Desert Landscapes
Discover the ochre landscapes of north-west Argentina and its cactus-dotted deserts.
Pack up a hire car and set off through some of Argentina’s most varied and remote north-western landscapes on this classic self-drive journey.
Armed with maps and a full support system tracking your vehicle, this self-drive adventure travels along the route of the Tren de las Nubes, taking in breath-taking views of the Humuhuaca Gorge and ancient Andean villages backed by rainbow-coloured hills. Passing through the Calchaquies Valley, arguably the most stunning route in northwest Argentina, wander the charming whitewashed streets of Cachi and cruise along high passes of fiery red rock formations on the way the vineyards of Cafayate.
Key Highlights of this Itinerary
Salinas Grandes
Stay on the immense salt flat landscapes of Salinas Grandes, surrounded by infinite views.
Meet Locals
Experience the warm hospitality of the local communities and taste their cuisine.
High Altitude Wine
Explore the wine region of Cafayate, home to the highest vineyards in the world.
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Day 1
Buenos Aires (Nuss Buenos Aires Soho)
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Day 2
Buenos Aires (Nuss Buenos Aires Soho)
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Day 3
Buenos Aires - Salta - Purmamarca (Mantantial del Silencio)
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Day 4
Purmamarca (Mantantial del Silencio)
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Day 5
Purmamarca - Salinas Grandes (Pristine Salinas Grandes Luxury Camp)
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Days 6 - 7
Salinas Grandes (Pristine Salinas Grandes Luxury Camp)
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Day 8
Salinas Grandes - Salta (Legado Mitico Salta)
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Day 9
Salta - Cachi (La Merced Del Alto)
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Day 10
Cachi - Cafayate (Vinas dew Cafayate Wine Resort)
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Day 11
Cafayate - Salta - Buenos Aires
Day 1
Buenos Aires (Nuss Buenos Aires Soho)
Arrive into Buenos Aires. Transfer to your accommodation.
Day 2
Buenos Aires (Nuss Buenos Aires Soho)
Spend the morning exploring Argentina’s capital city with a private guide followed by time at leisure to sample some of the wonderful food and wine, visit art museums and dance halls, perfect for trying your hand at the famed Tango.
Day 3
Buenos Aires - Salta - Purmamarca (Mantantial del Silencio)
Transfer to Palermo airport for the two hour flight to Salta. On arrival collect your hire vehicle and drive around seven hours north to the high antiplano and the Andean town of Purmamarca. Check into your accommodation.
Day 4
Purmamarca (Mantantial del Silencio)
Spend the day exploring the region. Wander the famous market in Purmamarca with its striking multicoloured mountain backdrop, and drive to the unique and colourful rock faces in nearby Humahuaca gorge.
Day 5
Purmamarca - Salinas Grandes (Pristine Salinas Grandes Luxury Camp)
Drive around two hours to the salt flats at Salinas Grandes and your luxury camp accommodation for the next three nights.
Days 6 - 7
Salinas Grandes (Pristine Salinas Grandes Luxury Camp)
Spend the next two days enjoying the activities included in your camp stay as well as the incredible landscapes right on the doorstep. Visit the camps private salt pools and visit the nearby towns of Barrancas and Alfracito.
Day 8
Salinas Grandes - Salta (Legado Mitico Salta)
Visit the tiny towns of of Tilcara and Uquia full of pre-Hispanic treasures and beautifully painted interiors before driving back to Salta to overnight.
Day 9
Salta - Cachi (La Merced Del Alto)
Drive south for around three hours, passing dramatic canyons and cactus-dotted deserts to reach the colonial villages of Cachi and Molinos where you will overnight.
Day 10
Cachi - Cafayate (Vinas dew Cafayate Wine Resort)
Drive south through the Calchaqui valley to the town of Cafayete, a journey of around four hours.
Day 11
Cafayate - Salta - Buenos Aires
Drive around three hours back to Salta, passing through the imposing cliffs and rock formations of Las Conchas canyon. Drop your hire car at the airport and fly to Buenos Aires for onward travel.
