Wilderness Travel 2018 Catalog of Adventures

Hiking in Salta & Jujuy ADVENTURES IN ARGENTINA’S NORTHERN REALM

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.

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

Colonial and pre-Hispanic cultures converge in this northern realm of red-rock valleys, superb vineyards, and welcoming haciendas. PHOTO: MARCO GUOLI

QUESTIONS? 1.800.368.2794 OR EMAIL LATINAMERICA@WILDERNESSTRAVEL.COM 124