Colors and Cultures of Northern Argentina

Today, you’ll fly from Buenos Aires to Salta, a charming city in northwest Argentina. Your local guide and driver will be ready to welcome you and start your adventure.

Salta is known for its well-preserved colonial buildings and beautiful mountain scenery. You’ll explore the city with your private guide, visiting key spots like Plaza 9 de Julio, the Basilica Cathedral, the Cabildo, the San Francisco Church, and the San Bernardo Convent, famous for its door carved by indigenous artists in 1762.

You’ll also visit the Museum of High-Altitude Archaeology (MAAM), where you can see three incredibly well-preserved Inca mummies found on the Llullaillaco Volcano about 500 years ago. This museum offers a fascinating glimpse into ancient history and the story of the mountain expedition where the mummies were discovered.

Note: The MAAM Museum is closed on Mondays. If you arrive on a Monday, we can switch the city tour to the last day of your stay or explore other parts of Salta instead.

Accommodation: Boutique Hotel in Salta

Meals: Breakfast

On this day, you’ll set out on a scenic drive along the historic Camino de Cornisa, an old colonial trade route connecting Salta with San Salvador de Jujuy. This narrow road winds through the lush Yungas forest, offering peaceful views of jungle-covered ridges and lush vegetation.

From there, your journey continues into the Quebrada de Humahuaca, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its striking rock formations, colorful hills, and deep cultural roots. Along the way, you'll stop in Purmamarca, one of the most picturesque villages in the region. Nestled at the foot of the Cerro de los Siete Colores (Seven Colors Hill), Purmamarca charms visitors with its traditional adobe houses, quiet streets, and vibrant artisan market. 

This stop offers a glimpse into the daily life and traditions of the Andean communities that have lived here for centuries, surrounded by some of the typical colorful landscapes of the northwest.

Your day ends in Tilcara, a lively highland town with deep indigenous heritage, archaeological sites, and a growing arts scene. You’ll settle into a cozy and comfortable hotel for a well-deserved rest.

Accommodation: Boutique Hotel in Tilcara

Meals: Breakfast

Today, you will explore Tilcara’s key attractions. You’ll visit an extraordinary archaeological site known as Pukara de Tilcara, one of the 22 archaeological sites in the region and the only one accessible to tourists since the early 1940s. The Pucará de Tilcara is a pre-Hispanic Inca settlement, with its origins dating back to the 1400 period. 

Next, you’ll stop in the small town of Uquía, known for its colonial church and unique Cuzco-style paintings of angel warriors. From there, continue through Humahuaca toward El Hornocal, a stunning mountain range about 25 kilometers (16 miles) from the town. Often called the Hill of 14 Colors, this dramatic formation reaches 4,761 meters (15,620 feet) above sea level and is one of the most stunning and colorful natural sights in northern Argentina.

Accommodation: Boutique Hotel in Tilcara

Meals: Breakfast

Today, you'll venture into the Puna, a vast and remote high-altitude desert shaped by salt flats, volcanic peaks, and ochre-colored plains. The adventure begins with the scenic ascent along the winding Cuesta de Lipán, a dramatic mountain road that climbs from Purmamarca to the expanse of Salinas Grandes—a vast sea of white salt flats at over 3,000 meters above sea level, that stretches endlessly toward the horizon, offering a dazzling white landscape.

From there, the route takes you deeper into the Andes toward San Antonio de los Cobres, one of Salta’s most remote, high, and rugged towns. After lunch here, you’ll continue toward the Abra del Acay—one of the highest drivable mountain passes in the world of the legendary Ruta 40. At nearly 5,000 meters above sea level, the road snakes through the stark, silent beauty of the altiplano, sweeping views of the surrounding peaks, including the towering Acay Mountain.

By late afternoon, you’ll begin your descent toward the charming Cachi, a peaceful colonial village nestled in the Calchaquí Valley, where whitewashed adobe houses and ancient cacti line the cobbled streets. 

