Set out to explorethe high-altitude wine routebetweenArgentinaandBolivia, a unique journey through the heart of the Andes. FromCafayate, in the Calchaquí Valleys, toTarija, the wine capital of Bolivia, this enchanting route winds through spectacular landscapes of colorful mountains and sun-drenched valleys.
Atan altitude of over2,000 meters, the vineyards produce exceptional wines, including the famousArgentine TorrontésandBolivian Syrah, renowned for their freshness and aromatic intensity. With wine tastings at family-run bodegas, cultural discoveries, and warm hospitality, this tour offers an authentic and exotic wine-tasting experience.
Day 1: Salta
Meet and greet at Salta Airport, followed by a transfer by private vehicle to your hotel. Self-guided walking tour of the city (approximately 2 hours)
Discover Salta, the capital of the province of the same name, located at an elevation of 1,187 meters at the foot of Mount San Bernardo. Founded on April 16, 1582, by Hernando de Lerma, the city harmoniously blends colonial-era houses with modern buildings.
Among the must-see sights, don’t miss the 19th-century cathedral and the Church of San Francisco, which bear witness to Salta’s rich architectural heritage.
You can also visit the MAAM (Museo Arqueológico de Alta Montaña), a recently opened and particularly fascinating museum. Among other things, the museum displays the famous mummies of Inca children discovered at an altitude of over 6,000 meters—exceptional relics of Andean culture.
In the heart of Salta, enjoy a warm and delightful evening in the intimate atmosphere of a bar that’s a local favorite among wine lovers. In this refined setting, discover a selection of high-altitude wines from the Calchaquí valleys—Malbec, Torrontés, Cabernet Sauvignon—paired with carefully prepared regional tapas: Salta-style empanadas, goat cheeses, artisanal charcuterie, and other specialties from northwestern Argentina.
Guided by a passionate sommelier, you’ll learn to recognize the unique aromas that result from the region’s high-altitude climate and terroirs. An authentic experience to share, perfect for wrapping up your day in Salta while discovering the rich flavors of this exceptional wine-growing region.
Includes a selection of four glasses of wine, an assortment of tapas, and a wine tasting led by a sommelier.
Overnight stay at the Villa Vicuna Salta Hotel in a superior room.
Day 2: Salta – Cachi
Depart by private vehicle with an English-speaking guide for the charming colonial village of Cachi, perched at an altitude of 2,200 meters and located about 150 km from Salta. The journey takes you through spectacular landscapes: the Quebrada de Escoipe, a deep gorge where lush green forests contrast with the red ochre earth; the barren mountains of the Cuesta del Obispo, then the Piedra del Molino Pass, the highest point at 3,600 meters, before reaching Los Cardones Regional Park, a vast arid expanse dotted with candelabra cacti.
Cachi is a peaceful Indian village with low, whitewashed houses, dominated by the elegant 18th-century San José Church. Its roof, entirely carved from cactus wood, is a testament to the region’s artisanal craftsmanship.
Next, we’ll set out to discover the flavors of the Cachi region with a visit to the Isasmendi vineyard. There, you’ll taste wines typical of this arid region, where the wide temperature range and high altitude give the grape varieties a unique character. The Miraluna winery, a small family-run operation, will charm you with its authenticity. Despite its modest size, it combines tradition and modernity to produce red wines full of character—powerful and fruity. In the heart of the vineyards, take a moment to savor the moment in this magnificent landscape, at the foot of the Andes mountain range.
We will then continue on to the historic village of Molinos, founded in 1659. There, you will discover the majestic colonial church as well as the former residence of Governor Isasmendi, which has now been beautifully restored.
The day will continue with a visit to the famous Bodega Colomé, one of the highest wineries in the world, for another immersive experience in the world of high-altitude wine.
230 km – 5-hour drive / Paved roads and dirt roads.
Overnight stay at the El Cortijo Hotel in a superior room with a terrace.
Day 3: Cachi – Molinos
Depart from Cachi by private vehicle and head to Molinos, a charming village founded in 1659. There, you’ll discover a majestic colonial church as well as the elegant mansion of Nicolás Severo de Isasmendi, the last royal governor of the province of Salta, which is now beautifully preserved.
We will then continue on to Colomé, one of Argentina’s most iconic wineries.
65 km, about 1 hour and 55 minutes – dirt road.
