FLY & DRIVE: BY THE ANDES – 17 DAYS 18 NIGHTS

Upon your arrival in Mendoza, we will give you the welcome at the airport and will deliver you the vehicle to start this adventure! You will be able to discover these marvelous lands through its local flavors and wines. Mendoza is a picturesque wooded city located in Cuyo region, close to the Andes showing an incredible scene of snow-covered hills and wineyards. In the afternoon you will be able to visit its city centre including the foundational area as well as the main square Independencia and the San Martin park with its famous gate. In the evening, dinner in a typical restaurant tasting local flavors such as a delicious asado seasoned with representative jarrilla, a typical plant that be seen by the routes. Overnight in Mendoza city. (D)

Mendoza shows a miraculous land to obtain unique quality wines known all over the world. Impressive vineyards close to the Andes mountain range, interesting wine tasting as well as a delicious lunch will let you enter on this amazing wine world. This experience starts visiting the southern wine area of Mendoza, along Uco valley. Enjoy an exquisite lunch in a winery restaurant with gourmet local dishes such as pastas with goat cheese or lamb with malbec red grape sauce. Continue enjoying a wine tasting in another winery, learning the wine production process. Overnight in a wine lodge Valle de Uco area. (B, L)

The wine experience in Mendoza continues to another important wine production area of the province: Lujan de Cuyo department. Once there, we will offer you a exquisite lunch in one of the best restaurants in winery of the world including a wine tasting. Rest of the way at leisure. Overnight in a wine lodge Luján de Cuyo. (B, L)

You have the chance to visit the High Mountain road, which leads to Santiago, the capital city of Chile. The trip goes by Mendoza river, showing different villages and picturesque points such as Uspallata, Polvaredas, Punta de Vacas, Los Penitentes ski centre and Puente del Inca (Inca´s bridge). The highlight is the Aconcagua mount, the highest mountain in America. You will be able to reach its viewpoint and Los Horcones Lagoon. Finally, if the weather allows it, you can reach the Redeemer Christ. Finally, share a homemade dinner with local people. Overnight in Uspallata. (B, D)

Drive northwards enjoying the atmosphere with its representative hills, sun and purity. It is possible to visit El Leoncito National Park and the interesting astronomical observatory. Overnight in Barreal. (B)

An excellent road will immerse you to Iglesia valley, admiring different hills: snow-covered ones at first, red and stony ones then. Many areas of this department located in the Northwest of San Juan province are worth visiting: Rodeo and its incredible Cuesta del Viento dam as well as the antique Ascochinga church are just some samples. Overnight in Rodeo. (B)

Leaving Cuesta del Viento dam, continuation by the road with hills to see another dam: El Cadillal. Then San Juan province will give you the firewell with its wide and colorful Huaco slope. Then the landscape changes becoming wider and leaving the hills behind. Overnight in Villa Unión. (B, D)

You will have the chance to enjoy visits of Talampaya National Park and Ischigualasto Provincial Park, both showing evidence of prehistoric life and geological changes turning into incredible formations that exceed our imagination and mind. Tours by vehicle, hikings and other activities will be at your disposal (optionals). Overnight in Villa Unión. (B, D)

Your trip continues northwards along a red landscape with curves, small villages, hills and cactus, completely different from the previous days. The Miranda slope will shows a wide view of the features of this amusing road. Then arrival at El Chilecito, one of the biggest cities of La Rioja province, and then continue to the small villa Chañarmuyo where we will give you the welcome with a delicious local wine. Overnight in a wine lodge in Chañarmuyo. (B, D)

In the morning, after a short and pleasant drive along the hectares of vines, we will offer you an interesting visit to the wine cellar and wine production area, where you will be able to see different methods and innovative machines used for the harvest. Then enjoy a wine tasting with local flavors. The rest of the day will be at leisure to relax! Overnight in a wine lodge in Chañarmuyo. (B, L, D)

Driving northwards you will reach the interesting Shincal ruins, which consists on 30 hectares where reconstructions of parts of an urban settlement inhabited by the indigenous population of the area in the 15th and 16th centuries. Then continue to Belén, a picturesque city where you could have lunch. Continuing your trip you will pass by many different towns with picturesque surroundings and representative small churches. Finally, you will reach the Calchaquí valleys. Upon your arrival we will give you the welcome with a regional dinner, such as goat casserole or a typical “locro”. Overnight in Amaicha del Valle. (B, D)

An experience along the Calchaquí valleys is waiting for you. Continue northwards entering to visit the famous Quilmes aborigine ruins. Then you will realize that you are about to reach Cafayate because of the attractive vineyards and excellent wineries along the road. Upon your arrival, we will give you the welcome in a representative boutique winery, where an excellent homemade lunch and special wine tasting will be offered, including its fruit typical white grape: the Torrontés. Then continue to visit the impressive Conchas gorge! Dinner & Overnight in Cafayate. (B, L, D)

After an exquisite breakfast with homemade jams and goat cheese by the wineyards and Conchas gorge, we will offer you a wine tasting of two typical grapes: the red Malbec and the white Torrontes. Then departure from the wine lodge and experience a pleasant driving along the mythical National route 40 enjoying incredible views of the virgin Calchaquí valleys. You will pass by many small and nice towns until your arrival at Molinos. You will be able to enjoy the lodge facilities, surrounded by high vineyards. Overnight in Molinos. (B)

After breakfast, continue northwards by the Calchaquí valleys until the colonial and nice town of Cachi. Overnight in Cachi. (B)

Morning departure to Salta city. The road is a spectacle: the Tin Tin straight and Los Cardones NP, Piedra del Molino and the Obispo slope, as well as the green Escoipe gorge and many different towns, are just some samples of this entertaining trip. Overnight in Salta city. (B)

Full day at leisure in Salta on your own. Enjoy the attractions on this beautiful city: visit the city centre, ascend the San Bernardo hill and visit San Lorenzo village. Overnight in Salta city. (B)

Experience a full day along the worldwide known Humahuaca gorge, declared World Heritage by the UNESCO. A complete visit of Purmamarca, Tilcara and Humahuaca are a must, as well as many other small towns and beautiful hills. Farewell Andean gourmet dinner in Purmamarca. Overnight in Purmamarca (B)

This experience is about to finish! Drive southwards to San Salvador de Jujuy city, the capital city of Jujuy province. There you can visit the city centre and finally drop off the car at the airport. We hope you enjoyed your trip!