Incentive & Leisure Services South America

Paraguay 935
C1057AAM Buenos Aires - Argentina
Tel: +54 11 5263 9931
Emergency phone: +54 911 6282 2719
www.ilstours.com - info@ilstours.com

“AROUND THE CALCHAQUÍ VALLEY”

8 Days/7 Nights – Boutique Hotels

Drive through a fantastic landscape of stunning colors and shapes, come

into contact with ancestral customs and savour the finest high-altitude
wines and local meals.

Day 1

San Miguel de Tucumán

San Miguel de Tucumán is the provincial capital of Tucumán. It is located at 447 meters above sea
level and is one of the most important cities in Argentina. Known as “El Jardín de la República” (the
Republic’s Garden) for its lush vegetation, it has great historical and cultural importance. Argentina’s
independence was declared here on July, 9th 1816.
It is one of the ideal starting points for a tour around the colorful Northwest region.

Arrival at Tucumán Airport and pick up of selected car. Welcome and assistance by local
guide at the airport.

Driving along a winding road through the lush landscape of the jungle of Yungas (126 km - ca.2 hs)
up to Estancia Las Carreras near Tafí del Valle.
Tafí del Valle
Tafí del Valle is a small touristic village nestled in the mountains, 2000 meters above sea level and 107
km away from the provincial capital San Miguel de Tucumán. The name comes from a Diaguita (old
native language) word and means “town with splendid entrance”. Surrounded by beautiful landscapes,
it has a mild weather that invites visitors all year round.
It stands out for its cheese and craft production. Local artisans make unique pieces with wool, leather,
stone and ceramic using techniques that are passed down through generations.

Overnight at Estancia Jesuítica Las Carreras (2 Nights)

Standard Room with Breakfast included
Website: www.estancialascarreras.com

Lying on the foothills of majestic mountains, Jesuitic Estancia

Las Carreras is one of the oldest manors in the northwest of
Argentina. Built in the early XVIII century, it has been
refurbished to offer tourist accommodation in a quiet and
magical environment.
It has 10 rooms overlooking the hills and decorated with
woven fabrics and handmade objects respecting and reflecting
the traditional styles of the region.

Day 2
Day at leisure

Suggested activities at Estancia Las Carreras - (extra costs if applicable to be checked at check-in)
• Visit to the cheese factory and dairy farm - NOT TO BE MISSED!
• Trekking, Mountain bike, horseback riding
• Excursions to nearby attractions
Day 3
Driving to Cafayate (132 km - ca.2 hs) on provincial route 307 and legendary route 40.
The ride goes through spectacular “Abra del Infiernillo” at 3042 m above sea level to continue then
across small villages “lost in time" where centuries-old traditions are kept alive by locals.

Suggested stops on the way: Amaicha del Valle, Quilmes Ruins.

Cafayate
Cafayate is located in the heart of the Calchaqui Valley, 118 km away from Tafí del Valle and 189 km
from Salta city.
Nestled at 1660 meters above sea level, the city preserves a colonial-style architecture and outstands
for its world-class wine production.

Overnight at Villa Vicuña Hotel Boutique (2 Nights)

Classic Room with Breakfast included
Website: www.villavicuna.com.ar

Centrally located at barely 50 meters from Cafayate main

square. Originally a family home it was later on turned into this
unique hotel that combines superior accommodation, warm
service and singular architecture.
It has 12 spacious, comfortable rooms, opening to the internal
colonial-style patios.

Day 4
Day at Leisure

Suggested activities:

