Northern Argentina & Chile

On your first day in Northern Argentina and Chile, your driver will welcome you at Salta Airport and transfer you to your hotel in the city. After check-in, meet your local guide for a tour of Salta “La Linda”, renowned for its colonial architecture and rich history. Visit the fascinating Museo de Arqueología de Alta Montaña (MAAM) to learn about pre-Columbian cultures and see the famous Llullaillaco Children, remarkably preserved Inca mummies discovered atop the Andes. Later, explore on your own, visit the Cabildo, wander through museums, or take the cable car to San Bernardo Hill for stunning views. In the evening, enjoy traditional cuisine and live folk music at a local peña, where dancing is always encouraed.

On the second day of your Northern Argentina and Chile adventure, travel to Cafayate, one of the most enchanting destinations in Argentina’s Northwest wine region. Surrounded by stunning mountain landscapes, this charming town is famous for its Torrontés, a unique aromatic white wine found only here. Spend a relaxing day visiting some of Cafayate’s most prestigious wineries — such as El Esteco, Piattelli, and El Porvenir, where you’ll tour the vineyards, learn about the winemaking process, and, of course, taste their finest selections. Enjoy the serene atmosphere, breathtaking views, and warm hospitality that make Cafayate a true paradise for wine lovers.

Continue your journey north into Jujuy Province to explore the stunning landscapes of the Humahuaca Gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Along the way, admire the ever-changing colors of the Andes and visit remarkable attractions such as Cerro de los Siete Colores in Purmamarca, the ancient Pucará de Tilcara, and the striking Cerro Paleta del Pintor in Maimará. In Uquía, discover 17th-century Cusqueña paintings inside its charming colonial church, then pass through Huacalera and the Tropic of Capricorn, with views of La Pollera de la Coya Hill. Arrive in Humahuaca, a picturesque town of narrow streets, craft markets, and traditional cuisine. Return to Purmamarca to overnight, enjoying the evening glow over the magnificent Seven Colors Hill and its lively artisan fair.

Continue your Northern Argentina and Chile adventure exploring the Puna of Atacama, a highland desert spanning northern Argentina and Chile. Depart Purmamarca, crossing the dramatic Lipán Slope, a zigzagging mountain road that reaches 4,170 meters at Abra de Potrerillos. Stop at the Salinas Grandes, one of South America’s largest salt flats at 3,450 meters, where the endless white expanse contrasts with the deep blue sky. Learn about traditional artisanal salt harvesting while admiring the surreal landscapes of volcanoes, plateaus, and wind-shaped rock formations. Continue to Paso de Jama, crossing into Chile, and arrive at San Pedro de Atacama for the night, ready to explore the otherworldly desert landscapes of the Atacama region.

Start early to witness a breathtaking sunrise at the Tatio Geysers, where steaming vents and boiling pools create a surreal landscape. Enjoy breakfast amidst this otherworldly scenery as the first sunlight contrasts with the rising vapor. On the return journey, admire the Andean landscapes, unique geological formations, and native wildlife, including vicuñas and vizcachas. Stop in the small village of Machuca, with traditional adobe and straw houses, browse the colorful artisan fair, and sample typical Andean dishes. In the afternoon, explore the Valley of the Moon, part of Los Flamencos National Reserve, where wind-shaped rock formations create a lunar-like terrain. Watch the desert transform as sunset paints the landscape in golden and red tones, a truly unforgettable experience.

On the final day of your Northern Argentina and Chile trip, depart after breakfast to explore the Atacama Desert. Visit the charming indigenous village of Toconao, known for its white adobe houses, historic monuments, and rich local traditions. Weather permitting, continue to Laguna Chaxa, home to numerous flamingos. Embark on a one-hour trek across the high plateau, enjoying panoramic views of salt flats, Miscanti and Miñiques lakes, volcanoes, and native wildlife such as vicuñas, foxes, and flamingos. After lunch, explore the surreal Piedras Rojas with its red-oxidized rock formations and the striking Aguas Calientes Salt Flats. Return to San Pedro de Atacama, concluding your unforgettable adventure through the otherworldly landscapes of Northern Argentina and Chile.

Bid farewell to the breathtaking landscapes of Northern Argentina and Chile. Your private driver will pick you up from your hotel in San Pedro de Atacama and transfer you comfortably to Calama Airport, ensuring a smooth start to your onward journey. Reflect on the unforgettable experiences , from the vibrant colonial cities and colorful mountain ranges to the vast salt flats, highland deserts, and surreal Atacama landscapes — as you prepare to depart this remarkable region.