Argentina North

Day 1. Arrival in Buenos Aires

• Pick up at the airport and transfer to the hotel.

Day 2. Buenos Aires

• After breakfast, we will visit Buenos Aires, known as the “Paris of South America” for its Parisian-like architecture. We will start in the Plaza de Mayo, where the Casa Rosada, the Cathedral and the Cabildo are located. We will explore San Telmo, an old and bohemian neighborhood, and La Boca, famous for the colorful houses on Caminito Street. We will head north to visit the elegant neighborhood of Recoleta, with its wide avenues and parks. There we will visit the monumental cemetery, where the remains of Eva Perón and other historical figures rest. Return to the hotel. Overnight in Buenos Aires.

Day 3. Buenos Aires – Mendoza

• Breakfast at the hotel. At the stipulated time, our private driver will pick us up to take us to the airport and take the flight to Mendoza. Upon our arrival, another private driver will take us to the new hotel. Overnight in Mendoza.

Day 4. Mendoza

• Breakfast at the hotel. At the established time, we will meet our local host and the rest of the group to visit the area of Maipú or Lujan de Cuyo. Maipú, 15km from Mendoza, has a great winemaking tradition. Luján de Cuyo, north of Mendoza, is a modern and constantly expanding agricultural oasis. Both form the “First Viticulture Zone” where high quality grapes are grown.
  We will visit 2 wineries and have a classic tasting in each one, and then finish with a paired lunch in a third winery.

Day 5. Free day in Mendoza

• Breakfast at the hotel and free day. Overnight in Mendoza.

Day 6. Mendoza – Salta

• Breakfast at the hotel. Our private driver will take us to the airport to catch the flight to Salta. Upon our arrival, another driver will transfer us to the new hotel. In the afternoon, we will meet our local host to tour the city, with its architecture of marked colonial Hispanic influence. We will visit the main square, the Cathedral, the Cabildo (Historical Museum of the North), the Church of San Francisco and the Convento San Bernardo. We will ascend by cable car to Cerro San Bernardo for panoramic views of the city. Then, we will go to the picturesque summer village of San Lorenzo in the homonymous gorge. Back in the city, we will visit the Salta Artisan Market. Note: the city tour does not include admission to the MAAM Museum (Museo de Arqueología de Alta Montaña), but we recommend your visit to see the mummies of three children of the Inca culture found at more than 4,000 meters high. Accommodation in Salta.

Day 7. Salta – Cafayate

• After breakfast, we will start a two-day excursion through the Calchaquí Valleys, visiting Salta, Cachi and Cafayate. We will start in the Lerma Valley, taking Provincial Route 33 through the Quebrada de Escoipe. We will climb the Cuesta del Obispo, reaching the Mill Stone at 3450 meters, with stunning views. We will descend to the Calchaquí valley and cross the Recta del Tin-Tin, an ancient Inca route. We will pass through Payogasta, with views of the Nevado de Cachi. In Cachi, we will explore the square, the San José church and the Pio Pablo Díaz archaeological museum (visit not included). We will continue along Route 40 to the towns of Seclantás, known for its salteños ponchos, and Molinos, where we will have lunch. In the afternoon, we will visit the Quebrada de las Flechas and continue through San Caros and Animaná. We will arrive to Cafayate, famous for its Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon and Torrontés vineyards. We will stay in Cafayate. Note: Only one carry-on baggage is allowed per passenger or one bag every two. If you carry a suitcase (23 kg) per person, you must pay an extra 40%.

Day 8. Cafayate – Salta

• After breakfast, we will visit one of the many wineries that produce here, with tasting included. We will continue with the tour of the wonderful Quebrada de las Conchas: it is 83 kilometers in which the view does not give respite, due to the colours of its hills and the incredible shapes drawn for thousands and thousands of years by the erosion of water and wind. The Amphitheater, the Devil’s Throat, the Obelisk, the Toad, the Monk, the Castles and the Tres Cruces viewpoint are the most recognized attractions, although every meter of this road is unmissable. Later, towards the East, you can see the gigantic mirror of the Cabra Corral reservoir and finally you get back to the city of Salta. Accommodation in Salta.

Day 9. Purmamarca and Salinas Grandes

• After breakfast, we will head to the picturesque village of Purmamarca, with its Cerro Siete Colores, the Church and the artisan market of the square. We will have free time to tour the village and have lunch on our own. In the afternoon, we will climb the Cuesta de Lipán, until we reach the imposing Salinas Grandes, a white desert at 4,000 meters high where we can observe the process of extraction of table salt. Return to Salta. Accommodation in Salta.

Day 10. Salta – Buenos Aires

• Our private driver will take us to Buenos Aires Airport to begin the return home.