Deserts & Canyons of the Northwest
Day 1
San Miguel de Tucumán
Reception at Tucumán airport and transfer to the hotel. City tour including a visit to Villa Nogués and Mount San Javier. D
Day 2
Tucumán - Quilmes
Departure for a tour to the Quilmes ruins, passing by the Quebrada de los Sosa (Los Sosa Ravine), viewing the Monument to the Calchaquí Aborigine and El Mollar with its 'Menhires' (monolitic rock statues). We will also visit Tafi del Valle, a wondrous summer resort by an artificial lake, and the aborigine ruins of Quilmes. BD
Day 3
Quilmes - Molinos - Cachi
Departure to Cafayate, through the Calchaquí Valleys, passing Colalao del Valle at Tolombón. Visit to Cafayate, located 1,700 m. (5,577 feet) above sea level. This town is one of those peaceful, colonial-style settlements that never fails to evoke the feeling of a time long past. In such a wonderful climate, its vineyards produce a worldwide known wine. Visit to a winery. The panoramic view of the valleys continues while travelling by the Quebrada de las Conchas (also known as Cafayate Gorge) with colorful rock formations carved by the wind: the 'Amphitheatre', the 'Castle', the 'Priest', and the 'Devil’s Throat'. Afterwards, we will go on our way towards Cachi, and for so doing we will have to go down the same road (Route 68) towards Cafayate, and then northbound. In our way we will pass by small typical villages devoted to sweet pepper farming for the elaboration of paprika, such as Animaná, el Barrial, San Carlos and Molinos. Once in Cachi, we will be able to appreciate an ancient town, founded in the XVII century at the foot of the white snow-covered peak of Cachi, with a wonderful view of the surrounding valleys. BD
Day 4
Cachi - Salta
Visit to the archeological museum and the parish church. We will follow this route, across Los Cardones National Park, (characteristic for its great abundance in giant cacti), upwards Cuesta del Obispo, called the Condor’s home, reaching 3,720 meters above sea level. At this point there is a splendid and colorful view of the Calchaquí Valleys, a natural treasure located in one of the most beautiful landscapes in the country. Afternoon arrival in Salta. BD
Day 5
Salta: Humahuaca and Juyjuy
Departure for a drive along the historic Humahuaca Gorge, passing León, Volcán, Tumbaya, Purmamarca framed by the Seven-Colored Mt, Tilcara with its archeological museum and the old refurbished indian fortress (known as Pucará de Tilcara), and Uquía Church, arriving finally in Humahuaca. Visit to the Handicraft Fair. On the way back to Salta it will be interesting to stop at Jujuy for a visit of this nice city. Afternoon arrival back in Salta. BD
Day 6
Salta
Day at leisure. Perhaps take a ride on “El Tren de las Nubes” (the Train in the Clouds). BD
Day 7
Salta
Morning tour of Salta, capital of Salta Province, visiting the fine colonial buildings and then transfer to the airport. B
