2 weeks From Mendoza to Salta

Day 1 – Arrival in Mendoza

Arrival in Mendoza. Transfer from the airport to the hotel, 2 nights in a centrally located hotel.

Day 2 – Mendoza

In the morning, rental car reception at the hotel. We recommend some of the Wineries which are located in the immediate vicinity of the city, such as Catena Zapata, La Rural and Terrazas.

Day 3 – Mendoza – El Barreal

Drive towards the high Andes on Ruta 52 to the thermal baths of Villavicencio, there steeply up to 3000 m, where from the pass you can see the three seven-thousanders Mercedario, Aconcagua and Tupungato can see. Then it goes to Uspallata down, here the Ruta 412 the valley of the Uspallata  north into the province of San Juan, through the El Leoncito National Park, world-famous for its excellent wind and sand conditions for wind karting, and the astronomical observatory. 2 nights in the nearby small oasis village El barreal in the Posada Paso los Patos, with a wonderful view of the Mercedario (6770 m).

Driving distance: 160 km of asphalt and 45 km of gravel.

Day 4 – El Barreal

Excursion possible in the surrounding area, the wonderful Galingasta Valley north to the Cerro Alkázar, a nature reserve because of its bizarre rock formations and geological origin. Or hike among bizarre rock formations on the eastern edge of the village, especially beautiful in the evening light.

Day 5 – El Barreal – Ischigualasto – Villa Unión

Drive north on Ruta 412 to Calingasta, then on Ruta 12 and 414 east to Talacasto, where you can take the 40 Route The road continues north to San José de Jáchal. A little after Jáchal the newly asphalted and very beautiful 150 Route to the east or to Los Baldecitos.

Now we go to the nearby and bizarre “Moon Valley” ischigualasto, where a guided tour in a caravan with a local guide in one of the wagons is undertaken (this is to be paid on site when registering, approx. U$D 20/person). In the late afternoon we continue north on Ruta 76 to Villa Unión. 2 hotel nights.

Driving distance: 425 km of asphalt.   

Day 6 – Vª Unión / Talampaya

Today we head south again on Ruta 76 to the impressive national park Talampaya, with its huge rock walls and naturally formed figures. There is a guided tour in a 4×4 off-road bus with a local guide (this is also to be paid on site when registering, approx. U$D 20/person).

Driving distance: 130 km of asphalt in total there and back. 

Day 7 – Villa Unión – Belén

Today we continue on Ruta 40 towards the east, up the steep and very winding Cuesta de Miranda down to Chilecito, a green oasis with vineyards. From there, we continue north to Belén in the province of Catamarca. 1 night in a easy Hotel, the best option on site.

Driving distance: 350 km of asphalt.

Day 8 – Belén – Cafayate

Continue north on Ruta 40 via Hualfín (site of one of the oldest Indian cultures in the country) and the sand steppe of Pozuelos to Santa María, then soon across the border to Tucumán. Here you can see the ruins of the Quilmes culture visit, then continue to Salta (province) to Cafayate, an excellent wine-growing region, known for its white wines, mainly the Torrontés.  1 night at the Cafayate Wine Resort.

Driving distance: 260 km of asphalt.

In the late afternoon we recommend a detour of about 30 km along Ruta 68 (towards Salta) to the very beautiful Quebrada de las Conchas with its shimmering red rock formations, especially beautiful in the evening light.

Day 9 – Cafayate – Molinos

In the morning, if you are interested, some Wineries of the Calchaquí Valley can be explored.

Drive again on Ruta 40 the Calchaquí Valley along to the north, first through the bizarre lunar landscape of the Quebrada of the Flechas, to Molinos. 1 night at the Hacienda de Molinos.

Driving distance: 110 km of gravel and 20 km of asphalt.   

In the afternoon, if the road conditions are dry, you can still enjoy the beautiful Colomé Valley go, including the very interesting winery with museum can be visited (registration possible the day before through the hotel reception). www.bodegacolome.com

Day 10 – Molinos – Cachi – Salta

Today we travel on Ruta 40 via Cachi to Payogasta, here the Ruta 33 through the Los Cardones National Park (giant candelabra cacti) and the impressive Bishop's Slope down to Salta. 1 night in a city hotel.

Driving distance: 75 km of gravel and 135 km of asphalt. 

In the afternoon we recommend a visit on your own to archaeological museum (Museo de la Historia), where one of the three child mummies found in 1999 at Llullaillaco at an altitude of 6739 m is exhibited.

Day 11 – Salta – Purmamarca

Today we will take the winding road “La Cornisa” through the jungle via La Caldera to the north along the Quebrada de Humahuaca to Purmamarca, where the famous "Mountain of Seven Colors" opposite the village and shines in an incredible variety of colors against the deep blue sky. 1 night in a hotel.

Distance covered: 165 km on asphalt. 

In the afternoon, the very colorful Quebrada de Humahuaca a little further north, possibly to Uquía with its old church, especially beautiful in the evening light.

Driving distance: 130 km on asphalt the circuit. 

Day 12 – Purmamarca – Salinas Grandes – Salta

Drive the impressive pass road Cuesta de Lipán up to the Salinas Grandes (salt lakes) that stretch white and glittering to the horizon. The former Ruta 40 continues east of the salt plateau to San Antonio de los Cobres, from there the route of the “Tren de las Nubes” the Cuesta del Tastil and  Quebrada del Toro down to Salta. 2 nights in the beautiful country hotel Finca Valentina.

Driving distance: 215 km on asphalt, 95 km on gravel.

Day 13 – Salta

Day at leisure to explore hike or horseback riding trip to do on site, although the area surrounding the hotel is ideal for this (can be booked at reception).

Day 14 – Departure

Car drop-off at the airport. 

Important NOTE: We recommend this route from April to November inclusive.