Adventure Across Northwest Argentina
Trip highlights
- Try your hand at making Argentina’s most famous street food, the empanada
- Explore the unique salt formations of Salinas Grandes
- Marvel at the colourful Humahuaca Gorge at the border with Bolivia
- Visit the Quilmes Ruins, a pre-Inca archeological site with a dramatic story
- See hundreds of flamingos at Carachi Pampa basin
- Discover the enigmatic Los Ojos de Mar natural pools
Bespoke trips with Jacada
We design one-of-a-kind journeys incorporating luxury in all its forms. Our bespoke trips include:
- Luxury accommodation throughout
- Privately guided tours
- Private transfers
- Meticulously selected experiences
- Expertise and support from your Jacada Concierge
- Days 1–3 Buenos Aires
- Days 3–5 Salta
- Days 5–7 North Jujuy
- Days 7–10 The Puna
- Days 10–12 Cafayate
- Days 1–3 Buenos Aires
- Days 3–5 Salta
- Days 5–7 North Jujuy
- Days 7–10 The Puna
- Days 10–12 Cafayate
Itinerary in detail
Every Jacada trip is tailored to your personal preferences and interests. Below you’ll find a sample itinerary to inspire your own custom-designed journey.
Welcome to Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires is undoubtedly one of the world’s greatest cities and an important destination on many of our Argentina tours. Centre of the world’s fifth largest economy at the turn of the 20th century, the city features an abundance of classical architecture and tree-lined boulevards reminiscent of its European counterparts. There is also a resurgence of modern redevelopment and more cutting-edge culture, making Buenos Aires, like any great city, enjoyable on many different levels.
Where you could stay
Buenos Aires
Overview
Set in the fashionable and leafy district of Palermo, Legado Mitico is a beautiful boutique hotel within easy reach of the city’s main attractions and restaurants.
Located in a refurbished three-storey townhouse, the hotel draws on the rich historical culture of Argentina. There are 11 rooms each inspired by a famous figure such as tango dancer Carlos Gardel, writer Jorge Luis Borges, and Evita. A warm colour scheme runs throughout the rooms and wooden floors and period antique pieces give them lots of traditional charm.
The cultural theme extends into the communal areas with a small library in the lounge where the more inquisitive guest can read all about the historic figures that inspire the decoration of the room. The library opens out onto a small patio where guests can relax with a drink.
→ Find out moreBuenos Aires
Highlights
- Chic, well-appointed rooms and suites offering you a quiet space to relax
- Argentina's finest meats and seafood served at Elena
- Refined and sophisticated communal areas
Overview
Located in the prestigious Recoleta neighborhood, the Four Seasons Hotel Buenos Aires seamlessly blends an early-20th-century mansion with a modern high-rise, offering a fusion of contemporary comfort and European-style elegance. Throughout the hotel, from the lavishly decorated rooms to the refined communal areas, there is a distinct sense of luxury and sophistication.
The chic, well-appointed guest rooms ensure the utmost in comfort and privacy, providing a serene space for you to relax and recharge. Perfect for family vacations, the spacious suites offer you ample room, featuring separate areas for sleeping and living to enhance your stay while you’re not out exploring the city and surrounds.
At Michelin-selected Elena, a two-story restaurant inspired by the historic homes of San Telmo, the focus is on dry-aged meats, brasserie fare and charcuterie. Savor some of Argentina’s finest meats and seafood, paired with an exceptional selection of regional wines. Meanwhile, at Nuestro Secreto, outdoor barbecues offer a unique dining experience, turning Buenos Aires’ traditional asado into a social event centered on top-tier grilled meats. End your evening at the equestrian-themed Pony Line bar, where creative cocktails, gourmet burgers and live DJs create a vibrant atmosphere.
→ Find out more
Buenos Aires
Overview
The Alvear Palace Hotel opened its doors in 1932 and has remained one of the city’s most iconic hotels ever since. Located in the exclusive Recoleta neighbourhood, everything about the Alvear is incredibly well thought through with lots of little touches that make it a really special place to stay.
