en
- Boutique
- 15-day trip
- From €6,350 p.p.
Argentina trip | Self-drive Northern Argentina & Salinas Grandes with the Pampas
Dive into Argentine culture, full of tango dancing, colourful markets and delicious parillas. The trip begins in dynamic Buenos Aires where you will attend a beautiful tango show. Travel on to the colonial city of Salta, from where you will take a scenic route through north-western Argentina by hire car. Pass not only through picturesque villages with adobe houses and beautiful handmade products, but also an array of fascinating landscapes, including salt flats, Andean mountains, extraordinary rock formations and spectacular vineyards. During these days, stay in a luxury dome of Pristine Luxury Camp Salinas near the salt flats with all meals and several tours included. Also enjoy a stay at a wine lodge and end the trip in the Argentine countryside at a beautiful estancia!
Travel programme
Travel overview
- Day 1 Flight to Argentina
- Day 2 Arrival in Buenos Aires and exploring San Telmo
- Day 3 Buenos Aires city tour by bike
- Day 4 Buenos Aires tango show
- Day 5 Colonial Salta
- Days 6–8 Salinas Grandes
- Day 9 Stay at a finca near Salta
- Day 10–12 Cafayate wine region
- Day 13 – 14 Stay in the Argentine countryside
- Day 15 Departure from Argentina
- Day 16 Arrival
Arriving Buenos Aires and discovering San Telmo
Today you’ll arrive in the bustling city of Buenos Aires. The city comprises various neighbourhoods, each with its own story and charm. For the next few nights, you’ll be staying in the chic Recoleta neighbourhood, where, alongside exclusive shops and beautiful buildings, you’ll find the spectacular Recoleta Cemetery. As you’ve just completed a night flight, we’ve arranged for an early check-in so that you can access your hotel room immediately upon arrival.
Later in the afternoon, you’ll get to know the city through a cultural and gastronomic tour of the San Telmo neighbourhood, one of the areas where the tango originated. This neighbourhood is home to superb restaurants and cosy little bars. Together with your local guide, you’ll visit specially selected spots to discover not only the wonderful and varied cuisine of Buenos Aires, but also the culture and rituals that come into play when everyone sits down to eat. From cafés and ice-cream parlours to the tastiest and most exclusive gems of Argentine cuisine; a true culinary delight!
Tips from a Travel Specialist
It is also possible to do the Sherpa Food tour in the Palermo district instead of San Telmo.
Included:
• Private transfer to your hotel with a guide
• Early check-in at your hotel
• Sherpa Food Experience in San Telmo, including an English-speaking guide and transport (in a small group)
• Overnight stay including breakfast
Buenos Aires city tour by bicycle
After breakfast, your local guide will take you on a cycle tour to the city’s most beautiful spots. Here, you’ll get to know the different neighbourhoods of vibrant Buenos Aires; a really enjoyable way to explore the city. During the tour, you’ll discover neighbourhoods such as Puerto Madero and La Boca, as well as important squares like Plaza de Mayo. Marvel at the rich history and diversity of this cosmopolitan city!
In the evening, we recommend dining at La Cabrera. This restaurant is renowned for its excellent grill, or ‘parrilla’ as it’s known in Argentine Spanish. Given the restaurant’s popularity, booking is recommended, which we’d be happy to arrange for you.
Includes:
• Private guided city tour by bike, including an English-speaking guide
• Overnight stay including breakfast
Exclusive:
• Dinner at La Cabrera
Buenos Aires tango show
Spend the day exploring Buenos Aires further at your own pace. Return to your favourite neighbourhood, visit antique shops or markets (the largest markets are held on Sundays, but in San Telmo there is a smaller market in the square every day), visit one of the many interesting museums, and enjoy the city’s lively atmosphere from a terrace.
If you’d prefer to venture a little way out of the city, we can also organise a lovely day trip to nearby Tigre for you. Tigre is known for its beautiful delta and numerous waterways. Many affluent Argentinians have a holiday home here. Boat trips, art markets and lush natural surroundings make this a lovely getaway from the city.
