Argentina is widely-known for its traditional cuisine and flavorful wines - and this Argentina trip lets you find out exactly why it's so celebrated! Your journey begins in the colonial town of Salta where you can enjoy the beautiful architecture and local markets. Next, visit the Los Conchas Gorge where you'll meet local artisans. Enjoy wine in the vineyards in Cayafate Valley and hike through the famous Humahuaca Gorge. The end of your trip includes an Andean cooking class where you'll learn the secret to a traditional Tamale. Each day offers plenty of opportunities to experiment with local dishes and wines. Salud Argentina!
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive Buenos Aires. Overnight
Day 2: Salta - the Beautiful (L)
This morning transfer to the airport for your flight to the beautiful city of Salta. The city is a gem of a colonial town set in the Lerma Valley. True criollos (native Argentineans of Spanish parentage) reside in colonial Salta and uphold a traditional culture.
This afternoon you will have a chance to visit the colorful markets where local people sell such fresh produce. During lunch, you'll have your first taste of the local dishes and rich wines from nearby Cafayate. This evening, enjoy gourmet Andean haut-cuisine at a local restaurant. Recommended delicacies include meat empanadas, tamales, humitas, and casseroles of grilled goat meat.
Day 3: Las Conchas Gorge (L)
You'll begin Day 3 entering the breathtaking Las Conchas Gorge. Enter the gorge at Talapampa and pass by a goat farm, part of the Guitierrez Castex family. While at the farm you'll have a chance to learn about local cheeses - including a rare dulce de leche, that blends nicely with a glass of local wine. Tonight, relax in the hotel nestled in the heart of Las Conchas Gorge.
Day 4: Vineyard and Cafayate
After a traditional breakfast you will take a trip with an oenologist through nearby vineyards and learn about local wine, production, distinctive flavors and regional grapes that make this country's wine so unique. In the wine cellar you'll have a chance to sample malbec-cabernet.
As you make your way to Cafayate Valley, spend time walking the incredible rock formations of the gorge. You will be awe-struck by the variety of colors that paint the rocky landscape. In the late afternoon you'll be greeted by the Cristofani family who will introduce you to their clay studio and refined art form. You will also visit Barraco, a local silversmith famous in the area for his beautiful wood and silver creations. Experience a remarkable sun set while taking an evening stroll before returning to your hotel.
Day 5: Village Path to Cachi (L)
This morning, descend to the famous Calchaquies Valley, where a striking natural landscape combines with unique architecture and cultural attractions. You'll take a hike through the impressive Quebrada de la Flecha (Flecha Gorge), where a collection of sandstone spikes often appear like moving figures due to the light. To keep you going, your guide will prepare a lunch of typical Argentine foods. This area holds much historical evidence of aborginal settlements - adobe huts stand on sand dunes here.
The town of Molinos local craftsmen sell handmade ponchos and blankets that they make using ancestral techniques. This evening you will arrive in Cachi. With time, wander the cobblestone streets, visit an ancient chapel made from cactus wood, or discover one of the best archaeological museums in Argentina.
Day 6: Cultures and Landscapes
Today you take a beautiful drive through the National Park Los Cordones and the Encantado Valley on your way to Salta. A leisurely lunch in the city is followed by a trip to Humahuaca Gorge. The region is a recognized World Heritage site. The Spanish, from Peru, were the first to colonize this area, and as such the region has colonial churches with simple bell towers and beautiful doors.
But even more spectacular is the landscape itself - the canyon's colorful rocks decorate the horizon. You will make your way through several small villages until arriving at Purmamarca, today's final destination. Toast the day's adventure at a local restaurant.
Day 7: Afternoon in an Andean Kitchen (L)
Transfer to Maimara where you will be greeted by Chef Gloria Diez Pena at the Kusika Restaurant. Today, she shares her cuisine secrets of typical Andean food and its relation to the local culture. The cooking class uses traditional products from the region.
You'll learn the trick to tasty Tamales de Charqui with dry Andean maiz made from traditional methods. This is more than a cooking lesson, this is also an anthropology and history class. Lunch includes your tamale delicacy, but you can also enjoy other regional dishes such as Mankakanca, Hajchalocro and Chairo de Tunta. Return to Purmamarca this evening in time to visit a local artisan market.
Day 8: Enjoy Salta
Today you'll have the chance to reacquaint with Salta. There are shops full of local artisans' works, a delicious food market and ancient city squares to discover. Find wonderful old cathedrals, churches and museums to wander into today. You can get a superb view of the city by taking the cable car to the top of Cerro San Bernardo. The city is free to explore at your own pace.
Day 9: Return Home
Catch your flight to Buenos Aires and connecting flights homeward, or with more time, visit Iguazu Falls.
Accommodations: 5 nights comfortable hotels, 2 nights vineyard hotel, 1 nights comfortable lodge
Food Includes: All meals as indicated (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner); most of our hotels offer free continental breakfast.
Transportation: local flights, buses, vans, your own feet!
Argentina travel wonderfully suited for those looking to explore the Northwest and more at a relaxed pace. An emphasis on the food and wine produced in this region.
Start Dates 2007: May 4, Jun 1, Jun 29, Jul 6, Aug 24, Sep 21, Oct 19, Nov 6, Nov 16, Dec 14
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Single Supplement: US$250
Note: Flights Buenos Aires-Salta-Buenos Aires are not included. Please add US$590/person (flight cost subject to change).
Personal Budgeting: Allow US$200 for meals not included, US$18 international airport departure tax, US$60 optional excursions
Pre & Post Tour Accommodations: Share US$55, Single US$110
Arrival/ Departure Transfers: 1 person US$50 each, 2 or more people US $25/person
Prices are based on a 3% cash discount
Also see tour packages in:
South America
Argentina
Cultural Journey
Food & Wine
Email it to a friend:
Click here to email this vacation to a friend
|
