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We put together a bespoke tour to fit your requirements.
Duration: 8
Capacity: 5 per person
The lower mountain slopes, between icy summits and the shorelines of deep glacial lakes, are thickly covered in ancient lichen draped lenga (southern beech) forests with small flowers and blooming bushes of native fuchsias (chilco) and fire tree (notro). The high peaks, often lost in the clouds, are ice-covered. This a land rich in wildlife, Magellanic woodpeckers, soaring Andean condors, roaming pumas, rhea, foxes, skunk, eagles and much more.
Very few people travel here. Some tourists pass through, on self-drive trips, some on bikes pedalling the 2,450 km of the Carretera Austral. Towns are few and far between. This is a land of adventure.
The local people are warm and friendly, loving to sit and have a good old chat over a mate or cup of tea.
As you drive south along the iconic Carretera Austral, every couple of hours there is a village or small town. Often this is little more than a hamlet. Wooden shingle-roofed houses often flaking apart have small untended gardens, testament to long cold snowy winters and a very short growing season. Some towns are bigger with a few bars and shops.
Villa Cerro Castillo, is a typical north Patagonia town, with a few shops and bars. Local people from far and wide congregate to eat, chat and watch football. Typical rural Chilean food is basic but always plentiful. Most typical seems to be the giant burger with chips, with not much variety in the way of fresh fruit or vegetables. But everyone you meet will be welcoming and more than happy to stop for a chat.
We include some walking days allowing you to trek into the mountains. Away from the towns you are unlikely to cross paths with anyone else. The impact of man here is seemingly negligible. In this part of Patagonia, in contrast to further south, you are well and truly off the beaten track.
Driving through Aysen in Chile is like travelling back in time 15 or 20 years. You will see and experience the very best of Patagonia, the wilderness, stunning scenery, the isolation, and above all the hospitality of the local Chilean people.
Duration: 6
Our suggested route — which you can follow with our pre-programmed GPS — leads to the Pacific fjord, Reloncaví, and its hub, Cochamó town.
This adventurers’ paradise features pristine landscapes ripe for trekking, kayaking, birdwatching, horseback riding, and more. Lago Tagua Tagua is the heartbeat of this unique corner of Chile’s Lake District.
Don’t miss the chance to contrast the refreshing and pure lake waters with a dip in nearby thermal baths. A final highlight is Alerce Andino National Park, where some specimens of the native Alerce tree have lived for more than 3,500 years.
Our self-drive tour is a circuit that ends back in Puerto Montt, leaving you refreshed for your next journey.
Duration: 4
The area’s famous fruity white, Torrontes Rioja, or the world-renowned Malbec, are just two of Cafayate’s star wines. Many bodegas offer wine-tasting experiences paired with snacks like the famous local empanadas or cheeses.
There are plenty of fine dining experiences to enrich your stay in an area big on colour and vibrant with life. Spend sunny days exploring Andean villages replete with history and art. Indeed, it will be hard to leave without some artisanal textiles, ceramics, or paintings.
Our example itinerary is just that; extend it, lengthen the driving distances, or hire a guide. Just let us know how you’d like to explore Cafayate.
Check our seven-day self-drive Jujuy trip for a more in-depth exploration of Argentina’s northwest wine region.
Duration: 7
You can explore the spectacular Humahuaca Gorge, which lies at the foot of the Hill of Seven Colours.
There are pre-Inca ruins, enormous salt flats at Salinas Grandes, and Andean cultures aplenty to see. Cachi sits among beautiful vineyards, while Cafayate is an excellent base for exploring vineyards.
You can take the famous Train to the Clouds at San Antonio de Los Cobres, zig-zagging over viaducts. Drivers love the chance to take on the curves. The winding Cuesta de Lipán and Cuesta del Obispo are just two highlights that pass through beautiful Andean scenery.
There are numerous stops, walks, and viewpoints throughout this self-drive trip. Explore the mountains, vineyards, and incredible geography of the Jujuy province the way you want.
The Bodegas, Wines, and Fine Dining of Cafayate
The Jujuy region is replete with bodegas, from rustic to charming, with chances for wine tastings. Try the area’s famous fruity white, Torrontes Rioja, or the world-renowned malbec. Find your favourite and order it at one of the many fine restaurants.
There are lovely museums that complement the modern artistry of artisans who produce beautiful textiles, ceramics, and paintings.
Ask a question and our expert in this area will have your answer.
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info@andeantrails.co.uk
Hi Alan - Yes, home safe and sound and a wonderful trip. Feel greatly relaxed and looking forward to planning another trip sometime in the near future. And now for some feedback...... - What was the highlight of your holiday? Was there a low point?
A Strasser, Australia, May 2019 » Iguazu Falls Tour