8 Days • 7 Nights
Northwest Argentina: Salta & the Andes
Tour Includes
About the Trip
Trip Highlights
- Colonial Salta and its plazas
- The rainbow-striped Quebrada de Humahuaca
- High-altitude Cafayate wine country
- Torrontes wine and regional empanadas
- Cactus forests and dramatic rock formations
- Andean villages and indigenous culture
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 8-day journey.
Welcome to northwest Argentina. You are met at Salta airport and transferred to your hotel in this handsome colonial city. Settle in and enjoy a welcome dinner of regional empanadas and Torrontes wine.
A guided tour of colonial Salta, its grand plaza, churches and the museum of high-mountain archaeology, with a cable-car ride for city views over the Lerma Valley.
You journey north into the astonishing Quebrada de Humahuaca, a UNESCO-listed gorge of rainbow-striped hills, stopping at Purmamarca's Hill of Seven Colours and the artisan villages, settling in the highlands.
A day exploring the upper gorge, the town of Humahuaca, the Serrania de Hornocal's fourteen-colour mountain, and ancient Andean villages and terraces, immersed in indigenous culture.
You travel south through the dramatic Calchaqui Valleys and the Quebrada de las Conchas, a canyon of extraordinary red rock formations, to the wine town of Cafayate.
A day exploring Cafayate's high-altitude vineyards, tasting the region's distinctive white Torrontes and robust reds, with a vineyard lunch and time in the pretty town.
A scenic drive back to Salta through the cactus forests and rock formations of the Calchaqui Valleys, with a farewell dinner in the city.
After breakfast you are transferred to Salta airport for your onward flight, having explored Argentina's dramatic northwest.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- 7 nights accommodation
- Daily breakfast, a welcome dinner and a Cafayate wine lunch
- Airport and internal transfers
- Touring, sightseeing and activities as per itinerary with expert English-speaking guides
- Domestic flights as specified
- National park and attraction entry fees as per itinerary
- a Salta city tour, a Quebrada de Humahuaca tour, a Cafayate wine tour and touring by vehicle
Exclusions
- International airfare
- Visa or tourist card fees where applicable
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary or inclusions
- Drinks unless specifically stated
- Optional excursions and experiences
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Anything not specifically mentioned under Package Inclusions
Know when to go.
- Visa & entry: Many nationalities, including UK, US, EU, Canadian and Australian passport holders, do not need a visa for tourism and receive up to 90 days on arrival; a passport valid for at least six months is required. We confirm details for your nationality
- Currency: The currency is the Argentine Peso, whose value fluctuates; US Dollars in cash can be useful and cards are widely accepted in cities. We brief you on the current money situation, as exchange rules and rates change frequently
- Vast distances: Argentina is the world's eighth-largest country, so itineraries rely on domestic flights between regions such as Buenos Aires, Iguazu, Patagonia and the northwest; these are arranged and included where specified
- Seasons reversed: Argentina is in the southern hemisphere, so summer (December to February) is warm, ideal for Patagonia and the Lake District, while winter (June to August) suits the northwest, the wine country and city breaks
- Patagonia weather: Patagonia is famously windy and changeable even in summer, so pack warm, waterproof layers, a hat and sturdy footwear; the best season for trekking and glaciers is roughly October to April
- Altitude: The northwest around Salta and the high Andes reach significant altitude, so allow time to acclimatise, stay hydrated and take it easy on arrival at height
- Getting around & tipping: Cities are walkable with taxis and rideshares; tipping around ten percent is customary in restaurants and appreciated by guides and drivers. Spanish is the language, though English is common in tourism
- Health & power: No vaccinations are required for most travellers, though we recommend checking current advice for the subtropical north; drink bottled water outside cities. Power is 220V with type C and I plugs, so bring an adapter
Frequently Asked Questions
Is altitude a concern in the northwest?
Parts of the northwest, especially the Humahuaca gorge, reach significant altitude (over 2,000 to 3,000 metres), so we pace the ascent, and you should take it easy, stay hydrated and allow time to acclimatise. We advise fully based on your itinerary.
Can this be combined with the rest of Argentina?
Absolutely — the northwest pairs beautifully with Buenos Aires, the Iguazu Falls or Patagonia via domestic flights, and it also connects to Bolivia's Uyuni salt flats. We can build it into a longer journey.
What meals are included?
Daily breakfast is included throughout, along with any meals named in the itinerary such as a welcome dinner, a wine-country lunch or an asado barbecue. Argentina's food, especially its beef and wine, is a highlight, so most other meals are left free with our recommendations.
Are domestic flights included?
Yes — the domestic flights between regions specified in your itinerary, such as Buenos Aires to Iguazu or Patagonia, are arranged and included, along with all airport and hotel transfers, so your journey is seamless.
Do I need a visa for Argentina?
Most nationalities do not need a visa for tourism and receive up to 90 days on arrival with a passport valid for at least six months. We confirm the requirement for your nationality when you book.
When is the best time to visit Argentina?
It depends on the regions, summer (December to February) is best for Patagonia and the Lake District, while the northwest, wine country and Buenos Aires are lovely in spring and autumn. We advise on the best timing for your route.
How much travelling is involved?
Argentina is vast, so itineraries use domestic flights for the long hops between Buenos Aires, Iguazu, Patagonia and the northwest, with touring by comfortable vehicle within each region. Everything is arranged and built in.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Absolutely. We can adjust the balance of city, wine, falls and Patagonia, add regions like the northwest or the Lake District, change the pace and tailor hotels to your interests and budget.
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