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Argentina Holidays: Iguazu Falls + Salta + Cafayate + Mendoza Wine Tours + Valle Fertil

Argentina: Iguaza + Salta + Cafayate + Mendoza + Valle Fertil

18 NIGHTS FROM:

$4,007

Per person sharing

Scheduled flights + car hire quoted separately

ACW18B

• Argentina Tailor Made Holidays

• Buenos Aires

• Iguazu Falls

• Salta

• Cafayate

• Salt Flats + Purmamarca

• Mendoza Wine Tours

• Valle Fertil

• Villa Union

• Self Drive

Our tailor made self drive Argentina holidays start in the vibrant city of Buenos Aires with its tango culture, before visiting both sides of the mighty Iguazu Falls. Continue to the stunning landscapes & vineyards of Salta & Cafayate in the northwest, before flying south to the Mendoza winelands, famous for their Malbec wines (with optional wine tours). You can also visit the oasis at Valle Fertil & Villa Union.

Detailed itinerary ▶

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Day 1

You will be met at Buenos Aires Airport and transferred to your hotel in this exciting city, situated on the estuary of the Río de la Plata - the 'River of Silver'.

Check in and relax in this capital of Argentina, known for its wonderful architecture, tango dancing and rich culture, including the highest concentration of theatres in the world.

Day 2

This morning enjoy a half day shared tour of Buenos Aires - a cosmopolitan city that has been influenced by the many immigrants who helped form it and offering beautiful architecture, history and culture.

After collection from your hotel, your tour starts at the Plaza de Mayo - the historical, political and cultural centre of the city. Here you can see the Pink House (Presidential Palace), the Pyramid de Mayo and Metropolitan Cathedral. We continue down Avenida de Mayo, with its wide avenues and spacious green areas, past the Obelisk to the neighbourhood of San Telmo, one of the oldest in the city with cobbled streets and colonial houses. The vibrant area is the centre for most of the tango parlours, restaurants and bars of the city. Every Sunday a major artisan market takes place here around the Plaza Dorrego.

Going further south, we visit the Italian port neighbourhood of La Boca, with its colourful houses in Caminito Street and many 'cantinas' (small restaurants). Also the trendy modern neighbourhood of Puerto Madero, where the old piers have been converted into upmarket offices, apartments and restaurants with views of the Rio de la Plata.

We visit the residential neighbourhood of Palermo with its elegant mansions surrounded by spacious parks, before arriving in glamorous Recoleta, where there is the option to visit the famous cemetery where Eva Peron is buried, with its rich architecture (pay locally). Next to the cemetery is the church of Our Lady of Pilar, the Recoleta Cultural Centre (originally a convent) and the Palais de Glace exhibition centre.

In the evening you will be collected for a Tango Show. Born in the brothels of the city amongst a racial mix of Gauchos, Italian, Spanish and African immigrants, this dance and its music originated as a combination of Cuban and Spanish rhythms, with some polka and African beat. Enjoy the show and dinner, including mouth-watering Argentinian beef and Malbec wine.

Note: Shared day tours have a maximum of 25 people. After your city tour you will be dropped off at one of the designated drop-off points in the downtown area.

Day 3

Transfer to Aeroparque Airport for your onward flight.

Note: Your driver will only speak Spanish.

You will be met at Iguazu Cataratas Airport and transferred to your hotel located near one of the greatest waterfalls in the world, regarded as one of Latin America's most awe-inspiring sights.

The mighty Iguazu Falls, whose name means "Great Waters", straddles the border between Argentina and Brazil - although almost 80% of the falls are on the Argentinian side. It is situated in a huge tropical rainforest that has been declared a World Heritage Site, with countless flora and fauna species.

Note: Your driver will only speak Spanish.

Day 4

Today enjoy a full day shared tour of the Argentinian side of the incredible Iguazu Falls.

Comprising approximately 275 separate cascades, the falls form a curtain of foaming water that crashes over a vast granite amphitheatre and into the jungle below. Resembling a reversed letter "J", most of the Iguazu River plunges down through an area known as The Devil’s Throat, with the rest spreading out over a wide shelf that splits into hundreds of different waterfalls. There are a series of walkways that lead above, below and behind the falls, with breath-taking views. You can also hope to see monkeys, toucans, parakeets and other wildlife in the rainforest.

When the Devil's Throat section is inaccessible due to flooding, we will visit the Three Borders Landmark instead. This is where the Paraná River meets the Iguazú River - which marks the meeting point of Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay. There is a fair with local handicrafts, and from this point you can see the flags of all three countries. Lunch is for your own account today.

Note: Take a light raincoat, as you will get wet visiting some sections of the falls. Shared day tours have a maximum of 25 people.

Day 5

This morning we cross the border for a half day shared tour of the Brazilian side of the incredible Iguazu Falls, with panoramic views of the nearly 2-mile (3 km) cliff edge.

