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Holiday, Salta Argentina: Salinas Grandes Salt Flats + Cafayate + Lake District

Best of Argentina: Iguazu + Salta + Lakes + Patagonia Wildlife

20 NIGHTS FROM:

$3,465

Per person sharing

Scheduled flights quoted separately

ARD20B

• Buenos Aires

• City Tour & Tango Show

• Holiday, Salta Argentina

• High Mountain Museum

• Salinas Grandes Salt Flats

• Purmamarca Indian Village

• Humahuaca Gorge

• Cafayate & Cachi

• Lake District

• Iguazu Falls

This holiday to Salta in Argentina explores the dramatic landscapes of this beautiful country, including the astonishing Salinas Grande salt flats, Humahuaca Gorge, Purmamarca Indian Village & vineyards of Cafayate. Then fly to the scenic Lake District to relax, before ending your holiday at the mighty Iguaza Falls. English speaking guides, all transfers & specified sightseeing included.

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.

Days 4 To 5

Today enjoy a full day private tour exploring 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: Wear good walking shoes, as you will walk a lot today on metal walkways that can get very slippery when wet. Also take a light raincoat, as you will get wet visiting some sections of the falls.

Day 6

Transfer to Iguazu Cataratas Airport for your onward flight.

Note: Your driver will only speak Spanish.

You will be met at Salta Airport and transferred 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.

Note: The Town Hall and MAAM Museum are closed on Mondays. San Miguel Market is closed on Sundays.

Day 8

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

We travel 3-hours to Cachi, passing through the towns of Cerrillos, El Carril and Chicoana before ascending the Escoipe Cliff. We 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 we reach the high altitude Piedro del Molino (Stone Mill) at 3,384 m. From here we 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. We 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, we 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.

We then leave Cachi and travel 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, before we leave Cafayate and drive 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

Transfer to Salta Airport for your onward flight.

You will be met at San Carlos de Bariloche Airport and transferred to your hotel in this regional centre situated on beautiful Lago Nahuel Huapi, a large glacial lake.

Relax in this region of great natural beauty, surrounded by the snow-capped Andes Mountains.

Note: Your driver will only speak Spanish.

Day 12

Today we suggest an optional half day tour to Mount Campanario and the Llao Llao Peninsula, to see one of the most beautiful views in the world.

Enjoy these mountain and lake landscapes, with magnificent views from López Bay and the Panoramic Lookout, before ascending Mount Campanario by chair lift (pay locally), for wonderful views into Chile. Here you can visit the San Eduardo Chapel and buy local handcrafts - including pottery, woodwork, candles and knitwear.

Day 13

Today we suggest an optional full day tour to Victoria Island and Los Arrayanes National Park.

We transfer from Bariloche to Puerto Panuelo, where we embark on a 1-hour sightseeing boat ride across beautiful Nahuel Huapi Lake. We disembark at Puerto Anchorena on Victoria Island, the largest island on the lake. Enjoy a guided nature walk through a coniferous forest where, in the summer months, you can take a dip in the lake at Toro Beach or an optional chair lift up Bella Vista Hill (pay locally).

We return to the boat and continue to the Quetrihué Peninsula, where we disembark to explore Los Arrayanes National Park. Learn about its hundred-year-old arrayán trees, with their cinnamon-coloured bark, which only grow on this narrow isthmus of land near Villa Angostura. You may also see a few pudu (a species of miniature deer). Afterwards we return by boat to Puerto Panuelo.

Note: Lunch can be purchased on the boat, or bring your own. If only a small number of passengers on the day, this tour may be shortened to half day without notice (i.e. lunch is not enjoyed on the island). As the same activities are done, no refunds are given. Guides on board the boat are Spanish-speaking.

Day 14

Transfer to Bariloche Airport for your onward flight.

Note: Your driver will only speak Spanish.

You will be met at El Calafate Airport and transferred to your hotel in this small town, situated on Lake Argentino in Santa Cruz province and the gateway to Los Glaciares National Park.

Check in and relax surrounded by the scenery of the spectacular Southern Patagonian Ice Field.

Note: Your driver will only speak Spanish.