A visit to a tango show is an absolute must during a stay in Buenos Aires. On this day, a special evening awaits you: a traditional, high-quality tango show. The magnificent show at La Ventana, combined with excellent food, will ensure you enjoy a fully catered evening. La Ventana is a classic tango show featuring the greatest hits of Carlos Gardel, traditional costumes, a beautiful set and excellent dancing, singing and music. The show also showcases music from north-western Argentina.
Includes:
• Tango & dinner show at La Ventana, including transport
• Overnight stay including breakfast
Exclusive:
• Excursion to Tigre
Colonial Salta
It’s time to travel on to the north-west of the country. You’ll take a domestic flight to Salta, one of Argentina’s oldest and most beautiful colonial cities. Here, you’ll stay in a historic mansion in the heart of Salta. During your stay, you’ll have plenty of time to explore this charming city.
Stroll at your leisure through the narrow streets and admire the beautiful colonial buildings. You might also want to visit the Museo de Arqueología de Alta Montaña. This museum plays an important role in preserving cultural heritage and safeguarding the local culture. It therefore offers a rich insight into the identity of the indigenous population. The mummy museum is also well worth a visit, or take the cable car up Mount San Bernardo for a fantastic view of the city.
Included:
• Private transfer to the airport
• Domestic flight to Salta
• Private transfer to your hotel
• Overnight stay including breakfast
Salinas Grandes
In the morning, you’ll collect a hire car, which you’ll use to explore north-western Argentina over the coming days. The first destination is the Salinas Grandes, an impressive salt flat. The Salinas Grandes are situated in the province of Jujuy, about a 4.5-hour drive north of Salta. On the way, you can stop off at the village of Purmamarca, which is known for its market and the ‘mountain of seven colours’ – a stunning natural phenomenon.
You’ll be staying at the Salinas in a truly unique and sustainable accommodation: a luxury dome where you’ll be completely surrounded by the salt flats. Pristine Salinas Grandes Luxury Camp is unique and allows you to experience the salt flats to the full, both by day and by night under a sparkling starry sky. It’s as if you’ve landed on another planet – a truly magical place!
During your stay, you’ll explore this stunning area and witness the forces of nature that have shaped this distinctive region. You’ll explore the salt flats further, have the various constellations explained to you in the evenings, go on a day trip to the village of Barrancas where you can admire rock carvings, and visit the authentic villages of Rinconadillas and Alfarcito. Throughout your stay, you’ll be thoroughly pampered. Meals are included during your stay.
Included:
• Private transfer to the car hire company
• Hire car
• 4 days/3 nights at Pristine Salinas Grandes Luxury Camp on a full-board basis, including local drinks and wines, plus various group excursions organised by the lodge and led by expert guides
Accommodation finca near Salta
It’s time to leave the Salinas Grandes again. The drive back to Salta takes about 4 hours, where you’ll be staying in a beautiful rural finca just outside the city. The best route back is via Purmamarca and San Salvador de Jujuy. For the first part of the journey, follow Ruta 52, and then take the Camino de Cornisa (Ruta 9) for the remainder of the route, which is lined with subtropical vegetation. On the way, you’ll pass through San Salvador de Jujuy, where the cathedral is notable for its pulpit (carved from wood and decorated with gold) and the statues of Lola Mora. You might also want to stop off at El Abra de Santa Laura, where you can visit the La Cienaga dam.
Later, enjoy your lovely accommodation with a swimming pool or spend some time exploring the centre of Salta.
Included:
• Hire car
• Accommodation including breakfast
Cafayate wine region
From Salta, follow Route 68, which takes you through the Lerma Valley. Today’s drive takes around 3.5 hours without stops. Halfway along the route, you’ll enter the stunning Quebrada de las Conchas (also known as the Quebrada de Cafayate). This canyon offers a magnificent spectacle, absolute proof that Mother Nature is the world’s greatest artist. By car, you’ll reach the most beautiful viewpoints, such as Los Médanos, El Sapo, El Obispo, La Garganta del Diablo, Los Castillos and El Anfiteatro. The various stops are a short distance apart and are clearly signposted at the side of the road. You then continue along Route 68 to Cafayate, the youngest town in the Calchaquíes Valley and internationally renowned for its Torrontés wines.