We take an elevator down to the base of the waterfalls and stop at different viewing points. The volume of water flowing over the falls varies greatly depending on seasonal rainfall, but the falls are a spectacular sight at any time of year. The waterflow is highest between October and March, with the heaviest rains from December to February, when many trails are closed.

Your afternoon is at leisure to relax at your hotel or explore further independently.

Note: You will need your passport to cross into Brazil. UK citizens do not need a visa for Brazil, but citizens of other countries need to check their requirements. Take a light raincoat, as you will get wet visiting some sections of the falls. Shared day tours have a maximum of 25 people.

Day 6

Transfer to Iguazu Cataratas Airport for your onward flight.

Note: Your driver will only speak Spanish.

Arrive at Salta Airport, collect your hire car and drive to your hotel in this high-altitude Andean capital of the mountainous northwest, situated in the beautiful Lerma Valley.

The city has a timeless Spanish colonial atmosphere, reflected in its folk music - as it has a strong 'gaucho' (cowboy) culture. Salta also has many excellent museums. But in this region you will also see farmers herding their llamas and alpacas. You may also see other camelids such as vicuñas and guanacos, groups of rheas (which look like small ostriches) and the mighty Andean condor, the largest flying bird in the world.

Day 7

Today we suggest an optional half day Walking Tour of Salta, one of the most picturesque cities in Argentina with an attractive contrast between its traditional colonial buildings with their railed balconies and modern urban architecture.

Plaza 9 de Julio is at the heart of the city and surrounded by some of its most important buildings, numerous bars and restaurants. The 18th century Church and Convent of San Francisco has been declared a minor basilica by the Vatican. The Cabildo and Historical Museum of the North was the former seat of government of the Spanish Viceroy and subsequently the provincial government. The 16th century Convent of San Bernardo, whose portal is carved from an algarrobo (carob) tree, is considered a jewel of colonial art. The Italian designed Basilica Cathedral housese the remains of General Martín Miguel de Guemes, a hero of the battle for independence.

Afterwards drive to Cerro San Bernardo, where the monument to General de Guemes is located. From this hill there is a panoramic view over the Lerma Valley and the city below. Your tour ends at the Mercado Artesanal (Craft Market), where you can admire the mastery of local artisans with pottery, weaving, textiles, ponchos and tapestries, as well as with musical instruments.

At the end of your tour visit the MAAM High Mountain Archaelogical Museum (Museo de Arqueología de Alta Montaña) with its collection of Incan artifacts, including mummies of girls found in the Llullaillaco Volcano.

Day 8

A full day on the road today as you drive from Salta to the wine-producing region of Cafayate, travelling via the the charming pre-Colombian town of Cachi.

Drive 3-hours to Cachi, passing through the towns of Cerrillos, El Carril and Chicoana before ascending the Escoipe Cliff. Continue along the dramatic mountain road known as the Cuesta del Obispo, with its hairpin bends offering marvellous views of the rippling Sierra del Obispo mountains covered in olive-green vegetation, until you reach the high altitude Piedro del Molino (Stone Mill) at 3,384 m. From here you take the Recta de Tin-Tin, a straight path originally laid out by the local Aboriginal people that produces the strange sense of rising, whereas in reality the road is declining. Continue heading westward across an arid plateau to Los Cardones National Park, set up to preserve the endangered giant candelabra cactus.

After crossing Payogasta, an ancient indigenous settlement, you will arrive in the town of Cachi situated at the foot of the Nevado de Cachi. This pre-Columbian region of old houses and good wine has a pristine atmosphere. Here you can visit the small 18th century church that is decorated with wooden objects and also serves as the Archaeological Museum.

Then leave Cachi and drive 4-hours to Cafayate, the region that produces the world's best high altitude white wines using the Torrontes grape. The town is scenically situated in the heart of the Calchaquíes Valleys and is surrounded by vineyards and rivers. This series of high altitude valleys receives over 300 days of sunshine a year and is renowned for its contrast of colours and unique geography, ranging from mountain deserts to subtropical forests and vineyards. The town has many beautiful homes that combine colonial and baroque architecture, such as the parish church and the municipal building.

Day 9

This morning you can visit the Vine and Wine Museum (pay entrance fee locally) before leaving Cafayate and driving 4-hours back to Salta, travelling through the spectacular Cafayate Gorge.

This barren and wild landscape of richly coloured sandstone has been carved out by the Rio de las Conchos river. Its reddish limestone walls have been eroded by wind and water, forming many capricious forms that have been names by local residents - such as the amphitheatre, devils’s throat, obelisk and the castles. The canyon’s twisted sedimentary strata display a stunning array of colours, ranging from rich red ocher to ethereal green.

Note: Vine and Wine Museum is closed on Mondays.

Day 10

Today we suggest an optional full day tour to see the magnificent salt flats at Salinas Grandes, the largest in Argentina, travelling for 5.5-hours via the small town of San Antonio de Los Cobres and the indigenous village at Purmamarca.

