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INTIMATE HIGHLANDS 9D/8N (Route du Charme)

In the numerous valleys and beautiful landscapes of the area around Salta, there are interesting and huge estancias and former estates transformed into hosterias awaiting for the travelers to share their daily life. The estancias in the Northwest are among the oldest and exhibit the strongest Spanish colonial heritage; they are usually dedicated to agriculture with crops of sugar cane, tobacco, vegetables and vineyards.

DAY 01 SALTA- CAFAYATE
Early morning arrival in Salta, visit the city of Salta and its interesting museums and colonial buildings. We then head to Cafayate, a small city home of the true Argentine varietal -the Torrontes wine and its crafts market. Along the way from Salta to Cafayate we will stop at the very interesting Finca Santa Anita and visit its Tobacco Museum, an interesting display of the region's tobacco history. It is composed of a shed and three adobe stoves dating back to 1930. The first room is dedicated to the pre-Columbian culture and the use they gave to the tobacco according to historians. The place deserves a short visit and will grant great views over the Cabra Corral Dam. (62 km South of Salta).
Accommodation at CAFAYATE WINE RESORT or PATIOS DE CAFAYATE to try exquisite local food and taste its unique wine. Afternoon exclusive visit a the winery in the area. Meals: B - D.

DAY 02: QUILMES & AMAICHA
We will enjoy a relaxed visit of the Quilmes Ruins, site of the monumental fortress of the Quilmes, natives of the same name and Amaicha del Valle with its amazing PACHAMAMA Museum. Return to Cafayate. Meals: B - D.

This area is normally seen at a glance but there are lots of great places to visit and explore. We will have the time to do so. We will also have the time to enjoy the amazing hotels and just relax in them, enjoy spa treatments or their great food.

DAY 03 CAFAYATE - COLOME
Leaving Cafayate behind we will get into the heart of the Calchaqui Valleys, driving along the river of the same name. Each one of the many romantic small villages deserves at least a short sightseeing walk. Stops will include: Molinos -with its massive adobe church and colonial streets-, is another quiet place worth a stop. Across the river, is a recently formed artist cooperative housed in a beautiful renovated colonial house, completed with a large patio, arches and an inner courtyard. Accommodation at BODEGA COLOME close to Molinos. Meals: B - D. Colome is one of the finest properties in Argentina. A winery with a beautiful lodge that is slowly finding its place and rhythm.

DAY 04 COLOME
Few places remain pristine and keep the original landscape as Colome. This is a very important property whose vineyards are as old as 1854 when one of the first owners brought Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon vines to the area and planted them. Today some of them can still be found. The Hosteria and winery together with some sister properties in the surrounding bear the characteristic of being the highest vineyards in the world. Together with the amazing winery, the very comfortable and secluded Hosteria a new Museum is being opened this year. The private collection of James Turrell´s masterpieces, privately owned by the owner of Colome will be displayed.
Meals B - D.

DAY 05 COLOME - CACHI - SALTA
We leave Colome behind and head to Cachi where we will stop for a visit. After visiting of this interesting village we drive to Salta. The road will lead to the Enchanted Valley, and climb over a high plateau called TIN-TIN, the native terrain of the sleek, giant Cardon, an endemic species that prompted the creation of LOS CARDONES NP. Climb the impressive CUESTA del OBISPO (Obispo Pass) where condors, eagles and guanacos will be a frequent sight. Late afternoon arrival in Salta. Accommodation at FINCA EL MANANTIAL or HOUSE of JASMINES. B-D.

DAY 06 SALTA
Rest day in the estancia or the lodge.

DAY 07 SALTA - PURMAMARCA, via the Road to the Clouds
Early morning meet the guide to start a ride up the Andean Range, stop for a visit at SANTA ROSA de TASTIL, the largest and best-preserved pre-Hispanic ruins in Argentina. Arrival at San Antonio de los Cobres

Upon arrival, visit San Antonio de los Cobres (3775m/ 12.385,17 ft above sea level) and start the way down to Purmamarca reaching SALINAS GRANDES, the most imposing Salt Bed in the Northwest of Argentina and Chile and then driving down the LIPAN SLOPE, a winding road that leads to the charming village of Purmamarca. Accommodation at EL MANANTIAL del SILENCIO Hotel, a place praised for its outstanding gastronomy. B.

DAY 08 PURMAMARCA- HUMAHUACA- PURMAMARCA
Morning visit of the little village of Purmamarca. Afternoon visit of Humahuaca, a small village with a very interesting museum dedicated to the Coya Culture, so lively in this area. Its director - a coya, native of Humahuaca- has lectured at La Sorbonne, in Paris.
Overnight at EL MANANTIAL del SILENCIO Hotel. B.

DAY 09 PURMAMARCA- SALTA
Morning transfer to the airport in Salta or Jujuy. B.

2010-2011 Price per person in US$: $2643 for 2-3 people, $2423 with 4-5, $1934 with 6-7. Single supplement = $917