Encounters and flavors in the north of Argentina

Trip Description

Accomodation

Stay program

• day 1

  Welcome to Argentina! - Visit of the city of Buenos Aires

  

  Welcome to Argentina! Reception and private transfer from Buenos Aires International Airport (EZE) to your hotel. A French-speaking guide will accompany you during the transfer. Visit of Buenos Aires (half-day, about 5h). Buenos Aires is an active and cosmopolitan city. Start discovering it by visiting the historic and political center, around the Obelisk and the famous Plaza de Mayo. Continue the visit with the San Telmo district, one of the oldest and most picturesque in Buenos Aires. End your visit with the La Boca district by exploring its alleys with old and colorful houses. Visit to the cooperative "Los Pibes del Playón", producers of Los Porteñitos alfajores. The Pibes del Playón cooperative was organized during the 2001 crisis to produce the first artisanal alfajores in Buenos Aires (a typical Argentine biscuit). Its members carry out solidarity actions. Visit the cooperative, taste the artisanal alfajores, and listen to the story and experience of this place as told by its inhabitants. Return to your hotel after the visit. Night at Selina Palermo in a standard room.

• day 2

  Buenos Aires - Salta - Visit of the city of Salta

  

  Private transfer from your Buenos Aires hotel to the domestic airport (AEP). Domestic flight Buenos Aires - Salta. Reception at Salta airport and transfer to the hotel in a private vehicle. Half-day dedicated to visiting Salta on foot. The city was founded in 1582 by Hernando de Lerma. Today, charming colonial-style houses stand alongside modern buildings, all gathered around the main square, Plaza 9 de Julio. You will discover the MAAM museum (Museo Arqueología de Alta Montaña), a fascinating museum that raises awareness of Inca culture. The MAAM was created after the discovery of 3 child mummies at over 6000 meters altitude, on the high-altitude Inca sanctuary of the Llullaillaco volcano. You will then go to the Mercado Municipal San Miguel. This colorful local market will have you strolling among its fruit, vegetable, spice, and medicinal plant vendors from the region. Meet local artisans who display their work in cactus wood (cardon), alpaca, wool, and ceramics... objects of great finesse whose know-how is passed down from generation to generation. Duration: about 3h30. Folkloric dinner in a peña in the heart of Salta. The best groups in the region present a quality show with music and traditional dances (chacarera, gato, escondido...). Traditional menu. Night at Delvino Boutique Hotel in a "Superior" room.

• day 3

  Salta - San Salvador de Jujuy - Purmamarca - Salinas Grandes

  

  Getting started with your rental vehicle, type 4x2 Duster, Ecosport or similar. Unlimited kilometers. Mandatory insurance included. Pick-up at your hotel. Suggested itinerary: You will leave by rental vehicle from Salta. After 180 km of road, you arrive in the small Andean village of Purmamarca (village of the Holy Land in the Aymara language), which belongs to the neighboring province of Jujuy. You will not fail to admire its mountain of 7 colors, the "Cerro de los Siete Colores", a kind of mineral rainbow that testifies to a rich geological activity. You will take route 52 again towards the Salinas Grandes, the great salt flats. You arrive at a vast white expanse that contrasts sharply with the surrounding azure blue sky. You are in the middle of one of the largest salt deserts in Argentina (12,000 hectares). Do not miss, on the road, to observe herds of vicuñas. 260 km - 3h50 of road / asphalt. You continue your journey from the great salt flats towards the small village of Pozo Colorado, at the foot of the Salinas Grandes. 25 km - 30 min of road / track. The small village of Pozo Colorado is located on the edge of the salt flats; this is where a small community lives. Upon your arrival, you will enjoy a delicious snack while enjoying the last rays of sun that disappear into the mountain range of the Salar. A unique experience! Night at the Posada del Silencio hotel in a standard room.

