During this Argentina travel, we'll take a trip back in time to discover the cultural legacy of the ancient Incas, Diaguita, and the Spanish conquistadors, set against the backdrop of the magnificent peaks of the Andes. Hike among an array of strangely shaped and polychromatic desert landforms created from the primeval seabed. Visit the famed vineyards of Cafayate, hike through deep gorges, and climb dramatic mountain passes as we trek across Northwestern Argentina!
Highlights
Tour the ruins of Quilmes, the largest pre-Columbian settlement
Hike Las Conchas Gorge, surrounded by red sandstone walls
Trek the valleys and cultural sites of the Cachi Mountains
Explore the colonial town of Salta at your leisure
Requires high-intensity physical efforts that push the limits of one's fitness. May include tours with multiple days in a row of strenuous physical activity or single requiring more than 7 hours of activity. Recommended for travelers maintaining a demanding fitness level.
Arrive Argentina today and transfer independently to your comfortable hotel. Spend your free time exploring the amazing architecture of Buenos Aires, or simply relax after your long international flight. Overnight.
This morning you'll fly to Northwestern Argentina, the most traditional region of the country where the size and influence of the indigenous population is still considerable. After arriving in the vibrant city of Salta, you'll continue your Argentina travels on a drive of discovery through the northwest as you make your way south to the wine country of Salta province. Along the way enjoy views of pre-Andean mountain vistas, the lovely Las Conchas Gorge, and the lush Calchaquies Valley. You'll stop at the ruins of Quilmes, the last stronghold of the Calchaquis people in their resistance against the Spanish. Dating from around 1000 A.D., Quilmes was a complex urban settlement with a population of as many as 5000 people. Here you'll see an excellent example of pre-Hispanic urban architecture complete with perfectly preserved walls of neatly set flat stones. Later in the afternoon you'll continue on to Cafayate, one of the most important wine regions in South America. Here you'll find a tiny colonial town dotted with vineyards, bodegas (wine cellars), and countless archaeological remains. Settle into your lovely bodega lodge and enjoy dinner complete with wine straight from the cellar!
Today you'll depart the lodge for a full day of hiking through the breathtaking Las Conchas gorge. This narrow valley with its red sandstone walls is one of the most picturesque areas in Salta. Millions of years ago this area was at the bottom of the ocean. Feast your eyes on the fantastic shapes produced by eons of wind and water erosion. Soak in the majesty of the colorful landscape and the history of this ancient stretch of the Inca path that amazed Spanish conquerors and modern travelers alike. This afternoon you'll return to your lodge retreat for a tour of the wine cellar.
Driving north you set out along the Calchaquies Valley, passing romantic villages full of colonial architecture and Hispanic art. The road soon takes you into the impressive Quebrada de la Flecha (Flecha Gorge), where a collection of sandstone spikes often appear like moving figures due to the play of natural light. This area holds much historical evidence of aboriginal settlements - adobe huts stand on sand dunes here. In Molinos you'll visit a large adobe church, and in the center of town you can still see the old water-driven mill that was used to grind maize. This is a great spot to search out a unique gift - you'll find many local craftsmen selling only handmade goods. You'll end your day at the most picturesque place along the windy Calchaqui road - Cachi. Wander the cobblestone streets, visit an ancient chapel made from cactus wood, and discover one of the best archaeological museums in Argentina.
Day 5: Cachi Mountains
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
This morning start out with a leisurely walk through the Cachi Adentro valley in the foothills of the snowcapped Cachi Mountains. After lunch you'll take a brief drive to Belgrano Ranch to load up for your 3-day hike. To help share the load, you are accompanied by packhorses and baquianos. When all of the equipment is loaded you'll set off from Finca Belgrano on a winding trail that gradually ascends the Belgrano River gorge. The end of this short (approx. 4 hours) hike will find you at the adobe farm of Corralito just in time for tea. After tea, settle into camp and then treat yourself to a walk to a viewpoint to enjoy stunning sunset views of the Cachi range and the southern end of the majestic Pukamayu (Red) valley. (Total hiking distance- 7 miles).
Day 6-7: Pukamayu Valley Trekking
2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners
Today is a day of discovery as you continue your journey through the Cachi Mountains. Explore the cultural and natural heritage of the region with visits to ancient native ruins and marvel at fantastically eroded colored sandstone landforms. Crossing several valleys, you'll gradually ascend to Patahuasi (3,400m), a cultivated plateau perched high above the valley with stunning views of Pukamayu and Vallecitos surrounded by snowy mountains. Beginning your descent to Vallecitos you'll pass an ancient Indian shrine where it is easy to imagine former worshippers overcome with the beauty and grandeur of their surroundings. The air quickly warms as you enter the Pukamayu valley where the myriad of rock colors and forms are astounding. Tonight you'll meet up again with your pack train and camp at Vallecitos along the natural valley terraces with spectacular views of this magical landscape (Total hiking distance- 11 miles).
On Day 7 you continue trekking with a relaxed pace, taking a circuit of the Pukamayu valley with its fantastic landforms. Even though there are no visible roads, the valley is dotted with fascinating cultural sights. Along the way you'll have a chance to try to puzzle out the meaning of intriguing petroglyphs, stop at an ancient water mill, and visit native dwellings to learn about local cultivars such as potatoes, corn, quinoa, and fruits. Before returning to your camp at Vallecitos, wash off the dust from your journey with a refreshing dip in the Capillas River, its waters reflecting the red valley surrounding it (Total hiking distance- 11 miles).
