Journey through Ancient Civilizations

Northwestern Argentina is an area of contrasts. The visitor becomes submersed in the historic roots of Latin American civilization within a landscape of valleys, gorges and small towns where colonial architecture merges with ways of life sometimes so deeply stuck in time that no trace of contemporary life are found. Plunge into a fascinating habitat where crystalline air stresses the presence of the colorfull hills and the irregular geological formations of the gorges.

Day 1: Arrive in San Miguel de Tucuman
Reception at Tucuman airport and transfer to the hotel. City tour including a visit to Villa Nogues and Mount San Javier. Overnight in Tucuman

Day 2: San Miguel de Tucuman - Cafayate
Breakfast. Departure for a tour to the Quilmes ruins, passing by the Quebrada de los Sosa (Sosa Ravine), being able to have a look at the Monument honoring the Calchaquí Indians and El Mollar with its ‘Menhires’ (monolithic stone blocks). We will also visit Tafí del Valle, wonderful summer resort by an artificial lake, and the Indians ruins of Quilmes. Continuing to Cafayate. Overnight in Cafayate

Day 3: Quilmes - Molinos - Cachi
Breakfast. Departure from Cafayate, through the Calchaquí Valleys, passing Colalao del Valle at Tolombón. Visit to Cafayate, located 1,700 meters (5,577 feet) above sea level. This town is one of those peaceful, colonial style settlements that evoke the feeling of a past history. Settled in an area which is characterized by its wonderful climate helps its vineyards to produce a worldwide known wine.Visit to a winery. The panoramic view of the valleys continues while travelling by the Quebrada de las Conchas (also known as Cafayate Gorge) with colorful stone formations carved by the wind: the ‘Amphitheater’, the ‘Castle’, the ‘Priest’, and the ‘Devil’s Throat’. Afterwards, we will go on our way towards Cachi, down the same road (Route 68) towards Cafayate, and finally towards north. On our way we will pass by small typical villages devoted to sweet pepper farming for the elaboration of paprika, such as Animaná, el Barrial, San Carlos and Molinos. Once in Cachi, we will be able to appreciate 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. Overnight in Cachi

Day 4: Cachi - Los Cardones National Park - Calchaqui Valleys
Breakfast. Visit the archeological museum and the church. We will follow this route, across Los Cardones National Park, characteristic for its great abundance in giant cacti, upwards Cuesta del Obispo, called the Condor’s home, reaching 3,720 meters (12,204 feet) above sea level. At this point there is a splendid and colorful view of the Calchaquí Valleys, a natural treasure located in one of the most beautiful landscapes in the country. Afternoon arrival to Salta. Overnight in Salta

Day 5: Salta - Humahuaca Gorge - Purmamarca - Jujuy
Breakfast. Departure for a drive along the historic Humahuaca Gorge, passing Leon, Volcan Tumbaya, Purmamarca framed by the Seven Color Hill, Tilcara with its Archeological Museum and the old rebuilt indian fortress known as Pucara de Tilcara), and Uquia Church, finally arriving to Humahuaca. Visit the Handicraft Fair. On the way back to Salta it will be interesting to stop at Jujuy for a of this nice city. We will arrive to Salta in afternoon.  Overnight in Salta

Day 6: Salta
Breakfast. Morning at leisure. In the afternoon city tour visiting the major points of interest .  Overnight in Salta

Day 7: Fly out from Salta
Breakfast.  Transfer to the local airport.