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12 days / 11 nights
The North of Argentina is in large part a colourful, wind-sculpted mountain desert crossed by green river valleys. Slow-pace village life, enhanced by comfortable inns, tasty local cuisine and numerous wineries, make a leisurely drive through the valleys an unforgettable experience. Most of the villages along the way sum up the history of the area in their archaeological museums, vine and wine museums, as well as the workshops of local artists and artisans. The tour is escorted locally, rather than from the UK and the small group of maximum 16 passengers, may consist of several different nationalities. Should the departure dates not suit your requirements, the tour can be operated any time with a minimum of two passengers.
Day 1: Buenos Aires
Arrive Buenos Aires and transfer to the Hotel Elevage or similar. Rest of the day at leisure. Optional exclusive tour of Buenos Aires, a local scholar uses four parks and plazas of Buenos Aires to introduce visitors to Argentina, its history, its contrasts and the character of the "porteños", the inhabitants of Buenos Aires.
Day 2: Buenos Aires, San Juan
(Breakfast)
Transfer to the domestic airport and fly to San Juan. Transfer to your hotel. Afternoon visit of the city and its surroundings. We will schedule a special visit to the Museo Gambier, formerly known as Museo de la Laja because of its location, and exhibiting a valuable collection of the Ansilta and Huarpes cultures. Its most important piece is the mummy of a body from the Inca period, which is perfectly preserved and was found on the summit of El Toro Mt by an expedition of the Andean Club Mercedario in 1964. This was the starting point for the development of the archaeology in San Juan. Overnight at the hotel Howard Johnson Bahia Las Tablas or similar.
Day 3: San Juan, Ischigualasto, Valle Fertil
(Breakfast)
Early morning departure from San Juan towards the North to reach the city of San Agustin del Valle Fertil and then Ischigualasto National Park, also known as Valle de La Luna. Located in northwestern Argentina, near the border with Chile, Ischigualasto is a region of sandstone and mudstones. These arid badlands have a bizarre and rugged terrain, which has given it the popular name of "Valley of the Moon". We will walk in the park following the well-marked trails, to reach the most amazing rock formations, deriving from millions of years of wind erosion. Return to Valle Fertil and overnight at the Hosteria Valle Fertil.
Day 4: Valle Fertil, Talampaya, Villa Union
(Breakfast)
Leaving from Valle Fértil, visit Talampaya National Park. In addition to their scientific importance, the Ischigualasto-Talampaya National Parks contain outstanding scenic areas, which attract thousands of visitors each year. The red cliffs of Talampaya, the variegated colours and strange rock formations, all form natural attractions that are both interesting and beautiful. 
The walls of the canyon are about 160m high and hold important imprints of the first inhabitants. Its archaeological importance can be compared to the Cave of the Painted Hands in Patagonia. After visiting the Park we drive to Villa Union, a quaint small village, which offers the possibility to sample the white wines of the area. Accommodation at the Pircas Negras Hotel.
Day 5: Villa Union, Chilechito
(Breakfast)
Morning departure towards Chilecito, connected to Villa Union by the colorful Cuesta de Miranda (Miranda Slope), of incredible beauty. Early arrival at this quaint village to visit the Museum de la Mejicana, an old mine museum which exhibits the longest cable car lift in Latin America, which reached 4,400m above sea level on the Amanita range. Chilecito lies on the eastern slopes of the Famatina range and is famous for its excellent wines, the very old chapel of Los Sarmientos and two museums. Arrival and accommodation at the Hosteria De Chilecito.
Day 6: Chilecito, Quilmes
(Breakfast)
We follow route 40 to the North, the longest road in Argentina. We will pass by small and enchanting villages along the Andes and reach Quilmes, with spectacular fortifications, built by the natives of the same name. Accommodation at Parador Ruinas De Quilmes.
Day 7: Quilmes, Cachi
(Breakfast)
Leaving from Ruinas de Quilmes to Cachi, we will visit Cafayate, home of the true Argentine varietal: the Torrontes wine. We continue to the heart of the Calchaqui Valleys, driving past Molinos, a charming village and a very interesting crafts centre. Arrive in Cachi, a small village with an archaeological Museum, regarded to be best of its kind in Argentina. Accommodation at the Hostería La Paya or Hostería Sol del Valle in Cachi.
Day 8: Cachi, Salta
(Breakfast)
The road will take us to the Enchanted Valley and climb over the Tin-Tin high plateau, the native terrain of the sleek, giant cardon. Because of this endemic species, this location has been declared the Cardones National Park. Climb the impressive Obispo Pass, where condors, eagles and guanacos are a frequent sight. Late in the afternoon arrival in Salta. Accommodation at Posada del Marques.
Day 9: Salta
(Breakfast)
Day at leisure to visit this city, its impressive cathedral, the churches of San Francisco and San Bernardo and the crafts market. Overnight in Salta.
Day 10: Salta, Purmamarca, Tilcara, Maimara: Following the Tracks of the Train to the Clouds
(Breakfast)
Early morning meeting to start a ride up the Andean Range, stopping for a visit at Santa Rosa De Tastil, the largest and best-preserved pre-hispanic ruin in Argentina. Arrival at San Antonio de los Cobres, then drive across the tracks of the famous Train to the Clouds, the highest railroad in South America. It was built in the 1930s and links Salta with San Antonio de los Cobres, crossing the most impressive 
heights and valleys of the Andean range and reaching 4,000m above sea level. Upon arrival, visit San Antonio de los Cobres and start descending to Purmamarca, visiting Salinas Grandes, the most imposing salt flat in Northwest Argentina and Chile. We drive down the Lipan Slope, a winding road that leads to the charming village of Purmamarca. Accommodation at Posta Del Sol (Maimara) or Rincon De Fuego (Tilcara).
Day 11: Humahuaca, Salta, Buenos Aires
(Breakfast)
Full day visit of the colourful Humahuaca Canyon, driving through the picturesque Quebrada Canyon and visiting numerous indigenous villages, such as Purmamarca and Tilcara, with its impressive pre-hispanic fortress: the Pucara. We finally reach Humahuaca (9,000ft / 3,000m above sea level). Return to Salta and transfer to the airport for your flight to Buenos Aires. Transfer to your hotel and overnight.
Day 12: Buenos Aires
(Breakfast)
Day at leisure to enjoy the bustling city. Transfer to the airport for your departure flight.
Departures 2011:
3 October, 7 November, 5 December
Price per person sharing a double room:
£2,140
Single supplement:
£451
Estimated domestic airfare (subject to change without prior notice):
£350 per person
Prices are based on a minimum of 2 people travelling together. Departures are confirmed with a minimum of 2 people travelling together.
For more information, or to make a reservation, please enquire.
Prices include:
Prices do not include:
International and domestic air tickets, Argentine departure taxes of US$18 per person for international flights; optional tours; meals not shown and beverages; tips for luggage handling and optional gratuities for guides and crew; extras and personal expenses.
Important notes
Optional tours
Suggested extensions
Tour information
Departures 2011:
3 October, 7 November, 5 December
Level of difficulty:
Easy (explanation)
Group size:
2 - 16 passengers