Travel back in time and discover the vibrant soul of the Andes with our Ancestral Argentina: Salta and Jujuy program. This journey through the Argentine Northwest (NOA) showcases a stunning contrast of multi-colored mountains, high-altitude salt flats, and colonial heritage. From the charming city of Salta to the UNESCO-listed Humahuaca Gorge, you will explore traditional villages like Purmamarca and Tilcara. Designed for travelers seeking a deep cultural connection, this itinerary combines breathtaking geological wonders with the authentic flavors and ancient traditions of the Andean people.
Less than 20 travelers for a personalized experience
Expertos locales liderando el camino
Independent trips, with a selection of guided activities
Engage with local traditions and communities
Capture stunning vistas and memorable moments
Itinerary
Day 1: Salta, City Tour
On arrival, during the City Tour we will walk through the old town visiting the Basilica Cathedral, the San Francisco Basilica, the San Bernardo Convent and the Güemes Monument, among others. We will slowly get into the history and culture of this city.
Day 2: Calchaquí Valleys tour. Salta - Cafayate
Leaving Salta we will tour the Lerma Valley, getting to know the towns of Cerrillos, La Merced, El Carril and Chicoana. Ascending the Cuesta del Obispo, in an uphill road, we will arrive at Los Cardones National Park. After a break, we will visit the town of Cachi to see its museum and its church. We will continue on the famous Route 40 appreciating incredible rock formations until we finally reach Cafayate.
Day 3: Visit to a winery with tasting
Today we will visit typical wineries in the area and enjoy a wine tasting in one of them
Day 4: Calchaquí Valleys tour. Cafayate - Salta
In the afternoon we will return to Salta bordering the Las Conchas river, where we will enter the "Quebrada de Cafayate", surprising us with its unique and colorful landscapes.
Day 5: Salinas Grandes through San Antonio de los Cobres tour. Salta - Purmamarca
Today we will follow the tracks of the famous Tren a las Nubes (Clouds Train) and admire this magnificent work of engineering. We will cross the Puna along Route 40 seeing llamas and vicuñas, before reaching Salinas Grandes (Great Saltworks).
We will go downhill on Cuesta de Lipán and descend of 2,000 meters in 35 km showing us the transition from the desert of the puna to the fertility of the most humid valleys.
Finally we will arrive at the picturesque town of Purmamarca located at the foot of the Hill of 7 Colors
Day 6: Quebrada de Humahuaca Tour
Today we will tour the Quebrada de Humahuaca and its most important towns: Maimara, Tilcara with its Pucara and Humahuaca. In the afternoon we return to Salta.
Day 7: Salta - End of the tour
Say goodbye and transfer to the airport.
Included Activities
Salta City Tour
The Salta City Tour is ideal for newly arrived visitors, exploring this simultaneously colonial and modern city, known as "Salta La Linda" (Beautiful Salta). We'll admire its architecture, temples, and historic buildings.
We begin at 9 de Julio Square, the historic center of the city. We'll visit the Basilica Cathedral, the Cabildo (Town Hall), San Francisco Church, San Bernardo Convent, and Hernández House (now the City Museum).
We'll continue to the Artisan Market and the Monument to General Martín Miguel de Güemes, hero of Argentina's northern independence.
We'll conclude by taking the cable car up San Bernardo Hill to enjoy panoramic views of Lerma Valley.
Calchaqui Valleys Tour
The Calchaquí Valleys Loop is a fantastic and unmissable journey that covers almost the entire expanse of these valleys. Throughout the tour, we will discover charming, magical historic towns, learn about their traditions and monuments, and contemplate truly breathtaking natural landscapes.
Day 1: Salta – Cuesta del Obispo – Cachi – Route 40 – Cafayate We will depart from Salta, entering the Quebrada de Escoipe canyon, the prelude to the spectacular Cuesta del Obispo switchbacks, until we reach its highest point at 3,340 meters (10,950 feet) above sea level. Then, we will continue toward the picturesque colonial town of Cachi for lunch and a stroll through its cobblestone streets. In the afternoon, we will embark on a unique journey along the iconic National Route 40 toward Cafayate, passing through and enjoying the beauty and history of traditional villages such as Seclantás, Molinos, Angastaco, San Carlos, and Animaná. Overnight stay in Cafayate.
Day 2: Cafayate – Quebrada de las Conchas – Salta We will begin the day traveling through the Quebrada del Río de las Conchas canyon along its characteristic winding road. During the drive, we will enjoy one of the region's most stunning landscapes, famous for its deep red rock formations sculpted by erosion. After this awe-inspiring journey, we will head back to Salta city.
Cafayate and Wineries
We depart early to explore Quebrada de las Conchas en route to Cafayate, renowned for its wineries and Torrontés wine. We'll visit a winery including a tasting.
The route passes through Cerillos, El Carril, Coronel Moldes, Ampascachi, Talampaya and Alemania (with its historic train station).
In Cafayate, enjoy free time for lunch at the main square and visit the wine museum.
In the afternoon, we return through Quebrada de las Conchas, observing its red rock formations (like Devil's Throat and the Amphitheater), which at sunset create a unique landscape.
Salinas Grandes Salt Flats & Purmamarca via Jujuy
We depart from Salta heading to Jujuy, arriving in Purmamarca by mid-morning, where we'll make a brief photo stop to admire the Hill of Seven Colors.
Continuing along the winding Lipán Slope road, we'll make scheduled stops for photos and to experience being above the clouds, reaching our highest point (4,170 masl). We'll then descend to 3,600 masl to visit the impressive Salinas Grandes salt flats.
We return along the same route but with different landscapes as the sun illuminates the mountains from behind, changing their colors. Upon returning to Purmamarca, enjoy free time to explore the village and have lunch (at passengers' expense).
