Hike and Stargaze in Argentina's Highlands
Head to historic Salta to explore the majestic gorges, shimmering salt flats and rich culture of the High Andes
What's Included?
Small Like-minded Groups
Solo-friendly by design, join our small n’ sociable groups of up to 14 like-minded, active and outdoorsy people…
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What's it like?
Hike among the astonishing rainbow mountains of the Quebrada de Humahuaca and on part of Argentina's Inca Trail
Step foot on the vast salt flats of the Salinas Grandes, and settle into the Altiplano for some of the world's best stargazing
Visit the vineyards of Cafayate to sample the unique high-altitude wines and tasty produce of the Calchaqui Valley
Soak up the local culture in northwest Argentina, bedding down in beautiful, handpicked boutique hotels
Key Information
Day 1
Arrive in Salta
Welcome to Salta, a provincial capital in the northwest of Argentina – and the starting point for your hiking adventure in the High Andes. The region is of great significance and pride to Argentina due to its rich cultural heritage and distinctly Andean way of life. Arriving at Salta Airport, your host offers one group transfer. Later on, meet your guide in the hotel at 18:00 for a welcome drink.
Day 2
The gorges of rural Salta province
Hiking
Begin your exploration of Argentina's northwest with a scenic drive south (approx 2.5 hrs) through Lerma Valley, passing the red rock formations of the Quebrada de las Conchas before stopping for a short hike at La Yesera. Arrive at a local farm, Santa Elena, for a late lunch prepared with their fresh produce, including goat's cheese and vegetables paired with a high-altitude wine tasting. Afterwards, continue on to Cafayate and check in to your hotel, where you'll stay for the next two nights.
Day 3
Sampling wines in the Cafayate Mountains
Hiking
This morning's hike departs straight from the hotel. Venture up into the neighbouring mountain range and you'll be rewarded with outstanding views of the mountains and vineyards, before finishing at a small winery for another wine tasting. The rest of the afternoon can be spent at your leisure, either relaxing at the hotel or exploring the nearby town.
Day 4
Ruta 40 to Cachi
Hiking
After breakfast, head south on Argentina's iconic Ruta 40 (the highway which connects the Bolivian border in the north all the way down to the Magallanes Straight in southern Patagonia). The road takes you through the incredible Quebrada de las Flechas (Arrows Gorge) and onwards to the small town of Molinos. You'll hike one of two possible trails today – either at Cuevas de Acsibi or Cráter de los Cóndores, both characterised by the incredible rock formations in the surrounding hillsides. Later, continue to the town of Cachi, stopping on the route to visit some traditional poncho weavers.
Day 5
Wandering among cacti and stargazing
Hiking
A short drive through plantations of beans, tomatoes, peas and peppers will take you to the start point for today's hike at Las Pailas. You'll start walking amidst giant cacti known as cardones and continue gradually up into the High Andes for a most spectacular view over the valley below. Accompanied by an indigenous guide, you'll walk through archaeological sites and plantations, learning about the region's pre-Hispanic heritage. This evening, head out to stargaze in one of the world's best destinations for astronomy and night sky photography.
Day 6
El Torreón and Argentina's Inca Trail
Hiking
Early morning drive will take you out of Cachi across Los Cardones National Park, a sea of endless cacti. At the mountain pass Piedra del Molino, you'll leave the Calchaqui Valley and drive down into the greener Lerma Valley. You'll arrive at the walking trail which will take you along a rocky ridge up to El Torreón (reaching a maximum altitude of 3150m), and down to the lower valley via part of the Inca Trail. Depending on weather and cloud conditions, you may instead trek an alternative lower-lying trail called La Zanja. Hit the road again, driving to the small town of Villa San Lorenzo, set in the 'Yungas' forest that grows on the eastern slopes of the Andes.
Day 7
Incan heritage and the salt flats of Salinas Grandes
Hiking
Driving
Head to the Quebrada del Toro, a natural passage that connects the green valleys of northwest Argentina to the High Puna, and the mineral deserts that spread over into neighbouring Chile and Bolivia. Stop en route at the archaeological site of Tastil, part of the Qhapac Ñan Inca Road System and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You'll walk around the extended site and learn about Inca history in northwest Argentina. After having lunch with the local community, who are custodians of this historic site, you'll continue up into the High Andes (known as the Puna or Altiplano region) to discover the incredible scenery of the Salinas Grandes salt flats. End the day by descending the Cuesta de Lipán mountain road to the small town of Tilcara.