• day 4

  Salinas Grandes - Purmamarca - Tilcara - Huacalera

  

  Suggested itinerary: Departure from Salinas Grandes. You will head towards the small Andean village of Purmamarca, which is located at the foot of the mountain of seven colors. Your Andean route will take you, after about twenty kilometers, to the charming village of Tilcara, in the heart of the Quebrada de Humahuaca. Visit of the village of Tilcara: we invite you to visit the ruins of the Pucará de Tilcara. This pre-Hispanic village of the Omaguaca civilization dates back more than 900 years. Visit of the site and the remarkable collections of the museum. It houses funerary vases, jewelry, and other objects from the archaeological sites of Northwest Argentina. You will take the time to visit the Fernando Dupont winery. This bodega, guided by oenologist Marcos Etchart, is a pioneer in wine production in the Quebrada de Humahuaca. The Quebrada benefits from little rainfall and long, cool autumns. The Bodega Fernando Dupont cultivates Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah grape varieties. These varieties allow the production of wines with a strong concentration of flavors and intense aromas. You will notice this during the tasting! At the end of the day, drive to Huacalera to spend the night. Note: About 2 hours of driving - 110 km. Asphalt and dirt road. Night at Finca Solar del Tropico in a standard room. Dinner included: starter, main course, dessert & non-alcoholic drink.

• day 5

  Huacalera - Humahuaca - Cerro Hornocal - Salta

  

  Suggested itinerary: You will once again take the Andean road to Humahuaca. From there, you will head east and take a track that will lead you up to 4,200 meters in altitude. Once at the top, you will enjoy a breathtaking view of the multicolored Cerro of the Serranía del Hornocal, or the mountain of 14 colors. In the late afternoon, return to Salta. Note: 5h30 of driving - 340 km. Asphalt and track. Overnight in San Lorenzo at the Torrontes hotel in a standard room.

• day 6

  Salta - Quebrada de Escoipe - Cachi

  

  Suggested itinerary: Departure by rental vehicle to reach the small colonial village of Cachi, located at 2200 m altitude! You will pass by the Piedra del Molino pass at 3600 m, the narrow valley of the Quebrada de Escoipe, the barren mountains of the Cuesta del Obispo, then the Los Cardones Regional Park, bristling with centuries-old cacti... Magnificent landscapes in every season! You will arrive in the village of Cachi. Its charm leaves a mark on more than one traveler! You will stroll through its narrow streets with low, whitewashed houses. Its San José church, dating from the 18th century, with its roof carved from cactus wood, is well worth a visit. You will not miss visiting the small Pablo Diaz archaeological museum, which presents very beautiful collections of pre-Inca and Inca ceramics, and more particularly from the Santa Maria culture. The museum is closed on Mondays. You will get back in your vehicle towards Cachi Adentro to get closer to the snowy peaks of the Nevado de Cachi. On the way, we recommend visiting the Bodegas Puna, Mira Luna, and Isasmendi, which will offer you a tasting of high-altitude wine. 157 km including 70 km of unpaved road, about 3h30 of travel. Overnight at Casa de Campo La Paya in a standard room. Dinner included with products from the finca.

• day 7

  Cachi - Molinos - Colomé Ranch - Angastaco

  

  From Cachi, you will head towards Molinos, a charming little village dating back to 1659. You will visit its lovely church whose roof is made of cactus wood (cardón), as well as the Molinos hacienda of Isasmendi, who was the last governor of the city of Salta. You will continue to the Colomé Winery to visit the vineyard and taste its high-altitude wines! The Colomé Winery produces wines in the highest vineyards in the world. Malbec grapes are grown here at four different altitudes. The winery is part of Hess Family Wine Estates, a family business of Swiss origin that owns vineyards in the United States and Argentina. You will get back on the road towards the small village of Angastaco. 3h35 drive - 125 km of dirt road. Overnight at Finca el Carmen in a standard room. Finca el Carmen is one of the oldest fincas in the region. Today, it continues its wine and agricultural activities and offers a visit to a museum dedicated to the old agricultural techniques used in the region, as well as an old chapel dating from 1780. Two mummies found in the surrounding area are on display there. Dinner included, local recipes made from products of the Finca.

• day 8

  Angastaco - Quebrada de las Flechas - Cafayate Vineyards - Cafayate

  

  Suggested itinerary: You leave Angastaco to reach Cafayate, crossing the majestic "Quebrada de las Flechas," surrounded by a mysterious lunar landscape. Arrival in Cafayate, the most important city in the Calchaquies Valleys, known for its many bodegas and its grape variety, Torrontes. City tour: we recommend visiting Bodegas Piatelli, Nanni, or Finca las Nubes, which offer tastings of their high-altitude wines. You will continue your journey towards Corralito, where one of the local communities will welcome you. 133 km, of which 100 km are on dirt roads, about 3h30 of travel. You will be welcomed by the family who will host you in the Corralito community. You will be settled into your house. Meal preparation and dinner with the family. You will spend the night in the Red de Turismo Campesino community. The houses are inspired by traditional Andean constructions.

