14 days tour

Wine And Landscapes Of Argentina'S Northwest

Wine And Landscapes Of Argentina'S Northwest

This tour includes:

Guide

Tour Leaders are quite simply the glue that holds our tours together. They are chosen for their travel experience and people skills and are thoroughly trained by Explore, widely acknowledged as some of the best training in the industry. A Tour Leader's ultimate aim is to ensure everyone is well looked after and have a fantastic trip. They are there to ensure that the tour logistics run smoothly, that health and safety is adhered to and provide comprehensive briefings at the beginning and throughout the tour.

Meals

A key facet of our responsible approach to tourism is that we encourage our groups to eat in local restaurants that prepare locally grown food. We give customers choice as to their meals and do not use rather bland and impersonal hotel restaurants or all- inclusive options 13 Breakfasts 1 Dinners

Others

All accommodation, activities and meals that are shown in the itinerary are included in the total cost of your trip You will also receive a complimentary transfer to and from the airport if you arrive on day 1 of the trip and depart on the last day and have provided your international flight information.

Transport

Bus, Flight

Accommodation

11 nights standard hotel

Not included:

Others

Any visa costs, spending money and tips are not included in the trip price. You can also book extra nightsโ€™ accommodation at the beginning and end of the trip and the cost of this accommodation along with any transfers would be quoted separately.

Flights

International flights not included in the tour cost

Insurance

Travel Insurance is not included

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Wine And Landscapes Of Argentina'S Northwest

  • Day 1 Day 1: Join Trip In Mendoza
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 1: Join Trip In Mendoza

      Arrive in Mendoza, the heart of Argentina's wine country, located in the shadow of the mighty Andes. For those arriving on time our Leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 6pm for the welcome meeting and for those that wish, there is the chance to go out for dinner. There are no activities planned today, so you are free to arrive in Mendoza at any time. If you would like to receive a complimentary airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive into Governor Francisco Gabrielli International Airport (airport code MDZ), a 20 minute drive from our hotel. Should you miss the meeting, your leader will inform you of any essential information as soon as you catch up. If your flight arrives earlier in the day, you could explore this lively city by strolling the leafy streets or taking a coffee in one of the many charming plazas and people-watching.

  • Day 2 Day 2: Wine-Tasting In Argentina'S Famous Vineyards
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 2: Wine-Tasting In Argentina'S Famous Vineyards

      30 minutes outside of Mendoza city we find Lujan de Cuyo - a wine growing region where row upon row of vines grow in neatly ordered lines under the shadow of the Andes mountains. Drinking wine in this landscape is an unforgettable experience, and today we will be visiting two of the region's wineries. Although this area is home to many varieties of white, it is mainly known for its reds, particularly the ubiquitous malbec. We will have the chance to taste the multiple varieties of grape found in the area during our tour, before returning to Mendoza. The late afternoon is free to explore the city, and on our first full day in Argentina it's a good idea to try some of the local delicacies - alfajores are an Argentinian staple, a cakey biscuit filled with 'dulce de leche', perfect with an afternoon tea or coffee. We may even try mate - a bitter green tea drink that takes centre stage in most Argentinian social gatherings. Throughout our trip we may often see people walking around the towns and cities, flask in hand, as they go about their daily business. If you are offered some take note - mate is served in a communal cup, with a 'bombilla' (straw) to drink through, and is passed around the circle, each drinker enjoying the mate before passing it back to the server to be re-brewed. Be careful not to say thank you, as this signifies that you have had enough!

  • Day 3 Day 3: Walk In The Aconcagua Provincial Park And Visit The Inca Bridge
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 3: Walk In The Aconcagua Provincial Park And Visit The Inca Bridge

      Today we have a full day trip to Aconcagua Provincial Park, home to the magnificent Aconcagua - standing at 6961m it is the tallest peak in the Americas. At the bottom of the permanently snow-covered peaks we find lush meadows and some forested valleys, and our Explore Leader will take us on a short 1.5hr hike to the Horcones Lagoon, a glacier fed lagoon with outstanding views of the mountains. The trail is relatively flat and rocky, with mountains looking at either side of us and the peak of Aconcagua rising before us in the distance. Before returning to Mendoza, we also make a stop at the Puente del Inca, a geologically formed bridge once allegedly used by Incas to cross the river. The reddish oranges of the formation are caused by the minerals in the waters running beneath the bridge, and the remains of a slightly curious-looking stone chapel are still found built into the rock. We drive back to Mendoza after our visit.

