Argentina & Bolivia: Salt Flats And Desert

Welcome to Salta! Upon arrival in Salta you will be transferred to your hotel. Salta has it all: the geographical diversity (green, red and brown mountains) and the historical richness. Do not forget that, in these lands, one day they fought for the independence of Argentina! It also has exquisite and well-preserved colonial architecture, picturesque and very crowded cafes in the main square (a great place to sit and watch the locals in their daily hustle and bustle!), and the characteristic and fun peñas, places where Salteños sit and listen to their local folklore idols, and then end up dancing (after one or two encouraging glasses of wine) together. The perfect base to explore the Argentinian Northern area is Salta city Keep in mind that religion is very important here: religiously speaking, people take a siesta in Salta... so between 1:00 and 3:00 p.m. it will be more difficult for you to find the places open, so take advantage of it to take your first northern siesta! Type of service: Private Included: Transportation mentioned above

In the morning, we will pick you up at your hotel to visit Humahuaca Gorge, a Natural and Cultural Heritage of Humanity (UNESCO) since 2003. Along the journey we will discover changing landscapes, vegetation and climate due to the altitude, passing by from tall trees in Jujuy to solitary cardones by the hillsides. We will visit unique villages as Purmamarca with its famous Hill of Seven Colors, visible from the streets and the handcrafted market around the main square. Maimará with its natural colourful slopes of Paleta del Pintor and it's suspended cemetery at the top of the hill, visible from the route. Tilcara stands out for its local festivities (Carnival and Holy Week) and for its Pucará (fortress in height) whose ruins have been partially rebuilt for more understanding of the pre-Hispanic way of life. The further north we will cross the Capricorn Tropic line in Huacalera identified with a white monolith. Uquía shows its chapel, built in the seventeenth century with the oldest altarpiece in the region, worked in laminated gold one of the two existing in Argentina decorated with 'Los Angeles Arcabuceros' from Cusco, a testimony of colonial architecture. Humahuaca gives its name to the Quebrada and is its largest population, with cobbled streets and iron lanterns in the corners, it is also the highest point of the route, 2,940 m.a.s.l. After enjoying the amazing landscapes and culture, we will return to Salta by the same route and take you back to your hotel. Type of service: Semiprivate Duration: 12 hours Included: Transportation mentioned above, bilingual guide (English/Spanish) Not included: Food, entrance fees to museums, ruins, national or provincial parks (if applicable) Age restriction: Due to high altitudes, this tour not recommended for passengers with heart problems - consult a doctor Note: It is not possible to take your luggage. Optional, upon extra cost: Entrance fee to Pucará de Tilcara, visit to Serranías del Hornocal. In case of force majeure the itineraries can be modified without previous notice. Distance Salta/Jujuy Distance: 323 miles

In the mornig, we will pick you up at your hotel to start a journey to the south through the fertile Lerma Valley along National Route 68. Passing by several villages such as Cerrillos, La Merced and El Carril (all allocated to agricultural and livestock activities), we reach the solitary town of Alemania. After an 83 kilometers drive journey we get to Las Conchas Gorge which immediately precedes the Calchaqui Valley. The Wind and rain erosion though million years are responsible of capricious formations as the Devil´s Throat, the Amphitheater (a formation with excellent acoustics), El Sapo (The Frog) and El Fraile (The Friar) among others. The arid landscape gradually morph into vineyard areas that continuous even inside Cafayate, a little colonial town which dates back to the late 19th Century and is one of the most popular regions in the Calchaqui Valley. After lunch time we will return to Salta by the same road and take you back to your hotel. Type of service: Semiprivate Duration: 11 hours Included: Transportation mentioned above, bilingual guide (English/Spanish), water Not included: Food and drinks, entrance fees to museums, ruins, national or provincial parks (if applicable) Age restriction: Due to high altitudes, this tour not recommended for passengers with heart problems - consult a doctor Note: It is not possible to take your luggage. Optional, upon extra cost: Wine tasting, Visit to Quilmes Ruins. In case of force majeure the itineraries can be modified without previous notice. Distance: 235 miles