DAY 1 | Salta - Quebrada de Humahuaca (Salta - Humahuaca)
Leaving the city of Salta we head north traveling up the Humahuaca Ravine, following the same natural track used by our ancestors. The "Quebrada" is a long and narrow path of valleys and hillsides miraculously colored, dotted with towering cacti and a few picturesque villages. We visit Tilcara and its nearby 'Pucará', an invaluable pre-Inca fortification. Maimará's hillside cemetery and the polychrome Paleta del Pintor (Painter's Palette). The amazing church in Uquía, notable for its unique paintings featuring angels armed with Spanish weapons. And we stroll along the narrow streets of bewitching Humahuaca (2,939 masl). Here we spend the night in a comfortable hotel.

DAY 2 | Humahuaca - Iruya - Purmamarca
A curvy, scenic gravel road climbs enroute crossing a pass at altitude 4,000 m before descending again until we reach Iruya. This charming village of steep cobblestoned streets is perched in a gorgeous mountain setting at 2,780 m of altitude, and its inhabitants still maintain numerous ancient traditions. We return the same way, and in the evening we arrive at Purmamarca (2,192 masl), a tiny scenic village overlooking a mountain of vibrant colors, the Cerro de los Siete Colores (Hill of Seven Colors), where we can take a walk. Overnight in a lovely posada (guesthouse).

DAY 3 | Purmamarca - Cachi
Driving south and passing by the cities of Jujuy and Salta, we enjoy beautiful views traveling along the winding Cuesta del Obispo (Obispo's Slope) and through Los Cardones National Park, a desert of centenary giant cactus'. Upon arrival in Cachi (2,280 masl), a laidback, quiet town at the foot of the imposing Nevado de Cachi (6,380 masl), we discover cosy corners by walking around on cobbled streets and between adobe homes painted white. We spend the night in a nice hosteria.

DAY 4 | Cachi - Calchaquí Valleys - Cafayate
Today we travel along Route 40 through the fertile valleys of the Calchaqui River, which are at its most attractive in autumn, when chillis are left to dry in the fields. Driving along marvelous landscapes such as the green lagoon Brealito or the stunning Arrow's Gorge, we also will visit picturesque villages, like Seclantás and Molinos, featuring adobe-houses and delightful churches. The colonial city of Cafayate (1,660 masl), the "jewel of the Valleys", comes into view surrounded by vineyards. It is well known for its excellent Torrontes white wine production. Overnight accommodation in a cosy posada.

DAY 5 | Cafayate - Salta
In Cafayate, the visit to a famous winery will not to be missed. On our return to Salta we head north along the amazing Las Conchas Gorge, an eroded riverbed-canyon. Its incredible red rock formations carry names like Amphitheatre, Sapo (Toad) or Castillo (Castle). After passing by the rural Lerma Valley we reach Salta, 'La Linda' (The Beautiful). End of trip.

DAY 1 | Salta - San Antonio de los Cobres - Salinas Grandes - Purmamarca
Departing from Salta we gradually ascend driving along the Quebrada del Toro (Bull's Gorge), - almost in parallel to the Tren a las Nubes (Train to the Clouds) - and visiting the ruins of Santa Rosa de Tastil, an enormous pre-Columbian fortification. We reach an altitude of 3,775 m at the mining town of San Antonio de los Cobres and drive further to Salinas Grandes (Big Salt Flats), a fantastic sight of an immense gleaming salt field. The road (Cuesta de Lipán) then climbs up to an altitude of 4,175 m, where it begins a vertiginous descent curving around mountains and steep slopes until we reach Purmamarca (2,192 masl). Overnight in a lovely posada.

DAY 2 | Purmamarca - Quebrada de Humahuaca - Iruya
Traveling along the Quebrada de Humahuaca (as described above DAY 1).
Upon arrival at Iruya (2,730 masl) (as above DAY 2), we can trekk up to the viewpoint and/or down to explore the amazing low-valley along the river. We spend the night in a friendly local guesthouse.

DAY 3 | Iruya - through Jujuy and Salta to Lerma Valley
We drive back south and, after bypassing the cities of Jujuy and Salta through a snaky lush jungle road, we reach the fertile Lerma Valley, the green lowlands of Salta with prospering farms and tobacco plantations. We enjoy what is left of the day in a peaceful rural setting on a typical finca, watching goats cheese being made, visiting Argentina’s first tobacco museum, and tasting delicious homemade food.

DAY 4 | Lerma - Cachi - Calchaquí-Valleys - Cafayate
From Lerma Valley to Cachi through Cuesta del Obispo and Parque Nacional los Cardones (as above DAY 3). Drive along the Calchaquí-Valleys and arrival at Cafayate (as described above DAY 4).

DAY 5 | Cafayate - Salta
As described above (DAY 5). End of trip.