Embark on a journey to the heart of the Argentine Andes to discoverhigh-altitude winesandAndean traditions. This tour connectsCachi,Cafayate, andTilcara—from theCalchaquí Valleysto theQuebrada de Humahuaca—three gems of the Northwest where spectacular nature, local culture, and winemaking expertise come together. Amidfamily-run wineries,colonial villages, andlandscapes bursting with color, enjoy an authentic experience set to the rhythm of wine, sunshine, and Argentine hospitality.
Day 1: Buenos Aires
Meet and greet at Buenos Aires International Airport (EZE) and private transfer to your hotel in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle.
Buenos Aires, a cosmopolitan city with European influences, ranks among the 10 most dynamic cities in the world. It is a city of art, culture, theater, and traditions, whose diversity delights even the most discerning visitors.
You’ll begin your tour by walking down 9 de Julio Avenue, renowned as the widest avenue in the world and dominated by the Obelisk, an iconic symbol of Buenos Aires. Along the way, you’ll pass the majestic Teatro Colón, one of the jewels of Argentine architecture and one of the world’s finest opera houses.
Your walk will then take you to Plaza de Mayo, the city’s central square and its historic and political heart. It is lined with iconic buildings such as the Casa Rosada, the Cabildo, and the Metropolitan Cathedral.
You’ll end the day in the picturesque neighborhood of La Boca, specifically on the famous El Caminito alley, a lively and colorful spot where painters, tango dancers, and street musicians come together.
Return to your hotel after the tour.
Overnight stay at Hotel Tango de Mayo in an Executive Room.
Day 2: Salta
Departure from your hotel and private transfer in a comfortable vehicle to Buenos Aires’ Jorge Newbery National Airport (AEP).
Domestic flight between Buenos Aires and Salta.
Salta, the capital of the province of the same name, is located at an elevation of 1,187 meters at the foot of Mount San Bernardo. The city was founded on April 16, 1582, by Hernando de Lerma. Colonial houses stand side by side with modern buildings, giving the city a unique charm.
Among the historic buildings, you’ll visit the 19th-century cathedral and the Church of San Francisco.
You’ll also discover the recently opened and fascinating MAAM (Museo Arqueológico de Alta Montaña), which features mummies found at altitudes of over 6,000 meters.
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, mountain 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 3: 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.
165 km – 3.5-hour drive / Paved roads and dirt roads.
Overnight stay at the El Cortijo Boutique Hotel in a standard room.
Day 4: Acsibi
Departure for the small village of Seclantas: meet your guide, who will take you to the Acsibi Caves and tell you about the history of the valley.
Your guide will drive you in a 4x4 for 45 minutes along a dry riverbed to the starting point of the hike to the Acsibi Gorge; this private valley has been open to visitors since 2010. The morning light on the Eastern Cordillera in the distance accompanies you during this beautiful hike, which lasts about 5 hours. You’ll reach the heart of the ochre-colored canyon for a fabulous picnic lunch.
After the trek, you’ll head to the finca in Seclantas for a well-deserved rest
137 km, about 3 hours and 30 minutes.
Overnight stay at Finca La Encantada, a two-bedroom house (1 double bed + living room with two single beds).
Day 5: Molinos
From Seclantás, you’ll head toward Molinos, a charming little village dating back to 1659. There you’ll discover a beautiful church with a roof made of cardón wood—the region’s native cactus—as well as the elegant farmhouse of Isasmendi, who was the last governor of the city of Salta.
We’ll continue on to Bodega Colomé for a tour of the vineyard and a wine tasting. It is the oldest winery in the Calchaquí Valleys.
The estancia is known for its wine, but also for the museum of modern art dedicated to James Turrell, a Californian artist who creates works of art by playing with light.
Bodega Colomé produces wines from some of the highest vineyards in the world. It grows Malbec grapes from four different elevations. The winery is part of Hess Family Wine Estates, a family-owned company of Swiss origin that owns vineyards in the United States and Argentina.
Back to Molinos to spend the night there.
60 km, about a 2-hour drive – dirt road (not including stops and sightseeing)
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.
Overnight stay at the Hacienda de Molinos in a standard room.
Day 6: 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 iconic Torrontés 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. Suggested itinerary
You’ll start your day with a visit to the Vine and Wine Museum, where you’ll learn about the history of winemaking in the region and the varieties of wine grown at high altitudes.
You can continue your day with a visit to a winery and a wine tasting.
Tour and tasting at Bodega Piattelli: The Piattelli Group owns wineries in Agrelo (Mendoza) and Cafayate, located in Argentina’s two main wine-producing regions.
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 makes for the perfect retreat after a day spent exploring the charms of Cafayate.
Day 7: Cafayate
This day will be all about wine, the local terroir, and the beauty of the Andean landscapes. We’ll set out to explore some of the region’s most iconic wineries, each with its own unique character and history.
We’ll start with Finca Las Nubes, a family-run estate perched high above Cafayate. Here, the vines thrive at an altitude of over 1,800 meters, producing exceptional wines in a spectacular natural setting. The tour will give us insight into the artisanal work carried out by the Mounier family, all while enjoying a breathtaking view of the valley.
Next, we head to Patios de Cafayate, a charming oasis nestled in the heart of the vineyards. This estate, which also features a colonial-style hotel, will immerse us in an elegant and peaceful atmosphere. There, we can sample wines made from grape varieties typical of the region, particularly Torrontés, while strolling beneath the shaded arcades and through the fragrant gardens.
