La Comarca Andina. North Patagonia, Argentina

La Comarca Andina. North Patagonia, Argentina

Located just 2 hours south of the Bariloche airport, La Comarca refers to a larger place rather than a city in itself: it is a beautiful and still pristine valley, on the southern edge of the Lakes Region in the northern Patagonia. Sheltered by the Andes itself from the cold and humid winds of the Pacific Ocean to the west, and from the very cold and dry winds of the rough Patagonian steppe to the east. That’s why it has a unique microclimate of mild winters and warm, windless summers that have made it famous for its berries and vegetables: the entire area is dotted with small organic farms.

There is also a very interesting story before the arrival of European settlers in the early 1900s: the natives did not settle in this area, nor was it within their travel routes, they only came to this area when they needed healing or to do spiritual work. or offerings The mountain that shelters the valley to the east is the majestic Piltriquitron, which in the native language means: “between the clouds”, we can understand it in two ways. Its summits are usually covered by clouds, but this was also the place where the native peoples climbed with their white offering flags. Therefore, the name can also be understood as “Peaks between the white flags”.

Once you arrived you instantly feel there is a different “speed” to the way the clock ticks. This relaxing, soothing, healing feeling is what has been congregated in this place by therapists and healing oriented activities from all walks of life: Yoga, Taichi, Andean movements & plant medicine, chamanism, ayurveda, massage, accupuncture and Chinese medicine. All this combined with healthy and exquisite food that has practically goes from the veggie garden to the table in a few paces.

I have guided groups of people in the Patagonian Andes and other mountain ranges of the world for over 25 years, and always witnessed the life changing moments of connection with nature that made my work so rewarding. It was this connection that made me go beyond and explore how us humans can reconnect with ourselves, using ancient and modern techniques merged together to make it available to people from all walks of life.

I have been blessed with being able to travel all over the world and visit some amazing places that help in this reconnection with our essence, La Comarca Andina is one of them. I want to invite you to come and stay with us to feel renewed in mind, body and spirit.

Gabriel “Colo” Ziffer

Hola! My name is Gabriel Ziffer. I am a Taichi and Qi Gong instructor, Ayurveda and Chinese Medicine certified practitioner; I have also been blessed with the opportunity of guiding trips in the Patagonian Andes and many mountain ranges around the world.

I currently live in a small valley in North Patagonia: La Comarca , known worldwide for its alternative and healthy lifestyle, just 2 hours south of Bariloche International Airport. The landscape is set by a stunning surroundings of mountains, lakes and rivers and many organic farms and small boutique chalets, farms and homesteads.

I want to invite you to this secret spot of the Andes to have a moment to just take a break, a stop from the rushed lifestyle that even holidays can have, and find your center or balance and place a warm smile right there.

Contact Colo and let him help you plan a transformative experience in Patagonia

MERCAT VILLA CRESPO

MERCAT VILLA CRESPO

Mercat Villa Crespo brings the best of the city together in the district of Villa Crespo: its best restaurants, drinks and cultural experiences for friends and families. Shop from dozens of local, sustainable farmers, drop off compost, and more.

Inspired by La Boquería in Barcelona and with the spirit of “Less supermarket, more Market”, Mercat Villa Crespo proposes a creative and innovative experience in the midst of the largest gastronomic and tourist hub in the country.

 

It is a market with restaurants and local gastronomic entrepreneurs. This indoor food court makes Villa Crespo the new trendy neighborhood for eating out in Buenos Aires. Where will the second headquarters be?

 

With an industrial aesthetic, the building located at Thames 747 has 2,700 square meters and is divided into 3 floors: a space for specially selected national producers (some are local for take away and others for on-site consumption), an auditorium and a foyer .

 

Its objective is “to be a meeting place to enjoy a varied gastronomic offer and discover products at affordable prices”.

 

Only at Mercat can you enjoy the exquisite specialty coffee of Grano Santo, from the hand of Germán López, third generation of coffee growers; buy fruits and vegetables without pesticides and by the kilo -or bag- in Organic Land; and access to pastoral meat from Pastizales Nativos, which promotes responsible livestock.

 

For its part, Let it V will offer 100% plant-based and gluten-free fusion food; and Haulani will add its dispatch of ice creams based on milk and coconut oil. There will also be dumplings, baos, buns, ramen and other dishes influenced by Asian cuisine by Koi; and Veggie will be present with its Middle Eastern vegetarian fast food concept.

 

The Italian tradition will unfold in Brocca Pasta, with a wide range of dry and stuffed pasta proposals that can be taken away or eaten on the spot, plus the spin-off of Brocca Pasticcería, with the great pastry milestones of that European country.

The expert cheese connoisseur Remo Valenti returns to serve the public, after several years, at Remo. And he will do it under two well-defined concepts: To the office, where only the cheeses, hams and salami that he considers to be at their right point will be for sale; and To the bar, where – just as his father dreamed – customers and friends can have a little taste on the go without having to wait until they get home.

 

The street food of exotic Transylvania comes from the hand of Erdely’s with its kürto, a crunchy sweet on the outside and fluffy on the inside, which is made at the moment and delivered steaming in its different versions.

 

In Dulce de leche & Co you can find the best milk candies and alfajores from small producers from all regions of the country; and the traditional Tucuman empanadas can be tasted at La Casa de Tafí.

 

The street food of exotic Transylvania comes from the hand of Erdely’s with its kürto, a crunchy sweet on the outside and fluffy on the inside, which is made at the moment and delivered steaming in its different versions.

