Day 1: Arrival & Night in Salta

The charming town of Salta is renowned for its colonial architecture, striking landscapes, and rich cultural history as part of the Inca Empire. Founded in 1582, Salta is easily accessible on foot, and its downtown features a number of impressive buildings dating back to the 18th, 19th, and early 20th centuries. This provincial capital has an air of sophistication with restaurants and cafes spread around the central square.
Hotel: El Lagar

Day 2: Cuesta Obispo to Cachi

Heading out of Salta, tobacco plants, tropical fruits and sugar cane line the roads. Also along the route, you’ll pass one of Argentina’s principal goat farms and cheese factories. As you climb in altitude, the land becomes increasingly arid and vistas dotted with the cacti, sage and surreal limestone rock formations of the National Cactus Park (Parque Nacional los Cardones). We then arrive to Payogasta, an ancient town on the Inca Road path that once connected the mighty pre-Colombian empire which stretched from Peru to northern Argentina. Here, we will enjoy a tasting of the world’s highest altitude wine (grown two miles above sea level) at Vinas de Payogasta.

Hotel: El Cortijo Hotel

Day 3: Cachi to Colome

With a genealogy of winemakers dating back to the 16th century, the Isasmendi family produces some of the only organic wine in the region. In 2004, they planted Tannat, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, and Torrontes, and built the family winery whose principal winemaker is French-trained grandfather Jean Paul Bonnal. They invite us to share an intimate winery experience, including a guided tour of the family’s wine cellar where we will have a tasting (www.bodegaisasmendi.com.ar). We then depart for Argentina’s oldest winery (established in 1831), Bodega Colome, which sits at an elevation of 2,255 meters and sources grapes from the highest-altitude vineyards in the world – at 3,128 meters (10,264 feet) above sea level. Owner and international winemaker Donald Hess has crafted an experience we do not want to miss, so we will extend our visit to stay for lunch (www.estanciacolome.com).

Hotel: Hacienda de Molinos

Day 4: Finca El Carmen, Arrival to Cafayate

Dating back to 1769, and with some of the region’s oldest colonial art and 300-year old mummies, Finca El Carmen, is a must-see. We have the luxury of stopping in for a delicious lunch, where we will enjoy spectacular views of the Calchaquies Valley and its long mountain canyon. With Incan ruins on site, this visit is sure to amaze.

Hotel: Cafayate Wine Resort

Day 5: Finca Quara and Finca Las Nubes

In 1870, drawing inspiration from the European arts, Don José F. Lavaque was part of the first generation of winemakers in the Cafayate Valley. Today his winery, newly branded as Quara, is known for its motto “Be Fun. Have Success.” The Quara brand views life the same as wine: fun, lovable, and inspired. For lunch, we’ll stop at Bodega Las Nubes, a lovely, small organic vineyard which is strictly family-run and has created several interesting wines. The exceptional scenery makes this a very special luncheon experience. Las Nubes forms the last frontier of winemaking, only a few kilometers up a dirt road from the center of town.

Hotel: Cafayate Wine Resort

Day 6: El Esteco and Yacochuya

Bodega El Esteco is a high-end vineyard which was founded in 1892 by two French brothers. El Esteco produces only premium wines for a select market segment and announced their organic certification back in 2005, signaling their commitment to “zero farming” and ecological practices. In support of this mission, our visit will be one which leaves a great impression, but no trace.

We save the best for last as we meet the family who first lured world-renowned French winemaker Michel Rolland to South America. The Etchart family, along with Mr. Rolland, founded the San Pedro de Yacochuya vineyards in 1992. Yacochuya means “clear water” in the ancient Quechua language, and the winery is aptly names, as it has precious rights to half the water from the Yacochuya River. More than 1,980 meters above sea level, the vineyard’s annual output is 100,000 bottles – 80% red and 20% Torrontés. Even after enjoying a personal lunch with the Etchart family, we will leave feeling that our time at Yacochuya was too short.

Hotel: Cafayate Wine Resort

Day 7: Depart for Salta

As our trip winds to a close, we drive north along the scenic Route 68, returning to Salta though the spectacular Río Calchaquies Valley. Among the most interesting crimson rock formations are: Garganta del Diablo (Devil’s throat), El Anfiteatro (the Amphitheater), and Los Castillos (the Castles). This drive will most certainly be an unforgettable “photo safari”!