Day 15

Today enjoy a full day shared excursion to Los Glaciares National Park, the largest national park in Argentina covering an area of over 725,000 hectares and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

This is an area of exceptional natural beauty, with towering mountains and many glacial lakes. The giant ice cap in the Austral Andes that feeds these 47 glaciers is the largest outside Antarctica and Greenland, with over half the park covered with enormous glaciers. You can make your way along walkways in front of the famous Perito Moreno Glacier to get closer views. With luck you may see it "calving", when huge chunks of ice break off the glacier and splash into the lake below.

Take an included 1-hour boat ride to view this spectacular glacier up-close, before returning to El Calafate in the late afternoon. Lunch is for your own account today.

Day 16

At leisure to explore more of El Calafate and the surrounding area independently or take a boat ride on Lake Argentino.

There is the option of a full day All Glaciers Navigation, sailing up the northern arm of Lake Argentino to the western front of the beautiful Upsala Glacier, crossing the impressive barrier of ice floes that break off constantly from the front of the glacier, before continuing up the Spegazzini channel to view the Seco, Heim south & impressive Spegazzini glaciers, arriving back at port around 14.00.

Alternatively you can set out early from Port de la Cruz on the Estancia Cristina cruise, that also sails to the beautiful Upsala Glacier, before continuing up the Cristina channel to a local estancia (ranch) where you can visit the Costumbrista Museum, a former shearing shed. This involves an exciting 4x4 ride up steep gradients, with panoramic views. After an included lunch at the estancia, we walk 30-minutes over glacial erosion to the Continental Ice Refuge to admire the eastern front of the Upsasla Glacier, Guillermo Lake, the Southern Patagonian Icefield and the Andes. We then sail back to Port de la Cruz, arriving at around 19.00.

There is also the option of spending a full day experiencing life on a traditional Patagonian Estancia, where you can enjoy hiking or horse riding through these landscapes and see sheep shearing, with included lunch.

El Chaltén extension

If you would like to do some walking, enquire about extending your trip to include the small village of El Chalten, which is situated inside Los Glaciares National Park and has many wonderful walking trails with views of Mount Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre.

Day 17

Transfer to El Calafate Airport for your onward flight.

Note: Your driver will only speak Spanish.

You will be met at Trelew Airport and transferred 1-hour to Puerto Madryn on the coast of northern Patagonia.

Trelew is the gateway to the rich marine life of the Valdes Peninsula. This region has strong links to the culture of Wales, as a result of Welsh settlement in this part of Argentina.

Note: Your driver will only speak Spanish.

Day 18

Today enjoy a full day shared excursion to explore the marine life of the rocky Valdes Peninsula.

We drive 1-hour to this World Heritage site that is home to important breeding colonies of sea lions and elephant seals. These marine animals are preyed on by orcas, which have adapted their hunting techniques to local coastal conditions. From June to November, over 2,000 southern right whales gather here to give birth - making this the largest breeding population of southern right whales in the world.

Our first stop is at Puerto Pirámides, where an optional whale watching boat ride can be taken. Outside of whale watching season, you can see sea lions, cormorants and possibly bottlenose dolphins. After lunch (own account) we visit the sea lion colony at Puerto Pirámides.

Our next stop is at Punta Canor, a panoramic viewpoint over the peninsula and Caleta Valdes. From the rocky cliffs you can get close views of a colony of sea elephants. During the day we may also spot terrestrial wildlife such as guanacos, piches, maras, ostriches and foxes, as well as many different bird species.

We return to Puerto Madryn in the late afternoon, where you can walk along the beautiful sandy beach or the promenade that faces Golfo Nuevo Bay. There is also a clifftop museum with exhibits on Patagonian nature and a lighthouse-style tower with wonderful ocean views.

Note: The order we visit the above places may change.

Day 19

Today enjoy a full day shared excursion to the Punta Tombo Penguin Reserve.

We drive 3-hours southwards to Punta Tombo Fauna Reserve, which is home to the largest Magellan penguin colony on the continent (over 500,000 birds). Here you can walk along trails through the reserve and observe the penguins and their nests up close, as well as the nests of many other sea birds such as gulls, petrels, Antarctic pigeons, skuas, steam ducks, plovers, cormorants and terns. Dolphin also occasionally come in to the bay.

After an included lunch in the reserve, we return to Puerto Madryn.

Note: From April to August, when the penguins migrate, you can visit Mount Avanzado and Punta Loma instead where you can view sea lions.

Day 20

Transfer 1-hour to Trelew Airport for your onward flight.

Note: Your driver will only speak Spanish.

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 21

Transfer to Buenos Aires Airport for your flight home.

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