Salta and Cafayate
Length: 4 Days/3 Nights from Buenos Aires
Season: April – November
Salta is one of Argentina’s largest provinces, with vast diverse terrain such as the polychrome canyons of Cafayate, and the desolate high plateaus of La Puna. The colonial city of Salta, called Salta la Linda or “Salta the beautiful”, is home to Argentina’s best-preserved colonial architecture. Its narrow streets and charming plazas remain as quiet and gracious as they have been for centuries, a perfect base from which to explore this vast, exotic and varied province.
This region displays a wide diversity of mountain, gorges and forest areas, spectacular landscapes and pre-Hispanic ruins. Visitors will discover farms, plantations, vineyards, valleys, ravines, archaeological sites, colonial towns, and unique churches. This is the place to enjoy nature, learn about the local Spanish and Gaucho culture, and taste delicious wines and traditional dishes.
Day-by-Day Itinerary:
DAY 01: BUENOS AIRES / SALTA
Arrival in Salta and transfer to the central boutique-style Legado Mitico Hotel. In the afternoon, we’ll take a city tour on foot in downtown Salta. The city was founded in 1582 and it still bears a distinct Hispanic character that sets it apart from other cities in Argentina. Around the “9 de Julio” main square we appreciate the most important colonial buildings. We visit the interior of the Cathedral, where we see the Sanctuary of El Señor & La Virgen del Milagro (The Lord and Virgin of the Mircle) and to get to know their rich history. Visit the MAAM Museum which has a unique exhibition about the Inca culture and mummies found at the Llullaillaco Volcano at almost 22,000’ feet above sea level. After that, we stop at El Cabildo (The Town Hall), which used to be the main Government building in colonial times and which nowadays is the Northern Historical Museum. We continue through Caseros Street till we reach the San Francisco Church, and visit its elaborated interior. Later, we walk to the San Bernardo Convent, the oldest building in the City. Return to hotel and dinner is on your own this evening to try the nearby fine restaurants.
DAY 02: SALTA / CACHI
Early departure this morning to the enchanting village of Cachi. Drive southward passing by Cerrillos, El Carril, Chicoana and up the Escoipe River Gorge to enjoy the imposing scenery of Cuesta del Obispo (Bishop’s Slope) up to ‘Piedra del Molino’, the highest point in the road at 11,810 feet above sea level. From there we continue driving westbound along the high plateau towards the terrain of the sleek, giant cardon (candelabra cactus) protected by Los Cardones National Park. It was created to preserve the endangered species of Cactaceae plants that grow up to 26’ in height. After passing by Payogasta, an old aborigine settlement, the road reaches Cachi. This town enjoys the colorful clear atmosphere of a pre-Columbian village with its old houses, its radiant sun, good wines and attractive hills. The air is so pure that locals are said to live to a very old age. You will visit the XVIII century Parish Church, mainly furnished in cardon wood pieces. We also see the local weavers who produce the heavy burgundy and black ponchos worn by Salteño gauchos. We stay at the historical Hotel Hacienda Molinos that dates back to the 18th century. (B,L)
DAY 03: CACHI / CAFAYATE
After breakfast we join our guide for a one-hour hike to Cachi Adentro, a tiny village particularly lovely in summer, when the streams and cascades rise with water from the main rivers. The hike winds around the valley and eventually crosses the river to Cachi Adentro. Then, we drive dirt roads to visit Colome, one of the oldest wineries in Argentina. Located in the Upper Calchaqui Valley, Colome is home to the world’s highest vineyards, sitting between 7,500 and 10,200 feet above sea level. We also tour its unique “light and space” museum and enjoy lunch and a glass of Malbec surrounded by lovely views. In the afternoon, continue overland to Cafayate, stopping at the Quebrada de las Flechas (the gorge of arrows) for a short walk. The road through the Quebrada de las Flechas to San Carlos will find you surrounded by massive rocks, eroded into complex forms and massive sharp peaks towering above you, and jutting like giants into the blue sky. We arrive to Cafayate (5,577’) whose vineyards produce quite renowned wines. Overnight at the comfortable Patios de Cafayate Wine Hotel. (B,L)
DAY 04: CAFAYATE / SALTA / BUENOS AIRES
This morning, we visit the wine museum in Cafayate to learn about the history of winemaking in this region, including the arrival of the first vines from France and the production of the signature Torrontes wine. Afterwards, we drive into the scenic Quebrada de Cafayate Nature Reserve (also known as La Quebrada de las Conchas) to learn about the natural history and geology of this region. See unique rock formations such as The Amphitheater, El Fraile and Los Castillos among other colorful stone formations carved in the hills. We join our guide for a short hike admiring these arid and surreal landscapes before continuing to Salta for lunch at one of the fine typical restaurants. Then, we transfer to the airport for the flight back to Buenos Aires. (B,L)
Prices from:
$2,800 p.p.d. for 2 participants.
p.p.d.= per person based on double or triple occupancy. Price does not include local flights.
HOTEL UPGRADE:
-Grace Cafayate hotel. A luxury boutique hotel and spa. Part of the La Estancia de Cafayate, a secluded 1,360-acre estate with a golf club, polo, vineyards and a residential villas development set amidst the stunning Calchaqui Valley near Cafayate. Member of the prestigious Grace Hotels brand, it brings distinctive elegance and simplicity to the northwest of Argentina.
ESTIMATED AIRFARE:
LATAM and Aerolineas Argentinas both offer service to Salta (SLA). Round-trip fares from Buenos Aires are approx. $350-$550. Lower fares may apply when flying LATAM internationally. Inclusions/exclusions and how to sign up