ITINERARY
Days 1-2: Purmamarca & High Andean Plateaus
Upon reception at Salta, airport transfer north to Quebrada de Humahuaca. 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" (mud) houses and cobblestone villages. Your home for the next two nights will be in the quaint village of Purmamarca.
The following morning, we set out on foot through the village's narrow streets, we'll admire the famous Cerro de los Siete Colores, the Seven Colors Hill, before driving into the fantastic natural setting of the High Andean Plateaus, over 13000 ft high. We finally reach Salinas Grandes, the immense salt flats -an otherworldly landscape that provides stunning photographic opportunities.
Highlights:
Day 3: Salta
We are set for an amazing contrast with the desert landscape of previous day as we drive on narrow roads through subtropical cloud forests (Yungas). We continue then to Colonial Salta. Check-in at Legado Mítico Boutique hotel and lunch on your own.
In the afternoon, a walk through the city's historical district will reveal true colonial treasures. To round up the experience, we will visit the MAAM, the High Altitude Archaeological Museum, a world-class museum built to preserve Incas' archaeological findings.
In the evening, enjoy traditional dishes at Casona del Molino, an authentic and animated local restaurant.
Highlights:
Days 4-5: Wines and Crafts in Cafayate
In the morning enjoy a scenic drive across the Quebrada de las Conchas to the town of Cafayate, a quiet, little town known for its superb artisans and high-altitude vineyards.
We stop on the way for easy hikes, amid the arid, almost moon-like formations of the Quebrada. Enjoy a private lunch of traditional asado (BBQ) at El Porvenir Hacienda & Vineyards, producers of outstanding Malbecs and Cabs.
Check in at Patios de Cafayate, the wine resort located at the grounds of El Esteco Winery, your home for the next two nights.
The following day, we will enjoy a fine wine tasting at familia Etchart's San Pedro de Yacochuya Winery (Michel Rolland's first involvement with Argentinian producers). The family has been involved with wine production since the 1850's.
After a short drive, we will arrive to Bodega Piatelli, where we will enjoy lunch, and some of the best sights of the Calchaqui Valleys.
As we return to our wine resort, we will delight our palates once more with a visit to the local goat cheese factory. The rest of the afternoon is yours to relax at the lodge or go on a leisurely walk around town.
Highlights:
Days 6-7: Cafayate to Colomé Wine Estate
We head north into the Calchaquí Valleys and Quebrada de las Flechas (Arrow’s Canyon) driving by fascinating rock formations and roadside, ancient cemeteries.
After lunch, we leave behind the historic village of Molinos and go up to 9000 ft to Hacienda Colomé (Donald Hess' wine collection), the site of the oldest winery in Argentina. In the midst of this unexpected oasis, Colomé brings memorable culinary experiences around its high-rise wines, and the gift of James Turrell Museum of Light, with its extraordinary art concept.
The Hacienda will be our home for the next two nights.
The following morning, we relax at the magnificent grounds and cover only a few miles up the valley to meet our hosts and enjoy lunch at Finca Tacuil Estate, the Dávalos family's cradle of premium wines. Afternoon at leisure.
Highlights:
Day 8: Los Cardones National Park and Cuesta del Obispo
Early start to cover some of Salta's most scenic roads… Lost-in-time villages, cacti filled landscapes at Los Cardones National Park, the Cuesta del Obispo high pass, and down again into the cloud forests.
Early afternoon arrival to Salta Airport to board connecting
flights.
Highlights:
Please note: transportation from days 4 onwards: on comfortable 4 x 4 vehicles.
All our tours are private and depart daily. They can be fully customised, lengthened or shortened according to the number of participants and to suit individual interests and schedules.