North-West Argentina Self-Drive

Explore the Best of the North-West on a Self-Drive Adventure

The Andean plateau of Argentina’s north-west is renowned for its remarkable topography and a self-drive journey is a wonderful way to explore its spectacular landscapes. Beginning and ending in Argentina’s compelling capital Buenos Aires, fly to the north-west to embark on a self-paced adventure, taking in remnants of ancient civilizations, vast wildernesses, multi-hued rock formations and idyllic mountain-fringed valleys. 

Spend 6 days exploring the best of the north-west with your vehicle, staying in the charming towns of Salta, Cachi, Cafayate and Purmamarca. Connecting the four are some of the country’s most spectacular roads, abundant with geological wonders, enticing vineyards, and tranquil rural Andean settlements. 

Highlights

• Guided tour through the historic districts of Buenos Aires
• Drive through the incredible landscapes of Argentina’s north-west
• Relax in one of Argentina's famous wine regions
• Observe the remarkable geology of Quebrada de las Conchas

Quick Itinerary

Day 1 - Depart the UK
Days 2 & 3 - Buenos Aires
Day 4 - Salta
Day 5 – Cachi
Days 6 & 7 – Cafayate
Day 8 - Salta
Day 9 - Purmamarca
Day 10 - Buenos Aires
Day 11 - Transfer to Buenos Aires Airport
Day 12 - Arrive back in the UK

Truly Individual Holiday

Any element of this holiday can be made truly individual to your requirements, including the places you want to see and the things that are important to you. Just contact one of our Travel Specialists today.

Day 1 - Depart the UK

Today you will depart the UK on your international flight to Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Day 2 & 3 - Buenos Aires

Spend your first two days in Argentina enjoying the enthralling capital, Buenos Aires. 

On your second day, embark on a full morning guided tour of the city. Admire the city’s emblematic main square Plaza de Mayo; the bygone-era neighbourhood of San Telmo - replete with cobbled streets and neoclassical architecture; the rhythmic district of La Boca and the characterful dockland area Puerto Madero. The tour will finish at the humbling resting place of Eva Peron (Evita) in the affluent neighbourhood of Recoleta. 

This evening visit one of the finest establishments for tango dancing in the city. Enjoy the cabaret show with an authentic Argentinian dinner. 

Day 2 Meals: B
Day 3 Meals: B, D

Day 4 - Salta

Morning flight to Salta in the north-west of Argentina to begin your self-drive adventure. After picking up your vehicle, drive the short distance to the centre of Salta which is encircled picturesquely in a verdant valley by surrounding mountains. In the afternoon we recommended driving the 30km to Finca Valentina, a charming country house exemplifying Hispanic architecture. 

Meals: B

Day 5 - Cachi

Approximately a four-hour drive away from Salta is the idyllic small town of Cachi, characterised by its colonial architecture and laid-back ambience. The drive is regarded as one of the finest journeys in the north-west, passing through the mountain and desert terrain of the Calchaquí Valley and home to wild donkeys and giant Cacti. There is no rush today so stop and marvel at the views or take a gentle hike along the scenic paths of Cardones National Park. Overnight in Cachi.

Meals: B

Days 6 & 7 - Cafayate

A five-hour drive is required today to reach the wine region of Cafayate. Again the journey is beautiful with a myriad of stops demanding your attention along the way. You will pass by many rural hamlets, vineyards and farms and a short detour to the town of Seclantás is highly recommended to visit the artisans who produce the finest ponchos in the country. The rest of the drive is largely across the Quebrada de las Flechas, a desert formed by the dust of limestone and quartz, eroded by wind and water creating the shape of thousands of Arrow Peaks. Arrive in Cafayate in the late afternoon. 

The next day is at leisure to explore Cafayate on your own, or, speak to one of our Travel Specialists if you would like a guided tour and tastings at one of the many exceptional vineyards.

Meals: B

Day 8 – Salta

As your drive back to Salta, stop at the Quebrada de las Conchas, a beautiful canyon with remarkable geology.  Due to the ferric oxide in the mineral basin, the rocks form an intense reddish hue and a hike through the gorge is a wonderful way to unveil its magical ambience. 

Upon arrival in Salta, the rest of the day is at leisure.

Meals: B

Day 9 - Purmamarca

Heading in the direction of Purmamarca, drive through The Unesco Heritage listed Humahuaca Gorge abundant with colourful mountains, remarkable geological formations and historical villages. Here you can visit the archaeological Ruins of the Pucará de Tilcara, a pre-inca fortress, which perfectly capsulates the ancient culture. Continue to Purmamarca via the Pre-Puna plateau. This evening it is highly recommended to visit the Salinas Grandes Salt Flats to watch the sunset over the gleaming barren landscape. 

Meals: B

Day 10 – Buenos Aires

Head back to Salta and drop-off your vehicle before a flight back to Buenos Aires for a final night in the capital.  

Meals: B

Day 11 - Depart Buenos Aires

You will be transferred to Buenos Aires airport for your onward flight.

Meals: B

Day 12 - Arrive back in the UK

Today you will land back in the UK from Argentina

Price from £3,899 per person

(Valid for 2024 departures, based on 2 people sharing a room).

Includes:

• International flights

• 9 nights’ accommodation 

• 10 meals; 9 breakfasts & 1 dinner

• Half-day Buenos Aires city tour

• Transfers & domestic flights as per itinerary

• 6 days of car hire with unlimited mileage (4WD)

• Full cover insurance 

• GPS

• 1 additional driver

Excludes:

• Meals not indicated in your itinerary

• Local departure taxes payable locally

• Items of a personal nature such as laundry and drinks etc

• Tips for guides and drivers (discretionary)

• Camera or video fees at any sites