Calchaquí Valleys (AR 057)

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

A fascinating tour along the Calchaquí Valleys, one of the most impressive and beautiful valleys of all Argentine landscapes. On the way, visit Cafayate, a lovely village skirted by rivers and vineyards and see the most attractive natural rock formations produced by the wind erosion.

Day 1 – Salta
Reception at the airport and transfer to the hotel. In the afternoon, city tour visiting the Cathedral, the San Francisco Church and San Bernardo Hill, with a magnificent view of the city. Return to the hotel. Dinner at restaurant.

Day 2 – Salta / Molinos
Continental breakfast. Departure for a tour around the Calchaqui Valleys, a natural treasure enclosed in one of the country's most beautiful landscapes. Pass by Chicoana, a small village devoted to tobacco plantations. Continue along Cuesta del Obispo, known as the home of the condor, reaching 3,720 meters above sea level, with a colorful view of the valleys up to the Enchanted Valley where it's still possible to discover the footprints of the dinosaurs and pre-hispanic pictographs. Continue along Recta del Tin-Tin passing by Los Cardones National Park with its outstanding abundance of giant cacti. Then follow the route to San José de Cachi at the foot of the white snow-covered peak of Cachi. Visit to the archeological museum and the church in the ancient town, founded in the XVII century. Passing near Seclantas, finally arriving at Molinos. Lunch in route. Accommodation at a charming inn built in the XIX century where it 's possible to get a wonderful view of the valleys. Dinner.

Day 3 - Molinos / Salta
Continental breakfast. Departure for Cafayate, driving along mountainous roads passing by San Carlos, El Barrial and Animaná, small typical villages devoted to peppermint farming. Arrival in Cafayate, located 1,700 m. above sea level. This town is one of those peaceful, colonial-type settlements that never fails to evoke the feelings of a time long past. Its vineyards produce quite renowned wines. Visit to a wine cellar. The panoramic view of the valleys continues along La Quebrada de las Conchas (also known as Cafayate Gorge) with colorful rock formations carved in the hills and continuing along the commercial route to Salta. Lunch en route. Accommodation at Hotel in Salta.

Day 4 - Salta
Continental breakfast. Early departure for a drive along the historic Humahuaca Gorge, passing León, Volcán, Tumbaya, Purmamarca and its Seven Colored Hill, Tilcara with its archeological museum and the old indian fortress 'Pucara de Tilcara', finally arriving at Humahuaca. Lunch. Visit to the Northern Carnival Museum and the Handicraft fair. Return to Salta. Accommodation.

Day 5 - Salta
Continental breakfast. Transfer to the local airport.

Note: if there is an early flight to Salta, the first night is optional.