2020 GeoEx Catalog

Colors of Northwest Argentina TOURING · DAY HIKING · HORSEBACK RIDING · BIKING · FOOD AND WINE | 8 DAYS · CUSTOM

A rgentina’s astonishingly dry and volcano-dotted far north, on the other side of the Andes from the Atacama Desert, is little known and less traveled. Which strikes us as one good reason to explore it. Other reasons: the landscapes up here are massive, the villages are remote and inviting, and the red-rock canyons are breathtaking. We get a taste of Buenos Aires before flying north to Salta, just on the edge of the high country. Continuing by road, we pass through the brilliantly shaded hills and ochre-kissed gorges of Quebrada de las Conchas en route to Cafayate. After reaching the tiny colonial village of Cachi, we enjoy a couple days of hiking and horseback riding, as well as wine tasting at Colomé, the region’s acclaimed estancia. Then we travel through the cactus-studded land- scapes of Los Cordones National Park back to Salta for a good look around. One of Latin America’s best-preserved colonial cities, Salta is graced with a phenomenal backdrop of mountains and valleys. Our Purmamarca and Atacama Desert Extension takes us even far- ther afield. We’ll jump north to the province of Jujuy to explore its rich pre-Hispanic traditions and otherworldly landscapes. The town of Purmamarca, situated in the shadow of the vivid Hill of Seven Colors, has a serene adobe ambience, a merchant-filled plaza, and an exquisite colonial church. After wandering its quiet streets or stroll- ing its multihued hills, we’ll wend our way (perhaps with llamas in tow) to the salt flats and extraterrestrial landscapes of the puna , gazing at snowcapped behemoths like Llullaillaco (at 22,109 feet, the highest active volcano on the planet).

ROBERTHARDING / ALAMY

offered year-round from $5850 ($9550 with extension)

Day 1  arrive in Buenos Aires ✦  2  fly to Salta, drive to Cafayate ✦  3 & 4  on to Cachi; hiking, horseback riding, and wine tasting ✦  5  return to Salta via Los Cordones National Park ✦  6  tour of Salta ✦  7  fly to Buenos Aires ✦  8  depart. PURMAMARCA AND ATACAMA DESERT EXTENSION Days 8 & 9  Purmamarca and Quebrada de Humahuaca ✦  10  drive to San Pedro de Atacama, visit Salinas Grandes salt flats en route ✦  11 & 12  explore moonscapes, sand dunes, geysers, salt flats, and desert lagoons ✦  13  fly to Santiago and onward.

BELOW  One of many inviting wineries in the Cafayate wine region that beckon travelers to try a Torrontés or two. Some of the world’s highest-altitude vineyards are found here.

HEMIS / ALAMY