Upon your arrival in Colomé, you will visit the winery and the James Turrell Museum, a unique venue nestled in the heart of the Calchaquí Valleys, among the world’s highest-altitude vineyards. This exceptional museum is the only one in the world entirely dedicated to the work of the renowned American artist James Turrell (born in California in 1943), a master of light and space. For over forty years, Turrell has been creating immersive installations that explore sensory perception, playing with the subtle effects of light and color in specially designed environments.
The tour continues with a guided tour of the cellars and vineyards of Bodega Colomé, founded in 1831, making it Argentina’s oldest winery still in operation. The estate spans 39,000 hectares and produces rich high-altitude wines from extreme terroirs where climatic contrasts give the grape varieties a remarkable character. You’ll conclude the tour with a wine tasting in a breathtaking setting, surrounded by history, art, and nature.
Overnight stay at Bodega Colomé in a room with a view of the old winery.
Day 4: Molinos – Cafayate
Depart by private vehicle for Cafayate, traveling along one of the most spectacular roads in northern Argentina. You’ll pass through the Quebrada de las Flechas, a striking landscape sculpted by wind and time, where imposing rock formations resembling stone arrows rise from the ground in an almost lunar setting. As you approach Cafayate, white sand dunes signal your arrival at this wine-growing oasis nestled in the heart of the Calchaquí Valleys.
Cafayate, the region’s wine capital, charms visitors with its peaceful atmosphere, mild and sunny climate, the friendliness of its residents, and the beauty of its surrounding landscapes. Internationally renowned for its wines—particularly its Torrontés, an iconic grape variety—the town also boasts a rich colonial heritage and a lifestyle typical of the Andes. You’ll explore its lively narrow streets, small artisanal shops, and its tree-lined central square, the true beating heart of the village.
115 km, including 90 km of dirt roads; approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes.
Overnight stay at Bodega El Porvenir in a lodge nestled among the vineyards
Overlooking the Malbec and Torrontés vineyards through large windows, the lodge features a double bedroom and a living room that serves as the perfect retreat after a day spent exploring the charms of Cafayate. Its private terrace offers views of the imposing hills and vineyards.
Tour of Bodega El Porvenir included, with two glasses of wine + a welcome glass of wine
Day 5: Cafayate – Salta
Return to Salta through the spectacular Quebrada de las Conchas, one of the most striking natural wonders of northwestern Argentina. This impressive gorge reveals a semi-desert landscape sculpted by millions of years of erosion, featuring a succession of reddish rock formations, fantastically shaped cliffs, and multicolored landforms with evocative names such as the Amphitheater or the Devil’s Gorge.
A true geological masterpiece, patiently shaped by nature over the centuries, offers you a final, breathtaking view of the natural beauty of the Calchaquí Valleys.
Arrival in Salta, the provincial capital nestled at the foot of the Andes, where this magnificent journey through the landscapes of northern Argentina comes to an end.
196 km, about 3.5 hours (not including stops and sightseeing)
We set off for Finca Santa Elena, a charming country estate nestled in a stunning natural setting.
Upon arrival, you’ll set off on a horseback ride along the Las Ventanas trail, a route lasting about 1.5 to 2 hours that offers magnificent views of the surrounding countryside. This ride will allow you to discover the region’s peaceful and authentic landscapes at the horse’s leisurely pace.
After the hike, you’ll visit the farm’s artisanal cheese dairy and barn, where you’ll learn about traditional cheese-making methods that are deeply rooted in the local environment and respect for traditional craftsmanship.
The tour will conclude with a gourmet tasting: farm-fresh cheeses paired with regional wines, or, if you prefer, a full country-style snack featuring homemade treats, all enjoyed in a warm and friendly atmosphere.
Total duration of the activity: 3 hours
Overnight stay at Finca Valentina in a Superior Room.
Day 6: Salta – Salar de Jujuy – Huacalera
At Finca la Valentina, you can enjoy the hotel’s amenities: a charming library where you can relax and read by the fireplace, a terrace and a large garden where you can take the time to enjoy the surroundings, a pool and a sun deck for beautiful sunny days… the perfect setting to unwind at the end of your stay.
You can go horseback riding or mountain biking, or enjoy massage services (for an additional fee). Departure by private vehicle to San Salvador de Jujuy, the gateway to the Andean highlands.