 

In Dulce de leche & Co you can find the best milk candies and alfajores from small producers from all regions of the country; and the traditional Tucuman empanadas can be tasted at La Casa de Tafí.

 

As for drinks, there will be draft beer at La Choppería and Vico Wine Bar will be present with a boutique selection of the best wines from its portfolio -both by the glass and in the bottle-, plus cocktails, vermouth and other drinks dispensed from dispensers and taps.

 

Mercat can be visited on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and on Saturdays, from 11 a.m. to midnight. It will be closed on Mondays.

 

This unique food market arrives in the neighborhood of Villa Crespo to reverse the traditional concept of the market and open the debate on current food. With a very industrial aesthetic, the Mercat building -located at Thames 747, CABA- has 2700m2, is divided into three floors, has a space for specially selected local producers, and an auditorium and a foyer that will set trends due to the range of interesting content that they will present.

Contact Us if you have any questions or if you want to start planning your trip for 2022.

Luxury Camp in remote Patagonia

Luxury Camp in remote Patagonia

Get away for a day or two and revel in the luxury atmosphere, reflecting or taking walks in one of the most enchanting Patagonian landscape.

Northern Patagonia is one of the world’s great wilderness areas, with vast expanses of open plains, towering peaks, huge skies and dazzling blue lakes. Bariloche scenic surroundings, including Moreno Lake, Angostura River and Campanario Hill make this destination a unique and dreamy place to include in your bucket list.

Located in the quiet and peaceful Patagonian Estancia, Río Manso Campground is the perfect getaway for honeymooners, individuals, and small groups seeking privacy and solitude.

Enjoy your special night under the stars in this beautiful Patagonian ranch in a premium tented camp.

OVERVIEW

Río Manso is a luxury nomadic camp, designed with all the comfort of a five-star hotel, to live an incredible experience in Northern Patagonia. Located on the banks of the Manso River, and surrounded by pure nature, it offers an innovative proposal to stay in an all-inclusive modality.

This camp offers ten spacious tents perfectly decorated with carpeted floors, king or twin size box springs, duvet covers, premium cotton sheets and LED lamps. The tents can comfortably hold up to 3 adults.

The lounge tent is the social and rest area of the camp, equipped with elegant Bedouin tents, equipped with a deck floor, modern living rooms, heating and piped music, library space and board games, 220V charging station, bar of drinks and cafeteria.

The camp has a fireplace and outdoor recreation area, decorated with comfortable benches and warm lighting; inviting guests to relax in the evening around the warmth of the fire, enjoying a glass of wine in the shelter of our complimentary blankets.

On the banks of the Manso River there are lounge chairs and shaded spaces to enjoy the summer sun on a remote Patagonian beach. For those who enjoy the fresh air of the shade, the forest invites you to read a book under huge coihues and maitenes.

Rio Manso Camp has eco-WC toilets, units designed to reduce the impact on the environment to zero. They are incredibly comfortable and modern bathrooms, with tiled toilets, high-tech taps, external sinks, hot water, special decorations, LED lights and amenities.

The showers are mounted in tents that offer great spaciousness, comfort and privacy, provided with a deck floor, dressing room, support table, hair dryer, hot water 24 hours a day and a unique decoration.

Gastronomy

 

The camp offers a complete gastronomic service, created on the spot by their chef, with regional flavors and dishes from Patagonia, accompanied by premium wines from Argentina and local craft beers.

 

A large work team made up of hospitality and tourism professionals make Rio Manso Camp the ideal place to live a unique and unrepeatable stay. Each person receives personalized treatment, ensuring a tailored service, with the focus on every detail.

Activities

Ideas team of local experts will connect you with the best local guides and experiences. Among other sports and activities, you can choose horseback riding, trekking, biking with the best local guides who understand the areas you tour, hiking, kayaking, rafting, or flying in a helicopter for an exceptional view of the Lake District.

With a combination of biking, kayaking, and hiking supported by a vehicle, you’ll get the most out of this adventure trip in Patagonia.

Contact Us and our team of expert planners can easily answer your questions and put you on the path to creating and planning an unforgettable trip.

Pristine Camps: a brand new luxury camp on Argentina’s salt flats

Pristine Camps: a brand new luxury camp on Argentina’s salt flats

Argentina, Chile & Uruguay have softened their entry requirements and the high season that corresponds to the summer of the southern hemisphere has begun with great success.

In addition to visiting Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina, its tanguerias, “parrillas” and diverse neighborhoods, you can also fly to more remote destinations in Patagonia or in the Argentine Northwest.


For travelers who want a more secluded experience, look no further than the newly opened Pristine Camps in the salt flats situated 11,000 feet above sea level in the province of Jujuy.

Pristine Camps, which officially opened on November 18, 2021, is a new luxury tented camp located five miles from Jujuy’s Salinas Grandes, offering some of the best star views in the world. If your idea of the perfect vacation is a peaceful getaway under a starry sky, then these igloo-shaped domes call your name.

Pristine Camps is located in Salinas Grandes, in Jujuy province. Las Salinas Grandes are a vast saline of 212 km2 of extension located in the middle of Puna at 3,450 meters above sea level. An expanse of salt, white that contrasts with the blue of the sky.

There are  only four fully equipped luxury domes. Guests can choose from two accommodation options: Premium Suites, which sleep up to three guests, and Exclusive Suites that can comfortably sleep two. Premium suites include a king-size bed that can be divided into two single beds plus a sofa bed and an outdoor wooden bathtub on the terrace, perfect for an evening dip under the stars.