  • Day 4 Day 4: Drive To Barreal; Night Visit To The Observatory At El Leoncito National Park
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 4: Drive To Barreal; Night Visit To The Observatory At El Leoncito National Park

      Today we set off to Barreal, one of the most beautifully situated towns in this sleepy region of the country. Seven snow-capped Andean peaks overlook the town, and arriving here is a shot of green in the often desert-like landscapes of the northwest. The highlight is the nearby El Leoncito National Park, a protected area with very strict regulations on air pollution. Due to the quality of the atmosphere it is an important centre of astronomy. The highlight of the park is the observatory, and we will visit at night, where hopefully we'll have no cloud cover and an unrestricted view of the stars.

  • Day 5 Day 5: Drive To Villa Union Through The Las Burras Gorge
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 5: Drive To Villa Union Through The Las Burras Gorge

      We have a long day of driving today, approximately seven hours, to Villa Union. Much of the drive is on the iconic Route 40 - similar to Route 66 in the US, the road is embedded into the country's culture, taking travellers from Salta in the north down to the wilds of Patagonia. Most of the road is paved, with just 120km of dirt roads, and on this section we pass through small villages, ancient pre-hispanic settlements and the 'Las Burras' Gorge road, winding through the mountains. Villa Union is the jumping off point for exploring the Talampaya and Ischigualasto National Parks, and is a sleepy town with the shadows of the Andes in the background.

  • Day 6 Day 6: Explore The Weird Geoshapes And Red Rock Landscapes Of Ischigualasto And Talampaya National Parks
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 6: Explore The Weird Geoshapes And Red Rock Landscapes Of Ischigualasto And Talampaya National Parks

      A day full of weird and wonderful landscapes awaits us today as we explore the moonlike scenery of Ischigualasto National Park, and the red rock towers of Talampaya. Once the kingdom of dinosaurs, these two parks contain the most complete fossil record known from the Triassic Period and have together been granted UNESCO heritage status. Ischigualasto National Park is up first. Popularly known as 'Moon Valley', the geological oddities that have been somehow formed by water, wind and sun over the last million years have turned the park into another planet. 'Bowling Lane' is one of the most iconic sites, with scores of perfectly polished round balls sitting on a flat surface, with apparently no explanation to their formation. At Talampaya, the scrub desert boasts fossilised remains of a wide range of ancestral animals and plants. Even for those amongst us who are not scientifically-minded, the park is another impressive show of geological wonders. We will be undertaking an easy hike through the immense red rock canyon of the Don Eduardo Gorge, which is approximately 8km on flat terrain. The dry riverbeds, red dunes and sand plains are more akin to a Martian journey than our expectations of Andean scenery. After a thorough exploration of both parks, we return to Villa Union.

  • Day 7 Day 7: Drive To Belen And Visit A Women'S Weaving Co-Operative
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 7: Drive To Belen And Visit A Women'S Weaving Co-Operative

      We get back on the Ruta 40 today, driving towards the small town of Belen and passing through characterful, rural villages en route. Part of the drive takes us on a winding upwards journey over the Cuesta de Miranda, perhaps one of the most photogenic and visual climbs in the region - taking us from 1000m to 2000m above sea level and back down, in just a couple of hours. The highway was originally built in the early 1900s, following the path of the ancient Inca Trail that eventually leads to Cusco. That early road was precarious - you could barely fit two cars abreast, with one side of the road dropping into the deep Miranda gorge. Thankfully it was updated in the last ten years, and a new highway was built - we'll pass the old one during the drive for comparison! After the Cuesta de Miranda, it's an easy drive for the final 200 kilometres to Belen. There is a women's weaving co-operative in Belen that we have been visiting with groups for the last few years. Weaving, with both sheep and llama or alpaca wool, is an essential part of the economy up here in the northwest, and the co-op is a fascinating way to learn more about the process and its important place in this society.

