Admire rock features and local culture on this round-trip sightseeing tour in the Andes mountains around Salta. Taste unique wines and cuisine. Explore the historical towns of Cachi and Purmamarca. Visit Las Ruinas Incaicas del Pucara de Tilcara and learn about the region's earliest inhabitants.
Day 1:
Meet your guide at your hotel and settle into the van before setting out from Salta. Take in views of the farms and tobacco plantations of the Lerma Valley. Pass the town of Alemania and marvel at the red mountains and rock formations such as the Devil's Throat and the Parrots' House.
Upon arrival in Cafayate, visit a winery to learn more about the local wine industry. Sample various wines. A highlight is the Torrontés, a variety that originated in Argentina. Experience a completely different landscape on your drive back to Salta.
Day 2:
Travel Provincial Route 33 and enjoy vistas of the Escoipe river's dramatic gorge and Los Laureles. Journey along the famous winding road of Cuesta del Obispo. Admire the magnificent rock formations en route to the summit.
Ride through the Parque Nacional los Cardones. The park's name comes from its abundance of cardon grande cactus bushes.
In the town of Cachi, you will have time to explore and find a spot to enjoy lunch. During your free time, stroll through streets of colonial architecture. Visit the church in Central Plaza or a museum devoted to local history. Browse shops and find a souvenir before the return drive to Salta.
Day 3:
Visit Purmamarca, with the spectacular Hill of 7 Colors rising behind it. Check out works by local craftsmen in the city's main square. Pay a visit to the church, important in local history. Break for lunch in town (costs not included) and explore.
Admire the Paleta del Pintor Hill from the road and the impressive Monumento de la Independencia.
Visit a chapel built 700 years ago featuring an altar covered in gold. See priceless paintings of the Cusco School and a small monument marking the Tropic of Capricorn.
Stop in Tilcara for a walk to its main square and church. End your day's tour at Las Ruinas Incaicas del Pucara de Tilcara. Learn about the people who first lived on the site at the museum before returning to Salta.
Day 4:
Journey towards Jujuy, passing through the towns of Volcán and Tumbaya along the way.
Experience the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Quebrada de Humahuaca, once a major trade route thousands of years ago.
Return to Purmamarca. Experience the town's vibrant main square if you missed it the day before. Maybe pick up some souvenirs at one of the many craft stands.
Enjoy a visit to the breathtaking Hill of 7 Colors. Continue your ascent along the Cuesta del Lipan to reach the Salinas Grandes, considered one of the 7 Wonders of the Argentine Republic. Enjoy some free time to admire the unique salt planes and famous pools.
Back in Purmamarca, take some time for lunch at one of the many traditional restaurants. Explore some more of the town before returning to Salta.
