Argentina Tourism with Incredible Highlands of Bolivia and Chile

Argentina is one of the most attractive places in South America. Bolivia ‘s ethnic variety and traditional format are identically interesting. Chile is one of the most beautiful and graceful countries in the world.

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DAY 1) BUENOS AIRES – TAFI DEL VALLE                                                

In the morning transfer from your hotel to the domestic airport AEP for an early flight to Tucumán- TUC. Arrival in San Miguel de Tucumán. Welcome by the local guide to demonstrate and private transfer to the hotel.

Later, In the afternoon brief city tour of Tucuman and drive on Fernando Mate de Luna Ave around 20km of paved road surrounded by forest. The road climbs up to 1,570 m.a.s.l. Once at San Javier temperature is around 15° less than in Tucumán city.

Here you are in the middle of a totally green environment, called “yundra” or “cloudy jungle” by the “Tucuman’s” (inhabitants of Tucuman). The statue of Christ The Redeemer on top of Mount San Javier is a mandatory stop for pictures.

Continue Journey…

From San Javier, the road leads us to join route 307. From there onwards, following a not very easy road that sinks into the deep forest. This 100 km is covered in about 4 hours on a mountainous, very narrow road with only one lane at some stages. The unique landscape turns in only a few kilometers from green to brown and later on arid. On the way, you have the chance to see the monument in honor of the Calchaquí Indians, a stone mass. Further ahead, entering the valley, you pass through El Mollar, a little village similar to Tafi.

More ahead you find the Parque de Los Menhires, where cave stoned pieces made by the native Indians can be seen. Tafí del Valle is a peaceful village surrounded by a unique landscape. It’s a pleasure just to have a walk on its streets. It has a 17th-century chapel, which is also an archaeological museum. Among the gastronomic specialties of the region find the typical cheese seasoned with paprika or marjoram; pircas, alfeñiques (toffee-like paste), molasses, “huminta en chala” (a paste made from grated corn, cheese, pumpkin, cumin, and ground paprika and wrapped in the leaves of the corn).

Overnight at the selected hotel in Tafi del Valle

DAY 2) TAFI DEL VALLE – CAFAYATE  B / – /                                                                           

After breakfast, subsequently, continue on the same road passing by Amaicha del Valle (visit to the Pachamama cultural complex) to reach the Ruins of the Quilmes, an old Indian settlement located 1,700 m.a.s.l. In the past, this place lodged 2,500 aborigines inside a perfectly planned citadel. All this area was the scene of great battles against the Spaniards. The Quilmes Indians were harassed and removed from its territory.

The view from this citadel is outstanding! Some kilometers ahead you leave Tucuman Province to enter Salta Province, arriving at Cafayate, one of the most important villages located at the southernmost limit of the Calchaqui Valleys at 1,660 m.a.s.l. This is “the grape growing area”.

Within the urban area is the parish church, which special characteristic is that it is one of the few earthquake-proof religious buildings with 5 naves. Other interesting places are the Handicrafts Market in the square, the Wine Museum, and the Archaeological and Colonial Museum.

Further In the afternoon if you wish, you can make a wine tasting visit at one of the local wineries (optional).

Overnight at the selected hotel in Cafayate

DAY 3) CAFAYATE – CACHI                                                                           

In the morning you leave Cafayate along Route 40, driving to the charming town of Cachi, crossing mountains, landscapes with important archaeological sites and visiting on the way picturesque villages that live off agriculture, where you are able to purchase homemade wines or jams among other products. Animana, San Carlos, Angastaco, Molinos and Seclantas are some of the attractive towns. You have time to enjoy the breath-taking “Las Flechas gorge”.

Further, In the afternoon arrival to Cachi.

Overnight at the selected hotel in Cachi

DAY 4) CACHI – SALTA                                                                                    

Cachi is considered a gem, due to its environment and architecture. In the morning you can visit the San Jose church and the Archaeological Museum.

After lunch, you leave Cachi, crossing the Los Cardones National Park, Cuesta del Obispo at 3,348 m.a.s.l. and the Tin Tin straight. Arrival to Salta.

Overnight at the selected hotel in Salta

DAY 5) SALTA                                                                                                   

In the morning enjoy a city tour in Salta (04 hrs). Departure from the hotel for a panoramic sightseeing tour of the city of Salta, one of the most picturesque cities in the country, known as ‘Salta, the beautiful’, probably due to its privileged setting in the lovely Lerma Valley and to the eye-catching contrast of its old colonial buildings with its modern urban architecture. Salta is, beyond any doubt, the Argentine city, which has best preserved its colonial heritage, with its one-story houses and its typical balconies with richly ornate colonial-style bars.