The camp was designed with the intention of not generating any type of alteration on the fantastic setting of the Salinas Grandes de Jujuy. This Luxury Camp was built on raised wooden platforms, which prevent soil erosion and allow the geography to follow its natural course.

All the materials of the enterprise come with deforestation certificates, with sustainability standards and requirements from the suppliers. In addition, Pristine is supplied 100% by renewable energies, being one of the first glampings in Argentina with this concept of integral sustainability. The plastic waste policy is zero, and the impact is minimal, as the hotel has a capacity for ten people. Compost is made with organic waste, which is given to the community garden.

The on-site menu is curated by chef Mariana García del Río and features Argentine ingredients paired with wines from the nearby Colomé vineyard.

Guests can book stays of one to three nights that include all meals, daily excursions organized by specialized guides, and transfers. Activities range from a full day archaeological tour to a day trip to the small town of Susques or even a personalized sunset photography experience.

Selected excursions give travelers the opportunity to experience the Andean region and culture in a unique and immersive way. Pristine Camps can be visited year-round, but from November to March temperatures rise, as does the chance of precipitation, creating a fascinating mirror effect on the salt flats. Nightly rates start at $544 per night for an exclusive suite and $669 for a premium suite.

You can take an extension trip to the desolate plateau of La Puna, the fertile valley of Salta and explore colonial architecture, polychrome canyons and visit charming villages in Cafayate, Salta’s wine country. Contact us and we will help you plan a trip of a lifetime.

Memorable Moments:

  • Discover the impressive Salinas Grandes salt flats high in the Andes Mountains.
  • Visit the famous Seven Colored Hill for amazing views of this exceptional scenery.
  • Travel north along the Humahuaca Gorge— a onetime Inca trade route leading north to Bolivia, now a Unesco World Heritage site.
  • Tour the charming towns of Maimara, Uquia, Humahuaca and Tilcara to explore the rich indigenous history of the region.
  • Stroll through the most beautiful colonial town of Salta and buy local crafts at the market.

For more information about Pristine Camps or to book your trip, please Contact our local experts.

Argentina, Chile & Uruguay have softened their entry requirements

Travel To Angostura

Argentina, Chile & Uruguay have softened their entry requirements

Traveling around South America will be easier and smoother

Travel updates per country:

Argentina

  • Covid tests are no longer required to enter the country.
  • Furthermore, vaccination is highly recommended but not mandatory.
  • International travellers only need to submit a sworn statement 48 hours prior to arriving in Argentina. You can find it here.
  • Medical travel insurance that includes/covers hospitalisation, quarantine, and transportation in case of Covid-19 for those who test positive, are suspected of Covid-19 infection or are in contact with a confirmed case.
  • All land borders between Argentina & Chile will open on May 1st.

Chile

  • Covid tests are no longer required to enter the country.
  • Full vaccination is mandatory and needs to be validated on gob.clbefore entering Chile (we recommend doing it 7 to 10 days minimum prior to departure).
  • Have health insurance with a minimum coverage of $30,000 US dollars that includes coverage for any expenses arising from Covid-19. 
  • A PCR or antigen test can be randomly done at the point of entry into Chile.
  • All land borders throughout the national territory will open again on May 1st; reconnecting with countries such as Peru, Argentina, and Bolivia. It’s a great opportunity to make multi-country trips and get to know all the South American attractions!

Uruguay

  • Covid tests are no longer required to enter the country for people fully vaccinated or who have had the disease between 10 and 90 days prior to arrival in Uruguay. In case of having contracted Covid-19, the positive test result must be presented between a maximum of 90 days and up to 10 days prior to boarding or arrival in the country.
  • You must have health insurance with a specific Covid-19 coverage plan.
  • Unvaccinated people can enter the country but will need to present a negative PCR test taken no more than 72 hours prior to boarding.
  • A sworn statement must be completed prior to arriving in Uruguay. You can find it here.

Argentina, Chile and Uruguay are waiting for you. It’s time to book your trip!

Contact our local travel experts and they will help you plan your trip effortlessly and they will work on an unforgettable experience in South America.

Mendoza Wine Country – Make The Most of Your Visit

mendoza-wine-tourism

Mendoza Wine Country – Make The Most of Your Visit

Mendoza is one of the most scenic wine regions of the world. With more than 1,500 wineries spread out through the three main wine regions - Lujan de Cuyo, Maipu and Valle de Uco- wide open spaces with nothing but vines, Andes mountains and blue skies, and some of the best winery architecture in the world, it is a spot you don't want to miss.

We have listed some tips and recommendations that are essential to have a great experience and successful visit to Mendoza Wine Country.

• Make reservations for all wineries and restaurants with time in advance to help ensure availability.
• Plan on visiting only three wineries per day – three at maximum if you are having a winery lunch!
• Plan your trip by region – Maipu, Lujan de Cuyo or Uco Valley - as there is significant distance in between.
• If you go on your own, bring cash as many wineries do not accept credit cards.
• Tours generally last 60-90 minutes.
• Some wineries are closed Saturday and Sunday, as well as national holidays. Call the wineries in advance and check their opening days and hours.
• Use a recommended tour agency (like Ideas South America LLC!) -which make planning effortless.
• Take advantage of the unique opportunity to meet the winery owners and winemakers themselves at the wineries, and ask them as many questions as you like. They enjoy sharing their story!
• Visit The Vines of Mendoza's Tasting Room – and add tons of top quality wineries to your trip in one stop!

mendoza-wine-time to visit

What Makes Mendoza Such An Amazing Wine Region?

