Argentina is widely known for its traditional cuisine and flavorful wines -- and this Argentina trip lets you find out exactly why it's so celebrated! You will also have the chance to visit a number of culture-rich villages and some of northern Argentina's most spectacular landscapes where colorful rock formations leave a lasting impression. Your journey begins in the colonial town of Salta where you can enjoy the beautiful architecture and local markets. Next, visit the Los Conchas Gorge where you'll meet local artisans. Enjoy wine in the vineyards in Cayafate Valley and walk through the famous Humahuaca Gorge. The end of your trip includes an Andean cooking class where you'll learn the secret to a traditional Tamale. Each day offers plenty of opportunities to experiment with local dishes and wines. Salud Argentina!
Highlights
Explore Salta's colorful markets where locals sell fresh produce
Visit the Guitierrez Castex family goat farm & learn about local cheeses
Tour vineyards with an oenologist & savor local wine flavors
Attend an authentic Andean cooking class with Chef Mercedes Costa
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Arrive to Argentina today and transfer independently to your comfortable hotel. Spend your free time exploring the amazing architecture of Buenos Aires, or simply relax after your long international flight. Overnight.
This morning transfer to the airport for your flight to Salta -- commonly referred to as "Salta the Beautiful." The city is a gem of a colonial town set in the Lerma Valley. True criollos (native Argentineans of Spanish lineage) reside in colonial Salta and uphold a culture that has remained traditionally strong. This afternoon you will have a chance to visit the colorful markets where local people sell such fresh produce - avocados, peppers, spices and gourds. During lunch, you'll have your first taste of the local dishes and rich wines from nearby Cafayate. This evening, enjoy gourmet Andean haut-cuisine at a local restaurant. Recommended delicacies include tamales, humitas, meat empañadas and casseroles of grilled goat meat. Argentina Salud!
You'll begin Day 3 entering the breathtaking Las Conchas Gorge, once the bottom of the ocean and now a feast for the eyes with its strange shapes etched in deep red sandstones. Enjoy a pre-arranged local activity (confirmed upon booking) before heading to La Casona del Molino for dinner (closed every Mondays). Tonight, relax in the hotel nestled in the heart of Las Conchas Gorge. Spend time wandering the brilliant surrounding grounds before heading to bed.
Start your day with a traditional breakfast before heading to the Piattelli Winery for a specialized cooking class. Here, you discover the secrets behind making authentic empanadas from Salta and learn about the dish’s cultural importance in northern Argentina. After the class, you enjoy the empanadas you made.
In the afternoon, visit a nearby local winery with an oenologist, where you explore the vineyards and gain insight into the region’s wine production. Discover the unique flavors and regional grape varieties that make Argentine wine exceptional. The visit ends in the wine cellar, where you taste Malbec, appreciating its smooth texture and rich fruity notes.
Day 5: Calchaqui Valley | Cooking Class at Casa Diaz
Descend to the Calchaquí Valley this morning, known for its natural landscapes, distinctive architecture, and cultural attractions. Begin your mid-morning at Casa Diaz with a local drink and an introduction to the activities. Then visit the vegetable garden to learn about Vallisto farming practices and their connection to Seclanteño heritage. Participate in a hands-on cooking class, preparing a typical seasonal dish using ancestral materials and techniques. During the session, savor a mid-morning snack featuring a picada of pickled vegetables made with house vinegar, accompanied by homemade bread and a glass of wine.
For lunch, enjoy the dish you prepare, perfectly paired with a high-quality wine. Finish with a small Vallisto dessert and conclude your visit with a tasting of Casa Diaz’s signature Mistela in the lounge area.
Today you take a beautiful drive through the National Park Los Cordones and the Encantado Valley on your way to Salta. Enjoy a leisurely lunch in the city before you leave for the Humahuaca Gorge. The region is a recognized World Heritage site. The Spanish, from Peru, were the first to colonize this area, and as such the region boasts colonial churches with simple bell towers and beautiful doors. But even more spectacular is the landscape itself -- the canyon's colorful rocks decorate the horizon. You will make your way through several small villages until arriving at Purmamarca, today's final destination. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant and toast the day's adventure.
Today, you visit Tilcara, where the main highlight is the Pucará indigenous ruins and the Archaeological Museum. Continuing along the road, you explore the famous Hornocal, also known as the Hill of the 14 Colors. Return to Purmamarca in the evening, just in time to visit a local artisan market.