The neuralgic center of the city is 9 de-Julio-Square, around which some of the important buildings are situated. Also the main hotels and many bars and restaurants. The visit makes it possible to have a look at the most precious gems dating back to colonial times, such as:

The Church and Monastery of San Francisco, rebuilt in the mid XVll century, declared Minor Main Church by the Vatican in 1997; the ‘Cabildo and Historic Museum of the Northwest’ (old seat of the vice-royalty government and of the provincial government later on), main attraction in the city, which construction started the same day of the foundation,  but whose current building was completely rebuilt by the late XVII century;

the San Bernardo Monastery, dating back to the late XVI century, which boasts a carob-tree main gate considered a jewel of the local colonial art; and the Italian-style building of the Main Church, built in the XX century, that houses the mortal remains of the hero of the Independence Wars, General Martín Miguel de Güemes.

Continue Journey…

The tour goes on towards the city outskirts, up to San Bernardo Hill, where the Monument to General Martín Miguel de Güemes stands. From the hill, you will get a great view of the city and the Lerma Valley. The visit ends at the Handicraft Market, where some of the most assorted examples of the local craftsmen’s skills can be appreciated. All around the province of Salta nice pieces of pottery, basketry, knitted ‘barracan’ fabrics, tapestries and ‘ponchos’ are produced, as well as musical instruments.

Afternoon at leisure

Overnight at the selected hotel in Salta.

DAY 6) SALTA – HUACALERA                                                            

In the morning, you leave Salta to move further north towards the Humahuaca Gorge, on route stopping at the small town of Pumamarca with its view of the “Seven colours hill”. You can visit the handicraft markets and explore the town. The tour then continues to Tilcara, passing by the village of Marimar.

Upon arrival in Tilcara, you can visit the Pucará de Tilcara, an old pre-Colombian aborigine stronghold partially rebuilt and you may also visit the Historic Museum of the Province in front of the main square, which displays an interesting asset of Inca art pieces coming from different sites in Argentina, Peru, Bolivia, and Chile.

The journey then continues on to Huacalera, the route that crosses the Capricorn Tropic. In Uquía you may visit the local parish church, which holds a collection of paintings coming from Cuzco representing the arquebusiers angels.

You finally arrive at Humahuaca, located at 2,939 m.a.s.l. founded by local aborigines in 1594 and unique for its pure colonial style with its abode houses, its narrow cobblestones streets and colonial-style street lamps, but mainly because of the exquisite kindness of its people. It is interesting to stop for a minute at its main square, surrounded by the most important buildings and monuments, such as the church, the old Town Hall and the Monument to the Wars of the Argentine Independence (currently known as Monument to the Aborigine) as well as the city fair.

Overnight at the selected hotel in Huacalera.

DAY 7) HUACALERA – UYUNI  B / BL / D

We set off this morning heading northwards towards the border with Bolivia. Finishing at La Quiaca (arriving at around 12:00 lunchtime).

Pick up at border and overland drive to Uyuni, visiting on route Salo, Atocha, Cerdas

Atocha is a beautiful village in the Province of South Chichas in the region of Potosi. Its principal highlight is the ruins of Atocha Vieja, where many years ago lived the Spanish since supposable this is where a lot of minerals were found. You can still see the antique smelters which they used during these times.

In the surroundings, you can also observe the strange scenery, as the hills in shapes of animals, the great African lion in Chorolque, the crocodile, the camel, the sleeping elephant, the chimps, the ice bear, etc…
Overnight at the selected hotel in Uyuni

DAY 8) SALT LAKE UYUNI  B / – / –

Today excursion on the Uyuni Salt Flats- the largest salt lake on earth, located on the Bolivian Andean Altiplano with 10.000 square Km; the Bolivian Andes offer stunning sceneries which can be hardly matched. It has to be -a once in your lifetime journey-. The sound of silence makes the heart beat faster and the surreal pentagons of crystalline salt, the pure sky, the cacti, and the flamingos certainly make you feel that there is no place like this in the whole world

Drive to Isla Pescado. At a distance, this island has the shape of a fish. Its historical name is Inka Wasi. It is located at the center of the Uyuni salt pan. Nature has bestowed a singular type of flora in this place. The surface rocks contain fossils of marine algae. This is the largest island in the group that forms an isolated oasis-type ecosystem within the salt pan; the landscape against the background of the salt pans that extend to the horizon makes it an ideal place for photography fans. Lunch

Overnight at the selected hotel in Uyuni

DAY 9) UYUNI – SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA B / BL / –

Overland drive to San Pedro de Atacama with visits: The Laguna Colorada, with an area of 60 km2, at an altitude of 4,278 meters. It is characterized by the red tone of its waters and it is inhabited by three species of flamingoes: tokoko -with red plumage-; chururu -with whitish plumage- and jututu, with pink plumage. The scenery is exceptionally beautiful and it is considered to be the most important flamingo watching site in the region. Also Vicuñas, Llamas and Vizcachas can be seen.

Box lunch included. Continue to Green lagoon, which water surface has the appearance of a giant emerald. From this Lagoon, there is an impressive view of Licancabur Volcano, at an altitude of 5,865 meters. The special brightness of the green waters in the afternoon is dazzling. The intensely green coloring is due to their high magnesium content.