Mendoza, Argentina is one of the best places in the world to drink wine and enjoy it with good food and company. The wineries range from small, family owned and cozy, to large production modern architectural masterpieces. What all have in common is a strong sense of heritage and commitment to quality – as well as a warmth unlike anywhere else in the world. Both in the air and in the people.

mendoza-wine-visit

To meet the most adorable, top quality winemaker, go visit Carmelo Patti in Lujan de Cuyo and see him make amazing Malbecs all on his own. He is said to be a one-man army, making his wines single handedly with all the attention and care of a true master-craftsman. We think it’s his warmth and the humility of his surroundings, despite International acclaim of his wines, that make the experience so special.

mendoza-wine-trip

While in Lujan, if you want to have amazing Sparkling wine (and who doesn't?), you can head to Chandon for a multi-course winery lunch.

If it’s an architectural masterpiece you’re after, Salentein in the Uco Valley offers great wines, gorgeous architecture and even an art gallery with modern and traditional exhibits that showcase regional and International talent. Their barrel room was designed to be a fabulous location for music concerts, with tremendous acoustics and barrels integrated into the décor.

mendoza-wine-tour

While in the Uco Valley, you should also visit Clos de los Siete, a project of four Mendoza wineries that use distinctly different methods of French-influenced winemaking, run by Michel Rolland. Marcelo Pelleriti is the famed winemaker for Monteviejo and brings his passion for music and art into the space, with frequent art exhibits and an annual rock concert. Other wineries on the property are Mariflor and DiamAndes.

Just a few short minutes away, you can join the Gimenez Riili family's cozy winery, receiving a tour with one of the winery's handsome brothers, as well as an asado if you like. While their Gran Reserva Malbec is not to be missed, their Perpetuum Torrontes really steals the show.

mendoza-wine-argentina

The Vines of Mendoza is right next door, with 1,000 sprawling acres of vineyards, a state-of-the-art micro fermentation winery for more than 200 wines (now open to the public for tours), and The Vines Resort & Spa, opening in September 2013.

When in Mendoza, you will undoubtedly drink a great deal of fabulous Malbec, as well as the native white Torrontes, as well as many blends and perhaps even a Bonarda and Tempranillo. Be sure to try the Pinot Noir and Petit Verdot as well – these varietals take on an entirely different personality when grown in the new world sunshine and record altitudes. Read through the Tasting Notes to learn more about all these great grapes.

mendoza-wine-fournier

With Mendoza’s recent acclaim in Travel & Leisure and Conde Nast Traveler as a top hot spot for wine and luxury travel, as well as continuously growing wine accolades from Wine Spectator and Wine Advocate, Mendoza has established itself as a powerhouse with top quality wines in both the high and low yield categories.

This is just the beginning of your adventure in Mendoza wine country. See hundreds of photos and details on all Mendoza’s wineries in our Wineries Section.

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Self-drive Adventure to The Calchaquí Valleys

Self-drive Adventure to The Calchaquí Valleys

High-altitude vineyards, peppers drying in the sun and hand-woven ponchos in the same setting where native tribes and Spaniards fought hand-to-hand. From the Quebrada de las Conchas to Los Cardones National Park, passing through the Quebrada de las Flechas, an impressive tour of Salta in 160 km.

La Poma, Salta

Where to start the road trip to the Calchaqui Valleys in Salta

It is a perfect road trip to start in Salta city, stop in Cachi on the way to Cafayate. It is worth going north to La Poma and south to Santa María (Catamarca), passing through Colalao del Valle in Tucumán.

Do not be afraid of the gravel: it is nothing less than the national route 40, the backbone of our country. It is usually in very good condition outside of the rainy season (in summer). Even in January and February, they are not forgotten roads by God's grace: they can be closed for hours, or even days, but sooner or later the National Highway machines pass by.

The national route 68 that connects Salta with Cafayate is all asphalt, 190 km of pavement that were completed in 1979, after a titanic work of modifying the layout to shorten distances. At that time, the attractions closest to Cafayate, such as Los Médanos and Quebrada de las Conchas (with the incredible surroundings of the Amphitheater and it’s amazing natural acoustics), were not a scenic excursion, but rather a true road challenge. A little more gentle may be the Cuesta del Obispo, a splendid road that connects, in mere 160 km, the capital of Salta with Cachi, passing through the TinTin straight. It is about 12 km road framed by the cacti and the mountains, an Inca memory path that the pre-Hispanic man would have traced marking it with torches at night. La Cuesta itself is only 20 km of gravel, and if they never finish being paved it is because it is proven that the pavement would never resist the landslides caused by the summer rains.

So it is advisable to avoid the Cuesta del Obispo when it rains, not only for safety, but also because you would miss the Valle Encantado, Los Cardones National Park, the Quebrada de Escoipe, among other landscapes that the road offers. In total, little more than 500 km to do with various stops and the desire to chat quietly, respecting the siesta, getting out of the car, taking a genuine interest in this region that knew how to live isolated and today maintains that rare atmosphere of silence.

