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Taste of Argentina

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$2695

$400 single supplement

9 Days starting and ending in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Fri-Sat

Sooner or later, there's always time for tea|^|Joan Burns

Travel Highlights

Salta
Las Conchas Gorge
Vineyards
Andean Cooking Class
Cafayate
Calchaquies Valley
Cachi
Humahuaca Gorge
Buenos Aires

Argentina is widely known for its traditional cuisine and flavorful wines -- and this Argentina trip lets you find out exactly why it's so celebrated! You will also have the chance to visit a number of culture-rich villages and some of northern Argentina's most spectacular landscapes where colorful rock formations leave a lasting impression. Your journey begins in the colonial town of Salta where you can enjoy the beautiful architecture and local markets. Next, visit the Los Conchas Gorge where you'll meet local artisans. Enjoy wine in the vineyards in Cayafate Valley and walk through the famous Humahuaca Gorge. The end of your trip includes an Andean cooking class where you'll learn the secret to a traditional Tamale. Each day offers plenty of opportunities to experiment with local dishes and wines. Salud Argentina!

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

Culinary & LuxuryIncludes components to suit fine tastes, such as luxury options or a specific gourmet culinary focus.
Cultural ImmersionIncludes cultural activities such as a visit to a traditional village or a local market to give a unique perspective.
HikingIncludes guided hiking excursions. Hikes may vary from easy and optional three hour hikes to more difficult multi-day treks.
HistoryVisit ancient ruins and historical sites.

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 empañadas 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 walk 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.