Accommodation: Boutique Hotel in Cachi

Meals: Breakfast

Today, the journey takes you on a scenic drive from Cachi to Las Pailas. As you ascend, you'll find yourself in the foothills of the majestic Nevado de Cachi Mountains. Here, you'll have the opportunity to delve into Las Pailas archaeological site, an ancient area with roots dating back to 5,000 BC. Guided by a local expert, you’ll learn about the early communities that followed herds of vicuñas and guanacos into the valley and developed one of the most significant cultures in northern Argentina.

Accommodation: Boutique Hotel in Cachi

Meals: Breakfast

Today you’ll travel from Cachi to Cafayate, through mountain roads and dirt pathways to an unreal light museum at a hidden and emblematic isolated winery.

You'll head south along Route 40 and pass through Seclantás, a traditional weaving town, and continue your journey to Molinos, a colonial gem that once served as the residence of Nicolás Severo de Isasmendi, the final Spanish governor of Salta. From Molinos, you’ll venture on a brief dirt road drive to reach Colomé.

Colomé is renowned for its wine, ancient traditions, and the captivating interplay of light and shadow. Here, you'll have the opportunity to visit a vineyard, soak in the unique atmosphere, and immerse yourself in the museum. You’ll then continue your journey south on Route 40, leading towards Cafayate, the vibrant heart of the country's high-altitude wine.

Cafayate, nestled at 1,700 meters above sea level, produces wines when most of the world ceases to do so. At the Museo de la Vid y el Vino (The Vine and Wine Museum), you'll gain insights into the art of winemaking at high altitudes. Finally, don't miss the chance to explore the local handicraft markets. 

Accommodation: Hotel in Cafayate

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Today’s journey takes you deep into the heart of the Calchaquí Valleys, where winemaking and landscape blend in a way that feels both raw and poetic. The combination of intense sunlight, cool nights, and high-altitude soils gives life to wines with bold character and exceptional purity.

You’ll begin the day at a small, boutique winery surrounded by vineyards that stretch across the arid, dramatic terrain. Here, the focus is on minimal intervention and a deep respect for the land. Then, continue to a private estate that has earned a reputation for producing some of Salta’s most celebrated altitude wines. After a relaxed lunch, you’ll return to Cafayate to visit a family-run winery where tradition and creativity go hand in hand. In this final stop, you'll have the chance to blend your own wine—a hands-on experience that lets you connect with the valley’s spirit in a personal way. As the afternoon light softens over the vines, you’ll return to your hotel with a bottle of your creation and a deeper sense of what makes this corner of Argentina so distinctive.

Accommodation: Hotel in Cafayate

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Today,  you return from Cafayate to Salta. During this 4-hour drive, you'll pass through a diverse range of superb landscapes, marking the transition from the elevated Calchaquí Valley to the vibrant city of Salta.

Your first stop will be at the natural wonder of Quebrada de las Conchas, or the "Shell Gorge". The beauty of this deep red landscape is matched only by its geological significance, with the exposed strata revealing the history of the Andes' formation over 220 million years.

You’ll continue to your second stop, La Yesera, where you’ll set out on an exciting soft hike. These light-colored sandstone mounds, predominantly white and with shades of grey, result from the wind and fluvial erosion of the different eras from as far back as 13 million years ago to the last 5 million years. After traversing this canyon and La Yesera, you’ll make a last stop at the Valley area for refreshments, to finally continue your drive towards the city of Salta.

Accommodation: Boutique Hotel in Salta

Meals: Breakfast and Snacks

Today, you will depart from the northwestern landscapes to the tropical rainforests of the northeastern part of the Misiones province to arrive in Puerto Iguazu. Puerto Iguazu will be your home base for exploring the renowned Iguazu Falls. The name "Iguazu" derives from the Guaraní indigenous language and translates to "Big Waters." The falls are a mesmerizing natural spectacle nestled within the extraordinary Iguazu National Park, which received UNESCO Natural Heritage Site status in 1984 and has been recognized as one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World since 2011. 