Day 8
Quebrada de Humahuaca
Hiking
Today you'll explore one of Jujuy Province's most wonderful natural highlights, the incredible Humahuaca Gorge. Set off on a morning hike straight out from your hotel to Alfarcito, then onwards to Maimará, a small mountain community where local producers grow vegetables, grapes and flowers. Take the time to enjoy exploring the sights and sounds of Tilcara town in the afternoon and evening.
Day 9
The Rainbow Mountains of Purmamarca and Hornocal
Hiking
Discover the town of Purmamarca and hike at the foot of the Seven-Coloured Mountain, a magical backdrop to a trail that brings you to Tumbaya Grande. Later on, drive up to the Hornocal Mountains and experience the magnificent view as they light up in the afternoon sun – the perfect way to say goodbye to the Andes, before enjoying one last evening together in Tilcara.
Day 10
Return to Salta
The trip comes to an end today as you depart Tilcara and drive south back to Salta Airport for your onward journey (alternative drop-offs are possible at Purmamarca, Jujuy Airport or central Salta).
The Area
Logistics
Starts
Salta, Martín Miguel de Güemes International Airport
Day 1
Ends
Salta, Martín Miguel de Güemes International Airport
Day 10
Transfers
Your host will arrange for one group transfer upon arrival at Salta Airport on Day 1 at approx 15:00 (the exact time will be confirmed to you prior to your trip). Anyone arriving outside of this time can make their own way to the first hotel. On Day 10 there will be a group transfer from Tilcara to Salta Airport (approx 3.5 hours), where the trip ends. We recommended that you don't book onward flights from Salta that depart before mid-afternoon. Group arrival and departure transfers are only included in the main price if you arrive on Day 1 and depart on Day 10. Should you need a private airport transfer at an alternative time then your host can arrange this – see Optional Extras for price.
For anyone wanting to continue their onward journey from Jujuy Airport instead of Salta Airport on Day 1, the group transfer can depart slightly earlier and make a drop off in Jujuy. Alternative drop-offs can also be made in Purmamarca or central Salta, for anyone booking post-trip nights in the city or continuing their travels independently.
Travel options
Flights from Europe to Argentina are often overnight flights, meaning you arrive the following morning. British Airways fly directly to Buenos Aires (EZE) from London Heathrow (LHR). If flying to Salta via Buenos Aires, it is important to note that there are two different airports in the city, EZE and AEP. There are more regular flights scheduled to Salta from AEP. Coach transfers between the two airports can be booked at the terminal, and it takes approx 1 hour to travel between the two. You should allow plenty of time in case of delays. LATAM, Virgin Atlantic, and British Airways all currently fly from London Heathrow to São Paulo (Brazil), and Aerolineas Argentinas fly from São Paulo direct to Salta.
For travellers coming from the US, direct flights currently run to Buenos Aires from New York, Atlanta, Dallas Fort Worth, Houston and Miami, with several different airlines.
To continue your travels within the region, it is possible to take buses from Salta to northern Chile (San Pedro de Atacama), Bolivia, or south to Mendoza. Buenos Aires makes a great city stopover either pre- or post-trip if you are tempted to tag a few extra days on to your trip – your host will be able to suggest some accommodation options.
Day 1
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 2
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 3
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 4
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 5
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 6 – Day 9
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 10
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
What is the food like?
Enjoying great food is a highlight of any trip to Argentina, and this trip in particular is designed to give travellers a taste of traditional regional cuisine. A mixture of cultures have shaped Argentina, and in the northwest the cuisine has been richly influenced by indigenous and Spanish populations. You'll find empanadas, humita, locro, grilled meats (such as beef, goat, and llama), chorizo sausage, and flavoursome, unique Andean dishes like ají de gallina and pachamanca.
Coffee is widely drunk in the region, typically an espresso or cortado after meals. The pastime of sharing yerba mate between friends is also widely practised – drinking this bitter hot drink of compacted tea leaves through a metal straw is serious business throughout Argentina and part of daily life. The northwest of Argentina is also a world-renowned producer of high-altitude wines. Unlike Mendoza province to the south, Salta province has vineyards at a higher altitude and the contrast in temperature between day and night creates thicker-skinned grapes with a richer flavour. There are many small-scale wine producers in the region, and you'll be lucky enough to visit several of them throughout the trip.
