Explore Argentina, Bolivia, And Chile With Poncho Tours
Welcome to Poncho Tours, your local contact in Salta, Argentina! We offer custom tours of the natural wonders, the colourful streets, and the award-winning wine country of Latin America. Since 2008 our company has provided personalized Argentina travel packages tailor-made to be the trip of your dreams.
Join us as we explore the best of Argentina, Bolivia, and Chile. Our English-speaking local guides are passionate about sharing South America's history, food, and culture on a private tour. Argentina trips with Poncho Tours include personalized experiences like small boutique hotels and local restaurants with the best Argentinian beef. Let us show you the best wineries to enjoy a glass of deep red Malbec wine. Whether you prefer llama trekking, exploring the Bolivia salt flats, or adventure in the Andes Mountains, we are here to create unforgettable memories.
We know that travelling can be stressful. Our Argentina vacation packages take care of the details so you can relax and enjoy yourselves. With a local guide to escort your Argentina tour, there is no need to worry about local bus schedules, language barriers, and currency differences. We've put together Argentina tours that will take you into some of the more popular locations in Northwest Argentina, plus some hidden gems you wouldn't want to miss.
Join us to explore the best of Argentina, Bolivia and Chile
Essential Humahuaca
Combine the highlights of the colourful Quebrada de Humahuaca with the other-wordly Salinas Grandes salt flats in the Argentina Altiplano.
Rich in indigenous culture and colonial history, the old trade route from Buenos Aires to Lima features the Seven Coloured Hill of Purmamarca, and Hornocal's lesser known sierra of Fourteen Colours.
A side-trip to appreciate the immensity of the Salinas Grandes salt flats makes this one of the most diverse two day trips available from Salta or San Salvador de Jujuy.
Click here to view map route.
Bolivia’s high altitude wine
Allow us to introduce you to one of the world’s lesser known wine regions: Tarija in Bolivia. With vineyards at 1,850m, this is one of the highest altitude wine regions in the world.
The quality of wine, particularly its trademark Tannat red variety, has developed hugely over the last 15 years, while its traditional singani spirit distilled from white Muscat of Alexandria grapes is also excellent.
Join us for a unique and personalised experience in one of the emerging wine regions in the world.
This trip can be combined with hiking in Calilegua or a longer tour also incorporating the new wine region of Jujuy province, Fourteen Colours and Cloud Forest.
Wine and Mountains
A 4x4 safari tour into the heart of the most remote areas of Argentina’s Andean mountain plateau, combined with the Valles Calchaquies wine region.
This high altitude Altiplano tour also includes the best of Salta wine region, where the white grape of Torrontes finds its best expression, and apart from the classic Argentine Malbec, you can also sample Tannat, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
Wine lovers should see our Classic Wine route or Salta to Mendoza trip for more details on the sacred grape: either of those trips can be combined with this one.
Click here to view map route.
Expedition to the Cloud Forest
Hiking verdant green trails in the sub-tropical Argentina Cloud Forest in Jujuy: an oasis of plants and birdlife.
This is part of the UNESCO region of the Yungas, which contains 300 different species of birds and 100 different types of mammal. Yungas is a word from the Inca language Quechua, meaning “Warm Valleys”.
For lovers of the holy grape, this trip can be combined with the emerging wine region of Jujuy province, Fourteen Colours and Cloud Forest or a
Bolivian wine tour.
Available April to November
Click here to view map route.
Salares of Uyuni, Bolivia
The Bolivia salt flats are one of the true wonders of the natural world, the biggest in the world, and visible from space.
Experience an unforgettable tour of the Salar de Uyuni, where the lack of artificial light means there is always a breath-taking night sky.
This trip also includes an excursion through the multi-coloured Quebrada de Humahuaca, and can be combined with the Chilean Atacama desert.
Click here to view map route.
Chile: Atacama Desert
A dramatic journey across the Andes to the driest desert in the world, the Atacama in northern Chile.
This trip combines with the colourful canyon of the Quebrada de Humahuaca and (if you're doing a round trip from Salta) with the Quebrada del Toro.
