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Blog - Jim's Thoughts

Argentina Tours and Travel

Best of Patagonia / Hiking the Patagonia Classics / More Patagonia Treks / More Patagonia / Firecrowns & Penguins
Buenos Aires / Calafate / Iguazu Falls / Bariloche / Ushuaia / Salta / Mendoza / Ibera / Valdes Peninsula / Hidden Argentina
Antarctic Cruises / Expedition Cruises / Best of Northwest / Bike Tours / Wine Tours / Uruguay Escapes / Tango, Candombe & Samba

HIDDEN ARGENTINA TOUR

The North of Argentina is in large part a colourful, wind-sculpted montane desert traversed by green river valleys. Slow-paces village life enhanced by comfortable inns, many recycled from colonial structures, tasty local cuisine and numerous wineries, make a leisurely drive through the valleys an unforgettable experience.

"I had the chance to do this program, joining two other clients on a March departure. It was a wonderful experience, not only for the lovely scenery but especially for the warm and excellent service from our guides Luis & Maru. I would say that they are the real highlight of the program, they make this trip an enjoyable one and definitely and unforgettable experience. They provide tips at every location, they know where and when to stop. They pay special attention to any interest mentioned by clients and would then show anything related to clients interest at each place. They are very knowledgeable and warm persons to travel with. The program is a 10 days itinerary driving from San Juan to Salta. We spent about 8/9 hours per day while travelling from one place to the next one. Vehicle is kept in excellent conditions, the trip includes driving through gravel and dusty roads but we were met every morning by an impeccable vehicle. Even if the trip has fixed places for overnight they can adapt daily visits to clients' interests. Visits to National Parks, Museums, Ruins, villages have an added value when shown by them, they make you see and indicate details you would probably not notice on you own. The program combines scenery locations, changing landscape, colourful villages, interesting culture and once again an excellent and warm guide service. We would say that they are not only guides; they drive you around as if they would show the area to their friends, and you can really feel they are your hosts". Laura Rottgardt

The "Hidden Argentina" is the ideal trip for those passengers who are looking for;

" DISCOVERING New areas of Argentina; areas of great beauty and different colors from those of Patagonia.
" MEETING PEOPLE. Enjoy exploring small villages and mingling with the very friendly local inhabitants.
Meet Luis and Maru Aguilar, the guides that stand out in Argentina. They are not only people's people but also have a profound respect for the local people, enjoy meeting them, are curious and friendly. You will find that they know all the key characters along the way and with a huge smile are always welcome.
" SMALL GROUPS. This trip is ideal for those passengers traveling alone or those that enjoy traveling in small groups to meet people from different countries and cultures.
" MORE OF ARGENTINA. It is the right trip for those visitors that are looking for a "second round" of Argentina.

DAY 1: BUENOS AIRES
Arrival at Buenos Aires International Airport. Meeting and transfer to the hotel (40 minutes).

The "Queen of the River Plate Basin" or the "Paris of South America", as Buenos Aires City is called, can be a superlative introduction to the exploration of Argentina, from both the cultural and wildlife points of view. What is certain is that this cosmopolitan city, European in appearance, can keep any culture-oriented visitor busy indefinitely. Its intense cultural and commercial life can fill every minute of any visit with pleasant experiences.

In the afternoon, you will enjoy the unique FOUR BALCONIES OF BUENOS AIRES Tour, a tour that approaches Buenos Aires in a peculiar way. It is an exclusive visit of Buenos Aires, in which a guide uses four parks or squares of the city to introduce visitors to Argentina, its history, its contrasts, its contradictions and the characteristic psychology of the "porteños", the inhabitants of Buenos Aires. The places to be visited are Plaza de Mayo in Montserrat, Parque Lezama in La Boca, Plaza San Martin in Retiro and Plaza Alvear in Recoleta.
Back to the hotel.

Overnight at Elevage Hotel
Approximate kilometers: 35 / 22 miles

DAY 02- BUENOS AIRES - SAN JUAN - SAN AGUSTIN DEL VALLE FERTIL
Transfer to the domestic airport to fly to San Juan. Arrival in San Juan. Meet at the airport and drive to San Agustin del Valle Fertil, the gateway city to the amazing Ischigualasto and Talampaya Geological Parks. Accommodation at the FINCA LA MEDIALUNA.