The hotel’s 192 rooms and suites are impeccable designed with a mix of Empire, Louis XV and Louis XVI styles. Sumptuous fabrics and elegant furnishing are complimented by decorative arts and paintings by Argentinian artists. The larger lounge suites offer butler service so you can make the most of your stay.
Enjoy sophisticated French cuisine at La Bourgogne, and a decadent afternoon tea in L’Orangerie before sampling an expertly mixed cocktail at the lobby bar, which has long been a meeting place for well-known members of Buenos Aires society. Enjoying a tipple at the rooftop bar is also not to be missed, with its spectacular views over Alvear Avenue.
When you’re not out exploring all that the Argentinean capital has to offer, relax and unwind in the spa, wellness area, fitness centre and rooftop pool with adjoining pool bar.
→ Find out moreBuenos Aires
Highlights
- 88 rooms and suites filled with eye-catching touches
- Seasonal Argentinian dishes at Bistro Sur
- Vibrant Rojo Tango shows at El Cabaret
- Stunning views over the Ecological Reserve and the quaysides of Puerto Madero
Overview
The Faena Buenos Aires is a striking design hotel in the waterside neighborhood of Puerto Madero, the brainchild of local empresario Alan Faena and designer Philippe Starck.
The hotel is located in the restored El Porteño building, an enormous silo built in 1902 that produced grain for post-war Europe. The décor encapsulates the grandeur of the belle époque that characterised Buenos Aires at the turn of last century. A red, black and white colour scheme runs through the hotel teamed with exposed brick walls and concrete pillars that hark back to its industrious past.
Rooms and suites are filled with eye catching touches such as hand embroidered throws and filigree mirrors and feature huge windows which look out over Ecological Reserve, the parks, Río de la Plata and the quaysides of Puerto Madero.
Eating and drinking at the Faena is a real treat. Enjoy fine dining at Bistro Sur where the menu is inspired by the finest seasonal Argentinian produce, or opt for something more casual at El Mercado which is inspired by the country’s famous cantinas and the open air markets of Europe. The Library Lounge is an intimate space filled with antique books and crysal chandeliers, while El Cabaret, inspired by the city’s 1920s tango clubs, is where you can catch the award-winning show, Rojo Tango.
The hotel also features a spa, fitness centre and an outdoor pool.
→ Find out moreEmpanada workshop
Try your hand at making Argentina’s most famous street food, the empanada. You’ll learn about the different types of fillings, and perfect your crimping skills too. This cookery class is perfect for families and groups of friends.
Beautiful Salta
Salta is a gateway city in the northwest of Argentina. Nicknamed ‘La Linda’ (the beautiful) it was founded in the foothills of the Andes in colonial times, intended as staging point between Lima and Buenos Aires. Today, it serves as a convenient and interesting stop on many of our Argentina tours. Beautiful Spanish buildings are found in the heart of the old town, but the real reason most visit Salta during one of our Argentina tours is a means of exploring the rest of this grand province and beyond.
Where you could stay
Salta
Overview
Like its sister hotel in Buenos Aires, Legado Mitico Salta is a boutique hotel with style, service and culture. Each of the amply sized rooms is themed on a different Argentinean historical figure.
Decoration is a tasteful blend of dark woods, paintings, antique feature pieces and the modern comforts one expects in a luxury boutique hotel.
Service is prompt and friendly and the hotel boasts very pleasant communal areas including a solarium, breakfast bar, patio and a well-stocked library.
→ Find out moreSalta
Highlights
- Charming cottage with two independent rooms each complete with a patio
- Indulgent in-room spa and beauty treatments
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Dining room serving fresh regional produce
Overview
Finca Valentina is a charming, small boutique hotel situated at the foot of the Andes, just outside Salta in Northwest Argentina. A refurbished country house, it maintains the local traditional architecture with the layout, light and comfort of modern living. The main house of the finca offers five standard rooms and a two-room suite. Outside, there’s also a cottage with two independent rooms, each with a private patio. The lounge and the dining room are completed by a fireplace and are pleasant, modern and strewn intermittently with the odd antique or gaucho garb. Hear the quiet preparation of meals from the cook in the kitchen whilst reading a book from the finca’s charming gardens or the outside decked seating area, sometimes shared by the owners’ three lovely labradors. Located in the south-western outskirts of city, you get the peace and splendid views of the Andean countryside as well as being close to the sights of Salta.
