Salta, Argentina

The area around Salta represents the 10% of Argentina but encompasses half of the history of our country. From the Incas, and other local cultures -which characterized by the excellent adaptation to the highlands-; to the Spanish domain (this region holds the most ancient traces of Spanish heritage) and Independence days - which had a strong imprint on the culture and lifestyle of the people living in the area.

One of the most fascinating aspects of a visit to the Northwest area is the chance to mingle with the native population, some of the friendliest people on Earth. Since the rigorous climate up the mountains has discouraged permanent settlements, the local inhabitants preserve practically intact their ancient customs and traditions. Their polychromatic dresses, their expressive artwork and handicrafts, their music, their colorful markets and street fairs and delicious gastronomy are eloquent expressions of the soul of these people and their love for PACHAMAMA (Mother Earth).

Since this area was originally colonized by the Spaniards, this region holds the most ancient traces of Spanish heritage: towns with typical colonial architecture, adobe churches and hidden chapels, old traditional fincas (ranches), etc., which are the delight of visitors.

An unexpected attraction, in sharp contrast with the dry and arid landscape of the Northwest is the cloud forest or montane forest. This is a true link between the Amazon basin and the Andes mountain chain, which penetrates into Argentina from Bolivia (where they are called yungas) in the shape of a V, extremely biodiverse, and full of exuberant vegetation typical of humid regions.

Some of the most spectacular geological formations on Earth are to be found in the impressive landscapes, which encompass the northwestern Argentine provinces. Not only we include this gorgeous formations but also most of the most amazing deserts and high altitude lakes (comparable - and sometimes superior to some extent- to Atacama and Uyuni.

Day 1 - arrive Salta in morning, transfer to hotel. Afternoon city tour. Visit to Salta, one of the oldest cities founded in the country by the Spaniards. The main points of interest are the Cabildo (Town Hall), the Archbishop´s Palace and Cathedral, all around the main square (9 de Julio), San Francisco´s church and San Bernardo´s church and convent. You will go up the San Bernardo Hill in a cable car and enjoy a panoramic view of the city. A few kilometers away, set amidst green mountains and streams, you will come across San Lorenzo, a summer resort with old trees, flowering gardens, and magnificent mansions, surrounded by gentle hills which are ideal for walks, picnics and horse-riding. At the end of the tour, a visit to the Craft Market (ancient flour mill) offers an excellent chance to appreciate authentic samples of the native artisans work.

Day 2 - tour to Cachi - Leaving the tobacco plantations of the Lerma Valley behind, the road begins to climb through Quebrada de Escoipe, also called the "three-colored" gorge, because of its red earth and green hills in contrast with the blue sky. A little further on, and in a setting of wild beauty, start the imposing Cuesta del Obispo, a former Indian trail. This winding road goes up during 21 km until reaching the heights of Piedra del Molino. At both sides of the road tall and elegant cacti will start to appear, indicating the proximity of Los Cardones National Park, which will be seen while traveling through Recta de Tin Tin, an old Inca highway, to get to Payogasta, from the Cacán "White Town", where the road weaves between colourful pepper plantations, and gently makes its way down to the sleepy village of Cachi, framed by the imposing snow capped mountain of 6384 m.a.s.l. which marks the border between the Puna desert and the fertile Calchaquí valleys. Set between the Cachi and Calchaquí rivers, this pleasant village, founded in 1673 as a Spanish outpost, retains in its narrow cobbled streets the ancient church, with mud brick walls and roof made of cactus. The old chapel and the Archaeology Museum, one of the best of its kind in Argentina, can be visited.

Day 3 - Humahuaca Canyon - Full day expedition enjoying the multicolored landscape of the Humahuaca Gorge. Leaving Salta northwards, you will pass through sugar-cane, tobacco, beans and cotton plantations until reaching the city of Jujuy.
At Yala, a summer resort set amidst densely forested mountains, rivers and lakes, the road begins to rise into the Humahuaca Gorge, dotted with small prehispanic towns and a polychromatic mountainous scenery, originated by the colours of minerals, which, like giant brush-strokes, paint a many-coloured backdrop to this stage. After visiting the town of Purmamarca, situated at the foot of the magnificent Cerro de los Siete Colores (the Seven-Coloured Hill), you will reach the ancient Tilcara and the ruins of Pucará. The Tropic of Capricorn crosses the province at the level of Huacalera and Uquía, whose small church is one of the oldest in the area. The colonial town of Humahuaca will greet you at the end of the trip, resting beneath a beautiful blue sky, ideal to admire all sorts of Indian crafts, musical instruments and rustic weaves of llama and vicuña wool. On the way back to Salta you will pass through the city of Jujuy and take the mountain-side road which winds through the subtropical forest of the Western slopes of the Andes, festooned with wild creepers, aromatic herbs, and grand old trees.

2008 Price per person in US$ with group tours: $204 for 1 person, $160 for 2 people

Prices don't include hotels. We can quote for hotels from 3-5* We can also quote for private tours.