Our visit will include a short sightseeing of the city of San Juan, the provincial capital of the same name founded in 1562 upon a geological fault line. This city was flattened by a massive earthquake in 1944. Now after more than sixty years, it is a modern city of tree-lined streets and parks and one that retains the laid back rhythm of a small town. We continue our trip heading Northeast towards Valle Fertil and on the way we stop at the shrine of Difunta Correa, a popular Argentinian saint. Here we will find some impressive churches and shrines devoted to this martyr. We finally get to San Agustin del Valle Fertil 260 km- (160 miles) NE of San Juan City, a pleasant oasis town. We leave the small village behind and head to the Finca LA MEDIALUNA. Accommodation.
The Hosteria is very simple, yet cosy and welcoming. It will be a nice place to rest and get ready for our next exploration.
www.fincalamedialuna.com.ar
Meals: B.
Paved road - 300 km approx.

DAY 03- A JOURNEY BACK IN TIME: ISCHIGUALASTO & TALAMPAYA PARKS
Early morning visit to ISCHIGUALASTO (also known as Valle de La Luna) Provincial Park. Located in northwestern Argentina, Ischigualasto is a basin region of sandstone and mudstones. These arid badlands have a bizarre and rugged terrain that has given it the popular name "Valley of the Moon". We will walk in the park following the well-marked trails to reach the most amazing rock formations that were formed as a consequence of the wind erosion after millions of years.
These trails will let us appreciate the amazing "Encyclopedia" of the Triassic era that lasted for about 45 million years.

The Late Triassic (Carnian) deposits of the Ischigualasto Formation contain some of the oldest known dinosaur remains. Of those sites containing the earliest dinosaurs, Ischigualasto ranks second in fame, after the Chinle Formation of North America, but ranks first in the quality, number, and importance of its dinosaur finds. It is also the only place in the world where nearly all of the Triassic is represented in an undisturbed sequence of rock deposits, and both the overlying and underlying formations have also yielded important fossils of early dinosaurs as well as of early synapses and freshwater fish.

Afternoon exploration of TALAMPAYA NATIONAL PARK to capture the best photos with the best light shinning over the amazing red rock formations. In addition to the scientific importance of Ischigualasto-Talampaya, these National Parks contain outstanding scenic areas that attract thousands of visitors every year. The red cliffs of Talampaya the variegated colors and strange rock formations form natural attractions. The walls of the canyon are about 160 m and they keep important imprints of the first inhabitants being its importance comparable to the Cave of the Painted Hands in Patagonia.

Ischigualasto-Talampaya represents the only known area in the world that contains a complete sequence of continental sediments with abundant fossil flora and fauna for the Triassic Period of geologic history. This period represents the origin of both mammals and dinosaurs, and offers the prospect of resolving one of the great enigmas of vertebrate paleontology--the rise to dominance of the dinosaurs and the suppression of mammalian evolution during 150 million years. After our exploration of the parks we resume our trip to Villa Union.
Overnight at Pircas Negras.
Meals: B - box-lunch

DAY 04: VILLA UNION - CHILECITO- TINOGASTA.
This is a day in which we will enter one of the least visited areas in Argentina. We leave Villa Union towards Chilecito, which is connected to Villa Union by the colorful Cuesta de Miranda (Miranda Slope) of incredible beauty and a strong red color which outstands from the green vegetation, in some parts quite exuberant. Early arrival at Chilecito, a quaint mining village surrounded by stunning valleys and mountain ranges, as well as vineyards and farms. We will explore this village and then keep driving north to visit the Museum de la Mejicana (An old mine museum which exhibits the longest cable car lift in Latin America; it reached 4400m above sea level on the Famatina range and was built between 1903/1905).
Lunch at leisure in Chilecito. We then head to our next stop: Tinogasta, the gateway to the adobe route in Argentina! The route borders the Famatina Valley rich in nuts and fruits plantations which add lot of color to the area. It is truly a garden route of various greens according to the time of the year.