→ Find out moreSalta
Overview
A converted colonial farmhouse set in 290 acres of land, the House of Jasmines is one of the most romantic retreats in all of Argentina. Recently acquired by a French family with great experience in luxury hotels, the lodge was previously owned by Robert Duvall.
Each of the rooms (of which there are just seven) is beautifully decorated with period antiques, four poster beds and other luxurious touches. The lodge also features an excellent restaurant, a pool area and spa.
Located in the valley just a short drive from the capital of Salta, the lodge is an excellent base from which to explore the area.
→ Find out moreMake it mine
Explore on foot
Into the mountains
Private walking tour of Salta
An expert guide will take you on a walking tour to the centre of the city, including the cathedral and main square, the impressive MAAM Museum (High Altitude Archeology Museum) and the most remarkable local colonial buildings. You will also visit the main textile producers, silver handcraft makers and designer shops.
Humahuaca Gorge and beyond
The Humahuaca Gorge is a large valley that ends at the border with Bolivia and is located in the province of Jujuy in the far north of Argentina. The Gorge is famous for its colourful mountains, its geological formations and its historical villages. Visit the best places in the region including; the Humahuaca Market, Colorado’s Gorge, the sacred garden of the Cardones (cactus species) at 3200 metres, and the impressive 14 coloured mountains of Hornocal and the Pucara of Tilcara – a pre-Inca fortress. You will also visit the villages of Tilcara, Humahuaca and Purmamarca, with their artisanal markets.
Village life in North Jujuy
Travel just to the north of Salta Province and you’ll encounter the timeless and rugged beauty of Jujuy. Set at some altitude, Jujuy is home to a number of natural wonders including the salt flats of Salinas Grandes, the Quebrada Humahuaca with its multicoloured hills and the ancient towns of Tilcara and Purmamarca where life has remained much the same for centuries. Close to Bolivia, the people of Jujuy have a strong sense of their indigenous routes, and one feels that life hasn’t changed much here for generations.
Where you could stay
North Jujuy
Overview
A well-equipped and rustically elegant boutique hotel found on the edges of Tilcara town, Las Marias has done well to reflect the wild character of the Jujuy landscape and with all the modern luxuries.
Built in an Adobe design with hues that mirror those of the surrounding countryside, Las Marias’ twelve bedrooms are spacious, luxurious and each has a private terrace with fantastic views.
There’s a good spa and swimming pool to cool off and whilst a buffet breakfast is included in the rates, there’s only a snack bar offering lunch and dinner; otherwise we can recommend and reserve tables for you at some great local restaurants.
→ Find out moreNorth Jujuy
Overview
Manantial del Silencio is a charming rustic lodge set in the small town of Purmamarca.
The lodge is located in a truly beautiful spot with stunning views and has nineteen comfortable rooms decorated in a traditional style with period pieces and a pleasant pool area. Each has large windows overlooking the vibrant colours of the gardens and surrounding mountains and a private bathroom.
Unwind on the sun loungers by the pool or in the dappled shade of the garden. For the ultimate pampering, relish one of the many beauty treatments available at the quaint spa and wellness centre which has free access to the hydro-massage tub.
A buffet breakfast is served daily and the award-winning restaurant serves Andean and international dishes created by chef Sergio Latorre.
This elegant hotel is a great spot which to explore the surrounding area, including the stunning hikes around the Cerro de Siete Colores (the ‘Rock of Seven Colours’).
