. You get a quick glimpse of the town, enjoying a walk up a rocky path behind the Seven Colours Hill before continuing to the Salinas Grandes salt flats.
The drive to the Salt Flats along Ruta 52 will take you over Lipan Pass and zig zag to the white mirrored salt lakes that are surrounded by volcanoes and an endless horizon. Returning to Purmamarca, you will have the opportunity to visit the handicraft market to purchase souvenirs in the afternoon.
Overnight in Purmamarca
This morning you will explore Purmamarca’s north, heading to Humahuaca Gorge. Enroute you will pass through a series of small towns and attractions including Maimara, the beautiful multicoloured rock formations of Paleta del Pintor, Tilcara, the pre-Inca fortress of Pucara de Tilcara and the towns of Huacalera, Uquia and Humahuaca.
In Humahuaca you will visit a handicraft market before visiting the gorge. Humuahuaca Gorge is series of broken mountains that dip into a ravine. There are layered colours through the rock in the gorge due to sedimentation that has occurred over thousands of years. After returning to Purmamarca you will continue back to Salta for the night.
You will be transferred to the airport to fly to your next destination.
What you’ll see on the tour
Tour pricing:
from $4786
To secure your place now:
Phone: 03 364 3400 or 0800 747 737
Email: [email protected]
Tour Inclusions:
Accommodation
- Accommodation in standard hotels
- Upgrade to superior or deluxe accommodation* where available
Food
- Breakfast daily, and other meals as outlined in the included sightseeing tours
Fees & Services
- All transfers
- Sightseeing on a shared basis as outlined in the tour itinerary with English speaking guides
- Entrance fees & National Park fees, unless otherwise stated