Salta Extension

On arrival in Salta, you will be transferred to the hotel in a private vehicle. The rest of the day will be left free to explore this beautiful city and acclimatise. We recommend a visit to the High Mountain Archaeological Museum “MAAM”, which includes mummified Inca remains found on a nearby mountaintop. We also recommend taking the cable car up to the Cerro San Bernardo, where you will have the best panoramic views of the city. This evening is free for you to choose one of the many delicious restaurants serving steaks and locally produced wine.

Accommodation: Antiguo Convento Hotel (or similar)

Today is a long driving day as we start heading south into the province of Salta until we arrive at El Carril. From here we begin to climb the Cuesta del Obispo, a beautiful mountain road which snakes up the mountainside. At Piedra del Molino we reach 3.384 meters above sea level, the highest spot in our trip. We then cross Los Cardones National Park, famous for the tall cactus that gives the park its name. We stop for lunch (not included) in the delightful mountain village of Cachi, before continuing on to the hamlet of Molinos. In the late afternoon we continue driving through the imposing Valley of the Arrows before arriving into Cafayate, where we check into our hotel for the night. Tonight we recommend trying some of the town’s most renowned wine, a Torrontes or Syrah.

Today’s driving time is approx. 8-9 hours (300km)

Accommodation: Hotel Killa (or similar)

After breakfast we visit a couple of wineries in town and get the opportunity to sample some of the regions famous Torrontes wine. We have some free time to have lunch before we begin our journey back to Salta. We take a different journey back to Salta using the route 68 which crosses the Valley of the Shells, where we will stop in order to photograph the most famous rock formations (The Amphitheater, Devil’s throat and The Toad, among others). We will arrive in Salta in the late afternoon.

Today’s driving time is approx. 3 hours (186km)

Accommodation: Antiguo Convento Hotel (or similar)

After breakfast we head into the Andes following the tracks of the world famous train to the clouds. We will stop for lunch at San Antonio de los Cobres, where we will also have some free time to explore the town. We continue our trip along Route 40 crossing one of the most desertic and starkly beautiful areas of the country, before arriving in Salinas Grandes (The Great Salt Flat). We make a stop to learn about the mining process and take some pictures before continuing our drive to Purmamarca. On most days in the main plaza, there is a great local market, from where you can see the iconic Seven Colour Moutain which is famous throughout Argentina. Tonight we recommend eating at the restaurant Los Morteros for very good local food.

Today’s driving time is approx. 9-10 hours (418km)

Accommodation: Hotel Refugio de Coquena (or similar)

At 11am the tour bus from Salta will stop and collect you. We continue towards the town of Tilcara where we visit the ancient ruins and the Archaeological Museum. Afterwards we cross the Tropic of Capricorn, from where the colours of La Pollera del Coya Hill can be seen. We arrive in Humahuaca and will some free time for lunch (not included). After lunch we continue to San Salvador de Jujuy where we can see the Cathedral and the bustling town square. Finally, we return to Salta along the National Route N° 9 through abundant subtropical vegetation.

Today’s driving time is approx. 8-9 hours (280km)

Accommodation: Antiguo Convento Hotel (or similar)

Depending on the flight time, we may have some free time at the hotel this morning before we transfer to the airport. We fly back to Buenos Aires and usually arrive in time to explore more of this fascinating city.

Accommodation: Argenta Tower Retiro Hotel (or similar)

Today you will be transferred back to the airport for your onward flight. Depending on the time of your flight you may have another chance to see more of Cosmopolitan Buenos Aires.