Here, you’ll stay in a prime location at the beautiful Patios de Cafayate Hotel & Spa. Rich in culture, wine and tradition, the hotel offers stunning views over the vineyards. Take a stroll through the extensive gardens and admire the traditional architecture and antique, colonial patios. During your stay, a wine tasting at Bodega El Esteco is on the programme, offering a wonderful introduction to the wines of this region.
Includes:
• Hire car
• Wine tasting at Bodega El Esteco on day 11
• Accommodation including breakfast
Accommodation in the Argentine countryside
From Cafayate, you’ll head back north to Salta via Route 68 in around 3.5 hours. You’ll pass through the stunning Quebrada de las Conchas once more, where you’ll find remarkable rock formations sculpted by wind and water. Due to the position of the sun, some parts of the canyon may look very different from previous days. However, you won’t have time to stop along the way today, as you need to be at the airport in good time for your domestic flight to Buenos Aires.
On arrival, you’ll be transferred to your hotel. You’ll spend the final nights of your trip outside Buenos Aires at an estancia – a former gaucho’s home. During your stay here, all meals and a number of activities are included. For example, you can go horse-riding across the estate or in the surrounding countryside, spot birds and other wildlife, or hop on one of the bicycles provided and explore the area. Polo training sessions and matches are also held at the estancia, which you are welcome to attend. If you’re interested in taking a polo lesson yourself, please ask us about the options!
Included:
• Hire car
• Domestic flight to Buenos Aires
• Private transfer to your hotel
• Accommodation on a full-board basis, including some activities organised by the estancia
Accommodations
CasaSur Recoleta Hotel
Located in one of the city's most sophisticated spots, CasaSur Recoleta welcomes you to the heart of Buenos Aires. With the distinctive sophistication and elegance of this neighbourhood, the cosmopolitan essence of the city is felt at every step. Surrounded by art galleries, national and international famous fashion brands,...
Located in one of the city's most sophisticated spots, CasaSur Recoleta welcomes you to the heart of Buenos Aires. With the distinctive sophistication and elegance of this neighbourhood, the cosmopolitan essence of the city is felt at every step. Surrounded by art galleries, national and international famous fashion brands, green areas and tourist circuits that are a must-see for every visitor, CasaSur Recoleta is your home in Buenos Aires. It offers you the experience of a luxury boutique hotel, with five-star hotel service.
Your stay: 3 nights
Legado Mitico Salta
In the historic centre of Salta city, stands the mansion that once belonged to a Salta aristocratic family. This property has been transformed into a glamorous boutique hotel. The Legado Mitico is inspired by the history and culture of Northwest Argentina. Each room has its own theme and...
In the historic centre of Salta city, stands the mansion that once belonged to a Salta aristocratic family. This property has been transformed into a glamorous boutique hotel. The Legado Mitico is inspired by the history and culture of Northwest Argentina. Each room has its own theme and décor.
The common areas within the hotel include the library with a generous selection of objects, images and texts to gain insight into Salta's past and present. There is also a breakfast lounge and a patio that is an ideal place to relax.
Your stay: 1 night
Pristine Salinas Grandes Luxury Camp
Located eight kilometres into the heart of the Salinas Grandes salt flats in northwest Argentina, Pristine Salinas Grandes offers a truly unique experience by uniting the ancestral culture of the Aguas Blancas community and the values of sustainability.
The luxury camp is built on elevated...
Located eight kilometres into the heart of the Salinas Grandes salt flats in northwest Argentina, Pristine Salinas Grandes offers a truly unique experience by uniting the ancestral culture of the Aguas Blancas community and the values of sustainability.
The luxury camp is built on raised wooden platforms, which prevent soil erosion and allow the geography to take its natural course. Every detail has been thought of without losing the sustainability of this nature reserve, offering personalised service to a maximum of 10 guests per stay in four high-end domes that are fully equipped. All the domes combine relaxation and comfort and are carefully decorated in a northern style, where colours and textures recall the landscapes of this beautiful region of Argentina.