• day 9

  Corralito - Quebrada de las Conchas - Cerrillos

  

  Local breakfast with the family (maté, country bread, tortillas). Morning activity: 3 hours of walking with a guide in the surroundings of the community, through the magnificent landscapes of the Calchaquies valleys. Afterwards, you can participate in preparing lunch and share it with the host family. You will get back on the road in the early afternoon. Suggested itinerary: You will head towards the village of Cerrillos, crossing the "Quebrada de las Conchas", which undoubtedly offers the most spectacular landscapes of Northwest Argentina! You will find yourself in the heart of imposing, semi-desert mountains, canyons, and multicolored rocks sculpted by water and wind erosion. Stops along the way are recommended: don't miss the Devil's Gorge, the Amphitheater, or the obelisk! Arrival in Cerrillos at the end of the day. 200 km - 3h30 drive - asphalt. Night at Estancia San Agustin in a standard room. This estancia is a residence dating from the mid-18th century. The finca was the main house of one of the most valuable cattle ranches of the time. You will be welcomed by its owners, who will share with you the history of this old ranch and their passion for breeding the Peruano de Paso horse, a typical breed of the region. Upon your arrival, the owner of the finca will show you around and take you to visit the surroundings on horseback (for those who wish), an opportunity to talk with a horse and breeding enthusiast!

• day 10

  Cerrillos - Salta Airport - Puerto Iguazú

  

  You will share a lunch at the estancia (traditional meat asado). You will enjoy the charm of San Agustin and its surroundings before heading back to Salta airport for your return flight. 50 kms, 1h00 drive / Asphalt. Return of your vehicle at the airport. Domestic flight Salta - Puerto Iguazu. Pick up your rental vehicle, type Toyota Etios or similar. Unlimited mileage. GPS included. Enjoy your free time in Iguazu. The region's subtropical climate is perfect for relaxing by your hotel's pool. For the curious, don't hesitate to visit the Jardin de los Picaflores. It is a private garden where you can observe a large number of hummingbirds. Night at the Jardin de Iguazu hotel in a standard room.

• day 11

  Iguazú National Park, Argentine side - Puerto Iguazú

  

  Suggested itinerary by rental car: Departure this morning to reach the Iguazu park on the Argentine side. You can freely enjoy the different circuits of this magnificent site: lower, upper, and the "Garganta del Diablo" circuit. With 80% of the Iguazu falls, the Argentine side allows you to literally experience the falls. In addition to offering these fabulous and breathtaking landscapes, Iguazu also shelters intense wildlife and lush vegetation. Note 1: It is recommended to wear waterproof and light clothing. Overnight at the Jardin de Iguazu hotel in a standard room.

• day 12

  Iguazú National Park, Brazilian side - Puerto Iguazú

  

  Suggested itinerary: Departure this morning to reach the Iguazu park on the Brazilian side. On this unique tour, you will walk along the walkways leading to the different viewpoints. A magnificent panorama of the entire falls and San Martin Island stretches out before your eyes. Note: it is recommended to wear waterproof and light clothing. Overnight at the Jardin de Iguazu hotel in a standard room.

• day 13

  Puerto Iguazú - Surucua Lodge

  

  Suggested itinerary: Today, you will drive from Puerto Iguazu to Comandante Andresito. As soon as you leave Puerto Iguazu, you enter a lush forest with dense vegetation. On your way, you will surely come across trucks filled with Yerba Maté. This plant is used for a hot drink served in a gourd, highly appreciated by Argentinians. You continue your journey and go deeper into the forest to reach Surucua Lodge, located near the Río Iguazu. At Surucua Lodge, you will have the opportunity to do several activities of your choice with Adrián, your local English/Spanish-speaking guide: - Bird watching and nature photography. Among the most significant species, you will find the Surucua Trogon, the Band-tailed Manakin, the Chestnut-eared Aracari, etc. - Hikes in the Paraná forest - Kayak - navigation on the Iguazú river (from 2 nights on site) if weather conditions allow. Visit to the Yerba Maté Andresito cooperative. From the Yerba Maté produced in this region, Argentinians follow the mate ritual, a drink served hot in a gourd. Even today, the tradition is very strong throughout the country. You will discover the process from the Yerba Maté plant seed, through the plantation, to its final process. Note: entrance not included, to be paid on site. Night at Surucua Lodge in a standard room with full board.

