Embark on a thrilling journey through the heart of northern Argentina! Kick off your adventure in Tucumán with a captivating city tour, then head to Tafí del Valle, where ancient Menhires stand sentinel over breathtaking landscapes. Next stop: Cafayate, a wine lover's paradise nestled among picturesque vineyards. Prepare for an epic drive from Cafayate to Salta via Cachi, revealing rugged vistas and charming villages along the way. In Salta, immerse yourself in colonial splendor with a city tour before venturing into the mesmerizing Humahuaca Gorge. As your week of exploration draws to a close, bid adieu to Salta, leaving with memories of rugged beauty and vibrant culture etched in your soul.
South America
Northern Argentina Explorer
7 Days, Departs daily. From NZD $2,174pp.
Details
Overview
Itinerary Highlights
- Explore the city of Salta, with striking architecture, whitewashed buildings and a beautiful leafy plaza.
- Try some of Argentina’s finest wines in the most stunning surroundings.
- Visit the Hill of Seven Colours.
- See spectacular desert formations on the road between Salta and Cafayate.
- Spend an evening at an Estancia in the picturesque village of Tafi del Valle.
- Travel through lush cloud forest to the cosmopolitan city of San Miguel de Tucuman.
Itinerary in Brief
- Day 1: Arrive to Tucuman and afternoon City Tour
- Day 2: Tucuman to Tafi del Valle via Menhires
- Day 3: Tafi del Valle - Cafayate
- Day 4: Cafayate - Cachi - Salta
- Day 5: Salta City Tour
- Day 6: Humahuaca Gorge
- Day 7: Depart Salta
Tailor-made suggestions for this itinerary
- Consider another day at leisure in Cafayate to soak in the spectacular views and do some more wine tasting.
- Tucuman is worth another day to explore its interesting streets and fabulous food.
- Extend your holiday and visit the spectacular Atacama desert in Chile.
Travelling with Eclipse
Peace of Mind
- Eclipse Travel is Australian owned and run, and an ATAS accredited travel agent.
- 24/7 emergency numbers and local contacts provided for support while you’re abroad.
- We provide all the information you need to organise your visas and vaccinations, making travel preparation stress-free.
- No currency surcharges. Once your deposit is paid, your price is guaranteed.
Specialists
- Our consultants are true destination experts, with firsthand experience and extensive travel in the regions we offer.
- Expect quick, professional responses and dedicated service from our knowledgeable team.
- We conduct regular checks on destinations, hotels, and services to ensure quality for every trip.
Authentic Travel
- Tailor-made itineraries designed around your unique requirements.
- Freedom to select your preferred style and standard of accommodation.
- Unique itineraries that take you beyond the major highlights, immersing you in each location.
- Committed to responsible travel: we reinvest in the environment and local communities across our destinations.
Day 1 - Tucuman: Airport to Hotel / Tucuman City Tour
Airport to Hotel
Upon arrival at the airport you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel.
Tucuman City Tour
A journey through the roots of modern Argentine history. We will help you understand the foundations of those decisive moments... Independence Square and surroundings: Government House, San Francisco Temple, Cathedral Church, San Martin Street at 400, La Merced Church and Tucumán Historical House Museum. We will visit the 9 de Julio Park, and the Museum of the Sugar Industry Casa Obispo Colombres. Around Urquiza Square: the Legislature, the Casino, the San Martin Theater and the National School. Belgraniana House.
Day 2 - Tucuman: Tucuman to Tafi del Valle via Menhires
Tucuman to Tafi del Valle via Menhires
Departure to Tafí del Valle, through Menhires. Route 307 marks the ascent to the Valleys. The road goes into the Quebrada del Rio Los Sosa and we stop at the monument "El Indio". Further up, we reach El Mollar to visit Los Menhires*. Then we visit the picturesque town of Tafí del Valle.
*On Mondays the archaeological site of Los Menhires is closed.
Breakfast included.
Day 3 - Tafi del Valle: Tafi del Valle - Cafayate
Tafi del Valle - Cafayate
Today we will leave for Cafayate. The RP 307 ascends the Calchaquíes Valleys in a steep zigzag up to the Abra del Infiernillo, at 3,042 m.a.s.l. Amaicha del Valle: we visit the square and its surroundings. After joining RN 40, the Sacred City of Quilmes bursts out on the left. On the slope of the hill we can see the reconstructions of the residential area, topped by a fortress located at the top and two forts on both sides.
We walk through what was the last bastion of aboriginal resistance against the Spanish advance. The legendary RN 40 gets lost in the valley heading north, but not before passing through Colalao del Valle. Cafayate, land of sun and good wine, welcomes us with grape crops in vineyards and trellises.