You’ll then continue on to the picturesque village of Purmamarca, nestled at the foot of one of northern Argentina’s most iconic landscapes. From there, you’ll take Route 52, which winds through the mountains to the spectacular Salinas Grandes. After a few kilometers of winding road, you’ll cross the Lipán Pass at an elevation of 4,170 meters—the highest point of the day—offering a breathtaking view of the Andes.
Suddenly, as you round a bend, a vast, sparkling white expanse comes into view, standing in striking contrast to the deep blue sky: you have arrived at the heart of the Salinas Grandes, one of Argentina’s largest salt flats, covering 1,200 square kilometers. An otherworldly, almost supernatural landscape, where the horizon seems endless.
Back to Purmamarca, whose name means “Village of the Holy Land” in the Aymara language. This small Andean village charms visitors with its dirt-paved alleys, adobe houses, colorful handicrafts, and above all, the majestic Cerro de los Siete Colores—a veritable mineral rainbow sculpted by millions of years of sedimentation and erosion.
You’ll head back on the road toward Huacalera, a small Andean village nestled in the heart of the Quebrada de Humahuaca, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tucked away between colorful mountains and arid valleys, Huacalera offers a peaceful and authentic setting, perfect for a break surrounded by nature.
Settling in for the night in this historic spot, crossed by the Tropic of Capricorn and marked by a stone sundial that symbolizes the passage of the stars through time.
6:00 a.m. – 365 km of paved roads and dirt roads.
Overnight stay at the Huacalera Hotel in a Superior Room with a Terrace or Balcony.
Day 7: Huacalera – La Quiaca (Entry into Bolivia) – Tupiza
Depart from Huacalera by private vehicle, heading north through the Quebrada de Humahuaca to La Quiaca, the last Argentine town before the Bolivian border. Along the way, you’ll travel through increasingly arid and high-altitude Andean landscapes, which bear witness to the cultural and geographical richness of northern Argentina.
Arrival in La Quiaca, perched at an altitude of over 3,400 meters, a border crossing between Argentina and Bolivia. After clearing customs, you cross the border and continue your adventure into the Bolivian Altiplano.
185 km. 2 hours and 45 minutes by car / Paved road.
Depart fromHuacaleraby private vehicle, heading north through the Quebrada de Humahuaca toLa Quiaca, the last Argentine town before the Bolivian border. Along the way, you’ll travel through increasingly arid and high-altitude Andean landscapes, which bear witness to the cultural and geographical richness of northern Argentina.
Arrival inLa Quiaca, perched atan altitude of over3,400 meters, a border crossing between Argentina and Bolivia. After clearing customs, youcross the borderand continue your adventure into the Bolivian Altiplano.
We meet up with our private transport at the border between Argentina and Bolivia: La Quiaca / Villazón
It takes about an hour and a half to reach the charming town ofTupiza, with its Wild West atmosphere.
Overnight stay at the Mitru Tupiza Hotel.
Day 8: Tupiza – Villa Abecia
Between Tupiza and Villa Abecia, we follow a road that winds througharid, wild landscapes, where the ochre and red hues of the mountains contrast sharply with the intense blue of the sky. We drive along steep-sided valleys, carved by wind and time, passing through small villages with mud-brick houses, frozen in an almost surreal tranquility.
Little by little, the harshness of the Andes softens. The rocky terrain gives way tohills covered in vineyards, signaling our arrival in the more fertile lands ofChuquisaca. The air grows milder, the vegetation more lush. We sense that we are entering a different world, gliding from the rocky landscapes of Southern Lipez into a more welcoming setting, where the shade of the pergolas and the scent of ripe grapes await us.
We arrive in the village ofCarreras, which marks the entrance to the valley. Don Fermin is waiting for us there under his pergola to enjoy one of the region’s traditional dishes, before we head to Don Jaime Rivera’s Cepas de Oro estate. Jaime welcomes us to his estate, which specializes in the heritage grape varieties of the Cinti Valley, notably theVischoqueña, which earned the valley Bolivia’s first designation of origin. As we gaze out over the Muscat vineyards, a glass in hand, we step into this world of passionate winemakers crafting their high-quality, artisanal organic wine.
Overnight stay at the Viña de Pereira Hotel.
Day 9: Villa Abecia
When we wake up, the soft colors of the Cinti Valley are a delight. We have breakfast while admiring the mountains before setting off on a leisurely walk through the vineyards to the village.