Multiday Tours in Salta Area

I thought I'd drop you a quick note to let you know that my trip to Argentina was superb! Amazing and fantastic. They did a great job organizing everything. The tour guides in each city were especially friendly and helpful, each driver prompt and courteous...it all ran smoothly and I'm very appreciative of that considering that I was traveling on my own. I have no complaints. Hilite of the trip for me was Salta! The tour up to the Andes Mountain was such a great experience. The tour guides were so enthusiastic, knowledgeable and fun. . The Andes scenery so diverse and grand, stopping by in small towns along the way, interacting w/ the local people which was a really positive experience. A great dose of real Argentine culture. The estancias were a great idea, I enjoyed each one and again, a great chance to experience the people and culture. Looking back I should have allowed more time to rest and relax at each...homemade food, warm hospitality, riding horses and enjoying the scenery. Dos Lunas was especially my favorite, absolutely beautiful. All in all a really memorable trip, in so many ways. Diverse and amazing scenery and great people. I look forward to going back again one day! Thanks again for your help. I will have to keep you in mind for future trips." - Erica

Other Short Tours from Salta That Can be Added or Substituted:

FULL DAY CAFAYATE - Home of the Wines in Salta 368 KM - Full day expedition to Cafayate, home to the only true native varietal Argentine wine - the Torrontes - of fruity and sweet flavor. Visit to the wineries with opportunities of wine tasting. The drive to Cafayate passes by some impressive geological formations produced by erosion on the colorful sedimentation of sandstone over the past 60 million years. $42

FULL DAY CONDOR TREK Moderate - This 7 hours walk takes place in unique sceneries at 2400 - 3200 meters above sea level. The trek begins at the entrance of "Los Cardones" National Park with gentle slopes along the paths. The eroded reddish formations and the deep gorges will always remains in our memory. The beauty and magic of this trek are enhanced by the possibility to sight condors and majestic views of "Cuesta del Obispo" and "Quebrada de Escoipe".
The trek includes: Transfers to / from the hotels. Box-lunch and mineral water. Temperatures vary between : -2° and 20° $130

Season: March to December.
Level of difficulty: Easy But: Ride climbs at 4000 m (12000 ft)
Minimum / Maximum: 2 / 18 pax
Departures: Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays

Itineraries: STARTING POINT: 0700 AM at the Central Plaza. Full (and long) days drive following the famous itinerary of the "Train of the Clouds". The Movitrack leaves the city of Salta to San Antonio de los Cobres (at 12500 ft) through breathtaking canyons of our northern Andes (Quebrada del Toro), visiting Santa Rosa de Tastil, which was the largest pre-Inca city in the country. From there head through the Puna (high plateau) towards a huge salt deposit (SALINAS GRANDES) in the northern province of Jujuy, following down the famous winding "Cuesta de Lipán" to reach a highlight: the colonial village of Purmamarca, at the foot of the Seven Colors Mountain. Late evening return to Salta (by 1000 PM).

The rate does not include: Transfer to/from-starting point to the hotel. Movitrack arranges meals (breakfast + lunch + tea+ dinner) to be paid locally. $143

Season: March to December
Level of difficulty: Easy * But: Ride climbs at 4000 m (12000 ft)
Type: Sightseeing + Soft hiking +overland Minimum / Maximum: 2 / 18 pax
Departures: Wednesdays and Saturdays

Itineraries: Starting point at 07.00 AM, at the Central Plaza. A 2 day overland which includes the first day of the ride to the Clouds and an overnight at TILCARA, a small village close to Purmamarca.

Day 01: Is similar to above tour.

Day 02: The following day includes a visit to the colorful Humahuaca canyon that combines a visit to some remains of indigenous cultures (like the Pucara de Tilcara, a stone fortification on a mountaintop) with the later Spanish colonial architecture present in 16th Century churches and other buildings. The multi-hued canyon walls serve as a backdrop for the lively manifestation of indigenous culture: the music, the street fairs and native markets and the gastronomy of the local people. The visit will include the village of Humahuaca, the city of San Salvador de Jujuy and back to Salta. Before arriving in Salta, stop at beautiful northern "estancia".

The rate includes: Bilingual specialized guide and overnight in Tilcara.
The rate does not include: Transfer to/from starting point to the hotel. Movitrack arranges all meals to be paid locally. $259. Single supp. = $12

Rec. Season: March to December
Level of difficulty: Easy
Type: Sightseeing + Soft hiking +overland Minimum / Maximum: 2 / 18 pax
Departures: Mondays and Tuesdays

Itineraries: STARTING POINT AT 0700 AM at the Central Plaza.

2 days of a marvelous overland. Visit the famous ruins of the Quilmes Indians and the unique Calchaquíes Valleys. Starting from the beautiful Spanish colonial city of Salta, travel up the "Cuesta del Obispo", famous for its winding and scenic road, "Los Cardones National Park", the ancient village of Cachi and finally follow the road through the "Valles Calchaquíes". The tour reaches Quilmes, site of the spectacular fortifications and town built by the Indians of the same name. Overnight at the fascinating hotel overlooking the Quilmes ruins.
On the second day we will explore the ruins on foot and then resume our trip to taste a delicious and unique Cafayate wine at a local winery before returning to Salta through the scenic "Quebrada del Río las Conchas" with its impressive geological formations.

The rate includes: Bilingual specialized guide and overnight in Quilmes Ruins Lodge.
The rate does not include: Transfer to/from starting point to the hotel. Movitrack arranges all meals to be paid upon departure $259. Single supp. = $12

Please do not ask to reserve only a single day tour. We only reserve packages or multi-day tours.