Classic Northwest (AR 050)

Departures: Mondays. All year round.
Guide: Spanish and bilingual. (English - German - Italian - French)
Meals: half board. Air Fare: not included.

Northwestern Argentina: an area full of contrasts where the visitor becomes submersed in the historic roots of Latin American civilization, within a landscape of valleys, gorges and small towns where colonial architecture has melted with modern life and some others so deeply stuck in time that no traces of contemporary life are found. Plunge into a magical habitat where the fresh air stresses the presence of the colorfull hills and the irregular geological formations of the gorges and where the warm weather and its kindest people make your stay most enjoyable.

Day 1 - San Miguel de Tucumán
Reception at Tucumán airport and transfer to the hotel. City tour including a visit to Villa Nogués and Mount San Javier. Accommodation. Dinner.

Day 2 - San Miguel de Tucumán / Quilmes
Continental breakfast. Departure for a tour to the Quilmes ruins, passing by the Quebrada de los Sosa (Los Sosa Ravine), viewing the Monument to the Calchaquí Aborigine and El Mollar with its “Menhires” (monolitic rock statues). Also visitTafi del Valle, a wondrous summer resort by an artificial lake. Visit to the aborigine ruins of Quilmes. Accommodation at Quilmes Inn. Dinner.

Day 3 - Quilmes / Molinos
Continental brekfast. Departure to Cafayate, through the Calchaquí Valleys, passing Colalao del Valle at Tolombón. Visit to Cafayate, located 1,700 m. above sea level. This town is one of those peaceful, colonial-style settlements that never fails to evoke the feeling of a time long past. In such a wonderful climate, its vineyards produce a worldwide known wine. Visit toa winery. The panoramic view of the valleys continues while travelling by the Quebrada de las Conchas (also known as Cafayate Gorge) with colorful rock formations carved by the wind: the 'Amphitheatre', the 'Castle', the 'Priest', the 'Devil’s Throat'. Afterwards the tour will continue norhtwest bound, along mountain road, passing by small typical villages devoted to peppermint farming such as Animaná, el Barrial and San Carlos. Arrival at Molinos. Accommodation at a charming inn built in the XIX century from where it is possible to admire a wonderful view of the valleys. Dinner.

Day 4 - Molinos / Cachi / Salta
Continental breakfast. Departure for San José de Cachi an ancient town founded in the XVII century at the foot of the white snow-covered peak of Cachi, with a wonderful view of the surrounding valleys. Visit to the archaeological museum and the parish church. Following the route, across Los Cardones National Park, with its great abundance in giant cacti, upwards Cuesta del Obispo, called the Condor’s home, reaching 3,720 meters above sea level with a colorful view of the Calchaquí Valleys, a natural treasure located in one of the most beautiful landscapes in the country. Afternoon arrival in Salta. Accommodation. Dinner.

Day 5 - Humahuaca / Salta
Departure for a drive along the historic Humahuaca Gorge, passing León, Volcán, Tumbaya, Purmamarca framed by the Seven-Colored Mt., Tilcara with its archeological museum and the old refurbished indian fortress (known as Pucará de Tilcara), and Uquía Church, arriving finally in Humahuaca. Visit to the Handicraft Fair. On the way back to Salta it will be interesting to stop at Jujuy for a visit of this nice city. Afternoon arrival in Salta. Accommodation. Dinner.

Day 6 - Salta
Day at leisure for optional tours. Accommodation. Dinner.

Day 7 - Salta
City tour visiting the major points of interest and transfer to the local airport.

Optional tours:

Tren a las Nubes (Train to the Clouds) to Viaduct La Polvorilla (The Polvorilla Viaduct), 214 km away at 4,200 meters above sea level, admiring the changing colors of the sharp rocks. The highest spot of this trip is the amazing crossing of the viaduct suspended on the abyss on fabulous pillars. (Saturdays from May to October)

Safari Movitrack following the famous track of the “Train of the Clouds” through the Del Toro Gorge to San Antonio de los Cobres; arriving at Salinas Grandes (Grand Salt Pits) in Jujuy after crossing the Puna. On the way back, the downhill trip of Lipan will allow a visit to the picturesque village of Purmamarca. Return to Salta.