Atacama Deserts to Argentine Estancias
A three-hour road transfer passing by incredible landscapes brings you to the tranquil village of Purmamarca, where you have another two nights to explore. Check in to El Manantial del Silencio, a relatively new establishment with architecture prevalent of local traditions, and admire the simplicity yet glorious setting that you are in. Purmamarca is a great base for you to explore the nearby Quebrada de Humahuaca Valley, a World Heritage Site.
Continue two hours to Salta for another two-night stay at Estancia El Bordo de las Lanzas, a rustic working estancia which dates back to 1609! Make the most of enjoying and appreciating the best of gaucho life, tradition and craftmanship. You may choose during your stay to get involved and join the gauchos as they undertake their daily farm work, cattle musters and ride the property’s Peruano Argentino de Paso horses. You can also explore the countryside by bike or on foot, do some birdwatching or perhaps visit the yacare-caiman reserve.
Possibly a bucket-list experience – make your way to Iguassu and enjoy the power of its mighty Falls! Spend two nights at the Melia Iguazu, the only property on the Argentine-side within the premises of the Iguazu National Park, and with a breath-taking view of the Devil’s Throat, the largest and most spectacular fall.
Last but not least, finish up in the Paris of Latin America, Buenos Aires and spend four nights in Palermo Soho at the Legado Mitico – a stylish and sophisticated boutique property which mixes old Argentina with modern luxury. Explore the best of the Palermo, perhaps Reloleta, La Boca and even head out to the outskirts of the city to take in all has to see!
You will love
- Dry, rugged landscapes
- Estancia and gaucho life
- Iguazu Falls
- Off the beaten track
15 UNFORGETTABLE DAYS
DAY 1 | ATACAMA
Arrive to Calama airport and road transfer to your accommodation. The afternoon and evening are at leisure.
DAY 2 | ATACAMA
Your accommodation Includes guided explorations of the Atacama desert; the flamingoes & salt flats, moon valley, the altiplano lagoons, geysers & thermal pools plus guided walks & trekking, bike riding, horse riding and bird watching.
DAY 3 | ATACAMA
Another day is set aside for you to enjoy activities in the Salar de Atacama, the Cordillera de la Sal, the Cordillera de Sarapana and in the Andes Mountains
DAY 4 | ATACAMA
One further full day is for you to explore more of the Atacama – either on half or full day excursions and experiences at a style, pace and length of your choice.
DAY 5 | PURMAMARCA
Road transfer to the picturesque village Purmamarca (a 6 hour drive). Check into your accommodation and the remainder of the afternoon and evening are at leisure to explore the local town.
DAY 6 | PURMAMARCA
Head out to visit Purmamarca and its spectacular Seven Colors Hill and craftsmanship, Posta de Hornillos. Further on your way, pass through Maimara and its Painter’s Pad, Tilcara and its Pucara. Further up, pass by Huacaleram and Uquia, then cross by the Capricorn Tropic to arrive to Humahuaca. Late afternoon return, and the evening is at leisure.
DAY 7 | SALTA
Road transfer to Salta and after checking into your accommodation, head out with your guide for an afternoon city tour. Start from the traditional 9th of July square, visiting the historic centre of the city, its museums, monuments and colonial architecture. The main attractions are el Cabildo, The Cathedral San Francisco’s Church and San Bernardo’s Convent. Then go to the top of San Bernardo’s Hill passing by the Monument of the General Guemes and then the surroundings of Salta, visiting the university campuses and San Lorenzo, a summer village and finally The Craft Market.
DAY 8 | SALTA
Enjoy activities at the estancia such as horse-riding, bird-watching, cattle roundups and other gaucho activities, visit the yacare-caiman reserve, trek, take a bike ride, partake in a cooking or traditional dance lesson, enjoy a handicraft tour, or perhaps at additional cost rejuvenate with a relaxation massage.
DAY 9 | IGUAZU
Fly from Salta to Iguazu, then check into the Melia, the only hotel located within the Iguazu National Park. Relax and walk about the hotel’s grounds, take a dip in the pool and late this afternoon enjoy a gin and tonic masterclass with a bartender.
