Through the Northwestern Argentina

We’ll begin the day by having breakfast together, after which the riders will head to La Casa de la Tradición, where we’ll meet the Peruvian Paso horses. There, you'll be introduced to the entire team that will accompany you throughout the equestrian adventure. After getting to know the horses, you’ll select yours and enjoy a two-hour orientation ride in the surrounding area. Once the ride is complete, we’ll savor a traditional criollo lunch at the equestrian center, part of the main estancia house at La Casa de la Tradición.

In the afternoon, we’ll travel to Chicoana, a charming town where we’ll spend the night in a local hotel. Dinner will be at a traditional Pulpería Gaucha, a historic store once essential for daily life, offering food, drinks, and supplies. These places were vibrant social hubs where people gathered to chat, drink, and play games like dice or cards. Often, guitars were available for spontaneous music, and sometimes dances and even cockfights were held. The pulperías were true expressions of local culture, rich in history and tradition.

After breakfast, we’ll prepare to head back to the traditional house, where our horses will be waiting. The day’s ride will take us up to an altitude of 2,400 meters, following the river through a forest, with clouds drifting nearby like soft cotton. We’ll pause for a light campero lunch along the way, reenergizing ourselves for the rest of the journey.

In the afternoon, we’ll continue riding our Peruvian Paso horses, taking in the striking contrasts of the landscape and experiencing varying temperatures as we make our way to Quebrada Escoipe. After arriving, we’ll leave the horses and take a 30-minute transfer back to Chicoana, returning to the same hotel for another restful night. Dinner will be in town, enjoying local flavors once again.

After breakfast, we’ll pack our suitcases and take the same transfer back to where we left the horses, preparing for a ride along the Cuesta Chica (small slope). As we ascend, we’ll feel the awe-inspiring presence of the Andes surrounding us. Along the way, we’ll stop for a picnic-style hiking lunch, enjoying the serenity of the landscape.

By late afternoon, we’ll arrive at an old, 200-year-old ranch nestled deep in the mountains. This hamlet, Izonza, is a charming spot where children still ride to school on horseback. In this magical and remote place, we’ll set up camp and spend the night, feeling as if we’ve traveled back in time, far from the modern world.

After a hearty breakfast, we’ll take a 30-minute transfer to the famous *Recta del Tin Tin* road, originally built by the Incas, located in the Cardones National Park. We’ll follow this historic route for about 4 kilometers before entering one of the typical dry riverbeds that weave through the Calchaquí Valley.

At midday, we’ll pause for a relaxing picnic beneath the shade of a tree. Our journey will then continue, following the course of the Calchaquí River for much of the ride. By late afternoon, we’ll arrive in the charming town of Cachi, where we’ll spend the night at the beautiful La Merced del Alto Country Hotel, located just outside the town. After a refreshing shower, we’ll enjoy an excellent regional dinner at El Nevado de Cachi restaurant.

After a restful night and a delicious breakfast at the majestic La Merced del Alto hotel, we’ll begin our day with a sightseeing tour of Cachi. You’ll get to admire its charming colonial architecture, including the main plaza, the central church, and the Cabildo, all set against the cobblestone streets and stunning backdrop of the surrounding hills and expansive sky.

We’ll explore the Pío Pablo Díaz Archaeological Museum, where you can view important artifacts from the region’s indigenous cultures, including archaeological ruins and handicrafts made from local materials at the regional market. Cachi is also known for its wineries, and we’ll visit the artisan winery at Finca la Paya before heading to Winery Colomé for lunch and a tour of its facilities.

In the evening, we’ll enjoy dinner at El Molino de Cachi, sampling local cuisine paired with exquisite wines. Afterward, we’ll return to *La Merced del Alto* hotel for another peaceful night’s rest.

After breakfast at the hotel, we’ll set off on a full day of riding along our equestrian route. Our destination is Seclantás, a quaint town nestled in the heart of the Valles Calchaquíes. Along the way, we’ll pass through historic areas, rich with the legacy of Argentina's fight for independence and home to ancient Inca ruins, which stand as reminders of the region's deep cultural heritage.

We’ll stop for lunch at a picturesque spot near the legendary National Route 40, a road that stretches from north to south along the Andes, passing through numerous national parks. After lunch, we’ll continue along the Craftsmen's Route, a scenic path known for local artisans, until we reach Seclantás by sunset. After visiting this traditional village, we’ll make our way to Finca Monte Nievas, a charming farmhouse outside the town. Here, we’ll enjoy a home-cooked dinner with the owners at their family table and spend the night at the farm.

After breakfast, we’ll continue our journey on horseback through the stunning Calchaquíes Valley. Every landscape we pass is a memory worth cherishing. We’ll stop for a light lunch along the peaceful shore of the Brealito River, a serene spot to relax and breathe in the crisp, pure air at high altitude.

Afterward, we’ll resume our ride, following trails through scenic quebradas (ravines), until we come across the picturesque Brealito Lagoon. As sunset approaches, we’ll arrive in the town of Molinos and check into a magnificent colonial house that once belonged to the last royalist governor, Nicolás Severo Isasmendi. The house has been carefully restored into a charming hotel, preserving its rich history and allure.

We’ll visit the church in Molinos, where the remains of the governor rest, and enjoy a brief sightseeing tour of this picturesque town. Back at the hotel, we’ll indulge in a delicious criolla dinner and settle in for a comfortable night, surrounded by the region's history and mystery. A perfect blend of adventure and new experiences!

After breakfast, we’ll soak in the tranquility and stunning views of Molinos before setting off towards Angastaco. Our equestrian route will follow the course of the Calchaquí River, offering picturesque scenery along the way. We’ll stop for a simple lunch at a farm called La Angostura, allowing us to refuel before continuing our ride into the late evening.

As we approach Angastaco, a charming village known for its slogan “Green, Sand, and Wine”, we’ll witness the striking contrast of lush vegetation, sandy soil, and the region's prized grapevines, which are used to produce its famous wines. We’ll dine and spend the night at the traditional farmhouse Finca del Carmen, enjoying the local ambiance and flavors.

After a restful night and a hearty breakfast, we’ll bid farewell to our beloved horses and some of the gaucho team as we transfer to Cafayate. Upon arrival, we’ll check in at Hotel Patios de Cafayate.

Next, we’ll visit Bodega Piatelli for a delightful wine tasting and lunch, immersing ourselves in the region’s famous viticulture. The afternoon will be free for you to explore the charming village of Cafayate, known for its enticing aroma of fine wines. This breathtaking place invites you to linger, with its colonial architecture evident in the streets, the church, museums, and the lush plaza.

In the evening, we’ll enjoy our final dinner together, followed by a peaceful night’s rest, reflecting on the incredible journey we’ve shared.

This will be our final day in Cafayate. After enjoying breakfast, we’ll prepare for our transfer to the airport via a private bus, which will take us back to Salta Airport. 

While we know it’s time to say goodbye, we’re confident that this is not the end. We look forward to welcoming you back for more unforgettable experiences in Latin America!