Together with our English speaking private guide, a real "salteño", we made an exclusive excursion of 4 days into the amazing Valle de Calchaquíes in the South of the Salta province. We enjoyed the magnificent (indigenous) culture and nature of this unique region of Argentina.
This was the program in brief:
Day 1 Salta - Cafayate
Our private guide picked us up in our hotel in Salta. We traveled in a comfortable four wheel drive car (4x4). On day 1 we went South, towards the town of Cafayate. We had lunch at a special posada where they showed us how they make their own goat cheese.
In the afternoon we made some short hikes with your guide in the Quebrada de las Conchas. Around 18 hours we arrived in the wine town Cafayate, where we stayed in a beautiful and stylish hosteria.
Day 2 Cafayate - San Carlos
First thing we did after a great breakfast in the hosteria was visiting one of the wine bodegas of Cafayate. After this we hiked for about 2 hours in the Divisaderos region, just outside Cafayate. Near one of the cascades we had a good lunch under the shadow of the algarrobo tree.
After lunch we headed to the Quilmes ruins (which offer the nicest views in the light of the afternoon). Here we did a short hike. In the late afternoon we left for the village of San Carlos, where we stayed in a hosteria made from "adobe", which is the typical building style of the region. The excellent guide prepared us a great Argentinean asado (BBQ) for us that evening.
Day 3 San Carlos - La Paya
In the morning, after breakfast, we headed North in the direction of Molinos. During this trip we did some hikes in the beautiful Quebrada de las Flechas. Once in Molinos we enjoyed lunch in a typical family run restaurant in the village. later the guide showed us a vicuña farm and will got the chance to see some of the nicest textile made from vicuña wool.
After lunch we got to know one of the lesser known pearls of the Chalchaquíes valley, the lake Brealitos (which can only be reached by 4x4). We did a light hike and enjoyed a typical Argentinean "merienda" (tea & sweets), served by our guide. In the late afternoon, around 18 hours, we arrived in the village of La Paya. Here we stayed in a comfortable farmhouse with an excellent view over the mountains and valley. An excellent diner was included in the experience.
Day 4 La Paya - San Lorenzo/Salta
On day 4 we went further North to Cachi, an attractive village where we spend the whole morning. At the end of the morning we visited the National Park Los Cardones and the Valle Encantado. Here our guide offered us a real "almuerzo de campo" (farmers lunch) and we did some hikes in the park.
After lunch we returned to the city of Salta, where we stayed in a bed & breakfast in the outskirts of Salta, in the village of San Lorenzo. Meanwhile, on the way back to Salta, the guide told us everything about the interesting tobacco culture of Salta and we made a short visit to a local manufacturer (open from the end of December till the end of March).
Day 5 Transfer from San Lorenzo to Salta
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This excursion is offered by Heart of Argentina Travel, a local travel organization. Please contact Heart of Argentina Travel (www.heart-of-argentina-travel.com, e-mail: info@heart-of-argentina-travel.com) for more info on this exclusive excursion
The Salta excursion can also be combined with another private excursion in the Jujuy region (Quebrada de Humuhuaca) combined with a visit to the Atacama desert or stay in the pleasant city of Salta.