Don German Villamor opens the doors to his estate,Tierra Roja. You have to know where to look—there isn’t even a sign on the gate! Yet as soon as you step inside, you find yourself on a terrace overlooking the vineyards, and the winemaking facility is well-equipped. His wines reveal a fine mastery of maceration and arespectful approach to the terroir, with well-integrated tannins. Don German remains faithful to tradition and cultivates the valley’s grape varieties, yet he doesn’t hesitate to trybold experiments.
We then head to the pozas, the natural pools located a short distance from the village. These natural pools with turquoise waters contrast beautifully with the ochre rock of the surrounding geological formations. We’ll prepare the barbecue right there.
This afternoon we’ll visit Javier, who has a real treasure at his home:300-year-old vinesgrowing on“molles,” the traditional method used by the valley’s winemakers.
We end the day with a visit to Don Manuel Daroca’sCepas de Mi Abueloestate. This family-run winery carries on a tradition passed down through generations, with century-old vines that produce wines of remarkable complexity. Don Manuel introduces us to hisMalbecsandCabernetsin his vaulted cellar, where his precious wines age in a hushed atmosphere filled with the aromas of ripe fruit and fine wood. He then serves us a fine dinner on his magnificent terrace.
Overnight stay at the Viña de Pereira Hotel.
Day 10: Villa Abecia
Today we’re setting out to discover some of the best producers in the Cinti Valley, near the small town ofCamargo. We start with theTierra Coloradawinery, run with an iron fist by Gimena Schmidt. She has chosen to focus on varietal wines such asMalbec,Cabernet, andMerlot. Her estate, where you can pick apricots while strolling among the vines, is a delight.
A lovely walk takes us to one of the valley’s historic sites: thePatronato. Don Cristian opens the doors of his home to us; he lives with his family in a massive building that served as the valley’s center of power in the 17th century. Part of the house has remained intact; we wander past pedestal tables covered with Inquisition records, maps of Bolivia from the early days of the Republic, and dust-covered countess’s gowns… A true journey through colonial history, frozen in authenticity.
We then head to one of the valley’s most beautiful wineries,San Francisco de la Horca. Marcelo Vacaflores reveals the secrets of his winemaking process using ceramic and glass vessels—a direct legacy of Potosí’s golden age! Lunch in the shade of the molles trees in his garden rounds out this tour, which is as much about wine as it is about history.
To round out the day, we stop byYokich, a visionary producer who, in addition to traditionalsingani, distills Bolivia’s onlygin. His wines have recently gained international recognition, winning awards at several prestigious competitions, including the Wine & Spirit World Awards, a testament to the growing excellence of Bolivian viticulture.
Overnight stay at the Viña de Pereira Hotel.
Day 11: Villa Abecia – Cafayate
Once we reach the cave entrance, Javier leads us inside with infectious enthusiasm. What awaits us exceeds our expectations: the rock walls reveal remarkablecave paintings, evidence of an ancient human presence. Javier passionately explains the various depictions, the techniques used, and the theories regarding the age of these works. We take the time to observe every detail of these millennia-old creations.
After this fascinating tour, we make our way back down to Villa Abecia, where we have lunch before setting off forTarija. The afternoon drive gives us time to reflect on our discoveries and enjoy the passing scenery. We arrive in Tarija at the end of the day, welcomed by thiscity with its mild climateand surrounding vineyards. The relaxed atmosphere of Tarija’s capital invites us to stroll through its colonial streets and discover its restaurants, where we can savor local specialties, enriched by this unexpected exploration of the region’s prehistoric heritage.
We meet up with Javier at Villa Abecia, a local enthusiast who knows theSalamanca Cave likethe back of his hand and is brimming with enthusiasm when he talks about it. We set off on a thirty-minute walk along a path that winds through the surrounding countryside.
Overnight stay at the Mitru Tarija Hotel.
Day 12: Tarija
We invite you to experience a rare privilege: spending a full day withFrançois Thorez, an oenologist from the University of Burgundy, former master blender at Calvados Groult, and former executive director of the Castel Group (the world’s second-largest wine producer). After winemakingGrand Crus in Burgundy—Echezeaux, Clos Vougeot, Ruchottes-Chambertin—and managing a facility producing 30 million bottles in Africa, François chose Tarija in 1993 torevolutionize Bolivian viticulture. François has mastered every secret of winemaking. Today, he shares his expertise freely, with his tasting notes open for all to see.