Here, make the most of the silence and the clear and pristine air, while being completely surrounded by the surreal environment of the Salinas Grandes. At night, the wondrous starry sky reveals all its secrets and in the morning you will wake up to a breathtaking sunrise. With exquisite gastronomy, you can also enjoy excellent food here.
Positive impact
Pristine Camp Salinas Grandes runs 100% on renewable energy sources that are beneficial to the environment. With cutting-edge sustainable architecture, a strong connection to indigenous culture and a commitment to 100% clean energy, Pristine Camps Salinas is an absolute forerunner as sustainable accommodation. More information on their comprehensive sustainability policy can be found here: https://www.pristinecamps.com/en/triple_impacto.html
Your stay: 3 nights
House of Jasmines
Close to the Andes and minutes from Salta, discover the luxury hotel House of Jasmines (member of Relais & Chateaux). At the end of an alley lined with eucalyptus trees, a centuries-old estancia welcomes travellers for an unforgettable stay.
Whether it is the hotel rooms, the large park of...
Close to the Andes and minutes from Salta, discover the luxury hotel House of Jasmines (member of Relais & Chateaux). At the end of an alley lined with eucalyptus trees, a centuries-old estancia welcomes travellers for an unforgettable stay.
Whether it's the hotel rooms, the large 100-hectare park or the wellness centre with SPA and outdoor pool, everything is designed to allow visitors to relax. Stay at the hotel and enjoy the restaurant La Table de House of Jasmines, which sublimates traditional Argentine gastronomy and presents local products from Salta province. The Estancia is also the ideal starting point to explore the varied landscapes of northern Argentina, home to many natural wonders. Get carried away by the warm and romantic atmosphere of the Argentine Northwest.
Your stay: 1 night
Patios De Cafayate
Stay in a prime location at the beautiful Patios de Cafayate hotel & spa. Rich in culture, wine and tradition, the Patios de Cafayate hotel realises stunning views over the Calchaquíes Valley vineyards. Stroll through the extensive gardens and admire the traditional architecture and antique, colonial...
Stay in a prime location at the beautiful Patios de Cafayate hotel & spa. Rich in culture, wine and tradition, the Patios de Cafayate hotel realises stunning views over the Calchaquíes Valley vineyards. Stroll through the extensive gardens and admire the traditional architecture and antique, colonial patios. The hotel features a spa with very special wellness treatments.
Your stay: 3 nights
Puesto Viejo Estancia
Puesto Viejo means 'old place', this name was given to the building because the most trusted gaucho in charge of the estancia lived here. The building combines old rustic charm with modern comforts. The guest rooms are named after the owner's favourite horses and all have a...
Puesto Viejo means 'old place', this name was given to the building because the most trusted gaucho in charge of the estancia lived here. The building combines old rustic charm with modern comforts. The guest rooms are named after the owner's favourite horses and all have their own style decorated with antiques from the region.
The living area of the estancia has a cosy fireplace with a fine seating area for relaxing. The dining room has a long dining table where you can dine with all the guests. Delicious meals are served in the dining room or outside on the terrace. During meals, you can meet the other guests and exchange stories. The staff at Estancia Puesto Viejo are always ready to assist you and will do everything they can to ensure your stay is unforgettable.
Your stay: 2 nights
Experiences
Tango & dinner show La Ventana
La Ventana is a classic tango show featuring Carlos Gardel's absolute hits, traditional clothing, a beautiful setting and very good quality dance, singing and music. It also features music from the Northwest of Argentina and concludes with the famous 'Don't cry for me Argentina' with the whole...