You'll start out the day with the challenge of crossing over the mountains, ascending to 3,000 meters, enjoying some of the best views of the Calchaquies Valley along the way. As you descend into the valley to meet your transport to Salta, you'll pass by traditional small towns and farms inhabited by local artisans and farmers. From the Calchaquies Valley it is on to the city of "Beautiful Salta", a gem of a colonial town set in the lovely Lerma Valley. The city is home to true criollos (native Argentineans of Spanish parentage) with a culture that has remained untransformed by generations of immigrants. Wander through the shops and the markets discovering delicious local cuisine, works by local artisans, art and history museums, and the grand colonial architecture. This last evening is yours to explore as you like.
Day 9: Return Home
1 Breakfast
Catch your flight to Buenos Aires and connecting flights homeward or continue to another destination in Argentina, such as Iguazu Falls. With more time in Salta, spend an extra night and do the Train to the Clouds excursion to witness beautiful landscapes and scenery as you travel on one of the world's most amazing railways.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
Initial deposit is $500, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 70 days (10 weeks) prior to departure by bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
The trip might have been the absolute best of our lifetime (thus far). We particularly want to commend our guide Peter in the Guilin area-he was so incredibly attentive, energetic, enthusiastic-and absolutely dedicated to ensuring that our meals were 100% vegetarian.
Very well ececuted. Hily recomended. Great experiance
Nancy Kaierle
2 weeks ago
This is our fourth time working with Clara to plan our trip. She is always thorough and pleasant. We enjoy working with her.
Colorado Traveler
1 month ago
Jane was my ADVENTURE LIFE agent for the 2 months of helping me decide that this will be the most amazing trip we will ever experience in our lifetime and a memorable way to celebrate our 40th! Our expedition is upcoming later this year 2025.
I was also able to plan with Mike from Quark who was very instrumental in making our dreams come true at the right price!
Once I had decided to go ahead with my booking Kevin took over to assist Jane while on vacation.
Kevin was able to tweak my quote even more
who truly sealed the deal as well as reserved us a very desirable room on the 6th floor. I had studied reviews on line as well as and watched the numerous Ultramarine You Tube’s! He was extremely patient with receiving my full payment as it took time to “round up that much cash”. I decided on booking a balcony suite as it gave me more value for my “Canadian Dollar” than the delux balcony, so yes, I gave up my tub. It also really helped me justify the price. It’s really a priceless experience and its memories will last us a lifetime! I was happy to reserve on the 6th floor as I wanted those clear views and the choice of being able to open a door for fresh air, especially if the big green monster surfaces during the Drake Passage.
I now feel very confident and very satisfied that I have made the best decision choosing Quark Expeditions and look forward to a top notch experience aboard the Ultramarine!!
Both Jane and Kevin are sincere, professional and courteous. They met all of our needs
to ensure my process was stress free.
I’m looking forward to all our daily excursions, then enjoying a nice hot Sauna and finishing it off with nice a cold shower for health benefits…my back up plan
to doing the “Antarctic Plunge”
I look forward to getting to know and dealing with Mary Rose for all the final details that will make our trip complete. Great company!
Sandy with a “y”
6 months ago
Erin was great to work with! Very quick with her replies and provided all the information I needed, no matter how many times I changed my request! This was my first time ever planning a trip like this and it couldn't have gone better.
Chris
6 months ago
Very well organiced.
Great communication
Easy to handle website for required docs to file .
Pleasant Experience
Nancy Kaierle
6 months ago
Very well ececuted. Hily recomended. Great experiance
Nancy Kaierle
2 weeks ago
This is our fourth time working with Clara to plan our trip. She is always thorough and pleasant. We enjoy working with her.
Colorado Traveler
1 month ago
Jane was my ADVENTURE LIFE agent for the 2 months of helping me decide that this will be the most amazing trip we will ever experience in our lifetime and a memorable way to celebrate our 40th! Our expedition is upcoming later this year 2025.
I was also able to plan with Mike from Quark who was very instrumental in making our dreams come true at the right price!
Once I had decided to go ahead with my booking Kevin took over to assist Jane while on vacation.
Kevin was able to tweak my quote even more
who truly sealed the deal as well as reserved us a very desirable room on the 6th floor. I had studied reviews on line as well as and watched the numerous Ultramarine You Tube’s! He was extremely patient with receiving my full payment as it took time to “round up that much cash”. I decided on booking a balcony suite as it gave me more value for my “Canadian Dollar” than the delux balcony, so yes, I gave up my tub. It also really helped me justify the price. It’s really a priceless experience and its memories will last us a lifetime! I was happy to reserve on the 6th floor as I wanted those clear views and the choice of being able to open a door for fresh air, especially if the big green monster surfaces during the Drake Passage.
I now feel very confident and very satisfied that I have made the best decision choosing Quark Expeditions and look forward to a top notch experience aboard the Ultramarine!!
Both Jane and Kevin are sincere, professional and courteous. They met all of our needs
to ensure my process was stress free.
I’m looking forward to all our daily excursions, then enjoying a nice hot Sauna and finishing it off with nice a cold shower for health benefits…my back up plan
to doing the “Antarctic Plunge”
I look forward to getting to know and dealing with Mary Rose for all the final details that will make our trip complete. Great company!
Sandy with a “y”
6 months ago
Erin was great to work with! Very quick with her replies and provided all the information I needed, no matter how many times I changed my request! This was my first time ever planning a trip like this and it couldn't have gone better.
Chris
6 months ago
Very well organiced.
Great communication
Easy to handle website for required docs to file .
Pleasant Experience
Nancy Kaierle
6 months ago
Very well ececuted. Hily recomended. Great experiance
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