Salta & Cafayate

Day 1: To Salta

Transfer to the airport for your flight to the province of  Salta , in northwest Argentina. Steeped-in culture and tradition, the Northwest is the most historic and colorful region in Argentina. From the fertile green valleys, to the high deserts dotted with giant cacti, pre-Hispanic cultures carry on in music, crafts, and festivals. After checking in and getting settled, you´ll have a tour of the city, including the intriguing MAAF Museum, which has several perfectly preserved Pre-Inca mummies.

Day 2: Humahuaca Gorge

Today, drive through the picturesque Humahuaca Gorge while visiting quaint little villages like Purmamarca, known for the Cerro de los Siete Colores (Hill of Seven Colors) that overlooks the town, and Tilcara, with its impressive pre-hispanic fortress: the Pucará.

We´ll reach to the lovely town of Humahuaca, which was declared by UNESCO as a Cultural World Heritage Site. This charming location is ideal to break for an al fresco lunch. Recommended meals include tamales, humitas and meat empanadas.

Day 3: Cafayate Wine Tastings

Traveling south from Salta, journey into the red-rock canyon filled with intriguing rock formations to reach Cafayate, heart of Salta´s wine region. Nestled in the foothills of the Andes where cool breezes flow and ample valley views abound, the region is well-known for Torrontés, the only grape considered indigenous to Argentina. To kick off the fun, we are invited to better get to know this grape´s unique expression at some of the finest estates of the region.

Our first visit will be to Salta´s Vine & Wine Theme Museum. L ocated at the site of the old museum known as "La Bodega Encantada", the place offers dynamic and interactive displays on the history and characteristics of the vineyards and wines in height.

The next destination is Bodega Mounier. Known also as Finca Las Nubes, the estate is located above 1850 meters and has an annual production of 50.000 cases with a limited - edition runs of Torrontés & Malbec. Wander into the maze of picadas and joints, and sample some of Argentinean classics for a satisfying al freso lunch.

The last winery of the day is Bodega Nanni, perhaps Salta´s most highly acclaimed estate. Nanni has been in the same family and in the same building for more than a century and it has the only organic certification in Cafayate.

Then, drop off at Patios de Cafayate Hotel & Wine Spa.  Located on the El Esteco Winery in the Calchaquíes Valleys, a few minutes from the town of Cafayate, Patios de Cafayate is one of the most exclusive hotels in Argentina, thanks to its dramatic and isolated location.

Day 4: Cafayate Leisure

Day at leisure to explore the hotel surroundings. A suggestion for today is to visit Colomé Winery or Cristófani clay hand-craft market. This family business date back from 1850 when the Cristófani family, of Italian heritage, settled in this remote area of Argentina: the Calchaquí Valley. Their pottery jars are a representative symbol of Cafayate and have inspired several songs and poems.

Day 5: To home

Check OUT from the hotel and transfer to the international airport. Ask about optionaladd-on trips to the thundering majesty of Iguazú Falls, wine tasting in the foothills of the Andes in Mendoza & Chile, and outdoor activities in the pristine natural beauty of  Patagonia. Extra days must be arranged in advance. End of our services.

* Click here to see our Full Selection of Day Tours:http://www.mendozaholidays.com/one-day-tours/index.asp

Mendoza Holidays Wine Tours has once again received an International ¨Best of Wine Tourism Award¨ (2009/2010/2011/2012) thanks to the exceptional and memorable wine tourism experience offered to clients. Great Wine Capitals Global Network. www.greatwinecapitals.com

Inclusions:

- Transfer IN/OUT

- Two nights´ accommodation at a City Hotel in double base with breakfast included

- Two nights´ accommodation at a Wine Lodge in double base with breakfast included

- Half day city tour (Includes: private transportation from and to your hotel, bilingual tour guide, entrances to the main attractions)

- Full day tour Humahuaca Gorge (Includes: private transportation from and to your hotel, bilingual tour guide. Meal and beverages are not included)

- Full day wine tour around Cafayate wine region (Includes: private transportation from and to your hotel, bilingual tour guide, visits and Premium tastings at wineries, gourmet lunch with fine wines, bottled mineral water)

- All taxes

Exclusions:

- Flight tickets. Airport taxes.

- Tips and gratuities for guide, driver, restaurant.

- Personal expenses.

- Meals and drinks not specified.

The price will depend on the number of people travelling in your party (deluxe car – van –minibus). 

Each customized package is priced according to the wineries, hotels and restaurant we visit.  

If you have any questions or would like to make a reservation please call in US to  1917 267 8781 , email us or use our convenient reservation form.

Notes:      

*This exciting package is a totally PRIVATE experience and is NOT a group tour. Available all year round. Prior to confirmation, all rates are subject to change without notice and based upon limited availability.

**Early reservations for this tour are recommended.  

***Visits to different wineries or restaurants may vary at times according to season but we guarantee the highest standards to ensure that our customers find the best wines and enjoy a fantastic visit to the Mendoza Wine Country.

****If you are interested in this package, contact us today for more information. If you would like us to customize a luxury gourmet tour for you, contact us with your requirements, and we can send you a free itinerary and quote with no obligations.

Mendoza Holidays Wine Tours has once again received an International ¨Best of Wine Tourism Award¨ (2009/2010/2011/2012) thanks to the exceptional and memorable wine tourism experience offered to clients. Great Wine Capitals Global Network. www.greatwinecapitals.com