Summary
- Day 1 : Arrive Buenos Aires
- Day 2 : Salta -- the Beautiful
- Day 3 : Las Conchas Gorge
- Day 4 : Vineyard and Cafayate
- Day 5 : Village Path to Cachi
- Day 6 : Cultures and Landscapes
- Day 7 : Afternoon in an Andean Kitchen
- Day 8 : Enjoy Salta
- Day 9 : Return Home
- J
- F
- M
- A
- M
- J
- J
- A
- S
- O
- N
- D
- Salta
- Las Conchas Gorge
- Vineyards
- Andean Cooking Class
- Cafayate
- Calchaquies Valley
- Cachi
- Humahuaca Gorge
- Buenos Aires
Cultural ActivitiesIncludes cultural activities such as a visit to a traditional village or a local market to give a unique perspective.
HistoryVisit ancient ruins and historical sites.
GourmetIncludes components to suit fine tastes, such as luxury options or a specific gourmet culinary focus.
HikingIncludes guided hiking excursions. Hikes may vary from easy and optional three hour hikes to more difficult multi-day treks.
Details
Day 1 Arrive Buenos Aires 
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.
Day 2 Salta -- the Beautiful
(B,L)
This morning transfer to the airport for your flight to Salta -- commonly referred to as "Salta the beautiful." 
The city is a gem of a colonial town set in the Lerma Valley. True criollos (native Argentineans of Spanish parentage) reside in colonial Salta and uphold a culture that has remained traditionally strong. This afternoon you will have a chance to visit the colorful markets where local people sell such fresh produce as avocados, peppers, spices and gourds. During lunch, you'll have your first taste of the local dishes and rich wines from nearby Cafayate. This evening, enjoy gourmet Andean haut-cuisine at a local restaurant. Recommended delicacies include tamales, humitas, meat empanadas and casseroles of grilled goat meat. Argentina Salud!
Day 3 Las Conchas Gorge
(B,L) You'll begin Day 3 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)
After a traditional breakfast you will take a trip with an oenologist through nearby vineyards and learn about local wine, production, distinctive flavors and regional grapes that make this country's wine so unique. In the wine cellar you'll have a chance to sample malbec-cabernet -- enjoy its smooth and fruit-rich flavor. As you make your way to Cafayate Valley, spend time walking the incredible rock formations of the gorge. You will be awe-struck by the variety of colors that paint the rocky landscape. In the late afternoon you'll be greeted by the Cristofani family who will introduce you to their clay studio and refined art form. You will also visit Barraco, a local silversmith famous in the area for his beautiful wood and silver creations. Experience a remarkable sunset while taking an evening stroll before returning to your hotel.
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 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.
Accommodations:
5 nights comfortable hotels, 2 nights vineyard hotel, 1 night comfortable lodge
Single Supplement:
$390
Meals Included:
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!
Notes:
Flights Buenos Aires-Salta-Buenos Aires are not included. Please add US$400/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$80 pp, Single US$160
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
Set Departures
Custom dates available. Contact a trip planner for details.
2009 Sep 18, Oct 16, Nov 13, Dec 11
2010 Jan 8, Feb 5, Mar 5, Apr 2, Apr 30, May 28, Jun 25, Jul 23, Aug 20, Sep 17, Oct 15, Nov 12, Dec 10
2011 Jan 7, Feb 4, Mar 4, Apr 1, Apr 29, May 27, Jun 24, Jul 22, Apr 19, Sep 16, Oct 14, Nov 11, Dec 9
