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Day 1 Arrive Buenos Aires

Day 2 Salta -- the Beautiful (B,L)

Day 3 Las Conchas Gorge (B,L)

You'll begin Day 2 entering the breathtaking Las Conchas Gorge, once the bottom of the ocean and now a feast for the eyes with its strange shapes of deep red sandstones. Enter the gorge at Talapampa and pass by a goat farm, part of the Guitierrez Castex family. While at the farm you'll have a chance to learn about local cheeses -- be sure to sample the variety of flavors, including a rare dulce de leche, that blends nicely with a glass of local wine. Tonight, relax in the hotel nestled in the heart of Las Conchas Gorge. Spend time wandering the brilliant surrounding grounds before heading to bed.

Day 4 Vineyard and Cafayate (B)

Day 5 Village Path to Cachi (B,L)

Descend to the famous Calchaquies Valley this morning, where a striking natural landscape combines with unique architecture and cultural attractions to make this a fascinating off-the-beaten-path locale. You'll take a hike through the impressive Quebrada de la Flecha (Flecha Gorge), where a collection of sandstone spikes often appear like moving figures due to the light. To keep you going, your guide will prepare a lunch of typical Argentine foods. This area holds much historical evidence of aboriginal settlements -- adobe huts stand on sand dunes here. The town of Molinos is a great spot to search out a unique gift -- you'll find many local craftsmen selling handmade ponchos and blankets that they make using ancestral techniques. This evening you will arrive in Cachi. With time, wander the cobblestone streets, visit an ancient chapel made from cactus wood, or discover one of the best archaeological museums in Argentina.

Day 6 Cultures and Landscapes (B)

Today you take a beautiful drive through the National Park Los Cordones and the Encantado Valley on your way to Salta. Enjoy a leisurely lunch in the city before you leave for the Humahuaca Gorge. The region is a recognized World Heritage site. The Spanish, from Peru, were the first to colonize this area, and as such the region has colonial churches with simple bell towers and beautiful doors. But even more spectacular is the landscape itself -- the canyon's colorful rocks decorate the horizon. You will make your way through several small villages until arriving at Purmamarca, today's final destination. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant and toast the day's adventure.

Day 7 Afternoon in an Andean Kitchen (B,L)

Begin your morning with a transfer to Maimara where you will be greeted by Chef Gloria Diez Pena at the Kusika Restaurant. Today, she shares her cuisine secrets of typical Andean food and its relation to the local culture. The cooking class uses traditional products from the region. You'll learn the trick to tasty Tamales de Charqui with dry Andean maize made from traditional methods. This is more than a cooking lesson, this is also a history and anthropology class. Lunch includes your tamale delicacy, but you can also enjoy other regional dishes such as Mankakanca, Hajchalocro and Chairo de Tunta. Return to Purmamarca this evening in time to visit a local artisan market.

Day 8 Enjoy Salta (B)

Today you'll have the chance to reacquaint with lovely Salta. Find wonderful old cathedrals, churches and museums to wander into today. There are shops full of local artisans' works, a delicious food market and ancient city squares to discover. You can get a superb view of the city by taking the cable car to the top of Cerro San Bernardo. The city is yours to explore!

Day 9 Return Home (B)

Catch your flight to Buenos Aires and connecting flights homeward, or with more time, visit Iguazu Falls.

US$ 1895
9 Days starting and ending in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Fri-Sat
Tour Code: TA9
Single Supplement: US$395

Accommodations: 5 nights comfortable hotels, 2 nights vineyard hotel, 1 night comfortable lodge

Food Includes: All meals as indicated (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner); most of our hotels offer free continental breakfast.

Transportation: local flights, buses, vans, your own feet!

Note: Flights Buenos Aires-Salta-Buenos Aires are not included. Please add US$590/person (flight cost subject to change).

Group & Staff: Min 2, Max 12; Argentine guide and crew throughout.

Personal Budgeting: Allow US$200 for meals not included, US$18 international airport departure tax, US$60 optional excursions

Pre & Post Tour Accommodations: Buenos Aires: Share US$75 pp, Single US$150

Is it for Me? Argentina travel wonderfully suited for those looking to explore the Northwest at a more relaxed pace. An emphasis on the food and wine produced in this region.

Arrival / Departure Transfers: 1 person US$50 each
2 or more people US$25 /person

Prices are based on a 3% cash discount