Cachi

Time moves at a different pace in Cachi. An important colonial town, it shares with Molinos a significant difference in terms of its foundation: the origin of both was the Hacienda; They are not towns formed around reductions or parishes of religious origin. Cachi was the fiefdom of Don Felipe de Aramburu, and his adoptive son Benjamín Zorrilla. Until the mid-1950s, the town itself was very small, only seven blocks. However, the lack of communication was legend. There were no telephones, and even in the 1960s the only way to connect was by letter or telegram. In 1967 they installed a device that communicated via Radio Pacheco with the rest of the country. Ruiz Moreno recounts in his book: "This was a unique advance for the inhabitants who queued to speak. The municipal employee who carried out this task put on a true announcer's voice, because of which he was a Municipal Councilor reader. His name was Valois Farfan". Before Cachi was filled with cement and two-story houses, in 1978 the first urban preservation plan for the town was carried out. If the cardón wood signs, the street lamps and the whitewashed houses attract attention today, know that it is not by chance. It is beauty on purpose, and welcome. Sit down to contemplate it in the square, you can visit the Archaeological Museum next to the church that offers a chronological journey from the times of the hunters and gatherers to the arrival of the Spanish. At the Oliver Wine Bar you can try the same empanadas that represented Argentina in the "Taste of London", by the hand of Fernando Trocca and Vicenta Aramayo, the local empanadera. And Donald Hess, the owner of Colomé, launched in 2015 Altura Máxima, a wine that, in addition to being top of the range, is top of the range: it boasts of being made with the highest vineyards in the world, at 3,111 meters high.

Cafayate

Settled in the foothills of the Andes mountain range in Argentina is the fertile Calchaqui Valley, part of the country’s revered north west wine region and home to the highest vineyards on the planet.

Things you can do in Calafate:

• Museo Arqueologico: This private museum is a collection from the excavation done by archaeologist Rodolfo Bravo and is worth visiting to check out the ceramics, from the black and gray wares of the Candelaria and Aguada cultures to late Diaguita and Inca pottery.

• Wine Museum: Set in the grounds of the old museum known as "La Encantada Winery”, this is a dedicated wine museum which defines the unique characteristics of Calchaquies Valleys and its ultimate wines.

• Rio Colorado: This is an amazing hike which begins at a distance of around 6 kilometers from the centre of the town and you will be able to explore more if you get a local guide. The hike includes five scenic waterfalls and the water is fresh and clean both to swim and drink.

• Quebrada de Cafayate: Valley famous for rock formations caused due to the erosion of wind and soil. There are amazing rock formations like the Giant, the Obelisk, the Priest and the Frog, the sinking Titanic. The most alluring one is the devil’s throat which is a home to a gigantic natural amphitheatre with 45 degrees cut that provides ample space to climb and is a spectacular sight.

• You can taste the incredible local produce Torrontes (white) and Malbec (red) wine at any of the wine yards and also shop for them at a cheaper price. The goat cheese at Cabras de Cafayate is also a must!

QUEBRADA DE LAS FLECHAS

If agricultural livestock production is the truest image of the valleys (it was always a highly prized region for the purity of the air that produced healthy crops, free from the pests of the more humid places), travelers like to think that the postcard of this trip is the landscape of the Quebrada de las Flechas. It is a short sector (between Km 4380 and Km 4410 of RN 40) that is part of the Angastaco Natural Monument, declared as such in 1995. The Provincial Law protects the strange geoforms inclined like arrowheads where it narrows and passes the Calchaquí river. It is advisable to go in the afternoon, and with time to climb one of them and admire the surroundings from above. After passing through the town of Angastaco, stop in El Carmen to see its 1780 church.

CAMINO DE LOS ARTESANOS

They are less than 10 km in the surroundings of Seclantás, on the other side of the river, along a minor road that has the nomenclature 55 S. There are the small ranches with the loom under the carob tree, very close to the clay oven. Few have signs, and even fewer products to sell: ponchos are usually ordered, premeditated. As did Tero Guzmán, the most famous of the Salta stakeholders, who sent one of his ponchos to John Paul II. The photo of the Supreme Pontiff dressed as a gaucho went around the world. When Francisco took office, the Tero did not spin without a spindle. He came to give her another poncho in June, shortly before he died, at the age of 75, on 9/3/2013. It goes without saying that it was, as tradition dictates, red and black: red was used by Los Infernales, the soldiers of Güemes, who added the bow, neck and black stripe as a sign of mourning, before the death of their general in 1821.

Telero de Seclantás, Salta

ACSIBI

They are amazing caves with red folds of very strange shapes, which are accessed by the bed of a dry river, about 15 km from Seclantás.

Seclantás is the only town in the Salta Valley that is on the other side of the Calchaquí River. You have to go through its church and have lunch or dinner at Inti Raymi, one of the best restaurants with authentic regional cuisine, without deco, fripperies, or a boutique atmosphere.

To get to the Acsibi Caves, today called Quebrada del Rincón, it is necessary to go with a guide. It is a place that is still little known, that hardly anyone visits on their debut in the Valleys, a magical and very different landscape, to which a separate day must be dedicated. The exit involves advancing about 17 km through the dry bed of a river, walking about two hours through a magnificent red ravine in the most unlikely ways, to finally bend down and enter the splendid caves that were once part of the Hacienda de Urbina, when the Malcachisco Indians panned gold for the Spaniards until they revolted and left no soul standing. It happened in 1603. From then until now, a time lapse of more than 400 years in which you will be surprised not to see any urbanization. At most, the ruin of some house with thick adobe walls and cardón doors that is, who knows, 200 years old?

ACSIBI. SECLANTÁS. SALTA.