• day 14

  Surucua Lodge - Yasí Yateré Reserve

  

  Suggested itinerary: You leave Surucua Lodge to take the famous route 101. You cross numerous reserves and natural parks ranked among the most preserved in Argentina. You reach El Soberbio, a charming little flower-filled town, where you can discover the museum of aromas. The Yasi Yateré reserve is nestled in the lush vegetation that characterizes the jungle of the Misiones region. Their small, comfortable cabin is at the heart of a landscape full of life and nature. It is an ideal place for nature lovers, concerned about conservation and who wish to enjoy moments of calm and reflection. Ideal for couples, amateur ornithologists, and photography lovers. Guided walk (included) Set off to observe the large number of edible species that the reserve cultivates in the agroforestry sector (tropical fruits, coffee and yerba mate plantations, aromatic crops), and also visit the native jungle where several endangered species can be found. This visit lasts about two hours. You will be accompanied by a local guide. The proposed walks are short and easy. Night at the Yasi Yateré reserve in a cabin.

• day 15

  Yasí Yateré Reserve - Oberá - Santa Ana Mission

  

  Suggested itinerary: Departure this morning along the Río Uruguay. You will pass through many small villages founded by the first European immigrants: German, Polish, Finnish, French, Hungarian, etc. The region lives mainly from agriculture, tea, and wood. After two hours on the road, you reach the city of Oberá, located on the central high plateaus and surrounded by sub-tropical forest. Founded by European immigrants, Oberá means "the one who shines" in the Guaraní language. Today, the descendants of these first immigrants have created more than 15 communities that maintain their culture and tradition in harmony with the ancestral customs of the native peoples of the region. Immerse yourself in the experience of tea harvesting. Discover new sensations by hand-picking green tea leaves, listening to the stories and harvesting methods passed on by your hosts. Then, enjoy local specialties. End the day by tasting different types of teas produced in the local plantations. Duration: 5 hours. Note: remember to bring sunscreen, insect repellent, comfortable shoes, and a hat. After discovering the tea culture in the small town of Oberá, you continue your journey to Santa Ana, where you will spend the night. Night at Al Kamar Lodge in a standard "Master" room.

• day 16

  San Ignacio Miní - Posadas - Buenos Aires

  

  Suggested itinerary: The ruins of San Ignacio are the living testimony of the work of the Jesuits and their inspiration from indigenous and European cultures. The best-preserved building is the church, whose facade can still be seen today. An interpretive circuit of 9 rooms takes us back to the 17th century, allowing us to understand this grandiose work, as well as the reasons for the rise and disappearance of the missions. It is also possible to visit the ruins of Loreta, Santa Ana, and Santa María la Mayor. Route to Posadas. Return your vehicle at the bus terminal. Drop off Puerto Iguazu - Posadas included. Departure by sleeper bus from Posadas towards Buenos Aires.

• day 17

  Retiro Terminal - Buenos Aires - Milonga Evening

  

  Reception at the bus terminal and transfer to the hotel in a private vehicle. Transfer carried out with a French-speaking guide. Free day in Buenos Aires. Evening in a milonga, a club where tango enthusiasts gather. Immerse yourself in the cozy and very pleasant atmosphere of the milonga to quietly observe the codes of Argentine tango: men catch the eyes of seated women to invite them. A discreet nod is enough to accept, and the dancers meet on the floor. The atmosphere at the tables is warm, between passing visitors and regulars. To get into the mood, put on a smart outfit to honor the traditions of tango. Note: The exact location of the milonga will change depending on the day of the week (El Beso, Catedral, Canning...) — some start at 7pm, others at 11pm, and some end at dawn with a strong coffee and fresh croissants. Evening accompanied by a French-speaking guide. Transport to the milonga included. Night at Selina Palermo in a standard room.

• day 18

  Buenos Aires - Ezeiza International Airport

  

  Departure from your hotel and transfer by private vehicle from Buenos Aires to EZE international airport.