WT18 catalog single pgs

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Colonial and pre-Hispanic cultures converge in this northern realm of red-rock valleys, superb vineyards, and welcoming haciendas. PHOTO: MARCO GUOLI
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With classic colonial towns, an ancient cultural
heritage, and surreal landscapes that beckon
the hiker, northern Argentina is perfect for a
WT journey. We carve an arc from the colonial
city of Salta to the renowned Calchaqui Valley,
home to the highest vineyards in the world, to
dreamy Cachi, and the extraordinary “painted
mountains” of Purmamarca. Our hikes bring
us into wind-sculpted red-rock canyons,
across shimmering salt pans, and into isolated
valleys suspended in time. Along the way,
we’ll learn how to make savory empanadas at
a private estancia, sample fine vintages with
a winemaker, and stay in historic inns and
estancias of character. Our Trip Leader Rob
Noonan is the perfect guide for this adventure
into the incredible vistas, culture, and cuisine
of this hidden corner of Argentina.
Days 1-2 Salta We visit Salta’s archaeological
museum for a private viewing of its rare Inca
mummies, and hike in the montane forest of the
Reserve Finca Las Costas.
Days 3-5 Canyon Country Hikes / Vineyards
of Calchaqui / Cafayate Our hike in the
Quebrada de Las Conchas Nature Reserve is the
perfect introduction to northern Argentina’s
red-rock scenery, and we visit a historic
vineyard in the Calchaqui Valley, with a special
winery walk with a geologist-winemaker (and
a tasting, of course!). Other hikes brings us to a
pre-Columbian ruin and into sandstone canyons
with fantastic colors. One evening, we head to
a vineyard for a festive Salta asado (barbecue),
complete with local music.
Days 6-8 Quebrada de Las Flechas / Cuevas
de Acsibi / Cachi After a visit with a potter in
historic San Carlos, we hike in the Quebrada
de Las Flechas (Canyon of Arrows), an incredible
rampart below the desert sky, with sandstone
fins stretching for miles. From the delightful
village of Cachi, our off-the-map adventure is
a spectacular hike through the canyons to the
Cuevas de Acsibi.
Days 9-13 Private Estancia / Purmamarca /
Great Salt Flats / Salta We cross an 11,000-
foot road pass to descend into the Valle Encantado
and are welcomed at a private estancia with its
own nature reserve. A dramatic new landscape
unfolds as we enter Jujuy Province to reach
Purmamarca, set below striking multi-colored
mountains. Our final hike brings us across the
Salinas Grandes, with blue skies above, red
mountains all around, and glittering white salt
flats spread out before us. We return to Salta on
the historic Yunga road and depart on Day 13.
ADVENTURES IN ARGENTINA’S NORTHERN REALM
HIGHLIGHTS
• Hike in the incredible red-rock canyons
and wild landscapes of northern Argentina
• Meet an artisan in his studio, learn to
make empanadas, enjoy a vineyard walk
with a geologist-winemaker
• Savor fine Argentinean wines at some of
the highest vineyards in the world
• Overnights in colonial inns and historic
estancias
DETAILS
• 13-day trip begins and ends in Salta
• 12 nights hotels and haciendas
• All meals included except 1 lunch and
1 dinner
DATES
Nov 3-15, 2017
Mar 3-15, 2018
Apr 13-25
Oct 26-Nov 7
TRIP COST
$6895 (10-14 members)
$7395 (7-9 members)
Single supplement: $1300
TRIP LEVEL 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Moderate day hikes, 2-5 hours a day,
cultural exploration