Day 4 - Cafayate: Cafayate - Cachi - Salta
Cafayate - Cachi - Salta
Early in the morning you will leave for Cachi on Route 40. You will start passing through the towns of Animaná and San Carlos and then cross the Quebrada de Las Flechas to admire a unique landscape. The tour continues along Route 40, where the mountainous landscape is mixed with charming villages along the Calchaquí River, you will visit historic towns such as Angastaco, Molinos and Seclantás. Arriving at noon in Cachi.
After lunch (not included) the tour continues, crossing the Los Cardones National Park by the Tin-Tin Straight, the old Inca Trail. The highest point at 3384 meters above sea level is reached at the Piedra del Molino. You enter the Cuesta del Obispo, a road with many curves that allows you to enjoy a panoramic view of the Enchanted Valley and small houses with corn and fruit crops.
Breakfast included.
Day 5 - Salta: Salta City Tour
Salta City Tour
Free morning.
In the afternoon City Tour Salta. Tour of the most attractive sites of the city: Cathedral Basilica, Cultural Center of the Americas, Historical Museum of the North (Cabildo), Minor Basilica of San Francisco, San Bernardo Convent, Monument to Güemes, ascent Cerro San Bernardo and its panoramic view of the city, visit to the summer village San Lorenzo on the outskirts of the city with its subtropical microclimate and the Craft Market where handicrafts with certification of origin from all over the province are exhibited.
Breakfast included.
Day 6 - Salta: Humahuaca Gorge
Humahuaca Gorge
A trip through the Quebrada declared a World Heritage Site, where the landscape and the colors of the hills combine with the equally colorful cultures that inhabit this area. It is a journey of social contact and a view of the ancestral. It begins with the arrival to the Pueblito de Purmamarca to observe the Cerro de los Siete Colores, the church and the handicraft market in the square. Pass by the Posta de Hornillos. Continue to Huacalera, pass of the Tropic of Capricorn, from where you can see the colors of the hill called the Pollera de la Colla. Visit the Church of Uquía, where the paintings of the Arcabuceros Angels (important vestige in the area of the Cuzco school).
Arrival to Humahuaca with its important Cathedral and the Independence Monument (El Indio) of the sculptor Soto Avendaño. Return after lunch to observe from the road the Paleta del Pintor that frames the town of Maimara. Arrival to San Salvador de Jujuy.
Return to Salta.
Breakfast included.
Day 7 - Salta: Hotel to Airport
Hotel to Airport
Our representative will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to the airport.
Breakfast included.
Please contact us for dates
Comfort
Tucuman, Argentina - Amérian Tucumán Apart & Suites
Tafi del Valle, Argentina - Hosteria Lunahuana
Cafayate, Argentina - Killa Cafayate
Salta, Argentina - Posada del Marques
Superior
Tucuman, Argentina - Amérian Tucumán Apart & Suites
Tafi del Valle, Argentina - Estancia Las Carreras
Cafayate, Argentina - Villa Vicuña Cafayate
Salta, Argentina - Salta Design Suites
Deluxe
Tucuman, Argentina - Sheraton Tucuman Hotel
Tafi del Valle, Argentina - Estancia Las Carreras
Cafayate, Argentina - Grace Hotel Cafayate
Salta, Argentina - Hotel Legado Mítico Salta
Whats included?
- Accommodation in double / twin rooms with private facilities
- Small group tours with English speaking guides
- Shared transfers
- Meals as specified
What’s not included?
- Airfares
- Airport entrance/departure taxes/hotel taxes
- Gratuities
- Travel insurance
- Any items not mentioned as included
Notes
- Hotel rates are based on twin share in lead in rooms. Other room types and hotels are available. Rates are subject to change and different rates may apply during holiday seasons and special events.
Price Assurance
At Eclipse Travel, our expert destination knowledge and decades of travel planning experience come at no extra cost to you. While many think booking through a tour operator is more expensive than planning a trip independently, that’s not the case. We’re paid by our travel partners—such as hotels, activity operators, and cruise providers—via commissions, not by our clients.
Our team negotiates the best rates for you and ensures you receive unbiased advice, with no preference for any particular supplier. In fact, where we secure higher commissions, we often pass the savings on to you, giving us a competitive price edge.
Additionally, we lock in exchange rates at the time of your deposit, ensuring no surprise costs when it’s time for final payment. You can rest easy knowing we’ll handle the details with our suppliers. The only exceptions are national park fee increases or fuel surcharges imposed after your booking, though these are rare.
Take advantage of our team’s expertise and let us help you plan the perfect holiday—hassle-free!
Destination: South America
The vivid sights and sounds of South America offer something for everyone. Stretching from the Caribbean to Patagonia, the variety of cultures, climates and landscapes has to be experienced firsthand to be believed. The memories you take home will leave you wanting more – we’re sure you’ll want to return again and again, just like us!
Downloadable travel guide
Planning your next adventure has never been easier with our free downloadable travel guides. Get in-depth insights into local attractions, dining options, and hidden gems, all curated by our team of travel specialists with decades of experience.