→ Find out moreNorth Jujuy
Highlights
- One and two bedroom contemporary cabins
- An inviting communal barbecue area
- Designed to blend in with the natural surroundings
Overview
You’ll find the boutique cabin complex of Los Colorados in the picturesque town of Purmamarca, at the foot of the Cerro de Siete Colores. It is distinguished by an architectural style that is a fusion of Andean with contemporary details. The earthy exterior design and colours blend harmoniously with the surrounding hills and landscape. The structure’s rounded edges and reed roofs follow the irregularities of the palo santo beams.
Your accommodation choices here include one and two bedroom cabins, which feature kitchens, satellite TV and heating. There is also a common area that includes a barbecue and a clay oven. There’s also a solarium where you can truly unwind and enjoy the natural surroundings.
→ Find out moreMake it mine
Valleys and flats
Feast for the senses
Purmamarca to Antonio de los Cobres
Embark on an exhilarating day of travel starting from the picturesque town of Purmamarca. Drive along the breathtaking Cuesta de Lipan, a winding mountain road offering panoramic views. As you ascend, marvel at the changing scenery, from colourful rock formations to vast valleys. Your next destination is Salinas Grandes, a vast salt flat. Explore the unique salt formations, capturing the otherworldly beauty of this natural wonder. The road then leads to Susques, and next the iconic Viaducto la Polvorilla, a remarkable piece of engineering perched amidst the high-altitude landscapes. Your day concludes in San Antonio de los Cobres, a town steeped in Andean culture. Explore the charming streets and savour a delightful meal.
San Antonio de los Cobres to Tolar Grande
Take an extraordinary journey from San Antonio de los Cobres to Tolar Grande, venturing through a tapestry of diverse landscapes. Be captivated by the multicoloured palette of the Pocitos Salt Lake, where vibrant hues reflect the beauty of the surroundings. The odyssey continues through the Labyrinth Desert, a mesmerising expanse adorned with hundreds of red rocky domes. Here you’ll discover the enigmatic Los Ojos de Mar – serene natural pools cradling stromatolites, ancient bacteria that played a pivotal role in the production of oxygen on Earth. Finally, head for Tolar Grande, a charming mining town nestled at the feet of the Arizaro Salt Flat.
Crossing the Puna
The stark beauty of Argentina’s north-western Altiplano, the Puna, is quite something to behold. Between Salta to the west and the borders of Chile and Bolivia this elevated (4,500m) plateau of wildly striking and desolate landscapes is filled with the rare sights of salt flats, flamingos, ancient Incan trails, desert labyrinths, herds of llamas and vicuñas, the turquoise ponds of Ojos del Mar, the oasis of Antofajita and clay-brick pueblos (towns).
Where you could stay
The Puna
Overview
This is a fairly basic hotel whose simplicity you’ll forgive for its harsh and isolated surroundings, and is a welcome retreat from the desolate Puna desert complete with comfortable beds, private en suite bathrooms, digital TV and central heating.
→ Find out moreThe Puna
Overview
Situated at 3,390 metres above sea level, Hosteria El Penon is a comfortable refuge located in the small oasis town of El Penon, from which guests can easily explore the vast, stark, unbelievably beautiful Argentine Puna of Catamarca.
Each of the eight large rooms comes with an en-suite bathroom which use water heated by solar panels. The comfortable lounge features a fireplace and satellite TV. The helpful kitchen can provide box lunches for daily excursions.
The Hosteria de Altura El Penon is your gateway to Laguna Grande, where up to 19,000 flamingos gather in spectacular surroundings and landscapes of towering dunes and the vast pumice stone field Campo de Piedra Pomez.
→ Find out more
Make it mine
Ancient journey
Birds of a feather
Dramatic tales
Dramatic tales
Crossing the Arizaro Salted dry lake
The crossing of the Arizaro Salted dry lake resembles the ancient journey of the Arrieros (shepherds guiding caravans of animals to Chile). You’ll see Antofalla, a spectacular example of a Puna oasis full of poplar, molle and willow trees. Antofalla, together with Antofagasta and Santa Rosa, were important stations for Llama caravans connecting this part of the Andes with the Oasis of Atacama. Antofalla is still inhabited by a small community of shepherds. You will stop for lunch, and then travel across the coloured mirror of the salt lake. The valley of Calalaste is the best spot to find wild camelids. Antofagasta de la Sierra is a big village with more than 2,000 people who maintain their ancient traditions and culture.