  • Day 8 Day 8: Wine-Tasting In Cafayate And Visit To Indigenous Quilmes Ruins
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 8: Wine-Tasting In Cafayate And Visit To Indigenous Quilmes Ruins

      Setting off this morning to Argentina's northern winelands around Cafayate, we stop at the indigenous Quilmes ruins en route. The Quilmes people, dating back to around AD1000, famously resisted the Incan invasion and lived through over a century of Spanish colonisation. The large site is made up of the remains of terraces rising up the cacti-covered hillside - we can walk to the top for excellent views of the valley and the site. Although not as impressive as other archaeological sites in the Andes, it helps us to understand the indigenous heritage in this part of Argentina. Finally, we arrive in Cafayate in the early afternoon for a round of wine tasting in two of the region's rustic wineries, their rows of green vines backed by the spectacular mountains beyond. We might try Argentina's main white wine, Torrontes, famous in this region.

  • Day 9 Day 9: Drive Drive To Cachi Through 'Broken Arrow Gorge'
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 9: Drive Drive To Cachi Through 'Broken Arrow Gorge'

      The Argentina of the Andes is steeped in Inca heritage, and the indigenous populations have retained many of their old traditions - in small towns like Cafayate, local methods of weaving have been maintained since pre-Hispanic times, and during our journey through the Andes we may admire their woven clothes, hats, sweaters and ponchos in llama and vicuna wool. Today this journey takes us to Cachi through 'Broken Arrow Gorge', a spectacular formation of sharp, pointed rocks shooting up through the air at all sorts of different angles; the road that we travel on pierces this dramatic and surreal landscape. We'll take the opportunity to stop en route at viewpoints, with some short walks and small village visits. On arrival in Cachi (2530m altitude) we have some free time. We can use the time to relax and wander the cobblestoned streets and tranquil plazas of the town.

  • Day 10 Day 10: Drive To Salta Through High Arid Cactus Deserts Down To Fertile Forests On The 'Bishop'S Hill Road'
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 10: Drive To Salta Through High Arid Cactus Deserts Down To Fertile Forests On The 'Bishop'S Hill Road'

      This morning we have free time in Cachi to explore some of the surrounding mountain trails. In the afternoon, we head on to Salta, down the 'Bishop's Hill Road', 20kms of hairpin bends that offer views down to the Sierra del Obispo. During the three hour drive the change in scenery is simply amazing, as we travel from the cactus filled deserts of the Cardones National Park, down to lush green mountains, blanketed in vegetation and eroded by rippling brooks and streams. We stop to discover the spectacular mountain views at the various viewpoints on route to Salta - one of the more lively cities in the north of Argentina, it is a blend of colonial architecture, fascinating museums and buzzing nightlife. Tonight we can get a taste of its music scene at a 'pena', a traditional folk music hall where locals come with guitars and take turns in playing and singing. Dinner is included.

  • Day 11 Day 11: Discover Humahuaca Gorge; Visit Local Villages
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 11: Discover Humahuaca Gorge; Visit Local Villages

      Today we set out to explore the UNESCO Heritage area of the Humahuaca Gorge, a highlight of any trip to the northwest of Argentina. Purmamarca is one of the towns within the gorge, and setting off today we can appreciate the town's incredible backdrop - a mountainside named the 'Seven-Coloured Hill' for its bright shades of yellows, oranges, reds and greens. Indeed, the rest of the day's journey is awash with colour and scenic roadside lookouts; another appropriately named mountain is The 'Painters Palette'. Through our exploration today we visit the regions old traditional villages, such as Tilcara, Maimara and Humahuaca - these villages are perfect people-watching opportunities, and it's interesting to see once again the heritage from the pre-Columbian period which gives this area of northwest Argentina a very distinct sense of cultural identity. This is not only manifested in the woven items that we have seen in other towns, but also in the local diet, with northern food including llama stews and corn dishes. We return to Salta this evening and can make the most of our journey in the north by eating at one of the local restaurants.