• Quebrada de Cafayate or de las Conchas: 85-km drive

along route 68 up to the small village of Alemania. This
“Quebrada” is a real natural monument with wind-eroded
formations of fanciful names reflecting its singular shapes:
Los Castillos (The Castles), La Ventana (The Window), El
Obelisco (The Obelisk), and the fantastic Garganta del
Diablo (Devil´s Gorge) which is the entrance to
El Anfiteatro (The Amphiteatre).
Alemania is worth a stop: a "ghost” village born in the
early 20th century during the railroad construction between
the city of Salta and the Calchaqui Valley. Train service was discontinued in 1971.
Return to Cafayate by the same route.
 • Visit Piattelli Winery (See below)
The Valley has been blessed by its natural
landscape and is revered as one of the best
regions for growing grapes in the world due to its
climate. Piattelli winery has been producing
outstanding wines relying on the exceptional
landscape of this Northern Province, which is also
the highest wine-making region in the world. At
Piattelli everyone is passionately committed to
making the most authentic wine from the region
in which the grapes originate, with minimal
interference in the process. The new labels and
wines were created out of a deep respect and affection for the Cafayate region, and the wine showcases
the untamed Calchaquí Valley, where the Andes snow-cap water, free-draining sandy soils and high
altitudes give birth to their grapes. The winemakers at Piattelli have demonstrated their outstanding
viticultural practices in the undoubtable quality of these excellent wines.

Optional services at Piattelli Winery:

Cooking class - Shared Service
You will have the possibility to enjoy a completely different gastronomic experience in an exclusive
environment. You will discover the secret of “empanadas from Salta” and the history of this dish in the
north of Argentina. After the class you can taste and enjoy the food you produced.
A Bottle of Torrontés Piattelli included.

Guided Bike Tour - Shared Service

Piatelli vineyards may also be discovered on a guided tour by bike. You will see all the different varieties
of grapes planted here as well as the local flora and will learn more about Cafayate soils and the
weather and geography of the region. The experience will end up with a winery tour and wine tasting.
A bottle of water is included.

Please see the rates at the end of the itinerary.

Day 5
Driving from Cafayate to Cachi (166 km by route 40, mostly gravel).

San Carlos, Angastaco or Molinos, small villages scattered along the road are worth a stop. The
incredibly wind-and-rain-carved rocks of Quebrada de las Flechas (Arrows Gorge) are a top sight on
this ride along route 40.

Cachi
Cachi is located on the Calchaquí Valley at almost 3000 meters above sea level, surrounded by snowy
peaks and cactus. It is a magical town where rich archaeological vestiges combine with an outstanding
natural landscape. Its old church, its well-preserved old houses and its stone streets create its unique
charm.

Overnight at El Cortijo (1 Night)

Standard Room with Breakfast included
Website: www.elcortijohotel.com

An old colonial house refurbished as hotel in 1993, El Cortijo is

an example of a building made of regional materials such as
stone, wood and adobe. Its spacious, comfortable rooms offer
a perfect balance between functionality and design and the
cozy public areas invite for relaxation.

Day 6
Driving from Cachi to Salta (ca.160 km).

Spectacular ride from barren Puna landscapes to the green Lerma Valley where the city of Salta is
located.
Steep and winding Cuesta del Obispo, Los Cardones National Park, Recta de Tin-Tin are just but a
few of the breathtaking views along this scenic road.

Salta
Salta is a colonial city situated 1600 km away from Buenos Aires in a mountainous and strikingly
beautiful area. It is the perfect starting place for tours in the Northwest region.
Founded in 1582, visitors can easily absorb the colonial atmosphere only by walking around. There are
many buildings with great historic and architectural value such us the Cabildo, the Cathedral –one of
the most beautiful ones in Argentina- and the San Francisco church with its magnificent façade and its
colored tower.

Overnight at Villa Vicuña Salta (2 Nights)

Classic Room with Breakfast included
Website: www.villavicuna.com.ar

Villa Vicuña Boutique Hotel Salta is an old colonial house of the early
20th century recycled as a hotel with all the comfort and amenities
demanded by today’s traveler while keeping the charming
atmosphere of the past.
It has 12 spacious, comfortable rooms nicely decorated and its public
areas are an invitation to relax in a peaceful and distinctive ambiance.
Day 7
Day at leisure
Optional Service:
HD Walking City Tour - Shared Service

This walking tour around Salta's historic quarter can be adapted to meet each passenger's interest. We
will visit 9 de Julio Square and the historic buildings around it: the Cathedral, the Cabildo (former Town
Hall) and San Francisco Church.
The Abasto Market is an interesting spot for foodies and the High Mountain Museum is a must for those
who are interested in archaeology.

Pick up and entrance fees are not included.

Day 8
Drop off at the airport

End of our services.