Arrival and accommodation at Hosteria CASA GRANDE.
Meals: B
The road is mostly paved (only 30 km of gravel)
The Hosteria called Casa Grande, made of adobe, stands at 800 Moreno Street, a few meters away from the main square. The adobe walls of this recycled construction are an example of how this noble building material, if properly managed, may be used to provide beauty, luxury and comfort at the same time. (www.casagrandetour.com.ar)

DAY 05. THE ADOBE ROUTE
The Route, as the dwellers of Tinogasta call it, is a 60-kilometer-long road that crosses towns and hamlets built 300 years ago which seem to have been forgotten by God. Everything from old houses and constructions to countless churches and buildings has been made with the same material and the technique: adobe. The adobe churches are maybe the biggest attraction with their round domes, their shapes and lines, their arches and especially their color, similar to terracotta. It might be said that the Adobe Route starts at tiny Tinogasta, at the hosteria Casa Grande to be specific. This is the starting point for the exploration of this route that communicates small villages such as El Puesto, Santa Rosa, Anillaco, Saujil, Copacabana, Tatón and Fiambalá, that treasure these interesting constructions.

Real hand carved beauties can be found at the Oratorio de los Orquera (private chapel), Nuestra Señora de Andacollo (Church), the pre-Hispanic settlement of Batungasta ("The village of the wise men" according to the natives which dates from beginning of 1700), the Iglesia de San Pedro (Saint Peter's Church) and the Fiambalá "Comandancia de Armas". In addition to the material and the fact that they have been built hundreds of years ago, all of them reflect incredible architectural styles in their façades, ornaments and arches.

We finally reach Fiambala to visit its Thermal baths. The river runs down through a canyon forming natural ponds that are connected via small cascades; each pond has a different temperature beginning at 50°C descending to 20°C. It is ideal for a quick and relaxing bath. After having explored these amazing areas we will return to Tinogasta. Balance of the day at leisure to explore the village.
Overnight at Hosteria Casa Grande.
Meals: B - box-lunch.
Paved road.

DAY 06- TINOGASTA - ROUTE 40 - CAFAYATE.
This will be a long day but there will be plenty of opportunities to discover and mingle with the very friendly local people. Everything for everybody! From Tinogasta we will drive to Londres, located 15 km west of Belen; founded in 1558 it is said to be Argentina´s second oldest city after Santiago del Estero. Then comes Belen, locally known as the "Capital del Poncho", where -time permitting - we can visit where these colorful woollies are made. From Belen we drive along the mythical route 40 to reach Santa Maria. We will drive by a desserted area interrupted by small oasis and maybe be guest at the house of two important argentine artists that have chosen Santa Maria as their place in the world; we then get to Amaicha del Valle, hometown of the local native artist - Cruz- who has built in his own private house a very interesting Cultural Museum (Centro Cultural Pachamama) which deserves a visit.

Following Amaicha, we reach Quilmes Ruins. Visit of the Ruins hiking on its ancient trails and passes. The natives where so fierce that the Spaniards had had to work very hard to dominate them. When visiting the ruins one can appreciate the level of expertise and knowledge that these natives had. The Small citadel overlooks the valley but its location is hidden in the mountains and cannot be seen from afar. Our final destination of the day is CAFAYATE, not only the most important city in the Calchaqui valleys, but a tiny paradise for wine lovers looking for a tranquil hideaway. It is also home to some of the vineyards featuring grape varieties such as Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon and the local's specialty - The Torrontes. This Spanish grape produces a white wine of fruity but dry and distinctive flavor that has found its perfect terroir in the Cafayate and Calchaqui valleys.

The first Torrontes vines were planted in 1850 on the La Florida vineyard which was owned by the Etchart Family. Nowadays it has passed into the hands of Pernod Ricard, the famous wine & Spirits group. Accommodation at VIÑAS de CAFAYATE hotel (Cafayate wine resort).
Meals: B.
A long driving day with only 30 km of gravel.

DAY 07- CAFAYATE - CACHI along the Calchaqui Valleys
We start with a morning visit of CAFAYATE, a small city home of the true argentine varietal -the Torrontés wine, where a visit to a local winery (tasting included!) should not be missed. Then we will drive one of the most remarkable roads in the Andean Highlands, part of the Calchaqui Valleys with small villages along the way that deserve a visit. We will pass by Bodega Colome (and time permitting we can stop for a brief visit and lunch) and then resume our trip to visit the small village of Molinos, and its crafts market, and then Cachi. This quaint village is the perfect example of the life and the style of the villages in the Northwest, small, nice, peaceful, yet interesting and full of life.
Accommodation at EL CORTIJO Hotel Boutique in Cachi.
Meals: B
Mostly gravel road.