DAY 10 | IGUAZU
Head out this morning on ‘The Great Adventure” – enter the jungle on the Yacaratia Trail in specially designed trucks, before boarding boats to navigate the lower Iguazu River, heading towards waterfalls and enjoying the abundant rapids. In the afternoon enjoy a 15 minute joy-ride helicopter flight over the falls to concrete your experience at Iguazu.
DAY 11 | BUENOS AIRES
Fly from Iguazu to Buenos Aires, checking into the Legado Mitico in the chic and quirky Palermo neighbourhood. This afternoon enjoy a half day private city tour of Buenos Aires with your guide visiting the Main Square, Plaza de Mayo with its neo-classical Cathedral, colonial town-hall and the Presidential Palace and the “Casa Rosada” (The Pink House). Then visit the old neighbourhood of San Telmo with its narrow, cobblestone streets, La Boca with its multicolour tin houses and soccer stadium, the elegant Barrio Norte neighbourhood, Palermo with its wonderful parks and gardens, monuments and magnificent mansions.
DAY 12 | BUENOS AIRES
The day is at leisure for you today to explore more of Palermo and its markets or to head to Recoleta and wander around its museums, art galleries, shops, parks and plazas. Early this evening head out to Gala Tango for dinner and a tango show admiring the elegant, warm, refined form.
DAY 13 | BUENOS AIRES
Head out with your guide and drive along the north area to reach the elegant northern riverside suburbs in the outskirts of Buenos Aires which is San Isidro. The area is a delta and named ‘Tigre’, a generic name to the region, a watery wonderland of amazing beauty where the locals move around by boat, whether their own, a taxi launch or a public wooden boat. On the inlets (like a rural Venice) there are some restaurants and vendors offer all kinds of products. Once in Tigre, let your guide take you off the beaten track along the Delta in an authentic wood strip Canadian canoe. Return to Buenos Aires late this afternoon.
DAY 14 | BUENOS AIRES
Today visit the traditional gaucho town of San Antonio de Areco, 123km from Buenos Aires, learning about the Gaucho’s history and traditions. First stop to visit a famous silversmith workshop, whose work to this day is sought after by kings and collectors worldwide. Then continue to Estancia La Bamba and savour a typical Argentine barbecue of fine beef and wines, and relax in the soothing views of endless plains. A wonderful way to enjoy the countryside immersed in an ambience of nature, history and tradition. Note this is not a “tourist show: but a wonderful day from the city, to experience Estancia life at its best.
DAY 15 | INFLIGHT
After breakfast, check out of your accommodation, and inflight homebound/end of arrangements.
WHERE YOU’LL STAY
A selection of the finest, hotels, estancias and lodges
Alto Atacama Desert Lodge – San Pedro
Surrounded by salt mountains, crumbling ruins, and flanked by the winding San Pedro River, Alto Atacama has one of the most breathtaking settings in the world. The lodge is a stunning example of innovative and sustainable architecture, blending seamlessly into the surrounding red rock hillside. Read More
El Manantial del Silencio
El Manantial del Silencio is set in the tranquil village of Purmamarca with architecture that retains the key hallmarks of local traditions - white washed adobe, high cane ceilings, stone floors and white interior walls. At only 15 years old and with only 19 rooms, experience the charm of a small property and the location a perfect base for exploring remarkable desert area.Read More
Estancia el Bordo de las Lanzas
Stay in one of the oldest estates in the country with property deeds back to 1609, when you stay at Estancia el Bordo de las Lanzas. Dark antique furniture meets understated grandeur in the interiors and while in the area, learn about northern Argentina's history, experience the countryside and perhaps head out for a ride on a Peruano Argentino de Paso horse. Read More
Melia Iguazu – Iguazu
The Melia is the only hotel on the actual premises of Iguazu National Park, set right by the Iguazú Falls, with a breathtaking view of Devil’s Throat. Guests can walk straight out from their rooms and are immediately immersed in the national park, within walking distance of the falls. Read More
Legado Mitico – Buenos Aires
Legado Mitico's theme mixes images of old Argentina with modern luxury. Each of the rooms has been individually decorated and named to incorporate eleven of the most famous Argentinean artists. The property pays homage to Argentina’s heroic heritage - located in Buenos Aires’ most-buzzing barrio. Read More
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