Wine and Landscapes of Argentina's Northwest

14 days
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4.6/5 Excellent
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Small Group Tour
Take an adventure through the heart of Argentina. Journey through the northwest region's most inspiring scenery, from colourful mountains and barren plains to spectacular gorges and lunar landscapes. Along the way, explore the changing cultural and gastronomic identities, from the still-present indigenous heritage in the Andean region to the multi-cultural, c...
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$4,871
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Strenuous

Highlights

    • Road trip through magnificent mountain scenery, and taste Argentina's famous wines
    • Explore the differences between the indigenous, rural northwest and cosmopolitan Buenos Aires
    • See colourful mountains, cactus-strewn deserts and giant rock formations in unusual national parks

What's this trip about?

    Take an adventure through the heart of Argentina. Journey through the northwest region's most inspiring scenery, from colourful mountains and barren plains to spectacular gorges and lunar landscapes. Along the way, explore the changing cultural and gastronomic identities, from the still-present indigenous heritage in the Andean region to the multi-cultural, cosmopolitan vibe of Buenos Aires. Explore Argentina's wine regions - Sample Malbec and Torrontes wines in the vineyards of Cafayate and Mendoza, set in the shadows of the Andes Mountains. Soak up stunning scenery - Road trip through Argentina's unforgettable landscapes from arid cacti-strewn deserts to rich fertile forests. Witness Humahuaca Gorge - Visit the immense gorge and 'seven coloured mountain', and take a drive up to San Antonio de los Cobres.

Details

Itinerary focusOff the Beaten Path
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 20 people
Age range16 to 85 years
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityMendoza
End CityBuenos Aires

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • Hiking & Walking

Destinations

  • South America
  • Argentina

Attractions

  • Bar
  • Buenos Aires
  • Mendoza

Activities

  • Hiking

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Join trip in Mendoza

Our tour starts today in Mendoza, the heart of Argentina's wine country, located in the shadow of the mighty Andes. For those arriving in time, our tour leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 6pm for the welcome meeting and for those that wish, there is...

Day 2 Wine-tasting in Argentina's famous vineyards

Today, we'll head to Lujan de Cuyo, 30 minutes outside of the city. Lujan de Cuyo is a wine-growing region where row upon row of vines grow in neatly ordered lines under the shadow of the Andes mountains. Drinking wine in this landscape is an unforgettable experience,...

Day 3 Walk in the Aconcagua Provincial Park and visit the Inca Bridge

Today we have a full-day trip to Aconcagua Provincial Park, home to the magnificent Aconcagua - standing at 6,961 metres/22,837 feet it's the tallest peak in the Americas. At the bottom of the permanently snow-covered peaks, we'll find lush meadows and some forested v...

Day 4 Drive to Barreal; visit El Leoncito National Park

Today we'll set off to Barreal, one of the most beautifully situated towns in this sleepy region of the country. The town is a shot of green in the often desert-like landscapes of the northwest, with seven snow-capped Andean peaks overlooking it. The highlight is the ...

Day 5 Drive to Villa Union through the Las Burras gorge

We have a long day of driving today, approximately seven hours, to Villa Union. Much of the drive is on the iconic Route 40 - similar to Route 66 in the US, the road is embedded into the country's culture, taking travellers from Salta in the north down to the wilds of...

Day 6 Explore the geo shapes and red rock landscapes of Ischigualasto and Talampaya National Parks

A full day exploring weird and wonderful landscapes awaits us as we delve into the moonlike scenery of Ischigualasto National Park, and the red rock towers of Talampaya. Once the kingdom of dinosaurs, these two parks contain the most complete fossil record known from ...

Day 7 Drive to Belen and visit a women's weaving co-operative

We'll get back on the Ruta 40 today, driving towards the small town of Belen and passing through characterful, rural villages en route. Part of the drive takes us on a winding upward journey over the Cuesta de Miranda, perhaps one of the most photogenic and visual cli...

Day 8 Wine-tasting in Cafayate and visit to indigenous Quilmes ruins

Setting off this morning to Argentina's northern Winelands around Cafayate, we'll stop at the indigenous Quilmes ruins en route. The Quilmes people, dating back to around AD1000, famously resisted the Incan invasion and lived through over a century of Spanish colonisa...

Day 9 Drive to Cachi through 'Broken Arrow Gorge'

The Argentina of the Andes is steeped in Inca heritage, and the indigenous populations have retained many of their old traditions - in small towns like Cafayate, local methods of weaving have been maintained since pre-Hispanic times, and during our journey through the...

