Salta, & Argentine Northwest

Afternoon reception at Salta airport and depart directly for Argentina’s northernmost province of Jujuy and the Quebrada de Humahuaca. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this colorful canyon is home to 10,000 years of human settlements with developing traditions, music, art and religious beliefs that still thrive today throughout the small adobe and cobblestone villages. Your home for the next two nights is in the quaint village of Purmamarca. Evening leisure, and dinner on own (the village offers excellent dining options for local cuisine).

Lodging : Manantial del Silencio- Purmamarca

This morning we set out on foot  through the village narrow streets,  and  loop around the Seven Color hills before   taking  a scenic drive over Cuesta de Lipán high pass, with spectacular views and chances  of spotting wild vicuñas and guanacos. We finally reach Salinas Grandes the immense salt flats, an otherworldly landscape that provides stunning photographic and walking opportunities.  Picnic lunch by while  enjoying  the surreal scenery of the High Andean Plateaus. Mid afternoon return to Purmamarca and evening leisure.

Lodging: Manantial del Silencio – Purmamarca

(B, L)

Today we  are set for  an amazing contrast with the  desert landscape of previous days, as we leave the arid  Puna behind and drive  on narrow roads through  subtropical cloud forests (yungas)  stopping along the way  for sights, scents  and sounds of the jungle.  We continue then to Colonial Salta. Check-in at the hotel, and lunch on own.  The afternoon walk thought the City´s historical district reveals true  colonial treasures: among them the striking red-and-gold baroque San Francisco Church, built in 1625, the café terrace-lined 9 de Julio Square, and the city´s Cathedral. We walk to Salta´s popular San Miguel food market in search of unique Andean spices and local aromatic herbs. Later on is time to visit MAAM, the  High Altitude Archaeological Museum, built to preserve and display the outstanding archaeological findings of “Children of Llullaillaco” mummified bodies of three Inca children found at the peak of Mount Llullaillaco at above 22,000’ ( as of today acknowledged as the highest burial site in the world). The displays also bring amazing insight to the ancient customs and traditions of the Incas.

Lodging at Legado Mítico,    Boutique Hotel

(B)

Morning scenic drive across Quebrada de las Conchas (Las Conchas Gorge) to the town of Cafayate, known for its superb artisans and high altitude vineyards. We stop on the way for easy hikes, amid the arid, almost moonlike formations of the Quebrada. Arrive at Cafayate and private  lunch at El Porvenir  Hacienda & Vineyards, producers of outstanding Malbecs and Cabs. Check in and dinner at our home for the next two nights, Patios de         Cafayate, the wine resort located at the grounds of El Esteco Winery.

Lodging: Patios de Cafayate

(B, L, D)

Walk from the vineyards surrounding our lodge to the village. We’ll make our first stop at some of Argentina’s most renowned artisans’ homes to learn about their crafts. Then we continue visiting the town’s main square with its colonial church, and sample some delicious, flaky empanadas to go. Follows a short drive to Bodega Mounier, where we sip young Torrontés over a menu of exquisite local ingredients, while enjoying  one of the best sights of the Calchaqui valleys.

During the early afternoon, as we return to our wine resort, we delight our palates once more with a quick visit to the local goat cheese factory. The rest of the afternoon is yours to relax at the lodge.

Lodging: Patios de Cafayate

(B, L)

We drive north through the Calchaquí Valleys and across Quebrada de las Flechas (Arrow’s Canyon) a fascinating bulbous rock formation on some of the driest geography on Earth. Roadside, ancient cemeteries beckon us to enter.We stop for lunch at the oldest Hacienda in the region, by  the sleepy town of Molinos, and then continue on to the quaint village of Cachi. Your charming accommodation is placed on a hill overlooking this colonial treasure.  Afternoon relax at the grounds or enjoy the Spa. Dinner this evening is at Viracocha, the local spot that masters Andean cuisine.

Note:  Cachi offers some exceptional  half day trekking options.

Lodging: Merced del Alto

(B, L, D)

This morning we head for Salta. Our journey (3.5 hours), takes us through the Cactus filled landscape of Los Cardones National Park, Cuesta del Obispo high pass, and  down into the cloud forests.   Early afternoon arrival to  Salta Airport to board connecting flights .

(B)

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