COLOMÉ

It is one of the strangest landmarks that the trip proposes. An appointment that combines an unexpected lunch in a cozy bistro with a visit to a museum of light installations entirely dedicated to James Turrell, an internationally renowned North American artist. No one knew him because of these payments and that contrast, that of the gravel and the isolation of the place, versus the ultra-modern of the artistic proposal, is the one that most astonishes Argentines, and can irritate foreigners, who sometimes do not They see with such good eyes that they have crossed the world to find in the last corner of Salta the same thing that they could have seen in Berlin, Hong Kong or San Francisco. In any case, the experience of Unseen Blue, the great work mounted in a square atrium that invites you to lie down and watch the sunset lit up from the Calchaquí sky as it changes color, is something not to be missed. In total there are nine light rooms in a space of 1,700 m2. In 2018 the ranch, which has a nine-room hotel, reopened to the public.

Our guides know how best to explore this unforgiving landscape, bringing you to interesting and secluded spots to enjoy privileged views of this beautiful part of Argentina.

Colomé, Salta

Road Trips: Northwest Argentina

Road Trips: Northwest Argentina

How to organize an unforgettable trip through the arid beauty of northwestern Argentina

It is one of the most visited destinations by Argentines and foreigners both in summer and winter. The region’s incredible landscapes and the charm of its native traditions and customs make this territory a unique place to visit.

The Argentine Northwest (NOA) is one of the indigenous regions of the country made up of the provinces of Jujuy, Salta, Tucumán, Catamarca, La Rioja and Santiago del Estero. There, just by looking at the horizon and appreciating its varied colors, the traveler is already invited to immerse himself in its customs and traditions; that invites you to enjoy the tranquility and also challenge the traveler to adventure. It has about 300,000 square kilometers with abrupt climatic and landscape transitions: the Puna (Jujuy) descends from its 4000 meters ( 13,000 feet) to the Chaco plains of Salta.

Its peaks over 6,000 meters high (20,000 feet), the remains of ancient civilizations, adobe villages, Jesuit chapels, rivers, streams, wineries, crafts, everything is part of an arid landscape, warm and mysterious at the same time.

Visiting several destinations of interest in a single trip is often a tempting idea when planning vacations. The reasons usually range from saving money to the comfort of going through different places in a one complete trip.

A duration of between 10 and 15 days to tour the NOA is a good option, it all depends on the land sections and the way in which the destinations are combined.

The Argentine North can be considered as a block in terms of geographical and cultural characteristics. With a flight to one of the capitals, plus the rental of a car or some excursions you can explore it in depth. It is a good option to think of a trip of several days - from 10 to 15 is the ideal - and to explore more than one province.

If you decide to travel to this region, the best way to do it is to fly to Salta and from there you can add provinces and cities to visit. It is the best option since there are more frequent flights with some airlines to that province. It is also recommended to hire a local tour company or guide if you don't know the area very well. The routes usually have narrow sections where it is very important to pay attention to the state of the roads and have the right vehicle according to the challenge of the area.

In Salta and Jujuy you can find the main car rental companies. It is important to travel the region in a resistant vehicle and take spare tires just in case.

The routes on the way to Cafayate within the Calchaquí Valleys are in good conditions and can be traveled just the same, even if you do not have a 4×4 vehicle.

Some of the sections that we really love include Cafayate, Amaicha del Valle and the Quilmes Ruins in Tucumán. From Cafayate or Quilmes Ruins you can continue to the Tafí del Valle area by car until you arrive at the capital city of Tucuman.

It is also very interesting to visit the Museum of Archeology and High Mountain museum (MAAM) where the mummies of the three frozen children found at the summit of the Llullaillaco Volcano in 1999 are located. A great local legend to know and admire that the MAAM put it very well in value and historical context.

There are many boutique hotels in Cafayate and exquisite tours inside the various vineyards are also organized. The visit is usually completed with a delicious lunch or a specialized wine tasting.

The town of Cafayate in Salta is known worldwide for its wineries. The vast majority of them specialize in the cultivation and large-scale production of Torrontés, one of the grapes belonging to the most emblematic white variety of Argentina, which is produced only in this country.

Some of the most beautiful wineries to visit are: Nanni, Etchart, El porvenir, Domingo Hermanos and Lavaque, among others. Torrontés belongs to the group of "criollo" varieties whose main characteristic is the mixture of flavors, among which are: chamomile, fruit salad, peaches, honey, orange peel, muscatel grape and oregano.

The Calchaquí Valleys can also be explored in the same way connecting Salta City with Cachi and Cafayate. This region can be visited in 3 days and 2 nights or even 2 days and 1 night. But we strongly recommend spending at least 2 nights to explore Cachi, the wine country and use Cachi as the base to visit the Quilmes Ruins and the Calcachi Valleys in depth.

This route is really beautiful and presents a unique landscape beauty. The section can be done along Provincial Route 33, passing through the Quebrada del Escoipe and Valle Encantado. It has one of the most attractive panoramic views. You can continue 20 km in "zig zag" to Piedra del Molino, one of the highest points located at 3348 meters above sea level, a place where condors can be seen.

In Jujuy there are full day excursions from the capital of that province to the Quebrada de Humahuaca, for example. There are also alternatives for those who want to stay in a destination in that area such as Tilcara or the salt flats, famous for their photos that travel the world.

Keep in mind that, due to the height, the temperature usually drops at night. There, the thermal amplitude exists. Yala, Posta de Lozano, Volcano, Tumbaya, Purmamarca, Maimará, Angosto del Perchel, Huacalera, Uquía, Humahuaca, Azul Pampa, Tres Cruces are some of the favorite amazing places that can be visited while in Jujuy. Other very unique and interesting places that are coming out of the ravine are Abra Pampa, Puesto del Marqués, Pumahuasi, La Quiaca.