We depart from Salta and travel towards San Antonio de los Cobres, following the route of the 'Train to the Clouds', which allows you to admire this marvellous feat of engineering with its many curves and zig-zags cutting deep into the Quebrada del Toro gorge. Enjoy the bright blue skies and multi-coloured hills covered with cacti and shrubs, in this pristine Andean environment.

On arrival at San Antonio de los Cobres we visit the La Polvorilla Viaduct, which rises 63 m above the ground at an altitude of 4,197 m. Built between 1930 and 1932, this was a great work of engineering in its time.

We continue our journey northwards along the old Route 40 to the magnificent Salinas Grandes salt flats situated at the foot of the Sierras de Córdoba Mountains. This spectacular 200 square mile (525 sq. km) salt plain is located some 11,000 ft (3,350 m) above sea level, with a salty crust of up to 20 inches (0.5 m) thick in places. On a bright day you will need sunglasses to take in the blinding contrast between the brilliant white expanse of cracked and crusty salt and the bright blue sky.

After enjoying this amazing scenery, we descend through the winding Cuesta de Lipán (a series of steep zigzags in the road) to the Valley of Purmamarca. Here you will find an indigenous Indian village, nestled in the enchanting landscapes of the Cerro de los Siete Colores (Hill of Seven Colours). The old adobe parish church, dedicated to Saint Rosa of Lima, dates from 1648 and is a national monument. The main square has an artisan market, which brings together local craftsmen with their wood carvings, tapestries, woven rugs and wide variety of medicinal and aromatic herbs. We then drive 4-hours back to Salta.

Note: This excursion travels to a very high altitude, so take precautions for altitude sickness.

Day 11

Drive to Salta Airport for your onward flight.

Arrive at Mendoza Airport, collect your hire car and drive to your hotel in the heart of Argentina's wine country.

Check in and relax in this region that is famous for its Malbec and other bold red wines.

Day 12

Today we suggest self driving to some of the many small 'bodegas' (local wineries) found in Lujan de Cuyo outside Mendoza, as well as an olive oil factory. Alternatively you can book a private driver or a small group tour (pay locally).

Situated in the foothills of the Andes, Mendoza is Argentina's main wine producing region with rows and rows of vines stretching out to the distant snow-capped mountains. Learn more about how Malbac and other wines are produced and enjoy wine tastings and lunch in these beautiful surroundings (own account).

Day 13

Today we recommend visiting some of the many small 'bodegas' (local wineries) found in the beautiful Uco Valley. Alternatively you can book a private driver or a small group tour (pay locally).

Situated in the foothills of the Andes, Mendoza is Argentina's main wine producing region with rows and rows of vines stretching out to the distant snow-capped mountains. Learn more about how Malbac and other wines are produced, and enjoy wine tastings in these beautiful surroundings and and lunch (own account).

Day 14

Today drive 5-hours from the winelands of Mendoza, along undulating roads that cut through desert landscapes, to the small town of San Augustin del Valle Fertil.

Valle Fertile ('Fertile Valley') is a natural oasis in this semi-arid valley, with varied vegetation. Check into your hotel in this town that is the gateway to Talampaya National Park.

Day 15

Today drive to Talampaya National Park, situated in a basin between the Cerro Los Colorados to the west and the Sierra de Sañagasta to the east. Here you will see dramatic landscapes, eroded by wind and water (pay entrance fee locally).

Covering an area of 830 square miles (2,150 sq km), Talampaya and adjoining Ischigualasto ('Valley of the Moon') have been declared a World Heritage Site due to their many ancient archaeological and palaeontological sites. Dinosaur fossils have been found in the dry bed of the Talampaya River and the remains of indigenous settlements have also been discovered here, including the astonishing petroglyphs of Puerta del Cañón.

Talampaya Gorge has reddish walls nearly 470 ft (150 m) high, and its many rock formations have interesting names such as the Monk, Tower, Worm, Sphinx, Mushroom, Submarine and Bowling Court. There is an interesting local botanical garden at the narrowest point of the canyon and you may see wildlife such as guanacos, hares, maras, foxes and giant condors soaring on the thermals.

Afterwards drive to the small town of Villa Union for overnight.

Day 16

A full day on the road today as you drive 6.5-hours from Villa Union through amazing desert landscapes to Mendoza.

Along the way you can stop at the modern city of San Juan in the Tulum Valley. This is an important wine producing region, with many trees irrigated by a system of canals that have earned it the nickname 'The Oasis'.

Check in to your hotel in the heart of Argentina's wine country and relax in this region that is famous for its Malbec and other bold red wines.

Day 17

At leisure to relax in the wine and olive oil region of Mendoza, where the town centre has wide leafy streets lined with modern and art-deco buildings.

Optional activities vary by hotel, but usually include wine tours and wine tastings.

Day 18

Drive to Mendoza Airport for your onward flight.

You will be met at Aeroparque Airport in Buenos Aires and transferred to your hotel in this sophisticated capital city.

Note: Your driver will only speak Spanish.

Day 19

Transfer to Buenos Aires Airport for your flight home.

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