DAY ONE

Founded in 1582, Salta exuberates a distinct Hispanic character. With cobblestone streets and colonial houses, it has the sophistication of a provincial capital with a bit of an edge.

If you have time upon your arrival, be sure to visit the High Mountain Archaeological Museum to see the well-preserved mummy of an Inca maiden, “La Doncella,” and walk around the lively square dominated by the cathedral.

Overnight Legado Mitico Salta

DAY TWO

After breakfast this morning head southwest out of Salta city and pick up one of Argentina’s most beautiful mountain roads, a 12.5-mile long cliff-edge gravel road laced over the Obispo Mountains. The road peaks at 3,300 meters among the wheeling condors, at a small chapel that materializes and then disappears in the swirling mists. A stop and an offering of thanks is customary before beginning the descent through the nearby national park, a vast plain studded with the protected Cardon cacti, and then into the northern end of the Calchaquies Valleys. The four-hour drive to Cachi will be in a private 4WD vehicle with a driver.

Pause along the “artisan route” at our favorite weaver’s house, and stop for a simple, tasty lunch outdoors in a charming village set against towering snowy mountain peaks. After lunch, it is just a short drive on to the outskirts of Cachi and the beautiful farmhouse where you will spend the night.

Your accommodation is Argentine, rustic and beautiful. The owner’s dream was to offer guests home comforts in a gorgeous setting complemented by delicious food, much of which is organically grown on the farm. Be prepared for a marvelous home-cooked meal and a sound sleep.

Overnight Casa Santana

DAY THREE

You’ll spend the majority of today with the owner of your accommodation, horseback riding, hiking, and exploring the Andean foothills, and later, wandering in to the beautiful town of Cachi. Home to the Chicoanas Indians, Cachi is a tiny town of about 5,000 people, lined with white buildings and adobe houses, and known especially for its Indian ruins, colonial church, and archaeological museum.

Overnight Casa Santana

DAY FOUR

After breakfast this morning you will depart Cachi and continue south one hour towards Molinos.

En route, visit the James Turrell Museum, located in Estancia Colomé. This extraordinary space is devoted to nine of Turrell’s famous light installations, and forms part of international art collector Donald Hess's collection. Hess bought Colome, the oldest winery of the region, and in addition to the gallery space, you can take a tour of the vineyard and the recently restored wine production facilities. Enjoy a tasting of the four Hess varietal wines and a light lunch of local produce.

Continue on to the charming town of Molinos, a valley settlement founded in the middle of the XVII century. With time to spare, you may want to visit the vicuña breeding farm. A relative of the llama and wild ancestor of the alpaca, vicuñas produce small amounts of very fine, soft wool every three years, making it extremely valuable and expensive.

Your accommodation for the night is a traditional adobe hacienda with rustic décor and a restaurant that serves authentic farm recipes made with Andean ingredients.

Overnight Hacienda de Molinos

DAY FIVE

After breakfast this morning, you'll be transferred back to Salta during a four-and-a-half hour drive, your final chance to relax and take in your magnificent surroundings. Meet your return flight to Buenos Aires this afternoon or continue on to your next destination.

DETAIL PAGE

*Price is subject to change due to date and time of year of booking as well as to currency fluctuation. The price is only an estimate at this time and an accurate costing will be provided when itineraries are chosen and submitted. Prices are based on a double occupancy.

Inclusions:

• Accommodation
• All transfers
• Dinner 2 nights Casa Santana
• Lunch at La Sala de Payogasta
• Flight tickets Buenos Aires / Salta / Buenos Aires
• Days 2-5: Breakfast Included
• Day 2: Lunch
• Day 2: Dinner

Exclusions:

• International Airfare
• Visa (if required)
• Trip Cancellation Insurance
• Alcoholic Beverages
• Items of a Personal Nature
• Gratuities

Please Note:

• We recommend that our clients consult their General Practitioner or Travel Clinic for advice on necessary vaccinations or medicines depending on the region to which they are traveling.
• All guests are strongly advised to take out comprehensive travel insurance covering them for all personal effects, personal accident, medical and emergency travel expenses, cancellation, and curtailment.
• Self-drive passengers renting a car are required to carry a valid international driver's license.