Our tour begins atCampos de Solana, where François breaks down the creation of their three-varietal blend—a cuvée he personally crafted and which remains their flagship wine. From blending and winemaking to technical choices, he reveals his method.
Next, we head toCasa Solum, pioneers of BolivianCarmenère. François explains how this Bordeaux grape variety reveals its unique character in the high-altitude terroirs of Tarija.
The most exciting part is yet to come: hisprivate laboratory, where his most ambitious project takes shape. Here, we go behind the scenes to explore the technical aspects: fermentation monitoring, micro-oxygenation, and aging in carefully selected barrels. From grape to glass, every step is analyzed and explained.
Lunch at his private estate, featuring pairings designed to highlight the unique characteristics of Bolivian terroirs.
The day culminates at his wine school with a blind tastingmasterclass, where François shares his sensory analysis techniques and his method for assessing a wine’s aging potential.
Overnight stay at the Mitru Tarija Hotel.
Day 13: Tarija – Villazón – La Quiaca (Return to Argentina) – Tilcara
We leave behind the mild Mediterranean climate of Tarija, that charming city with its Andalusian flair, and head west to cross theMochara mountain range. The ascent takes us over several passes reaching an altitude of 4,050 meters, where the landscape gradually transforms, revealing an increasingly mountainous and arid landscape.
Our route winds through theCordillera de Sama Biological Reserve, a sanctuary of Andean biodiversity, and then takes us to the turquoise waters ofLaguna Tajzara(3,700 m), a true gem of a lake where hundreds of flamingos glide gracefully.
After about six hours of a journey that was as demanding as it was spectacular, we continue on toVillazón, a border town nestled amid a landscape of canyons and spectacular rock formations. This strategic town, the gateway to Argentina, welcomes us with its unique atmosphere as a crossroads of the Andes, where Bolivian and Argentine influences blend.
Your adventure begins with aprivate vehicletransfer fromLa Quiaca. You’ll travel through theQuebrada de Humahuaca, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its breathtaking mountain scenery and unique geological formations.
Upon arrival, you’ll discoverTilcara, a historic town home to the famousPucará de Tilcara. This ancient pre-Columbian fortress offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives of past civilizations and a breathtaking view of the valley.
You’ll spend thenight in Tilcara, giving you plenty of time to explore this charming town at your leisure.
2:45 a.m. – 200 km of paved roads and dirt roads
Overnight stay at the Posada de Luz Hotel in a standard room.
Day 14: Tilcara and the surrounding area
Wine Tour Between Huichaira and Bodega Dupont
This day will take us through the colorful valleys and rugged landscapes of the Quebrada de Humahuaca, where we’ll visit two intimate wineries situated at extreme altitudes. Here, winemaking is a human adventure, a challenge against nature, and an ode to the Andean land.
We’ll start in Huichaira, a small hamlet nestled among the mountains, where a few hectares of vineyards are carefully tended in an almost mystical setting. The vineyard, situated at an altitude of over 2,700 meters, produces bold and expressive wines, shaped by the intense sun, the dry wind, and the purity of the air. The visit promises a moment of calm and authenticity, just like the place itself.
We’ll continue on to Bodega Dupont, a passionate family-run venture that chose to settle in this arid and majestic region. Here, the high altitude and scarcity of water demand meticulous work, but the results are remarkable: wines with character, deep aromas, and surprising freshness for such an extreme climate. The on-site tasting, with a view of the mountains, will be one of the highlights of the day.
Overnight stay at the Posada de Luz Hotel in a standard room.
Day 11: Tilcara – Pulmamarca – San Salvador de Jujuy
On this final day in the Quebrada de Humahuaca, you’ll leave Tilcara and head to Purmamarca, a charming village nestled at the foot of the spectacular Cerro de los Siete Colores. You’ll have the chance to stroll through its adobe-lined streets, visit its colorful artisan market, and then enjoy some free time to admire the mountain’s fascinating mineral hues—a true mineral rainbow.
Transfer to San Salvador de Jujuy Airport, with hearts filled with breathtaking landscapes and unforgettable Andean memories.
125 km – 2-hour drive
Would you like to experience it or plan your own custom trip with our team?