Wonders of the Andes
Day 01Mendoza |
Welcome at the airport and private transfer with bilingual local guide to the car rental company. Pick-up of the car. Our guide gives a briefing of the area and hands in detailed road descriptions and maps. The rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight at Mendoza. |
Day 02Mendoza |
Mendoza is an exquisite place with delightful squares and a lot of green parks. It is the wine capital of Argentina and famous bodegas are close to the city centre. However, Mendoza has its own attraction due to the beautiful landscape. There are many possibilities for outdoor activities. Overnight at Mendoza. |
Day 03Uspallata |
Drive along the main highway to Uspallata. This village lies on the pre-cordillera and offers spectacular views to the highest Andean peaks. There is a possibility to continue the main road towards Chile. Puente del Inca is close to the border crossing, it is a small thermal water source with a natural bridge. A close small track leads to the Mount Aconcagua view point. Drive back to Uspallata and continue over partly unpaved road to Barreal. Overnight at Barreal. |
Day 04San Juan |
Enjoy the sunrise behind the Andean mountains. The valley of Barreal enjoys a superb location with dry sunny climate. Drive north towards San Juan along a scenic road and with great views of the mountains. San Juan Valley is famous for its good wine and some of the most important wineries are producing here. At Pismanta there are thermal springs. Continue to Villa Union, a small and pleasant provincial town. Overnight at Villa Union. |
Day 05Valle de la Luna |
We recommend this day for exploring the national and provincial parks of Valle de la Luna and Talampaya. These bizarre rock formations are very famous and often seen on posters of Argentina, but only few people really know them. Take the tour with the park ranger and observe the changing of colours when the hot evening sun turns red. Then drive back to Villa Union. Overnight at Villa Union. |
Day 06Cuesta Miranda |
The way into La Rioja province goes over the beautiful and unpaved Cuesta Miranda mountain road. Chilecito is a charming and bustling province town. Some fine wine is from this area. Continue through some rural area and via Timogasto and Londres to Belen. This is an important agriculture centre and farmers come here to sell their products. Overnight at a simple hotel at Belen. |
Day 07Sierra de Belen |
This day involves a journey full of contrast and different climate. First you continue your drive along the Sierra del Belen up north. Soon, you see a huge salt lake. The road climbs up a winding road and over a high altitude mountain pass. Here, the temperature never gets warm. Then, you go down into a subtropical rain forest. In the Tucumán Valley you will see sugar cane plantations. Finally, you leave the main road and reach moderate dry climate at Tafi del Valle. Overnight at Tafi del Valle. |
Day 08Quilmes |
Tafi del Valle is a popular tourist town for Argentinians due to its dry and moderate climate. Continue the journey along the lake and over a high altitude mountain pass. Soon huge cactus border on the road. Continue through dry landscape but on good road to Quilmes. This important pre-Inca ruins are well worth visiting. From here it is only 50 kilometres to the oasis of Cafayate. This important vine growing town has an amazing colonial atmosphere. Overnight at Cafayate. |
Day 09Quebrada de Cafayate |
Enjoy a relaxing day at Cafayate. There is some fine accommodation. We suggest to visit one of the local wineries as an interesting activity. This zone is the second most important vine growing area. Today, it is not only famous for its Torrontes but also for many different kinds of grapes. In the late afternoon, we recommend a drive to the Quebrada de Cafayate. It is one of the most beautiful canyons in Argentina. Observe the spectacle when the evening sun turns the entire valley into red colour. Overnight at Cafayate. |
Day 10Cachi |
Drive along one of the most spectacular roads towards Cachi. Appreciate the semi desertic landscapes with its different rock formations. In the distance, there are snow caped Andean peaks, some of them over 6,000m. Mainly Indian population live in this area. This gives an additional charm to this astonishing landscape. In the evening, you will arrive at Cachi. This small colonial town is full of charm. Explore the central square and observe the local population. Overnight at Cachi. |
Day 11Cuesta del Obispo |
Take some time to feel the special atmosphere of this remote village. Then start your drive on an impressive high altitude plain towards Cuesta de Obispo. Then descend by a spectacular road with many curves into the main valley. In the afternoon, you will arrive at the province capital of Salta. This is the most beautiful colonial city in Argentina. Enjoy the atmosphere in an afternoon walk. Overnight at Salta. |
Day 12Salta |
Another relaxíng morning at this beautiful city. In the afternoon, drive to the airport. Drop-off your car and continuation of your own individual programme. |