Rural Argentina Experience

Day 1: Salta (-/-/-)

Welcome reception on arrival and transfer to a well located hotel in Salta. In the afternoon, get ready for a private guided walking tour of Salta, one of the most important historical cities in Argentina. Visit the main square ‘9th of July’ with its colonial period buildings and architecture, as well as the beautiful town hall, known as the best in the country. The tour includes a walk up to the top of San Bernardo Hill (250 meters above the city) where you can enjoy great views over Salta Valley. Free evening back to the hotel.

Day 2: Salta (B/-/D)

After breakfast, enjoy an introduction to Andean culture on a trip to the High Mountain Archaeological and Ethnic Pajcha museums and immerse yourself in the ancient Inca culture of the north-west of Argentina. Free afternoon. Dinner will be served at a traditional Peña, where the people of Salta meet to sing and play guitar and other traditional instruments.

Day 3: Salta to the Calchaquies Valleys – Corralito Rural Community (B/L/D)

Set off early with your English speaking guide / driver for a 3-hour private transfer through the Lerma and Cafayate Valleys and the Calchaquies Valleys, as well as the Shells Gorge. Tobacco farming is the main economic activity in the Lerma Valley and you will enjoy spectacular views on route. In the Shells Gorge, wind and water erosion has sculpted the rocks, creating bizarre and remarkable shapes. Once in the Calchaquies Valleys, you will meet the inhabitants and spend a few nights with the local communities. You'll enjoy a traditional farmers’ lunch in the Corralito community. In the afternoon, go on a trekking excursion to discover the surroundings. Accommodation is in private rooms with shared facilities.

Day 4: Corralito Rural Community (B/L/D)

Join in with the day-to-day activities of a rural family in the heart of the Calchaquies Valleys. In addition to ecotourism activities, you will get to try your hand at the preparation of regional cuisine and farming work, such as growing peppers for paprika, onions and cumin, along with goat and cattle breeding. All meals are included and you will have the opportunity to try traditional rural gastronomy and local organic wine. Alternatively, you can just relax and chill out with a glass of wine in the sunshine surrounded by nature.

Day 5: Corralito to Santa Rosa Rural Community (B/L/D)

After breakfast, find out about local ceramic craftsmanship, its processes and techniques, visiting Dolly Graña local artisan in El Barrial rural community. Lunch will be served in the Corralito community and in the afternoon, head off for a tour of the wine-production facilities and some wine-tasting at one of the local vineyards. In the evening, you’ll transfer to another rural community in the Calchaquies Valleys: Santa Rosa. Accommodation in a private room in the community guesthouse.

Day 6: Santa Rosa to El Divisadero Rural Community (B/L/D)

In the morning, enjoy a guided tour to the Quebrada de las Flechas reserve, travelling through different but equally unforgettable landscapes. At noon, you will join the hosts for the preparation of regional cuisine and enjoy lunch together. After lunch, transfer to San Carlos, a small village in the heart of the valley where you’ll be taken on a guided tour of the village, including a visit to the offices of the Rural and Community-based Tourism Co-Operative. Participate in the activities with the loom at Santos Filomena Condori craft market. In the afternoon, you’ll be transferred to ‘El Divisadero’ community, surrounded by breath-taking wild landscapes and you will be welcomed and hosted by one of the local families. Accommodation in a private room in a community guesthouse.

Day 7: El Divisadero Rural Community (B/L/D)

After breakfast, go for a guided walk along the Colorado River. In the afternoon, depending on the season, you could be tending to fruit trees or vineyards, learning the different techniques of wine-making. This region produces award-winning organic wines and you'll get a chance to taste it for yourself on a late morning tour of the vineyards. After lunch, you will be visiting one of the traditional family farms, also members of the Co-Operative. Get ready to enjoy a delicious dinner of local specialities served with organic wines.

Day 8: El Divisadero to Salta (B/L/-)

After breakfast, discover the ancient cave paintings of the region; return to the community for lunch and later you’ll head back through the Shells Gorge to transfer directly to Salta city (approx. 2.5 hours). From Salta you can either start your journey home, or start a new adventure. End of tour.

You will be greeted at the airport on arrival by a local guide who will take you to your hotel and will be able to answer any questions, make any additional arrangements and generally ensure everything goes smoothly.

There is no minimum number of passengers required and you will not be travelling with a group of people you do not know. Prices quoted are per person and based on 2 people travelling. You should expect a cheaper price for bigger groups.

Your passport is required at time of booking. For information on visa requirements and health formalities please visit the FCO Travel Advice Website (direct link to Argentina page) or the US Travel Advice Website (direct link to Argentina page).

This trip, like most of our adventures through Latin America, has a low level of physical difficulty and participants can choose to do as much or as little as they like.

What to bring: Travel insurance, passport, binoculars, alarm clock, walking shoes, water bottle, daypack, sun protection, insect repellent, sun glasses and hat, swimwear, flip-flops, torch with extra batteries, comfortable light cotton shirts with long and short sleeves, comfortable trousers made of cotton or a light synthetic material, shorts, rain coat.