Natural Reserve Campo de Piedra Pómez
Today the adventure starts at the edge of Campo de Piedra Pómez, as you reach the Carachi Pampa basin. In its margins there is a volcano of the same name, surrounded by black lava fields and a lagoon, where the Andean flamingo and the James (or puna) flamingo can be found. During the dry season a small salt lake is formed around the lagoon. Later, the journey will continue into the Natural Reserve Campo de Piedra Pómez, a stunning landscape carved into the rock that gives rise to its name: The Pumice. Of purely igneous origin, it was produced from a massive explosion of the volcanic stratum.
Final leg to Cafayate
After days of intense travel on the High Desert Plateau, the North West still has plenty of surprises. The paved road from El Peñón that meets Route 40 is the 150 kilometre long yellow field of Paja Brava, as well as white lagoons and a deserted narrow canyon filled with rich vegetation. You will visit the Quilmes Ruins, a Pre Inca Archeological site with a dramatic story that gave an end to an ancient population. You will then arrive in the charming town of Cafayate and its green vineyards.
Into wine country
Set in the North Eastern Province of Salta, Cafayate is the Mendoza Wine Region’s lesser known cousin. This area of the the country produces some fantastic wines and with more of a rural feel then Mendoza, stays here can give one the sense of being wonderfully carefree. Fast becoming known as the Tuscany of Argentina, Cafayate is the perfect destination if you are looking to experience a more relaxed way of life. The higher altitude, dry climate and rugged landscape make a picture post-card setting from which to enjoy a fine glass of the local torrentes (the grape for which this region is famed).
Where you could stay
Cafayate
Overview
The most comfortable option in Cafayate, this is a very pleasant hotel set in wonderful gardens. The hotel is built very much in the colonial style with whitewashed outdoor walls. Inside the communal areas and rooms are traditionally decorated with quality furnishings and antique furniture.
The hotel has a large outdoor pool, a complete spa and beautiful gardens.
→ Find out moreCafayate
Overview
This brand new boutique hotel, part of the 1,360-acre wine estate of La Estancia de Cafayate, sits in the striking and rugged Calchaqui Valley and brings new levels of luxury to this often overlooked area of Argentina.
Synonymous with the Grace brand you can expect a high level of indulgence alongside an active appreciation for local character. The new building constructed of stone and sloping terracotta tiled roofs fits in well with the style of the region. Twelve spacious and well equipped rooms are more contemporary in their outfitting, yet a couple of local handicrafts and artwork are thoughtfully placed here and there.
The estate also comprises of twenty, two-bedroom residential villas, an 18-hole golf course and a large menu of equestrian and wine-focused activities. The spa is quite impressive too, with a hammam, gym, sauna and swimming pool. The signature restaurant, ‘Muse’ by Jonathan Cartwright, is another hotly anticipated addition to Cafayate serving modern European cuisine in the evenings.
→ Find out moreMake it mine
On the vine
Back in time
Wine tour and lunch
Spend a day exploring the Cafayate region, visiting wineries and enjoying a delicious lunch along the way. Often referred to as Argentina’s Tuscany, this is the country’s lesser known wine region where the pace is slow, its Cabernet Sauvignons are sweetly perfumed, and its boutique wineries are rustic and known for their Torrontes and Tannat.
Quebrada de las Conchas
En route back to Salta, explore the canyon of Quebrada de las Conchas, a Natural Heritage Site formed by sediments from the Mesozoic and Cenozoic Eras (90 to 60 million years). The intense red colour is present due to the ferric oxide contained in its mineral basins. The name of the gorge – ‘conchas’ meaning shell – comes from the many marine fossils found here.