More Details
Extra Days in Salta
Pretty Streets & Sugar Cane Factories
Spend a little longer in Salta with time to explore its pretty streets and eateries. Alternatively, head out to explore the impressive Quebrada del Toro gorge, or the verdant valley and pretty village of San Lorenzo. Perhaps venture to the man-made Cabra Corral Dam and visit some tobacco and sugar cane factories. All are within an easy drive.
High-Altitude Drives
Unwind in the sleepy, white-washed town of Cachi, perhaps visiting Colome Winery to sample the highest (and arguably the best) wine in the country. In the slow-paced town of Cafayate, visit the pre-Inca ruins at Quilmes and tuck in to a fantastic selection of locally produced cheeses, vegetables, meat and wines at Finca Las Nubes. If seeking even more remote landscapes and preferring to be accompanied by a driver and guide take a look at our guided off piste adventure in north west Argentina.
Optional Gaucho Experience
Ride with a Gaucho
Stay on a traditional estancia close to Buenos Aires, embarking on horseback rides across the pampas and exploring nearby streams and grasslands on meditative walks. Discover how the original gauchos spent their lives on horseback roaming ranch to ranch and have a privileged insight into the old-world charms of pampas life.
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A note on price
Prices will vary depending on the time of year you are travelling. Prices do not include international flights. Please ask one of our Travel Experts for an accurate quote. Flights purchased through Steppes Travel departing from the UK are ATOL protected.
This Itinerary
Price
From $5,999 Per person
When to travel
Argentina in January
December to February is the peak of summer in Argentina, bringing long summer days and pleasant temperatures. As this is the busiest time of year to travel, expect peak prices and we recommend planning 9-12 months in advance for availability. Summer is the best time of year for all the outdoor experiences that the country has to offer.
Argentina in February
January and February are the peak of summer in Argentina, bringing long summer days and pleasant temperatures. As this is the busiest time of year to travel, expect peak prices and we recommend planning 9-12 months in advance for availability. Summer is the best time of year for all the outdoor experiences that the country has to offer.
Argentina in March
March brings the end of summer across the country. If you are planning to visit Patagonia, it is best to start here in early March as it is still accessible.
Argentina in April
April starts the autumn in Argentina. As the temperatures lower, crowds thin across the country. This can be a great time to avoid large numbers of visitors and to experience the autumnal colours across the countryside.
Argentina in May
As the country moves further into late autumn, temperatures continue to drop. However, cooler temperatures can make for a pleasant visit to Iguazu Falls, Mendoza and the desert avoiding the crowds.
Argentina in June
June begins the winter season across the country. Although Patagonia becomes more challenging to access, this can be a good time to visit other more popular destinations further north without the crowds. This is also the best time to view the southern right whales off the Valdes Peninsula.
Argentina in July
July and August are the depths of winter for the country. This brings much cooler temperatures and snow in some regions. Although perhaps not an ideal time to see the highlights, this can be a good time to visit Buenos Aires in an off-peak time with cooler temperatures.
Argentina in August
July and August are the depths of winter for the country. This brings much cooler temperatures and snow in some regions. Although perhaps not an ideal time to see the highlights, this can be a good time to visit Buenos Aires in an off-peak time with cooler temperatures.
Argentina in September
September officially welcomes spring across Argentina. This is a great time to experience the northern region without the peak season prices or crowds.
Argentina in October
As the country moves further into spring, the countryside starts to bloom with wildflowers. This is a great time of year to get involved with outdoor activities while temperatures are still cool and the crowds are quieter.
Argentina in November
November is a great time of year to visit as summer begins yet beating the peak season crowds that come in December. Patagonia is in full bloom and the vineyards of Mendoza are surrounded by the stunning snow-capped Andes.
Argentina in December
December in Argentina brings the start of the peak season. Temperatures are warm, although due to the size of the country these can vary so it is advisable to bring layers. Weather is at its most desirable for outdoor activities and sightseeing. Following from the spring rains, the falls of Iguazu are at their most impressive during December.
Holiday Inspiration
Our experts have created and curated these tailor-made holiday ideas to get you started. Take the time to search through them and find something that is the spark for your unique adventure.
Why Choose Steppes?
Our knowledge and expertise set us apart. So too our curiosity. It is this that drives us to create a journey that is really bespoke to you, all the while ensuring we travel and operate sustainably.
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