In the afternoon, you’ll have some free time to settle into your hotel and take in the surroundings, whether you prefer to unwind at the property or go for a leisurely walk around the town center.

*Optional: In the evening, you may join a Local Interactive Dinner Experience (additional cost) to taste traditional delicacies while immersing yourself in the rich cultures of Argentina and the Guaraní people. Ask us about this additional culinary and evolving dinner.

Accommodation: Jungle Lodge in Iguazú

Meals: Breakfast

Today, you'll explore the Argentine Falls, a natural wonder nestled within the boundaries of the Iguazú National Park. This extraordinary site boasts over 275 cascades along cliffs and islets, accessible through various well-laid path circuits.

Once inside the park, you'll board the ecological train, which provides convenient access to the Falls’ different circuits. The specific route may be subject to park conditions, but one highlight is a visit to the Upper Circuit. After that, you'll visit the Lower Circuit, which provides a sweeping view of the waterfalls in the area, including Salto Bossetti and Dos Hermanas. 

The highlight of the tour is the trail which leads to a main balcony offering an incredible view of the most powerful waterfall in the park, known as Garganta del Diablo or Devil's Throat. This 2.2 km (1.3 miles) walkway is easy, and it's the perfect place to capture breathtaking photos or simply admire the landscape.

Accommodation: Jungle Lodge in Iguazú

Meals: Breakfast

On your second full day in Iguazu, you'll begin by venturing into the Brazilian side, offering the possibility to appreciate the falls from a different perspective. Your journey will include crossing the border via the Tancredo Neves International Bridge, which is located approximately 20 km away from Puerto Iguazú.

Once in the Park, you can see a panoramic view of the waterfalls setting that form the Iguazú Falls. Along the way, you will also stop to contemplate the main viewpoints that allow a closer view of some waterfalls. Towards the end of the path is the access to the Devil’s Throat, the most dazzling of the waterfalls, approximately 90 meters high. On the walk, be sure to look out for the beautiful wildlife and colorful plants along the way. Finally, you’ll return to your hotel after a full day of exciting experiences. 

*Please note that some nationalities require a visa to enter Brazil.

Accommodation: Jungle Lodge in Iguazú

Meals: Breakfast

After a fulfilling stay in the northeast of Argentina, you will return to Buenos Aires to further explore the city. At the scheduled time, you’ll go to Iguazú Airport for your flight back to Buenos Aires.

In the evening, dive into the tango heart of the city scene at a show that unfolds on an iconic, centuries-old stage with profound historical significance. This evening unites tango culture's luminaries in a masterful performance that will transport you to the very essence of both modern and classical tango. This dance embodies the passion, history, and culture of this exhilarating genre. With sensuous melodies and captivating choreography, the show promises an unforgettable night of art and sophistication.

Accommodation: Hotel in Buenos Aires

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Today, you will have the opportunity to explore the captivating city of Buenos Aires on a half-day private biking tour. You’ll stroll through its diverse northern neighborhoods, its vibrant, trendy districts, and discover its lush green parks.

As you explore, you’ll ride through the expansive parks of Palermo, the elegant neighborhoods with French-style mansions, and the iconic Recoleta Cemetery, renowned for its history and architecture.

In the afternoon, you'll have free time to explore the city further. Feel free to ask your guide for recommendations, revisit any of the sites you found intriguing, or venture out on your own.

Accommodation: Hotel in Buenos Aires

Meals: Breakfast

As the journey through the stunning Northeast and Northwest regions comes to a close, your driver will be ready to transfer you to the airport.

May this trip leave you with lasting memories and a deep appreciation for the beauty and culture of these remarkable places.

Meals: Breakfast

This itinerary is designed for year-round departures and is bookable as-is or it can be customized. Just tell us what other northern Argentinian spots you don't want to miss!