Finally, we will conclude our tour at Grace Cafayate, a modern and refined winery located on an exclusive estate. Combining contemporary architecture with breathtaking landscapes, this venue blends understated luxury with a passion for winemaking. A tasting here will offer the opportunity to discover a range of premium wines, the result of expertise that blends tradition and innovation.
Overnight stay at Bodega El Porvenir in a lodge nestled among the vineyards.
Day 8: Quilmes
Departure from Cafayate toward the archaeological site of Quilmes, one of Argentina’s most significant pre-Columbian ruins. This ancient fortified settlement, located at the foot of the Sierra de Quilmes, was inhabited by the Quilmeña community, an indigenous people affiliated with the Inca Empire in the 15th century. The site, which spans several hectares, was home to up to 3,000 inhabitants, organized according to a complex social and urban structure.
The city, with its labyrinthine layout, was built in terraces on the slopes of a hill, using local stone and following the natural contours of the land. It included residential areas, ceremonial spaces, and water reservoirs, demonstrating a high degree of sophistication.
The Quilmes put up fierce resistance to Spanish evangelization and then to military conquest for over a century, until their defeat in the 17th century. The survivors were then forcibly deported to Buenos Aires on a tragic march of over 1,200 km.
Guided tour of the site (about 1.5 hours), exploring its architecture, history, and the incredible resilience of its people in the face of colonization.
Back to Cafayate to spend the night.
A 100-kilometer drive taking 2 hours.
Overnight stay at Bodega El Porvenir in a lodge nestled among the vineyards.
Day 9: Quebrada de las Conchas
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.
Overnight stay at Finca Valentina in a Superior Room.
Day 10: Purmamarca
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 time to enjoy the surroundings, and a pool and sun deck for beautiful sunny days.
Late in the morning, you’ll set off for the neighboring province of Jujuy, in the heart of the majestic Quebrada de Humahuaca, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Your first stop takes you to Purmamarca. This small town is famous for its Cerro de los Siete Colores, a mountain of seven colors formed by geological strata dating back millions of years. This veritable mineral rainbow, sculpted by time, offers one of the most striking panoramas in northern Argentina.
Around the main square, you'll find two historic monuments:
The Cabildo, one of the ten traditional cabildos still standing in Argentina, and the Santa Rosa de Lima Church, designated a national historic monument. Inside, you can admire old murals, works by indigenous peoples, and simple, antique furnishings.
You then take the time to stroll through the village’s craft fair, a colorful market where local artisans sell handwoven fabrics.
Then, you leave the valley to climb the Cuesta de Lipán, a winding mountain road that takes you to an altitude of over 4,170 meters. As you climb, the landscape takes on a lunar quality, the colors fade, until a dazzling white expanse appears: the Salinas Grandes. This 1,200-square-kilometer salt desert, beneath a pure blue sky, offers a striking vision of immensity and silence.
After this unique experience in the mineral-rich landscape, you’ll head back down to Purmamarca, then continue on to reach the village of Tilcara in the evening. You’ll settle into this charming Andean village, rich in culture, music, and traditions.
320 km on paved roads, about a 5-hour drive
Overnight stay at the Posada de Luz Hotel in a standard room.
Day 11: Tilcara
This day will take us through the colorful valleys and rugged landscapes of the Quebrada de Humahuaca, where we’ll visit two intimate wineries located at extreme altitudes.
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.
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 12: Huacalera
This day takes us on a journey to discover two hidden gem wineries, nestled in the heart of the spectacular landscapes of the Quebrada de Humahuaca. Amid Andean culture, extreme altitudes, and a passion for winemaking, we’ll meet bold producers who are reinventing wine under unique conditions.
We’ll start with Bodega Yacoraite, an innovative winery located at an altitude of nearly 2,600 meters. Here, the extreme climate and mineral-rich soils give rise to wines with a strong character. The tour will help us understand how this unique terroir influences the vines, while we taste distinctive wines, the result of meticulous and environmentally conscious work.
Next, we head to the charming village of Uquía to discover another hidden gem of the Andean wine region. The Uquía vineyard, situated high in the mountains, grows grapes in a nearly desert-like climate, bathed in sunshine and the silence of the mountains. Here, every bottle is the result of artisanal craftsmanship, blending local traditions with modern techniques.
An unforgettable day combining authenticity, high-altitude experiences, and sensory discoveries, all set against a strikingly beautiful natural backdrop.
Overnight stay at Villa Laureana in a standard room.
Day 13: Humahuaca
We set out early in the morning for the small town of Humahuaca, located at an elevation of 2,940 meters, which was once one of the most important trading centers in Upper Peru.
Humahuaca is a picturesque town that’s easy to explore on foot as you stroll through its narrow streets to admire the facades of its houses and monuments. On Humahuaca’s lively little square stands the Church of Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria. There you’ll find icons of the town’s patron saints: Saint Anthony and Our Lady of Candelaria, as well as colonial paintings from the Cuzco School.
On one side of the square stands the Cabildo de Humahuaca, which has now been converted into a museum. The clock on the tower chimes every day at 12:00 p.m.: a moving figure of Saint Francis Solano emerges to bless those gathered there!
You’ll continue on to the famous Mirador del Cerro Hornocal, also known as the “Mountain of 14 Colors.” This UNESCO World Heritage Site will leave you speechless. You’ll have the chance to enjoy a short walk at an altitude of 4,350 meters.
At the end of the day, we’ll head to Huacalera to spend the night there.
120 km, about a 3-hour drive.
Overnight stay at Villa Laureana in a standard room.
Day 14: Salta
This morning, we’re heading back to the capital of Salta via the paved road through San Salvador de Jujuy.
Arrival at Salta Airport.
230 km, about 3.5 hours' drive.
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