Tour Overview
Explore the highest altitude wine region in the world, the Valles Calchaquies, set in the stunningly varied landscape of North West Argentina: this 4 day wine tour combines vineyards with an excursion through the heart of the Valles.
You will be taken on a journey of discovery through the rugged landscape of the Valles Calchaquies to learn about its rich history of pre-Inca ruins and Spanish conquest, taking time out to sample some of Argentina’s lesser known Malbecs, the signature white Torrontes and unusual ruby red variety of Tannat.
You’ll travel down the Valles visiting the remote Colome vineyard, the bold venture of internationally renowned Swiss wine entrepreneur Donald Hess, as well as Cafayate’s boutique vineyards of Domingo Molina, Finca las Nubes and El Porvenir. And of course we will surprise you with some hidden jewels tucked away off the main tourist track.
Itinerary:
Day 1: You will be picked up from your hotel in Salta and head south through the tobacco region of the Valle de Lerma and climb the lush green mountain road of the Cuesta del Obispo, arriving at the peak of nearly 3,500m above sea level.
From there you will descend into a completely different landscape, entering the Parque Nacional de los Cardones. This is a vast open plain peppered with candelabra cacti where you’ll picnic in the best spot to enjoy the extraordinary views.
After lunch you will visit some of the boutique vineyards in the delightful mountain town of Cachi, famous for its picturesque church with a cactus wood roof. This is the perfect location for an early evening stroll in the main square to enjoy the local colours or unwind at your hotel.
Day 2: Travel through the Valles Calchaquies, rich in indigenous culture, great varied landscapes and vineyards. After a visit to traditional poncho weavers in the scenic village of Seclantas, head for lunch at the 18th century Hacienda de Molinos, home of the last Royalist governor of this part of South America under Spanish rule.
You can visit the local museum and church in this historic colonial town where little seems to have changed through the centuries before visiting the highest altitude wine resort in the world: Colome, also home to the extraordinary James Turrell art museum.
Day 3: After sampling the wines of the Swiss billionaire producer Donald Hess at Colome you will visit some of the smaller local wine producers dotted around the Valles Calchaquies.
Travel south down the iconic Route 40 through the Quebrada de las Flechas where you can take a walk in the midst of this breathtaking, jagged desert landscape, fashioned from ancient quartz, limestone and sandstone rock.
Arrive in Cafayate, Salta’s premier wine town, and home to the best Torrontes white wine in the world. Among our favourite wineries here are Piattelli, San Pedro de Yacochuya, Domingo Molina, El Porvenir, Esteco and Finca las Nubes.
Day 4: The Valles Calchaquies was the seat of fierce resistance to the Spanish arrival 500 years ago. You will visit the pre-Inca site of Quilmes where descendants of the original inhabitants will share with you the remarkable and sad story of how this indigenous tribe resisted the invasion until they were were finally, cruelly, broken.
Then there will be time for some more wine tasting before returning to Salta through the deep ochre coloured landscape of the Quebrada de las Conchas national park.
What’s included
- Transportation in 4x4 or 4x2 pick-up
- Winery visits
- Wine tastings
- Admission to museums and natural monuments
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off in Salta
- Indigenous guide at Quilmes
- Bilingual tour guide
- Accommodation
- Meals
- Any personal expenses
Meeting point
Your centrally located accommodation in Salta.
Cancellation Policy
25% of the reservation is refundable up until 2 months before departure time. Non refundable for cancellations occurring 14 days before departure time. In the case of Covid-related cancellations, the amount is held as a credit for a future tour.