La Ventana is a classic tango show featuring Carlos Gardel's absolute hits, traditional clothing, a beautiful setting and very good quality dance, singing and music. It also focuses on music from the Northwest of Argentina and concludes with the famous 'Don't cry for me Argentina' with the whole crew proudly singing along from the stage with the Argentine flag in their hands. La Ventana is best compared to an evening of theatre with dinner. It is the little brother of Tango and dinner show Gala which is even more small-scale and luxurious with a higher quality menu and wines. For more information about La Ventana, consult the website: http://www.laventanaweb.com/
Destinations
Pampas
Those who think of Argentina almost certainly think of the Pampa with its gauchos (South American cowboys), horses and empty plains. Just outside bustling Buenos Aires, this part of Argentina begins. Here you will find the typical Argentine gauchos and you can possibly take part in various activities such as horseback riding, carriage rides, cycling or just walking around the beautiful terrain. You will also enjoy typical Argentine meals and the sport Polo in this area.
Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires is undoubtedly one of South America’s most popular cities, a metropolis with a strong identity of its own and a population of over 10 million. Visitors are treated to a wide range of attractions. In the ‘Microcentro’, you’ll find stately buildings, shopping boulevards and, of course, landmarks such as ‘la Casa Rosada’ and ‘Avenida 9 de Julio’ with its towering obelisk. In the old neighbourhoods of ‘La Boca’ and ‘San Telmo’, you can soak up the atmosphere of days gone by, when Italian and Spanish immigrants in search of a better life settled here in the late 19th century. La Boca actually offers the traveller just two streets that are somewhat touristy, and yet you simply must see the colourful little houses here. Of course, Buenos Aires is also known as the birthplace of Queen Máxima and Pope Francis.
San Telmo is the neighbourhood of antique shops and tango performances. It was in these neighbourhoods that this seductive dance originated. In the upmarket ‘Recoleta’ district, alongside exclusive shops and beautiful buildings, you’ll find the spectacular Recoleta Cemetery. Among others, Evita has her mausoleum here.
Palermo is home to extensive green parks and gardens. Palermo Soho and Palermo Hollywood have been on the up in recent years as nightlife districts with excellent restaurants and cosy wine bars. You’ll also find luxury boutiques and designer shops there.
Buenos Aires’ newest district, Puerto Madero, is certainly worth a visit; the old warehouses now serve as shops and restaurants, and amongst the modern buildings, the city’s architects have preserved large cranes and important historic buildings from the former harbour as monuments.
Buenos Aires Province
Located in the Pampa lowlands of Argentina, Buenos Aires province, meaning 'good air', is the country's largest province. Although the province bears the same name as the city of Buenos Aires, it does not include it. The current provincial capital is La Plata, a thriving cosmopolitan city. The province offers spectacularly beautiful natural landscapes, including a stunning Atlantic coast, numerous rivers, sparkling lagoons and the Sierra de la Ventana mountain range. Visitors can explore the cities of Mar del Plata, La Costa Partido, Villa Gesell and Miramar. Sample a range of exceptional wines along Argentina's world-famous wine route; and enjoy a trip to a gaucho ranch to experience the life of the gaucho, with traditional music, dancing, delicious food and horse riding. Don't miss the chance to enjoy the world's best Argentine beef in one of the many steakhouses scattered across the province.
Argentina
Southern Andes Argentina
The Argentine part of the majestic Andes is a playground for visitors interested in breathtaking landscapes, adventure activities, alpine forests, the pampas and the Chaco Desert. Alpine towns like Bariloche offer a wide range of outdoor activities, such as skiing and hiking. Another gem is the village of San Martín de los Andes with its spectacular scenery of Lake Lacár, located right on the edge of Parque Nacional Lanín, where outdoor sports and adventure abound.
Salta
Salta was founded by the Spanish and was an important stop on the route from Buenos Aires to Lima in Peru. It was also and still is today a centre of silver mining. So today, silver, as well as gold, is still mined there. Furthermore, Salta is located in the vast and fertile Lerma Valley and has a well-preserved colonial centre. Salta is also considered one of the oldest and most beautiful colonial cities in the country. A cosy city with plenty of entertainment, restaurants and nightlife. Many monuments are well preserved.
