This Northwest Argentina tour offers rugged landscapes and alluring villages, the grand facades of Spanish colonial buildings and the humble lives of the Gauchos. Northwest Argentina offers a glimpse of South America at its best. Come for the food, come for the tradition, come for the nightlife and the scenery and the people: whatever brings you here, you'll never want to leave.
Customizable Itinerary
Day 1
Buenos Aires – Touch Down in South America
Begin your tour when you land on the outskirts of one of Latin America’s most spectacular cities, Buenos Aires. After being transferred to your luxurious hotel in the heart of the city, you’ll have the chance to take a guided tour of this magnificent metropolis. You can walk, drive, or even bike around this fascinating capital, taking in all of her unique and remarkable sights. Ogle at the incredible span of the Avenida 9 de Julio, the widest avenue in the world. See the impressive façade of Teatro Colon, Buenos Aires’s premier opera house featuring some of the best acoustics on the planet.
Have dinner at one of the local parrillas (grills) dotting the cityscape, where you’ll enjoy perfectly prepared Argentina beef and a sumptuous bottle of local Malbec in the presence of the vibrant nightlife of this one-of-a-kind city.
What's Included:
Day 2
Buenos Aires – Exploring Argentina’s Capital
Day 3
Buenos Aires – A Day as a Gaucho
Day 4
Salta – The Colonial Treasures of Northwestern Argentina
Day 5
Salta – Along the Incan Trail
Day 6
El Cafayate – A Scenic Drive to Cafayate
Day 7
El Cafayate – Going Gourmet in Salta Province
Day 8
Tilcara – A Spectacular Drive Through Calchaquies Valleys
Day 9
Tilcara – Touring Tilcara
Day 10
Tilcara – Purmamarca and Jujuy’s Salinas Grandes
Day 11
Buenos Aires – Returning to the Capital
Day 12
Buenos Aires – Heading Home
Trip Highlights
- Discover all of the offerings of brilliant Buenos Aires, from the stately steps of the Casa Rosada to the tree-lined streets of Palermo, featuring delicious food, exciting activities and, of course, a performance of the tango, Argentina’s national dance
- Venture beyond Buenos Aires to experience life as a Gaucho at an authentic estancia in San Antonio de Areco, the heart of Argentina’s cowboy country
- Spend a day in Salta, where the colonial buildings that line the streets hearken back to the days of the Spanish Empire and meet the famous “Llullaillaco Children” at the MAAM
- Drive through some of northwest Argentina’s most spectacular landscapes, from the fantastic formations of the Quebrada de las Flechas to the incredible juxtaposition of color in the Calchaquies Valleys
- Tour three of Cafayate’s famous vineyards and wineries, complete with tastings, before visiting a local farm that makes some of the best goat cheese around, the perfect complement to a glass of Malbec or Torrontes
- Experience the breathtaking splendor of the Calchaquies Valleys and the unmatched geological formations that dot the landscape before visiting the charming towns of Tilcara and Humahuaca
- Stop by Purmamarca in the heart of the Quebrada de Humahuaca to gaze upon the indescribable beauty of the Hills of Seven Colors before casting your eye upon the stretching expanse of the Salinas Grandes
Detailed Description
Argentina’s Northwest is an underexplored region of incredible wonder, filled with rich history and stunning scenery, the ancient strongholds of pre-Columbian peoples and the phenomenal colors of the collision of plains and mountains. This 12-day Northwest Argentina tour gives you a glimpse of all the sites that make the area truly special. From the Calchaquies Valleys to the vineyards of Cafayate, from the rising Hill of Seven Colors to the interminable reach of Jujuy’s Salinas Grandes and everywhere in between. In addition to the beauty, get to know the friendly and engaging locals anxious to share the splendor of their homeland with you.
Begin in Buenos Aires, the “Paris of Latin America,” a city filled with European sophistication and South American passion, home to the tango and some of the best steakhouses on the continent. Then turn Argentina’s untrammeled Northwest to experience the country filled with a deep sense of culture and heritage. Visit the colonial buildings on beautiful display in Salta and the millennia-old Pucara de Tilcara, the jagged cliffs of the Qubradad de las Flechas. The green meadows will envelop you at Cafayate. Every time you turn around you’ll encounter something new, something captivating, and something unimaginably spectacular.
Argentina is a country that is unlike any other, a nation filled with ardor and spirit and a love of good food, good wine, and good company. You’ll be awed by the scenery, moved by the culture, and swept off your feet by the fascinating people who call this place home. Whether you are a history buff or wine aficionado, a lover of nature or a total urbanite, this is one of those Argentina tours that will show you Argentina as you’ve never seen it before.
Starting Price
$4,900 per person (excluding international flights)
Your Zicasso trip is fully customizable, and this sample itinerary is a starting place for your travel plans. Actual costs are dynamic, and your selection of accommodations and activities, your season of travel, and other such variables will bring this budget guideline up or down. Throughout your planning experience with your Zicasso specialist, your itinerary is designed around your budget. You can book your trip when you are satisfied with every detail. Planning your trip with a Zicasso travel specialist is a free service.
What's Included
- Accommodations
- In-country transportation
- Some or all activities and tours
- Expert trip planning
- 24x7 support during your trip
Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.
Reviews of Zicasso's Referral Service
4.86 stars based on 853 reviews.
My wife and I recently embarked on a breathtaking journey through South America, visiting Buenos Aires, Mendoza, Iguazú Falls in Argentina, and Rio de Janeiro in Brazil. We entrusted Zicasso's tour agency with planning our trip and it turned out to be one of the best travel decisions we've ever made.
