Puna & Quebrada de Humahuaca
- #Self-drive
- #8 days
Code: NOA 9801
HIGHLIGHTS
Salta, Humahuaca & Valles Calchaquíes
DAY BY DAY
Pick up rent a car at Salta Airport and drive to Cafayate.
The beautiful hollows produced by eolic erosion on the rocky formations of Quebrada de las Conchas hold religious significance for prehispanic and local cultures and can be visited on the way.
Situated at 1700 m above sea level, Cafayate is one of the most important wine production areas in Argentina.
You visit the Wine Museum, local bodegas and vineyards and enjoy the peaceful surrounding of the Calchaquies valleys.
The route passes by picturesque settlements and small agricultural communities where alfalfa, potatoes, onions and chili peppers are cultivated by the means of old traditional irrigation systems. Colomé Wine Estate has some of the earliest high mountain vineyards -dating back to colonial times- and hosts the distinguished James Turrell museum.
Night at Colomé Wine Estate
The picturesque town of Cachi presents cobbled streets with high sidewalks and a quaint church. The winding mountain road then finds its way through Los Cardones National Park and the breathtaking Cuesta del Obispo back to Salta.
Salta delights its visitors with tree covered streets, colonial architecture and delicious regional food.
On this day you may walk around town, go up Cerro San Bernardo for panoramic views of the city and drive to Quebrada de San Lorenzo for a hike.
On your way to San Antonio de los Cobres you visit aboriginal ruins and impressive railway engineering works. The high and deserted environment of Puna region and Salinas Grandes salt lake displays a rough and deep beauty.
In the afternoon you arrive to Purmamarca, at the foot of the Seven Colors Hill –Cerro de los Siete Colores.
You spend the day exploring the beautiful gorge -its adobe villages, silent valleys, colorful markets, pre-hispanic remains and hidden corners.
Scenic drive to Salta via La Caldera. The mountain road cuts through the jungle offering great panoramic views of the lush vegetation.
Rental car drop off at Salta Airport.