Vegetarians, vegans and most allergies can be catered for - please just request this on your passenger info form. If you have any other dietary requirements then it is important to check before booking.
What is the accommodation like?
Salta
Arrive in northwest Argentina in style, checking in to Villa Vicuña (or similar). This small and elegantly renovated hotel is an old Spanish colonial property, situated close to Salta's old town. You'll stay in twin-share rooms with ensuite bathrooms.
Cafayate
For two nights you'll stay at the beautifully scenic and peaceful Cafayate Wine Resort (or a similar vineyard hotel). Set amidst vineyards in a valley with spectacular mountain backdrops, you can soak up the atmosphere and try some delicious wines. You'll stay in twin-share rooms with ensuite bathrooms.
Cachi
In the small town of Cachi, you'll stay at the El Cortijo Boutique Hotel (or similar). A shaded oasis of calm, you are in for a treat – El Cortijo is stylishly designed with a focus on comfort, local heritage, art and cuisine. You'll stay in twin-share rooms with ensuite bathrooms.
San Lorenzo
In San Lorenzo, a small neighbourhood on the outskirts of Salta, you'll stay at the Hotel Selva Montana, amidst the Yungas cloud forest (or similar). Enjoy the calm natural surroundings, listening to birdsong and the relaxing sound of the river. You'll stay in twin-share rooms with en suite bathrooms.
Tilcara
A wonderful base for the last few days of outdoor adventure, Tilcara in Jujuy Province is home to several lovely boutique hotels. You'll usually stay at Las Terrazas, an architectural delight with a tranquil ambience in which to relax after long, hot days out exploring Quebrada de Humahuaca.
Upgrades
For solo travellers looking for their own space, an optional private room can be booked for an extra charge, see Optional Extras for the price. Please request this at the time of booking (this is subject to availability).
We’re still waiting to collect any reviews from other travellers on this trip. However, all our hosts go through an extensive vetting process to ensure that your adventure is awesome.
Guides
Expert, local, English-speaking guides
Accommodation
Stay in beautiful boutique hotels throughout
Meals
All breakfasts, 8 lunches, 5 dinners
Transfers
Airport transfers and everything in between
Our trips are hassle-free by design. We include all the activities and equipment, as well as many of the meals, so you can simply rock up with your rucksack and share the adventure with your new pals.
Personal Expenses
You know your own spending habits best, so please budget an appropriate amount for things like optional meals and drinks, shopping, optional activities, and laundry.
Enjoy 12.5% Off Outdoor Gear
In need of a few more items? All bookings receive a 12.5% discount to use at Cotswold Outdoor, Snow + Rock and Runner's Need.
What do I need to bring?
BAGS
- Softshell duffel bag or rucksack (main luggage)
- Daypack (20-30 litres)
- Waterproof liner for kitbag/rucksack or drybags
CLOTHES
- Jacket for cool evenings
- Packable waterproof jacket
- Breathable wicking layers
- Fleece jumper or similar
- Thermals (merino best)
- Warm hat
- Gloves
- Buff or neckscarf
- Lightweight trousers/shorts/skirts
- T-shirts
- Underwear and socks
- Swimwear
- Sunglasses
- Sunhat
- Something to sleep in
- Hiking boots or shoes (worn-in)
- Sandals
OTHER
- Universal travel plug adapter
- Power bank or solar charger
- Passports (and visas)
- Travel insurance documents
- Ear plugs
- Insect repellent
- Suncream
- Personal first-aid kit (inc. blister treatment)
- Personal items (biodegradable toiletries, sanitary wear etc)
- Toilet kit (toilet paper, biodegradable bags to carry paper out to dispose of)
- Quick-dry towel
- Alcohol hand-gel
- Headtorch or torch
- Reusable water bottle x1 litre
- Energy bars and snacks - read our article on Best Hiking Snacks
Single/Double/Twin Room in Salta
Payable Before Departure
Single/Double/Twin Room in Salta
… Per Night
Private Room Upgrade
Payable Before Departure
Private Room Upgrade
… Per Person
Private Taxi between Salta Airport & Salta (1-2 people)
Payable Before Departure
Private Taxi between Salta Airport & Salta (1-2 people)
…
We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity.
What's the number?