Important Considerations before you book your trip:

• The North has demand all year round, two high seasons stand out: winter (July and August) and Easter. Therefore, it is essential that you book tickets, accommodation and excursions in advance, which are also cheaper if we confirm them months in advance, especially if you want to make the trip on important dates such as: Carnival (end of February and beginning of March in Jujuy and Cafayate), Fiesta del Milagro (September in Salta) or winter holidays (July).

• During the extreme rainy season (January and February) it is not an impediment to make trips, but when the rainfall is high, there may be road closures.

• Bring a light coat in summer if you are going to visit the mountain area, remember that the nights are cold.

• In winter, consider bringing a lot of clothing, especially if you are going to visit the Puna; and also light clothing since it can be very hot during the day.

• If you are going to travel on a high-altitude excursion, you must take the proper precautions in health matters or consult your doctor in case of any pathology related to altitude.

• The north of Argentina maintains the green of the vegetation and it rains less in the months of March to June, as well as in September to December. It is the ideal time since not only are the landscapes more dazzling, but the temperature, since it is not excessive, is very pleasant and the prices are much lower since it is low season.

Peninsula Valdes When to Go

Peninsula Valdes When to Go

When to go

Argentina is so big that each region has its own climate. This means that there is always somewhere to go, whatever the time of year. Summer is from December to March, Spring from September to November, Autumn from March to May and Winter from June to August.

Generally speaking, the best time to visit Patagonia is from October to April, or between June and September for skiing. If you are interested in fauna watching, you should not miss the largest Magellan Penguin Colony of Patagonia which is located in Punta Tombo.

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PUNTA TOMBO PENGUIN COLONY

Punta Tombo is the most important Magellan Penguin Colony in Patagonia. Almost a million of penguins arrive at this every year in order to breed. The first penguins arrive in September and stay here up to mid-March but the best season to see them is after November, once the babies are born.

One of the greatest features of this natural reserve is the fact that you can literally walk among the penguins, follow them and learn their habits, see how they feed their babies, the rites of pairing, the fights for the defense of their territories, how they build their nests, and the restless walks they take to and from the sea. In other words, you can closely watch these tender little animals like you never imagined you could...

There is one requirement: even if you are inches away from a penguin, you must never touch or bother it. You must not forget (not even for a moment) that you are inside a fauna reservation, a special place devoted to preserve this species and its natural habitat. Besides, although penguins are harmless and they are not aggressive at all, if they feel threatened they will defend themselves with their strong, sharp beak.

This fauna reservation was created in 1979, by means of a decree of the Chubut Province, with the purpose of protecting one of the sites with the most diverse fauna within Argentina, and the greatest continental Magellan Penguins colony.

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General Features

Punta Tombo is surrounded by the typical lonesome and arid landscapes of the Patagonia Plateau. But its emptiness is just an illusion; if you learn to observe in detail, you will discover all the life wealth hidden in its bushes and under the endless looking sky. Of course, there are also lambs (typical Patagonian livestock), as well as guanacos and choiques (ostriches), maras (Patagonian hares), foxes, and martinetas.

Once you start getting closer to the coast, you will be surprised by a hectic fauna activity. This rocky territory hosts a great quantity of sea birds: southern seagulls, skúas, royal and black necked cormorants, Antarctic pigeons and petrels. Also, these coasts are frequently visited by sea lions as well as the southern whales, dolphins and orcas.

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Whale-watching season

From July to December, Southern Right whales can be seen from the coast of the Valdés Peninsula and Puerto Madryn. They migrate to the peninsula every year to mate.

The cities of Puerto Madryn, Trelew, Rawson and the little village of Puerto Pirámides, (this one in the Peninsula de Valdés), are the entrance to the extraordinary world of the Southern Whale and Dolphins. Every year they come to the coast of Patagonia to accomplish their eternal rite of mating.

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An unforgettable excursion of sea fauna watching

The wale watching is done from Pirámides and there are six companies authorized in the Province for this. They take the necessary care not to produce environmental impact and not to alter the whales' behavior.
The trip starts going along the coast in both directions and then getting one or two miles into the sea, to get in touch with the whales.

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The Most Scenic Road trip: Driving Route 40

The Most Scenic Road trip: Driving Route 40

Argentina’s Route 40 is one of the longest and most impressive scenic drives in the world, taking you 3,000 miles alongside the Andes Mountains. With its highest point at more than 16,600 feet (5,061 m), it breaks the world record for the highest national road. The route goes from the southernmost tip of Argentina to the Bolivian border and so the terrain is hugely diverse, from winding mountain passes to expansive open spaces.

Equivalent to Route 66 the “Mother road” in the United States, route 40 is the ultimate Argentine road trip, made famous by its role in Che Guevara’s ‘The Motorcycle Diaries’. It crosses 18 important rivers, 20 National Parks and Natural Reserves and connecting 11 provinces: Santa Cruz, Chubut, Río Negro, Neuquén, Mendoza, San Juan, La Rioja, Catamarca, Tucumán, Salta and Jujuy. On this spectacular route, you’ll pass through everything from wetlands to breathtaking glaciers.

Unesco World Heritage Sites along Route 40

Along its entire length, Route 40 crosses incredible landscapes. Among its main attractions, there are several sites that are considered world heritage.

• Los Glaciares National Park: Its natural beauty made it appropriate the UNESCO title. The ice field comprises a vast region of the mountain range. The absolute “star” of all glaciers is the Perito Moreno Glacier, over the south branch of Lake Argentino. It has an imposing front wall of 5 km. and it is 60 meters tall. But there is an even bigger one: the Upsala Glacier,10 km. wide and 50 m. tall. At the north of the Park, another gem: Mount Fitz Roy, a true challenge for mountain climbers with its 3,375 meters.

