Estancias Tour (AR 053)
Northwest Argentina

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

A fascinating tour around some noble estancias and farms in the Argentine Northwest to be in touch with the typical farm activities that are carried out locally, such us the production of jams, cheese, wines and the harvesting of different regional products. All of this enclosed within a most beautiful landscape.

Day 1 - San Miguel de Tucumán / Tafí del Valle
Reception at Tucumán airport and visit to Villa Nogués and San Javier Hill, to get a panoramic view of the city. Continue to Tafí del Valle through Los Sosa Gorge, an area of exhuberant subtropical vegetation, passing by the Calchaqui Aborigine Monument and El Mollar with its Provincial Park Menhires (archeological reserve of great value). Arrival at Tafi del Valle, entrance gate to the Calchaqui Valleys, famous for its goat cheese and its beautiful scenery. Accommodation. Dinner.

Day 2 - Tafí del Valle / Molinos
Breakfast. Departure along National Route 40, passing by Amaicha del Valle, and continuing to Quilmes, where the ruins of an old aborigine settlement are located. After a short visit to this interesting archeological site you will continue to Cafayate, where you will visit a wine cellar. Continue to Molinos, passing by Angastaco and San Carlos. Arrival at Molinos. Accommodation at the local inn, which was the house of the last Spanish governor in Salta. Dinner.

Day 3 - Molinos / Finca El Manantial
Breakfast. Departure to Cachi, a typical little colonial village. Visit to the Archeological Museum. Then continue through Cuesta del Obispo (3,300 meters above the sea) and Escoipe Gorge to Finca El Manantial. Dinner. Accommodation at Finca El Manantial.

Day 4 – Finca El Manantial
Breakfast. This is an elegant estancia, but you will immediately notice the enomous kindness of its owners who will offer you all their hospitality to make you feel like at home. The perfect place to enjoy the contact with nature in this beautiful landscape at the Andes foothill. Trekking on the mountains for condor-spotting, horseriding, visiting a dairy farm or seeing a working mill built by the Jesuits in 1750, are some of the activities you may enjoy during your visit. There is also a nice swimming pool where you will be able to relax for a few hours and get ready to continue your expedition. Dinner. Accommodation at Finca El Manantial.

Day 5 – Finca El Manantial / Salta city / Estancia Bordo de las Lanzas
Breakfast. Afternoon departure to Salta for a brief city tour visiting the Cathedral, the Cabildo (old city hall), San Francisco Church, the craft market and others. Return to Estancia El Bordo de las Lanzas. Take the chance to visit the local plantations and the premises. The estancia has a natural reserve of yacares (autochthonous alligator). Dinner. Accommodation at Estancia Bordo de las Lanzas.

Day 6 - Estancia Bordo de las Lanzas
Breakfast. Full day excursion to Humahuaca Gorge, passing León, Volcán, Tumbaya, Purmamarca framed by the Seven-Color Mt., Tilcara with its Archaeological Museum and the old refurbished indian fortress (known as Pucará de Tilcara) and Uquía Church, finally arriving at 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. Dinner. Accommodation at Estancia Bordo de las Lanzas.

Day 7 - Estancia Bordo de las Lanzas / Salta
Breakfast. Transfer to the local airport.