Outline Itinerary
Day 1 Transfer in from the airport to Hotel Nogaro (a traditional classic 4 star renovated hotel). Walking tour of the city including Plaza de Mayo (view of Cabildo, Casa Rosada, Cathedral), the underground (the oldest train line with wooden carriages), Plaza del Congreso (view of Congress House), public bus to La Boca, visit Caminito famous artists street & return to the hotel (4 hours tour).
Day 2 Morning free to explore the city. Half day afternoon tour to Tigre river Delta, passing through the northern suburbs of Buenos Aires such as Olivos and San Isidro. Boat trip (1 hour) along the Tigre river channels. In the evening Tango show with dinner, including transfers to and from the hotel.
Day 3 Transfer to aeroparque for flight to Salta. Transfer to the hotel Portezuelo (4 star hotel at the foothills of Cerro San Bernardo, good for city and mountain views, excellent restaurant, close to downtown). Walking tour of the city, including the main Plaza 9 de Julio (Cabildo, Cathedral), San Francisco church and the Convento San Bernardo, the pedestrian street Florida and the local Market. Hotel.
Day 4 Full day tour to Cafayate through the spectacular Las Conchas Gorge (colourful mountains and interesting erosion formations), with wine tasting in the Bodega La Rosa (Torrontes, Cabernet Sauvignon). Return to Salta. Hotel.
Day 5 Transfer to the estancia Golgota in the Toro gorge. Estancia Golgota is an old colonial ranch, beautifully located in the Toro Gorge, surrounded by high Andean mountains. Day free for short treks. (full board)
Day 6 Today we start our trek. We walk towards the Pukamayu valley. Leaving the Toro gorge the trail climbs up the Cerro Bayo massif. We set up camp at 3200 mts with superb gorge and mountain views. Camp, all meals.
Day 7 We continue to walk towards the Pukamayu valley. We cross the Bayo pass (3600 m) where we have great panoramic views of deep valleys and several mountain ranges, then head downhill towards the Capillas river. Camp, all meals.
Day 8 On day 3 of the trek we arrive at the Pukamayu valley. We continue down to the Capillas valley. After crossing the river we continue our trek into the Bodeguita valley. Camp near a small ranch in Chillahuar with great views of the Pukamayu Valley.Camp, all meals.
Day 9 This is the last day of our trek. We set off uphill to Tambo Quemado, en route we have great views of the colourful Pukamayo valley and of the Potrero de Payogasta valley. We continue down to Potrero de Payogasta and rendezvous with our vehicle for the drive back to Salta crossing Los Cardones National Park, where we see the wonderful, huge Trichocereus Pascana cactuses and the Obispo mountain range. Arrive in Salta, hotel Portezuelo.
Day 10 Today we take our vehicle to San Pedro de Atacama, driving to Jujuy and then to Purmamarca in the Humahuaca gorge. After enjoying the view of the 7 Coloured mountain and the local Indian market, the road climbs the Cuesta de Lipan up to Salinas Grandes (a large, white salt lake) and then along the Altiplano to the village of Susques (very beautiful Indian church and cementery. Immigration authorities control). Drive up and downhill to the small Salar de Jama (flamingoes in the lake), Argentinean Gendarmeria second border control. Once into Chile road reaches an altitude of 4700 mts and remains in that altitude for about 2 hours. Astonishing landscape plenty of volcanoes and salt lakes. Then road goes steep down straight to San Pedro de Atacama, Chilean immigration and customs. Lodging in Hotel La Casa de Don Tomas (nice and friendly hosteria close to town center).
Day 11 Morning free to visit old colonial village and Padre Le Piege museum (very interesting), afternoon tour to the Moon Valley, a quite spectacular landscape of salt and sand montains and forms. Possible climb of high dune to enjoy sunset.
Day 12 Breakfast, End of services.
Discover all the highlights of Patagonia’s national parks with our 15 day Patagonia Adventure or, for trekking enthusiasts, our Wilds of Patagonia trip.
Argentina also hosts the mighty Iguazu Falls. Check our group and tailor made options. And you can always contact the office with questions or for advice.
|