DAY 08: CACHI - SALTA
Visit the ancient town of Cachi (2300m / 7544 ft), with its old restored colonial church (national historic monument) and its local archaeology museum - considered one of the best of its kind in Argentina. The small village of Cachi is located within a short distance form Los Cardones National Park western border. This is a National park populated by thousands of huge cardon cacti. The park is also crisscrossed by myriad stone trails constructed by colonizing Inca forces in the 15th century. At 3620 m (11874 ft) above sea level, the trail levels off at La Piedra del Molino, and we find the amazing Cuesta del Obispo (Obispo pass).

Climb the impressive CUESTA del OBISPO (Obispo Pass) where condors, eagles and guanacos will be a frequent sight. Doubling back and forth as it descends, the road eventually leads to the Valle Encantado (Enchanted Valley) a huge, verdantly green valley comes into view. As we descend, condors can be easily seen gliding overhead. We then head North to Salta skirting the rust-colored tobacco fields at the city's edge to then reach the city, our final destination of the day.

Accommodation at HOTEL ALDABA.
Meals: B
Mostly paved road with some patches of gravel.

DAY 09: SALTA
Rest day. In the morning we will explore the city. Salta is one of the oldest cities founded in the country by the Spaniards. The main point of interest will be the Cabildo (Town Hall), the Archbishop's Palace and Cathedral all around the main square (9 de Julio), San Francisco´s church, San Bernardo´s church and convent, and the Crafts market. Balance of the day at leisure.
Accommodation at HOTEL ALDABA.
Meals: B

DAY 10- SALTA - THE ROAD TO THE CLOUDS - TILCARA
Early morning departure to start a ride up the Andean Range, stop for a visit to SANTA ROSA de TASTIL, the largest and best-preserved pre-Hispanic ruins in Argentina. We will cross the tracks of the famous TRAIN TO THE CLOUDS, the highest railroad in South America. This railroad built in the 1930s connects Salta city with the native town of San Antonio de los Cobres, traversing the most impressive heights and valleys of the Andean range, climbing to reach 4000 m above sea level on its way.

Arrival and visit at San Antonio de los Cobres. Afterwards we continue north to reach the SALINAS GRANDES (Great Salt Beds) the most imposing Salt Bed in the Northwest of Argentina. Once here we will be able to appreciate the rudimentary exploitation of the salt. We will then pass by Abra Potrerrillo at 4170 m above sea level and drive the way down the LIPAN SLOPE, a winding road that leads to the charming village of Purmamarca (2300mts above sea level). Purmamarca, is at the foot of the amazing Cerro de los Siete Colores. This polychromatic mountain (considered an artist's palette of colors) is best seen from a hill on the edge of the village, and is a backdrop of this enchanted village where you will be able to enjoy the most interesting purchases in the local market.
After a short visit we drive to Tilcara to spend the night.

Accommodations at POSADA DON JUAN, Tilcara
Meals: B - Box L.
Today we will have the longest drive on gravel of the trip.

DAY 11: HUMAHUACA- SALTA- BUENOS AIRES
Full day expedition enjoying the multicolored landscape of the Humahuaca canyon, the peaceful villages, old chapels, native markets, small museums, and the remains of an ancient pre-Inca fortified town. Humahuaca, Uquia, Tilcara, Maimara and Purmamarca will be some of the fascinating stops during our day. The Quebrada de Humahuaca, an Andean gorge of rust-colored mountains and ancient settlements is one of Argentina's most distinctively South American Natural experiences.

We start exploring Tilcara: The red streets and easy access makes Tilcara the favorite of all visitors. Within walking distance (a short trek outside town) is the Pucará, a restored pre-Columbian fort which offers spectacular views. The access fee (to be paid locally) includes the access to the Museo Arqueologico which houses an excellent and diverse collection.

Humahuaca with its narrow shaded streets of adobe houses is a picturesque village worth exploring. We will stroll leisurely while visiting to the local church, the Town Hall famous for its clock tower where a mechanical San Francisco Solano gives a daily blessing at noon. A visit to the Museo Arqueologico should not be missed; guided by Don Sixto or his son, the Museo pictures the lives of the "coyas", the local inhabitants, their traditions and celebrations, their everyday life, their houses, in a simple yet interesting way. (Entrance fee to be paid locally).