From the very beginning, the team at the tour company was attentive and responsive, taking the time to understand our preferences and interests. They crafted a personalized itinerary that perfectly balanced adventure, relaxation, and cultural exploration.
Buenos Aires: Our adventure began in the vibrant city of Buenos Aires. The agency arranged for a knowledgeable local guide who took us through the historic neighborhoods, tango shows, and culinary delights. The accommodations were centrally located, allowing us to explore the city with ease.
Mendoza: Next, we traveled to Mendoza, where we were immersed in the world of wine. The tour agency organized exclusive vineyard tours and tastings, providing us with a unique insight into the region's winemaking traditions. The picturesque landscapes and charming boutique hotel made our stay unforgettable.
Iguazú Falls: The highlight of our trip was undoubtedly the awe-inspiring Iguazú Falls. The agency ensured we had the best vantage points and arranged for a thrilling boat ride that brought us up close to the cascading waters. Their attention to detail and seamless logistics made this experience truly magical.
Rio de Janeiro: Our journey concluded in the vibrant city of Rio de Janeiro. The travel company curated a perfect blend of iconic sights like Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain, along with hidden gems that showcased the city's unique culture. The beachfront hotel provided stunning views and a relaxing end to our adventure.
Throughout the trip, the tour company was always available to assist with any questions or adjustments, ensuring a stress-free experience. Their expertise and dedication to customer satisfaction were evident in every aspect of our journey.
We wholeheartedly recommend this company to anyone seeking a well-organized and memorable travel experience. We look forward to planning our next adventure with them!
Reviewed By Nathan P.
Zicasso's travel specialist was absolutely the best to work with in planning a trip to Argentina for 11 family members, with ages from 10 to 73.
We were not sure if we could take a family trip this summer due to work schedules, but we were able to make something work around the third week in May for an early July trip. In a short period of time, our specialist gained an understanding of what our family was looking for and put together a memorable trip. He was very responsive, open to our ideas, and when we suggested an idea, he made it happen. Throughout our trip, he and his team were just a WhatsApp message away, supporting our trip, including getting our boarding passes for domestic flights.
We saw that his company can arrange trips to other areas in South America and hope to work with him and his team in the future.
Reviewed By Marlene A.
When my wife and I first considered a trip to Argentina, there were many unknowns. Neither of us had ever been to South America, so everything from transportation, possible language barriers, and deciding which attractions we would enjoy most felt like a challenge. We then decided to contact several travel agencies, but one quickly stood out. Our Zicasso travel agent made a strong, welcoming first impression.
She was always prompt, helpful, and thoughtful with every interaction. It was abundantly clear how much she cared about her clients and her commitment to creating a truly personalized Argentine experience for them. She was patient, flexible, and attentive with every email and video call exchange in order to create an itinerary that matched our interests and needs. Her support continued well beyond the planning stage. She would regularly check in to make sure we were prepared for the trip. She also connected us with their 24-hour emergency assistance service and made time to meet us in person to welcome us there.
Our trip took us across a broad range of destinations and climates, including Buenos Aires, Patagonia, Mount Fitz Roy, and the Iguazú Falls region. We enjoyed guided tours, scenic hikes, and boat rides near ancient, awe-inspiring glaciers and lush, breathtaking waterfalls. Since these locations are far apart, flying was the most convenient method to travel between them. Along the way, we experienced issues with domestic flights, ranging from significant delays, an overnight reroute due to weather conditions, etc.
During our flight issues, the 24-hour emergency assistance service was incredibly helpful, with a majority of my communications handled by the travel agent's team. They provided timely, reliable guidance that reduced our stress through each event. In a few instances, they helped us avoid long delays with their expertise and local connections. No matter the time of day we messaged or called them, they responded with professionalism, patience, and genuine care. This level of quality service showed us just how dedicated this team is to supporting their travelers every step of the way.
If you are planning a vacation to Argentina, I highly recommend reaching out to them. They are passionate, knowledgeable, and truly committed to making your experience unforgettable. You will not only appreciate the beauty of the country and have a relaxing time, but also gain insight into its diverse culture and rich history during your adventures there.
This travel company made our trip seamless as possible, leaving us feeling heard and cared for throughout our journey. Their high level of professionalism, combined with their personal touch and care, left a lasting impression on us.
Reviewed By J L.
I have already mentioned Zicasso to many others for planning their future trips.
Reviewed By Mark L.
We are basking in the memory of a simply amazing trip to Argentina with Zicasso... it was awesome. The responsiveness of our specialist and guides, and the attentiveness of service overall, was very noticeable throughout. In particular, there was a storm that hit in the days prior to our arrival in Bariloche (Argentine Patagonia Lake District) which impacted boat schedules, and behind the scenes, without us knowing, we were rebooked and rescheduled for various activities in a seamless fashion to ensure we got the hiking and other experiences we were hoping for. Great service!
Reviewed By Keith M.
Zicasso's travel specialist helped by booking and planning every aspect of our trip (flights, hotels, transfers, tours, etc), all based on my wishes, along with his suggestions. He also ensured we had time to relax between activities (so often, an agent books so many activities you don't get a chance to stop and sit, but we had a few hours each day to do so). From meeting us upon arrival to the constant communication during the trip, he made sure everything ran smoothly. We had to adjust a tour due to weather, but he was on top of it, ensuring we had other options for that day.
Our agent and his team made everything run smoothly and ensured we had a great trip to an area we were not familiar with.
Reviewed By Michelle J.