After crossing the border, bus transfer to San Pedro de Atacama. Drop off at the nearby hotel

Overnight at the selected hotel in San Pedro de Atacama

 DAY 10) SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA B / – / –

In the morning overland drive to the Salt Flats of Atacama. On route visit the village Toconao, where the houses and church are built out of white vulcanic stone giving this place its own character.

On a small, green main square you find the tower separated from the church. Continue to the 3000 km2 Salt Flats, rich in minerals as Borax and Lithium and home to different Flamingos species. The Chaxa Lagoon, part of the “National Flamingo Reserve”, offers great options to watch these birds up close in their natural habitat.

Later, In the afternoon visit the Moon Valley – Valle de la Luna – to enjoy this bizarre, moon resembling landscape. The Lincancabur Volcano in the background makes this excursion unforgettable.

Overnight at the selected hotel

DAY 11) SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA – CALAMA –  SANTIAGO B / – / –

Early in the morning optional tour to the Geysers El Tatio (pre-booking). The Geysers lie at an altitude of 4.500 m over sea level on the high plateau and give their visitors a spectacular show. You find around 40 Geysers and thermal fountains, all bubbling and sizzling meters high. The morning sun gazing upon them lets them shine in different colors.

Further, In the afternoon transfer to the airport of Calama for your flight to Santiago. On route, you see the incomparable „Cordillera de la Sal“ – the Salt Mountains. Arrival in Santiago and transfer to your hotel.

Overnight at the selected hotel

 DAY 12) SANTIAGO  B / – / –

Day at leisure for optional tours. Optional tour to Valparaíso (pre-booking)

The historic city of Valparaíso is Chile’s oldest port. It is also home to the senate and Chilean Congress, which was moved here from the capital after 1989 when democracy and therefore a national Congress was re-established.

The city’s many hills are a multi-colored panorama of painted houses crowding every nook and cranny that provide a spectacular backdrop and also ensure Valparaíso’s unique flair. There is a good reason why the historic city center of Valparaíso, with its fine 19th-century architecture, was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list.

The upper and lower sections of the city are connected by 15 funicular elevators that were built at the turn of the 19th century and still provide good service to this day. From Valparaiso, you drive to the beaches of Viña del Mar, called the city of gardens due to its many parks and green areas. Viña del Mar is an active city with sand beaches, modern hotels, first-class restaurants, elegant bars, and the Casino, built-in 1932. At sunset return to Santiago to sum up.

Overnight at the selected hotel

 DAY 13)  SANTIAGO B / – / –

In Santiago de Chile, the best features of a vibrant, modern metropolis are paired with the old-world charm of the former colonial capital, and this private tour introduces you to both sides of the city. You begin with a visit to the presidential palace, named La Moneda because the splendid building once housed the national mint.

Many other sights in the historic center are clustered around the always-bustling Plaza de Armas: the impressive cathedral; the beautiful old post office; the Palacio de la Real Audiencia, now home to the National History Museum; and the Casa Colonial, once the Spanish governor’s residence.

While Leaving the centre, you travel west toward the soaring Andes, past the Cerro San Cristóbal, an outpost of the mountains which towers over the city with a great white statue of the Virgin Mary crowning its summit.

Your tour concludes with a visit to the fashionable business districts of Providencia and Las Condes, with their broad boulevards lined with modern high-rises and shady side-streets flanked by fine restaurants and trendy boutiques. Rest of the day at leisure until your transfer to the airport for your flight back home.

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Bolivia Chile Argentina Tour Package Inclusions

• Itinerary with accommodation, transfers, excursions, and guide assistance as indicated
• Hotel availability is subject to confirmation at the time of reservation. In case of no availability, there may be the need to book another hotel category at a higher cost. In this case the client will be contacted immediately.

• English speaking guide- please see special prices for the Russian guide (not available in San Pedro de Atacama.
• Meals according to program : B: Breakfast / L: Lunch / BX: Box Lunch / D: Dinner

Bolivia Chile Argentina Tour Package Exclusions

• Flights and airport taxes as well as other surcharges for flights
• Possible fees at border crossings
• Optional excursions
• Tips (restaurants, hotels, guides, drivers, etc.)
• Personal expenses

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Given below are some of the terms and conditions before considering this Bolivia Chile Argentina tour booking-

• Prices are subject to change in case of any change or amendment in the routing.
• GST will be charged additionally as applicable.
• Itineraries, destinations, venues, and scheduled departure are subject to change without prior notice
• All the above prices are accordingly on per person per journey on twin sharing basis
• The itineraries and timings are subject to change, due to factors beyond our control such as ‘force majeure’ events, strikes, fairs, festivals, sport events, weather conditions, disruptions/diversions of rail/ road services, re-routing of railway/ roads, closure of / restricted entry at a place of sightseeing, non availability of venues etc.
• The tour will be as per the details are given above. However, one may please contact us for customizing the tour according to your likes.

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