Return to Salta and transfer to the airport. Fly to Buenos Aires. Arrival transfer from the domestic airport to the hotel. Accommodation.
Meals: B

DAY 12: BUENOS AIRES.
Day at leisure until the time for the transfer to the International airport.
*** Hotel rooms will be available until noon***
Meals: B

2010 RATES: FIXED DEPARTURES :
rate per person sharing a double room: U$S 2742
Single supplement U$S 545
Rates are based on a minimum of 2 pax travelling together.
Departures are confirmed with a minimum of 2 pax travelling together.

Estimated domestic airfare (subject to change without prior notice) from U$S 465 PER PERSON
(V class - Penalties and restrictions apply)

2010 Fixed Departures: March 14, May 16, June 13, July 4, Aug. 8, Sept. 19, Oct. 24, Nov. 14

Can depart on other dates with a minimum of 2 people. Prices for private departures are:
Based on 2 travelling together U$S 2940.-
Based on 4 travelling together U$S 2755
Based on 6 travelling together U$S 2357
Based on 8 travelling together U$S 2173
Single Supplement U$S 545

The rates include:
" Accommodation in superior tourist class (combination of 4 and superior 3 star hotels) all with private facilities and breakfast.
" Round trip transfers between airport and hotels.
" Private services with a bilingual guide.
" Meals as stated on the itinerary (without beverages)
" Entrance fees to parks and reserves.

The Rates do not include:
" Airline / bus tickets, airport departure taxes.
" Tips for luggage handling and optional gratuities for guides and crew
" Extras and personal expenses.

IMPORTANT NOTES
The departures are guaranteed with a minimum of 2 pax travelling together and are cancelled one month prior to departure.

HOTELS : In this program we have chosen what we consider to be the Best Available accommodation in the small villages that we will be visiting and in Cafayate, Cachi and Salta, we have selected hotels which stand out for their service and local charm. The ones included are:
BUENOS AIRES : HJ BOUTIQUE RECOLETA - www.hjboutiquerecoleta.com.ar ; DAZZLER MAIPU - www.dazzlertowermaipu.com
VALLE FERTIL - FINCA MEDIA LUNA - www.fincamedialuna.com.ar
VILLA UNION - PIRCAS NEGRAS - www.hotelpircasnegras.com
TINOGASTA - HOSTERIA CASA GRANDE - www.casagrandetour.com.ar
CAFAYATE - CAFAYATE WINE RESORT - www.cafayatewineresort.com
CACHI- EL CORTIJO HOTEL BOUTIQUE - www.elcortijohotel.com
SALTA - HOTEL ALDABA www.aldabahotel.com
QUEBRADA: POSADA DON JUAN www.posadadonjuan.com.ar (Tilcara)

THE GUIDES & VEHICLE.
" GUIDES: Spanish - English -(Italian and French can be included but is subject to availability and should be booked well in advance; there might be an extra cost)

" VEHICLE. TOYOTA HILUX (1-3 passengers) - MERCEDES BENZ MINIVAN from 4-10 passengers.

RECOMMENDATIONS
* Participants must be prepared for long drives, which is part of the fun and charm of the trip.
* Participants are to travel with health insurance- People with altitude sickness must notify in advance.
* Meals are based on meat and fresh vegetables. Vegetarians or any other special diet must be informed at least 15 days prior to departure

TRANSFERS & EXTENSIONS
Some ideas:
1- A good way of starting this trip is to start in Mendoza, in the Wine Country; then we transfer the pax either by private car or by public bus (totally recommended) to San Juan where they meet the rest of the group.
2- Combine with a bus drive to Atacama and explore the area from there.
3- Combine with an extension to Southern Bolivia.
4- Add a fun river rafting south of the city of Salta or an extra one or two days in a superb spa close to Salta or the Humahuaca canyon.
5- Combine with an Exploration of the Iguazu Falls (with a flight direct to Puerto Iguazu on Friday or via Buenos Aires the following day).

In case of a private departure we can start the program in Tilcara and invert the order of the itinerary finalizing it in San Juan.

SUGGESTED PACKING LIST
Basic pack should include:
" Trekking shoes (that have been broken in) and / or riding boots.
" Comfortable gym shoes for resting. 1 or 2 pants.
" Warm parka and windbreaker. Polar wear / warm sweater.
" Light pullover / sweatshirt. Hat / cap, bandanna, sunglasses.
" Sunscreen / sun block, soap and towel. Flashlight with extra batteries.
" Camera and lots of film.