Today you'll have the chance to reacquaint with lovely Salta. Find wonderful old cathedrals, churches and museums to wander into today. There are shops full of local artisans' works, a delicious food market and ancient city squares to discover. You can get a superb view of the city by taking the cable car to the top of Cerro San Bernardo. The city is yours to explore!
Day 9: Return Home
1 Breakfast
Catch your flight to Buenos Aires and connecting flights homeward or continue to another destination in Argentina, such as Iguazu Falls. With more time in Salta, spend an extra night and do the Train to the Clouds excursion to witness beautiful landscapes and scenery as you travel on one of the world's most amazing railways.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for Apr 25, 2025 not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for Apr 25, 2025 are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$4,199
Notes
$910 Single Supplement Additional Cost for Private Room when traveling with others. Traveling Solo? Contact us for a custom quote.
The restaurant for the cooking class, El Patio, is closed on Tuesdays.
Initial deposit is $500, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 70 days (10 weeks) prior to departure by bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
Kate was great to work with in the planning stage. She was prompt, helpful, and efficient. Our tour guide, Edwin, was knowledgeable and passionate. We were very happy to have traveled with Adventure Life, it made the trip easy and a true pleasure. We could concentrate on enjoying the experience rather than the details of travel.
The entire experience was great. Erin really knows her stuff and provided me with a lot of great insight and advice.
MARGARET CINCOTTA
1 week ago
Jane was my AE agent for the 2 months of helping me decide that this will be the most amazing trip we will ever experience in our lifetime and a memorable way to celebrate our 40th!
I was also able to work with Mike from Quark who was also very helpful.
Once I had decided to go ahead with my booking Kevin took over to assist Jane while on vacation.
Kevin was able to tweak the quote even more
and truly sealed the deal! He was patient with receiving my full payment as it took time to “round up that much cash” Were booking a delux balcony and there’s no looking back
I feel confident and very satisfied that I have made the best decision choosing Quark Expeditions and look forward to a top notch experience aboard the Ultramarine.
Both Jane and Kevin are sincere, professional and courteous. They met all of our needs
to ensure my process was stress free.
I’m looking forward to all our daily excursions then enjoying a Sauna and my own cold plunge in the tub! My back up plan
to the “Antarctic Plunge”
I look forward to getting to know and dealing with Mary Rose for all the final details that will make our trip complete. Great company!
Sandy with a “y”
4 months ago
Erin was great to work with! Very quick with her replies and provided all the information I needed, no matter how many times I changed my request! This was my first time ever planning a trip like this and it couldn't have gone better.
Chris
5 months ago
Very well organiced.
Great communication
Easy to handle website for required docs to file .
Pleasant Experience
Nancy Kaierle
5 months ago
Very well ececuted. Hily recomended. Great experiance
Nancy Kaierle
6 months ago
The entire experience was great. Erin really knows her stuff and provided me with a lot of great insight and advice.
MARGARET CINCOTTA
1 week ago
Jane was my AE agent for the 2 months of helping me decide that this will be the most amazing trip we will ever experience in our lifetime and a memorable way to celebrate our 40th!
I was also able to work with Mike from Quark who was also very helpful.
Once I had decided to go ahead with my booking Kevin took over to assist Jane while on vacation.
Kevin was able to tweak the quote even more
and truly sealed the deal! He was patient with receiving my full payment as it took time to “round up that much cash” Were booking a delux balcony and there’s no looking back
I feel confident and very satisfied that I have made the best decision choosing Quark Expeditions and look forward to a top notch experience aboard the Ultramarine.
Both Jane and Kevin are sincere, professional and courteous. They met all of our needs
to ensure my process was stress free.
I’m looking forward to all our daily excursions then enjoying a Sauna and my own cold plunge in the tub! My back up plan
to the “Antarctic Plunge”
I look forward to getting to know and dealing with Mary Rose for all the final details that will make our trip complete. Great company!
Sandy with a “y”
4 months ago
Erin was great to work with! Very quick with her replies and provided all the information I needed, no matter how many times I changed my request! This was my first time ever planning a trip like this and it couldn't have gone better.
Chris
5 months ago
Very well organiced.
Great communication
Easy to handle website for required docs to file .
Pleasant Experience
Nancy Kaierle
5 months ago
Very well ececuted. Hily recomended. Great experiance
Nancy Kaierle
6 months ago
The entire experience was great. Erin really knows her stuff and provided me with a lot of great insight and advice.
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