Salta Valleys & Canyons

You will arrive in Salta, the provincial capital of the mountainous north-western region of Argentina. Known as ‘Salta la Linda’ which means ‘Salta the Pretty,’ the city is known for its Spanish colonial and Andean heritage. Today is an arrival day and you are free to explore. Perhaps take one of the cobblestone streets to Parque San Martin and board the Teleferico to the top of Cerro San Bernardo for outstanding views of the city.

This city deserves at least one full day to explore it. Our premium shared half day city tour will take you on a tour of the main highlights of the city, such as the excellent MAAM (entrance fee not included, closed on Monday's), a fascinating museum built to house the mummified remains of three sacrificed Inca children found on a nearby mountain top. The afternoon will be at your leisure.
Overnight in Salta

You will be collected early this morning from your hotel in Salta to begin your journey. The road between Salta and Molinos is one of the most spectacular paths of the Argentinean Northwest. We will pass through four different ecosystems, from the green jungle of the Yungas to the semi deserted Calchaqui Valleys. 33km of mountain will bring us closer to Paso Piedra del Molino at 3457 meters with condors flying in the blue sky, guanacos and wild burros among thousands of Cardones, the local species of giant cactus. There will be time for a walk in a small red desert rarely visited and a moment of relaxation under a cozy Molle tree in the white colonial village of Cachi, where the sun shines almost all
year round.

Route 40 is one of the most famous and longest routes in the world. Between the towns of Molinos and Cafayate we will find many little villages populated by local winemakers and farmers, we will drive across the Quebrada de las Flechas, a desert formed by dust of limestone and quartz, eroded by wind and water creating the shape of thousands of Arrow Peaks.
On arrival you will be dropped off to your hotel in Cafayate.

Overnight in Cafayate

Enjoy a free day to explore Cafayate, also known as the Tuscany of Argentina. This little wine town is famous for the Torrontes grape and the crisp, oral white wine it produces. Explore the many bodegas located all over the village, leisurely strolling between vineyards, taking tours and doing tastings. Or enjoy the post-colonial architecture and the dramatic landscapes that Cafayate has to offer. You could also head to the Museo de La Vid y El Vino to learn more about the areas wine industry.

Overnight in Cafayate

Today you head back to Salta along the Route 68 through the “Quebrada de las Conchas” (Valley of the Shells). The valley is strewn with vast, bright red rocks and there are many photo stops to admire the incredible rock formations and viewpoints in the valley. The site has a number of marine fossils within the rock formations, hence the name of the gorge.

Back in Salta, why not dine at one of the local parrilladas for some steak and pasta or try some local empanadas?

Overnight in Salta

Depart from your hotel in Salta this morning, where we will begin our trip with a visit to the town of Purmamarca and Los Colorados, a red rocky path hidden behind the Seven-Colors Hill.
We take route 52, that connects Argentina with Chile and drive up the Lipan Pass (4170 meters above sea level), which is also the breaking point between the Eastern Andes and the Western Range. In the middle lies the High Altitude Plateau called the Puna where we will find huge Salt Flats known as the Salinas Grandes, a white mirror of salt in an extension of a 100km surrounded by volcanoes and with a seemingly endless horizon.
After a break we will return to Purmamarca to visit the Plaza and the handcraft market.

Purmamarca is located in the UNESCO World Heritage Listed Quebrada de Purmamarca, a narrow mountain valley bordered by the Altiplano to the west and north and by Andean hills to the east. The picturesque village, with its ochre adobe houses, carob-like algarrobo trees and 17th century church, sits under Cerro de los Siete Colores (Hill of the Seven Colours), a strikingly coloured jagged formation.

Overnight in Purmamarca

We depart from your hotel and begin the journey back to Salta. The Humahuaca Gorge is a large valley that ends at the border with Bolivia, located in the province of Jujuy in the far north of Argentina. It is quite a young valley, given that its formation dates from about a million years. The Gorge is famous for its colourful mountains, geological formations
and historical villages. During our trip, we will enjoy the best parts of this area in order to get a real feel for Northern Argentina: the Humahuaca Market, a walk in the Coloradas Gorge, the sacred garden of Cardones at 3200 meters, the Pucara of Tilcara (a pre-Inca fortress), with Tilcara, Humahuaca and Purmamarca also offering the opportunity to visit very unique handcraft markets. We will also visit the Sierra del Hornocal, a special site to take brilliant photographs of one of the most colourful mountains in the world.

In the afternoon you will be dropped off to your hotel in Salta.

Overnight in Salta

Depart Any time. Transfer to the airport is included.