  • Day 12 Day 12: Fly To Buenos Aires
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 12: Fly To Buenos Aires

      We say goodbye to the northwest and catch our flight to cosmopolitan Buenos Aires. Here we find ourselves in the midst of Argentina's capital, located on the southern shores of the Rio de la Plata. Since its founding by Pedro de Mendoza in the 1500s, the city has thrived on trade and its vibrant streets are filled with an eclectic mix of European architectural styles, with Spanish, French and Italian classicism rubbing shoulders with remnants of Victorian grandeur. We aim to catch a flight arriving in the afternoon. Flight schedules may vary, but any additional free time in Buenos Aires will be at leisure. Tomorrow we will visit the eclectic and bohemian south of the city, so if there is time this afternoon you may wish to visit the elite north, home to the embassies, the Recoleta Cemetery and many of the city's green spaces.

  • Day 13 Day 13: Walking Tour Of La Boca And Plaza De Mayo; Free Afternoon
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 13: Walking Tour Of La Boca And Plaza De Mayo; Free Afternoon

      We re experiencing the city as a Porteno (a Buenos Aires native) today, using the local buses and exploring on foot. Each neighbourhood of Buenos Aires has a distinct character, with grand Italianate architecture rubbing shoulders with winding cobbled streets or tree-lined avenues. To get a feel for the heart of the city, we'll stroll towards its founding point at the Plaza de Mayo, where the President's dusty-pink mansion is located. Every big event in Buenos Aires's history has been witnessed by the Plaza, from the continued protests of the Madres de la Plaza de Mayo , going back to Eva Peron's mass demonstrations in 1945. From here, we hop on a bus towards the colourful vibrancy of La Boca. Settled originally by Italian migrants, the area is famed for its bright houses, a ramshackle affair of corrugated iron, and the tango dancers who perform in the streets. We'll visit a local cafecito during our tour, taking a traditional Porteno elevenses of coffee and pastries. We end our morning in bohemian San Telmo, with its small one-way streets, historic mansions and walls covered with street art. Our Tour Leader will suggest lunch at a traditional Bodegon , sampling specialities that an Argentinian grandma would be happy with. Empanadas, locro (corn and pumpkin stew) or a delicious choripan (a fat chorizo sausage in bread, with chimichurri sauce) may be on the menu. The afternoon is free to explore, with much on offer. You could stay and explore San Telmo, which is particularly interesting when the antiques market takes over the cobbled streets. For book lovers, the Ateneo Grand Splendid, set in a converted theatre, is one of the most impressive bookstores in the world. This evening we have an opportunity to enjoy something of Buenos Aires' nightlife, perhaps going to a tango show and soaking up the pulsating rhythms of this most Latin of dances.

  • Day 14 Day 14: Trip Ends In Buenos Aires
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 14: Trip Ends In Buenos Aires

      The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Buenos Aires. There are no activities planned today, so you are free to depart from Buenos Aires at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you would like to receive a complimentary airport transfer today, you need to depart from either Aeroparque Internacional Jorge Newbery (AEP) or Ezeiza International Airport (EZE).

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Experience Style

Experience Style

Mixed

There will be challenging activities such as hiking, biking, canyoning and trekking, but youโ€™re also going to have other means of transportation and relaxed moments to just chill.

Accomodation level

Accomodation level

Medium

This accommodation includes essential services like a hot shower, electricity, and a nice and comfy bed.

Experience Type

Experience Type

Small Group

Youโ€™ll be accompanied by a small group of travelers just like you.

Physical Rating

Physical Rating

Average

There are several physical activities that last from 2 to 6 hours in easy terrains, low altitude flats, or water experiences. Please ask if youโ€™re not sure this applies to you.

Age range

Age range

Min: 16 / Max: 85

Age range allowed for this experience.

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