Calchaqui Valley & Iruya: Self-drive & Trekking

Day 1: Buenos Aires
Arrival in Buenos Aires. Meeting at the International airport and transfer to the hotel. Accommodation at a superior three- or four-star hotel. Rest of the day at leisure. The Four Balconies' tour of Buenos Aires is highly suggested as an afternoon outing (extra cost).

Day 2: Buenos Aires - Tucuman
Transfer from the hotel to the domestic airport to fly to Tucuman (flight to be advised). Upon arrival in Tucuman, pick a car (Category D Fiat type or similar) with free mileage, air conditioning and insurance included (deductible of US$ 1800.-). Depart for Tafí del Valle driving through a mountain road with lush vegetation. Arrival in Tafi. Accommodation at Lunahuana hotel.

Day 3: Tafi del Valle - Quilmes
A morning visit of Tafí del Valle is suggested before starting the trip towards Quilmes Ruins. The road climbs the mountain to reach the highest part in Cuesta del Infiernillo (Little Hell´s Pass). The road leads to Amaicha del Valle, a small village of 400 inhabitants, which still keeps some native traditions. After a visit to this little village, follow the road to Quilmes Ruins. Arrival and accommodation at Parador Ruinas de Quilmes, at the foot of Quilmes Ruins, site of the spectacular fortifications and town built by the Indians of the same name. (B)

Day 4: Quilmes - Cafayate - Salta
Morning visit of the ruins. Afterward, drive to Cafayate. Taste a delicious and unique Cafayate wine at a local winery before returning to Salta through the scenic "Quebrada del Río las Conchas" with its impressive geological formations. Accommodation in a hotel in Salta. (B).

Day 5: Salta
Day at leisure to enjoy the city and its surroundings. In the afternoon return the car in Salta. (B)

Day 6: Salta - Iruya
Early morning meeting with the guide to start climbing the legendary Humahuaca canyon. Morning departure from Salta along a winding mountain road where you will appreciate an exuberant subtropical vegetation. Drive into the historical and fantastic Quebrada de Humahuaca (Humahuaca canyon), where you will visit many typical colonial towns on the way to Iruya. You will arrive at Humahuaca, where the splendor of the landscape and the presence of aboriginal ruins leave their long lasting tracks in our souls. In the afternoon you will arrive at Iruya, the small village at the tip of the mountains and overlooking the valleys. Accommodation at Hosteria in Iruya. (2750 m). (B)

Day 7: Trekking
During these days hike along narrow paths up the mountain slope, with deep abyss, crossed by torrential rivers and the silhouetted high peaks, emerging like stone guardians, as your only witnesses. During the hike, you can visit small colonial chapels and see the vestiges of ancient native civilizations. The first night you will overnight in a very comfortable mountain refuge - Refugio Condor (3050m)- located in the high cliffs with a panoramic view over the valleys. (B, Box-lunch,D)

Day 8: Trekking to Iruya
Return to Iruya through a different mountain road, which will allow you to visit some small villages along the way, mingle with local people and, if you are lucky, see the artisans at work while they weave the beautiful ponchos. Accommodation at a hosteria in Iruya. (B)

Day 9: Iruya - Great Salt Beds - Route 40 - Purmamarca - Salta
Morning departure leaving the Silent Valleys behind to drive in one of the highest places on earth- the Puna or High Andean plateau. Return to the National Route to Abra Pampa and start your drive in the mythical and deserted Route 40 at 3800 m above sea level. Visit Salinas Grandes (Great Salt Beds) to observe the rudimentary exploitation of the salt. Drive down to Purmamarca through a very panoramic winding road and the highest point in your itinerary: Cuesta de Lipan (4170m). Arrival in Salta. Accommodation. (B)

Day 10: Salta - Buenos Aires
Transfer to the airport to fly back to Buenos Aires. Arrival in Buenos Aires, meeting at the airport and transfer to the hotel. Accommodation. (B)

Day 11: Int'l Departure
Day at leisure. Transfer to the International airport for departure. (B)