Cafayate
Cafayate is strikingly beautiful. Vibrant rows of vines contrast with the stark mountain ridges and undulating mountain scenery, making travel to Argentina's northern regions well worthwhile. This small town attracts wine lovers and nature lovers alike. Don't miss the striking geological land folds of the Cafayate Amphitheatre or the six-kilometre walk that follows the Colorado River. Wine-loving visitors are rewarded with delicious Torrontes wine, an Argentine white variety that can be found in many of the city's cool bodegas (wine cellars). Guests driving by car from Salta will enjoy the spectacular views along the scenic National Route 68.
Calchaquí Valley
Calchaqui Valley is the postcard destination of Argentina's northern provinces known for its rust-brown mountains, deep gorges, winding rivers and vast valleys. The roads along this prized tourist circuit are dotted with charming old villages, vast vineyards and archaeological sites such as the ruins of Quilmes.
Northwest Argentina
Northwestern Argentina comprises the provinces of Catamarca, Jujuy, La Rioja, Salta, Santiago del Estero and Tucumán and covers some impressive landscapes. The region's landscape is characterised by fertile valleys, majestic Andean mountains, tropical jungles, and red rock canyons and mountain passes. Visitors can go trekking in Quebrada de las Conchas, explore the scenic provinces and discover some popular destinations, such as: Quebrada de Humahuaca Valley, the Cerro de Los Siete Colores, Cafayate Calchaquí Valley, Tafí del Valle, as well as many colourful bustling towns.
Jujuy Province
Jujuy, a province in Aremote, is located in the remote northwest of Argentina. The landscape is characterised by dramatic rock formations and the rolling hills of the Quebrada de Humahuaca, a UNESCO-protected cactus-lined gorge. The province is dotted with indigenous Quechuan villages north of the provincial capital, San Salvador de Jujuy; and is home to the iconic, multicoloured Cerro de los Siete Colores '(Seven-Coloured Hill). Visitors come here for the breathtaking landscapes and to learn more about the strong indigenous culture known for their pagan rituals. Don't miss the chance to explore the province's many towns rich in culture and surrounded by nature, including Purmamarca, Tilcara and Humahuaca.
Salinas Grandes
Salinas Grandes, which covers both the provinces of Salta and Jujuy in northwestern Argentina, is a natural wonder that captivates visitors with its otherworldly beauty. As the third largest salt flats in the world, Salinas Grandes presents a breathtaking landscape of dazzling white salt that stretches as far as the eye can see. The Piletones de Sal, shallow salt pools, add to the surreal charm of the area. Besides the breathtaking vistas, Salinas Grandes offers an unparalleled stargazing experience. Away from light pollution, the night sky over the salt flats turns into a heavenly spectacle.
Argentina trip | Self-drive Northern Argentina & Salinas Grandes with the Pampas
We offer the described trip from €6,350 per person.
The price is indicative and is subject to factors including availability and travel dates.
Included
• Domestic flights as specified in ‘your itinerary’ with a 15 kg baggage allowance
• 13 nights’ accommodation in excellent and distinctive properties
• All meals as specified in ‘your itinerary’
• Hire car, Nissan Frontier or similar model, including Smart Cover insurance, unlimited mileage and taxes
• All necessary private transfers as mentioned
• All excursions as mentioned in ‘your itinerary’, including a tango & dinner show, wine tasting and a multi-day adventure at Salinas Grandes in the Pristine Luxury Camp
• National park entrance fees for scheduled excursions
• Booking fees (worth €50)
Positive impact of your trip:
• A contribution of €50 per person towards positive impact via the Avila Foundation
• Our local partner in Argentina donates to the Fundacion Escolares foundation, which is committed to the development of schools in remote areas of the country
• Cycling tour in Buenos Aires
• Stay at Pristine Luxury Camp Salinas Grandes
Not included
• Intercontinental flights
• Room category upgrade
• Travel and/or cancellation insurance
• Tourist tax in Buenos Aires and other destinations (to be paid at the hotel)
• Additional baggage allowance for domestic flights
• Seat reservations on flights
• Personal expenses/tips
• Meals not specified and optional excursions
• Local car hire costs, such as administration fees, parking charges, tolls, fuel and excess waiver
• Contribution to the emergency fund (€2.50 per booking)
• SGR contribution (€5 per person)