Salta, Humahuaca & Valles Calchaquíes
- #Self-drive
- #12 days
Code: NOA 9121
HIGHLIGHTS
Salta & Tucuman
DAY BY DAY
You pick up the rental car at Salta Airport and drive to Estancia El Bordo de las Lanzas. The working ranch is over 400 years old and has belonged to various aristocratic families of Salta.
Day of activities at the estancia. The options to enjoy the wonderful environment include horseback rides, hikes, visit to the facilities, bicycle rides and relaxing in the garden and galleries.
The mountain road cuts through the jungle offering great panoramic views of the lush vegetation. The Yunga is then changed for a dry and colorful environment. Cacti, llamas and ancient cultures give Quebrada de Humahuaca a distinctive identity.
You spend the day exploring the beautiful gorge -its adobe villages, silent valleys, colorful markets, pre-hispanic remains and hidden corners.
Gorgeous Lipán Slope is the gateway to Salinas Grandes. You drive across the extensive salt lake, into the rough and deep beauty of Puna region and down the Bull’s Gorge, home of pre-hispanic remains and impressive railway engineering works.
In the afternoon you arrive to Finca Las Margaritas, in Chicoana.
The old working ranch has been refurbished to offer comfortable lodging in a traditional environment. The hosts introduce you to their everyday agricultural and cattle breeding activities.
The road up Cuesta del Obispo and across Los Cardones National Park offers magnificent open views. You visit the picturesque town of Cachi, with its cobbled streets and high sidewalks and continue to Molinos.
Situated at 1700 m above sea level, Cafayate is one of the most important wine production areas in Argentina. On your way to Tafí del Valle you also find pre-hispanic remains and museums.
Estancia Las Carreras, in Tafí del Valle, was built by the Jesuits in the early 18th century. After settling in, you take part in the visit to its cheese factory, horseback rides and hikes.
Day activities at the estancia.
Estancia Zárate has a grand extensión, polo fields and a well-preserved garden crossed by streams. The cattle breeding estancia traces its history back to the early 1700s. During your stay you may ride on horseback, go hiking, take a polo lesson, go through their farming activity and rest in the peaceful garden, galleries and halls.
Day activities at the estancia.
Drive to Salta Airport and rental car drop off.