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ABOUT THE NORTHWEST OF ARGENTINA

This area is still very much a hidden treasure of Argentina (and for sure our favorite area). The charm and the character of this area lies in the culture and folklore of its people, in the architecture of its small towns, in the traditions and customs present in its markets, its food, its music and its religious festivities. A mix of Pre-Columbian civilizations (it was the southernmost outpost of the Inca Empire) and Spanish colonial past (the city of Salta, the gateway city to visit this area, is the best preserved Spanish colonial city in Argentina). The landscapes are breathtaking, with the Andes as background. Desert, cactus, high altitude salt lakes, llamas crossing the Puna... An incredible variety of colors, climates, activities, that never leaves you indifferent.

Day 1: Arrive Salta  
Morning arrival in Salta, a lovely well preserved colonial city with a friendly traditional hospitality.  Meeting and transfer to your hotel, the lovely House of Jasmines, a Relais & Chateaux property just on the edge of of town. Enjoy lunch in a traditional restaurant in town and then enjoy a visit to Salta, the most representative Spanish colonial city in Argentina including ascent of Cerro San Bernardo for an overview of the town. Visit the Cathedral; the Church of San Francisco, a magnificent Franciscan temple with fine architecture ornaments; the Town Hall, built in different periods, but has a predominant Baroque style; and the Historic Museum of the North and the craft market. You'll also stop at the  “Museo de Arqueología de Alta Montaña” (High Mountain Archeological Museum).  (L) 

Day 2: Salta – Cuesta del Obispo – Parque Nacional Los Cardones – Cachi
After breakfast, depart to enjoy the surprising landscape of the Escoipe Gorge, linking the Lerma and  Calchaqui Valleys and the curious shapes and shining colours all the way up Cuesta del Obispo to Piedra de Molino.  Then follow the Recta del Tin Tin to the Los Cardones National Park, rich in cactus and other local plants. Cachi is a quaint colonial village with an XVII century church and an archeological museum. The distinctive feature of the landscape is the “Cachi Mountain”, known as “Nevado de Cachi” and famous for its eight peaks and for the fertile valley of Cachi Adentro. Enjoy a box lunch en route, and overnight at the charming La Merced del Alto. (L)

Day 3: Cachi – Quebrada de las Flechas – Cafayate
Heading south (Road 40) and on the way to Cafayate, we go thought the breathtaking Quebrada de las Flechas, a curious arrow-like formation in an eerie and almost lunar surface. On the way to Cafayate will well visit these locations which can't be missed - Seclantás  and Molinos.  We stop at Seclantas to visit artisan weavers in their own homes to see how they create, manufacture and weave: handwoven blankets, cloths, ponchos, rugs and also to see their artisan's center created for themselves. And at Molinos, you can visit the church, which is part of a bigger complex that also includes the elegant Governor’s House. Don Nicolás Severo de Isasmendi, the last royalist governor, used to live there. There is also the Criadero Coquena, the first breeding site for endangered vicuñas, where anials live in semi-captivity.  In the area are Colomé, Tacuil and Humanao, fast becoming famous for their high vineyards, situated at over 2600 metres above sea level. Enjoy lunch at Bodega Colome before continuing to Cafayate and the lovely Patios de Cafayate for a visit to their vineyards, wine tasting and overnight. (B/L) 

Day 4: Cafayate – Salta - Purmamarca
Morning departure for the return drive to Salta, enroute enjoying the unique landscape. Make a stop at the amazing rock formations of the Anfiteatro and travel through the breathtaking Quebrada de las Conchas, characterized by intense colors and spectacular geological formations, determined by the concentration of different minerals in the soil.   Before reaching Salta, stop at Posta de las Cabras, a well known local restaurant for a typical lunch and then continue on beyond Salta along the road to Humahuaca following a deep canyon running 170km north to south. It is flanked by mountains rich in minerals which lend their different colors to the rocks, making this journey unforgettable. The province of Jujuy is the centre of Argentina’s mining industry. Indian hamlets dot the landscape, each with its chapel adorned with indoamerican religious objects and works of art.  Late afternoon arrival to the charming Purmamarca, an attractive village in the gorge with its “Cerro de 7 Colores” (Seven-Color-Mountain) aptly named Painter’s Pallete for a two night stay at La Cormarca, Hotel Con Encanto. (B/L)

Day 5: Purmamarca
Today visit Purmamarca and nearby Tilcara, halfway along the Quebrada, is one of the most interesting villages. Close by there is an archeological site where excavations of an Inca village have unearthed remains of stone houses.  Continue on to Humahuaca, at a height of 3.000m, where the adobe houses are whitewashed with bright red roofs. The church, La Candelaria, dates back to 1640 and is the starting point for the colorful religious processions that bring the hamlet to life. All the inhabitants, in colorful ponchos and hats, come out for the occasion and meet in the square opposite the church. Time for lunch en route, with afternoon return to Purmamarca. (B)

Day 6: Purmamarca - Salta & depart
Morning return drive of a little more than 100 miles to Salta's airport for your departing flight. (B)