Day 10 Drive to Salta through high arid cactus deserts down to fertile forests on the 'Bishop's Hill Road'

This morning, we'll head on to Salta, down the 'Bishop's Hill Road', 20 kilometres/12 miles of hairpin bends that offer views down to the Sierra del Obispo. During the drive, the change in scenery is simply amazing, as we travel from the cactus-filled deserts of the C...

Day 11 Discover Humahuaca Gorge; visit local villages

Today we'll set out to explore the UNESCO Heritage area of the Humahuaca Gorge, a highlight of any trip to the northwest of Argentina. Purmamarca is one of the towns within the gorge, and setting off today we can appreciate the town's incredible backdrop - a mountains...

Day 12 Fly to Buenos Aires

This morning, we'll say goodbye to the northwest and catch our flight to cosmopolitan Buenos Aires. Here we'll find ourselves amid Argentina's capital, located on the southern shores of the Rio de la Plata. Since its founding by Pedro de Mendoza in the 1500s, the city...

Day 13 Walking tour of La Boca and Plaza de Mayo; free afternoon

We're experiencing the city as a Porteno (a Buenos Aires native) today, using the local buses and exploring on foot. Each neighbourhood of Buenos Aires has a distinct character, with grand Italianate architecture rubbing shoulders with winding cobbled streets or tree-...

Day 14 Trip ends in Buenos Aires

Our trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Buenos Aires. There are no activities planned today, so you're free to depart from Buenos Aires at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you'd ...

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Dates & Availability

Price From $3,960
Price per day$283
Last Updated: 5/8/2024
Start Date
Finish Date
Base Price
Single Room (Optional)
Availability
13 Oct 2024
26 Oct 2024
$3,960
$660
10 spots left
10 Nov 2024
23 Nov 2024
$4,080
$650
2 spots left
30 Mar 2025
12 Apr 2025
$4,010
$680
16 spots left
11 May 2025
24 May 2025
$4,010
$680
16 spots left
28 Sep 2025
11 Oct 2025
$4,010
$680
16 spots left
09 Nov 2025
22 Nov 2025
$4,010
$680
16 spots left

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Explore!.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Explore! Reviews & Ratings

4.6/5  Excellent
Excellent
6,612
Great
2,191
Average
376
Disappointing
117
Terrible
56
R

Robert

Apr 2024

Written on

Wine and Landscapes of Argentina

Wow, what a trip! This is a holiday full of varied experiences, its very full on with plenty of road miles covered visiting different parts of Northern Argentina wit...

A

Alasdair

Apr 2024

Written on

Wine and Landscapes of Argentina

The tour leader was excellent - very organised, helpful and friendly, and on top of every detail. The itinerary involves travel of long distances and stops of just o...

T

Trusted Customer

Apr 2024

Written on

Wine and Landscapes of Argentina

This trip focuses on the varied and incredible landscapes of northwest Argentina, showcasing the incredible diversity and beauty in each area. We travelled 3000 km w...

L

Lynne

Feb 2024

Written on

Wine and Landscapes of Argentina's Northwest

There were so many of them - from the magnificent landscapes & National Parks throughout, the small sleepy villages to lively South American towns & cities, ...

R

Renee

Nov 2023

Written on

Wine and Landscapes of Argentina's Northwest

An excellent trip. Quite long road journeys but worth it as saw and experienced so much. It truly was a landscapes and wine experience. Andres our guide was amazin...

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It was a great trip. Our guide Jojan was excellent, extremely knowledgeable and looked after the group really well. He explained a lot of the local culture and took ...

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Tour Operator

Explore!

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About Explore

We've been taking small groups on adventure vacations for over 41 years. Our authentic adventure travel experiences explore the sights and culture of a country, with hand-picked accommodation that balances comfort and location. Our average group tour size is just 11; perfect for meeting new people and getting to the heart of our destinations. Explore is one of the world's most trusted adventure travel companies with over 350 trips to more than 100 countries. We are passionate about travel and have developed a wide range of unique activities and adventures which give our customers an unforgettable experience with a team of award-winning Explore leaders. With Explore, you'll get to see your destination from a whole new perspective that takes you away from the typical well-trodden tourist track. You'll have the chance to meet, dine and stay with local people, rest in authentic accommodation with other like-minded explorers and travel to must-see destinations with a unique Explore twist. From family holidays to trips for solo travelers; cycling tours to wildlife safaris; trekking on mountains or exploring miles of scenic coastline, there is something for every kind of traveler with Explore. We will provide our expert knowledge, exciting itineraries and outstanding service as part of our sustainable travel experiences which take you under the skin of the country you're visiting for the adventure of a lifetime.