Cave of the painted hands: It is an archaeological site in Santa Cruz and, due to its antiquity, continuity over time, beauty and conservation, it was declared a unique pictorial complex in the world. The archaeological and paleontological importance of the site lies in the fact that these paintings of hands, animals and geometric figures made on the rocks are considered the oldest expressions of the South American people. Even in the region, near the Perito Moreno National Park, there are vestiges that demonstrate the existence of life from about 14 thousand years B.C. Specialists distinguish three stylistic types. The oldest, dating back 9,500 years, shows negatives of hands, hunting scenes and fences with snares, rituals and herds of guanacos. The next one goes from 7,000 to 3,000 years ago and there we can see negative hands, groups of pregnant guanacos and some amphibians and ñandués, and feline figures. The last group, 2,500 years old, shows human figures, schematic hands, geometric figures, concentric circles, zigzag lines, all in vibrant red.

Los Alerces National Park: The larches that inhabit the forest are one of the longest-lived species on planet Earth. Its thousand-year-old forest earned it the distinction. The alerce trees are massive trees from the cypress family that resemble those of Sequoia National Park in California, United States. The largest known tree in the park is 187 feet (57 m) tall and 7.2 feet (2.2 m) in diameter. It is estimated to be 2,600 years old. The alerce trees are the second-longest living species of trees in the world. The most popular alerce forest is located on the northern end of Lake Menendez. Boat tours to this region allow visitors to experience this magnificent forest and the park's largest known tree. The national park is an excellent place to hike and explore the remarkable wilderness.

• Ischigualasto Provincial Park: Also known as the Moon Valley "Valley of the Moon", in San Juan; Talampaya National Park, in La Rioja. Both parks shelter archaeological and paleontological treasures. Ischigualasto covers 63 thousand hectares and only a very limited area is available for tourists; the rest, know it, is the subject of permanent study and research, the exclusive territory of the wise. The visit is only carried out with a guide, who is in charge of illustrating the most relevant aspects that the landscape shows: the amazing Bocce Court where countless spheres of stones are scattered; the figures of the Submarine (with two well-differentiated upper parts) and the Mushroom (with a single wider part); the little towers or watchtowers, on the crest of another mound; The worm; the Los Colorados wall and its ocher yellow plinth, whose colors shine more intensely at sunset; the grayish blue hills, and so many other lunar landscapes that the valley keeps.
Attached to the entrance to the Park is the headquarters of the Museum of Natural Sciences of San Juan. The function of the museum lies in showing the scientific importance of Ischigualasto, which are the most outstanding species that have been found and what the work of a paleontologist is like with the fossil remains found in the place. Biology and geology students are in charge of transmitting their experiences in this field in a didactic and entertaining way for any age. And the boys in particular have a blast; Full of enthusiasm, they ask questions that adults don't always dare to ask.

• In the museum you can see the replica of the Eoraptor lunensis, the great discovery of the Ischigualasto basin, considered the most primitive dinosaur in the world. Almost a meter tall, it has morphological characteristics that place it as the least evolved of the dinosaurs that lived together in the Triassic.

Humahuaca. The towns of the ravine crossed by the Grande River interweave their cultural roots in a perfect combination of landscape and archaeological heritage. Along 155 km, the narrow valley that fertilizes the Grande River keeps enclaves more or less known and some little visited such as Volcán, Tumbaya, Sapagua, Huacalera, Maimará, among others. Geological wonders aside, Quebrada de Humahuaca holds the story of Argentina itself. The desert valley has preserved evidence of life dating back 10,000 years, from early hunter-gather tribes to pre-Hispanic communities, Incan culture, Spanish colonizers, all the way to the struggle for independence in the 20th century.

What is the best time of the year to drive Route 40?

Autumn and spring are ideal for traveling along Route 40 in any of its sections, due to the milder climate along its entire length. In Patagonia it is low season for tourism. Driving on the road does not require as much extreme care as if it were winter. And the colors explode in these times, showing all that is wonderful in nature.

In the north there is a coexistence of the mountain climate with the subtropical climate and the rainy season is summer. Autumn leaves behind the high temperatures and the climate becomes drier and more temperate.

Winter is also a good decision to explore the landscapes of the northwest, since the cold is not extreme and when the sun comes out it allows you to enjoy a little warmth on your skin.

Mendoza is considered the land of the sun and good wine. This idea can be extended to all of Cuyo. The warmest temperatures are in autumn and spring. Summer tends to be rainier. Winter is not so harsh and allows you to enjoy the outdoors.

Along the route to the south, the summer season tends to be a good option, especially in the southernmost Patagonia, when the routes are freed from ice and snow. Summer and the first days of autumn are optimal choices. The days are longer, ideal for enjoying the beaches of the southern lakes.

How to plan this trip to Route 40

You should plan at least 10 days to two weeks for your Route 40 trip, even more if you really want to enjoy the route. If you are in a hurry, the road can be covered in 8-10 days.

Keep in mind that to travel certain places such as climbing the Abra del Acay in the north as well as to travel some ranch roads in the south you may need an all-terrain vehicle.
You will have an absolute blast and driving the Ruta 40 will remain as one of our stand-out experiences of your life. But you do need to be prepared.

Traveling so many miles and covering such an important extension has its challenges. It's not the kind of trip where you can just hop in the car and set off. Large extensions of Patagonia are completely deserted and road sections are unpaved. On long stretches you will not find gas stations, places to buy food, nor will you find help to change a tire.