It works out on average at 494kg of CO2 emissions per person, including all local transport, accommodation, food, activities, guides, staff and office operations.
The only thing it doesn’t include right now is flights and travel to the destination. We do make an overall estimate across all our customers separately, but as we don’t book flights, have customers from all corners of the world, and no way of reliably knowing their travel plans, we simply can’t include an individual number in the figure on display here. We’ve got a goal to fix that, so that when you book, there is a way to measure and mitigate the carbon emitted by your flight too.
But what does the number mean?
Yep, hard to picture eh? To give you an idea:
- Driving 1000miles/1609km would be approx. 281kg of CO2 in an average car (or 140.5kg per person if there was 2 of you in it).
- A return economy class flight London - New York would be approx. 1,619kg (1.66 tonnes) per person.
- 10 trees in a temperate forest are estimated to remove approx. 250kg of CO2 from the air in a period of 5-10 years.
What are we doing about it?
Our trips are relatively low-carbon by design, and we're working with all our hosts to develop long term carbon reduction plans. We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity, ensuring the protection of the reserve and its wildlife.
Want to know more?
Amazingly, no international travel company has ever publicly published their carbon measurements before, as far as we know. We believe that must change, quickly. So we’re openly sharing the method we used in the hope that other companies will be able to more easily follow suit and build on what we've done so far. You'll find it all here.
There is a road trip element to this itinerary as you connect the natural highlights of the Salta and Jujuy regions. In total you'll cover 1100km in a vehicle as the distances in Argentina tend to be on a particularly vast scale! The road journeys are an experience within themselves as you'll pass through some jaw-dropping scenic routes, cutting through gorges, passing through remote communities and over high Andean mountain passes. You'll drive along a section of the famous Ruta 40 which connects northern Argentina right the way down to Patagonia.
Tips for your guide and driver are not included in the trip cost. These are entirely at your discretion but there is an expectation in Argentina to tip for good service. Approx USD5-8 or similar in Argentine Pesos per day for your guide would be a guideline figure.
Tap water is drinkable throughout the trip. The host will carry a supply of water in the vehicle for you to top up your water bottles before each hiking activity. Any plastic bottles purchased during the trip will later be returned to Salta and recycled. You may wish to bring purification tablets should you prefer, or a water filtration device. Read our guide to water filters here
No, unless you have booked an additional post-trip night at the same accommodation in Salta.
Sure can! Over 70% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.
Our team of Adventure Hunters co-create exclusive adventures which are run by highly vetted, specialist hosts. The trip is run by our trusted host partner in the destination. We only work with independent, local, in-destination experts who know the very best places to explore and how to stay safe. Read more information about the local teams we partner with. You’ll be introduced to the host straight after making a booking via the Much Better Adventures platform.
Much Better Adventures refer to the UK Government’s official travel advice when designing trips and monitoring trip operations. We recommend that all customers are familiar with the practical information provided on the Government’s FCDO website, where current travel advice can be found by searching for the applicable destination(s).
For customers joining this trip from other international destinations – please also read the official travel advice applicable to your country of residence/origin, as this may differ.
We recommend checking out the country-specific information and also talking to a travel nurse.
We automatically convert prices from the local currency that a host receives to your chosen currency. We update our exchange rates on a daily basis so this does mean that prices displayed on the site are subject to currency fluctuations, which is why you may see them change over time.
If you wish to change the currency you pay in, head to the bottom of the page.
All of our group adventures are specially designed for adults to enjoy (18+) as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded. Children can be accommodated on some private departures.
You're always in good company on one of our adventures.
Our trips are typically made up of a mixture of solo travellers and small groups of 2 or 3 friends, with most in their 30s-50s.
Our sociable adventures are solo-friendly by design and naturally attract outdoorsy people with a shared mindset; a love for adventure, a desire to push themselves and meet awesome, like-minded people along the way.
It’s this camaraderie that has so often turned a great adventure into a life-changing one.
Don't just take our word for it:
- 95% of people rate the group dynamics on our trips 5/5
- 90% of people recommend joining a trip to make new friends
- 75% of people have met people on our trips that they would now consider friends
See here for more info about the Much Better Adventures tribe.
Interested in a more exclusive experience? Opt for a 'Private Group' through the dates and prices tab to book this adventure for just you and your chosen companions.
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DEPARTURE DATES