Why we love this operator
They explore a place beyond the typical tourist traps and offer exciting activities that bring the “wow factor” intrepid travelers want.
What they’re known for
Famous for our expert local guides that help ease the unknowns of adventure travel while bringing a unique richness and spontaneity to each and every

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Logistics

Transportation & Flights

Bus, Flight,

Transportation & flights

Bus, Flight
Guides
Explore Tour Leader, Driver(s), Local Guide(s)
Cancellation policy
These conditions are applicable to Discovery & Wildlife, Cycling, Walking and Family Trips. These conditions were updated November 2022. Booked a Polar trip? Please refer to our Polar booking conditions. To make it easy to know the detail of our flexibility, we’ve put it in a grid (these terms apply to all trips apart from our Polar Voyages.) Standard cancellations or changes within 69 days of travel If you’re getting closer to your trip, cancellation charges will apply as follows: For trips confirmed by 31st December 2022: 59-42 days before trip start date – 30%, or loss of deposit if higher 41-28 days before trip start date – 60% 27-14 days before trip start date – 90% Less than 14 days before trip start date – 100% For trips confirmed from 1st January 2023: 69 -42 days before trip start date – 30%, or loss of deposit if higher 41-28 days before trip start date – 60% 27-14 days before trip start date – 90% Less than 14 days before trip start date – 100%
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Please note we require a photocopy of your passport 3 month pre departure. It is essential that you provide Explore with a photo copy of your passport at the time of booking, as this will be required in order to confirm accommodation. Argentina: Visas are not required for UK, US, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand citizens. Please note Australian passport holders will need make a payment called the 'reciprocity fee' in advance of travel to enter Argentina. This currently costs US$ 100. This payment needs to be made online at http://www.migraciones.gov.ar/accesible/templates/reciprocidad/reciprocidad.htm The receipt generated at the time of online payment must be printed and given to local immigration authorities together with your passport. You should confirm all visa related issues with the relevant Embassy prior to departure. USA: If your flights pass through the USA, even if only in transit, you will require either a visa or an ESTA (an e-visa). Please read on for more information. Citizens of the UK, New Zealand, Australia, Canada and passport holders from several EU countries can apply for an ESTA under certain conditions. This applies if you enter the country by sea or by air, and this must be done online via https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov, no later than 72 hours prior to travel. Travellers who have not registered before their trip are likely be refused boarding. You must have a biometric passport to apply for an ESTA. UK passports which are biometric feature a small gold symbol (camera) at the bottom of the front cover. If you have visited Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen since 2011 or are dual nationals of these countries, you cannot travel with an ESTA and instead you will need to apply for a visa from the nearest US Embassy or Consulate. If you are unable to provide a valid visa before boarding flights to the US, or entering via another method, you may not be permitted to travel. You should also be aware that if you have travelled to or have been in Cuba since the 12th of January 2021, you will not be eligible for an ESTA visa waiver and will need to apply for a US visa. You should consult the US State Department website to determine which you will need. Your ESTA application will ask for Point of Contact information. Please note that if you're only transiting through the USA then this is not required. If you're visiting or staying in the USA on an Explore trip, then our USA contact information will be listed on your final documentation which you will receive approximately 3-4 weeks before departure. Entry requirements for the USA can change regularly, therefore, please ensure you have the most up to date information before you travel by checking the US embassy website. Visa applications - http://london.usembassy.gov/niv/apply.html Canada: An electronic travel authorisation (ETA) is required by British citizens transiting via Canada. For more information see the official Canadian government website: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/eta.asp Other nationalities should consult their local embassy or consular office
Health & Safety
Nothing compulsory, we recommend protection against typhoid, tetanus, polio and hepatitis A. Please consult your travel clinic for the latest advice on Malaria, Dengue and Zika Virus. Please take preventative measures to avoid mosquito bites - these include mosquito repellent as well as long trousers and long sleeve shirts to cover up when necessary. Please note many countries in Central America, South America and the Caribbean require a yellow fever vaccination certificates if travelling from infected areas. A detailed list of these countries can be found on the NaTHNaC website - http://travelhealthpro.org.uk/countries. Also on the NaTHNaC site there is a list of Countries (and specific areas within a country) which are at risk of infection and a vaccination is therefore recommended. Yellow fever is only recommended for those travelling to Iguazu falls. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at <a href="https://www.explore.co.uk/essential-information/know-before-you-go/travel-health">Explore Travel Health</a> and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast : 13
  • Dinner : 1
Age Requirements
16 to 85 years
Additional Information
Trip ID
explore-NWA

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