There's spectacular scenery around every corner: mountains and volcanoes, flamingoes and vicuña: and the Atacama is ideal for desert night stargazing.
Click here to view map route.
Fourteen Colours & Cloud Forest
Hike Argentina’s Inca trail, linking two completely different eco-systems, the dry canyon of Humahuaca and the Cloud Forest of Calilegua.
We take a narrow mountain road which was only finally completed in October 2019, tracing the footsteps of Inca explorers of northwest Argentina from the 15th century.
This trip can be extended to include a visit to the gorgeous mountain town of Iruya and the historic settlement of Yavi on the Bolivian frontier.
Available April to November.
Click here to view map route.
Mountain Trekking in Iruya
This high-altitude trek through the multi-coloured hills around Iruya takes us into the heart of local communities untouched by the modern world.
We visit small settlements in the mountains surrounding the tiny hill town of Iruya, close to the Bolivian border. Following trails used for centuries by the locals, we stay with local indigenous families in tiny hamlets only accessible on foot. This trip is combined with a visit to the must see attractions sites of the UNESCO-protected Quebrada de Humahuaca, like the Seven Coloured hill of Purmamarca and the 14 Colours of Hornocal.
Colours of Vallecito
A voyage of discovery into the untouched landscape between the Valles Calchaquies and the Quebrada del Toro, only accessible on foot, horse, or donkey.
This challenging hike covers 48 km over 3 days, rising to 3,558m altitude.
It follows the old trade route between the fertile valleys of the Calchaquies and Lerma and the mountain plateau.
You won't forget the experience of being far from the hubbub of modern life, in touch with the inner tranquility of times past.
This hiking tour combines perfectly with our Classic Wine route of the Valles Calchaquies Salta wine region.
Wine and History: Salta to Mendoza
Take the long and winding road from Salta to Mendoza, visiting lesser-known boutique wineries in Catamarca, La Rioja, and San Juan along the way.
This deep immersion into the wine and culture of Argentina is perfect for those who want to combine an exploration of the rich history of the region with some of its best off-the-beaten-track wineries, through some breathtaking scenery close to the Andes. Apart from Argentina’s classic red Malbec, we’ll be sampling lesser-known varieties like Tannat, and discovering the Argentine take on classics like Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, and Pinot Grigio.
Our journey begins in the highest altitude wine region in the world, the Valles Calchaquies in Salta, famous for its production of Torrontes, a white grape variety that is unique to Argentina. From Salta’s principal wine town of Cafayate, we take the iconic Route 40 south, through the emerging wine regions of Tucuman, Catamarca, and La Rioja, before arriving in the provinces of San Juan and Mendoza, producers of 93% of the nation’s wine.
Click here to view map route.
Classic Wine Route
Explore the varied landscape of the Valles Calchaquies and its excellent boutique wineries in this Argentine wine tour par excellence.
Our Classic wine route combines Salta's superb boutique wineries in the highest altitude wine region in the world with the breathtaking landscape of north west Argentina.
Apart from the ubiquitous Malbec, this area is known for its fine Torrontes and Tannat, not to mention its wine ice cream!
We can often combine this trip with our Salt & 7 Colours tour by taking the mountain pass of Abra el Acay, the highest road crossing in the world outside the Himalayas, at just under 5,000m altitude.
Click here to view map route.
Wine and History: Mendoza to Cafayate
Take the long and winding road from Mendoza to Cafayate, visiting lesser known boutique wineries in San Juan, La Rioja, and Catamarca along the way.
This deep immersion into the wine and culture of Argentina is perfect for those who want to combine an exploration of the rich history of the region with some of its best off the beaten track wineries, while driving through some breathtaking scenery close to the Andes.
Our journey begins in the hub of Argentine wine production, Mendoza, taking the iconic Route 40 north through the emerging wine regions of La Rioja, Catamarca, and Tucuman.
Apart from some out of the way family wineries which can only be discovered with local knowledge, we also explore some of the most impressive pre-Hispanic historic sites in Argentina.
Click here to view map route.
Footsteps of the Conquistadores
A high altitude 4x4 adventure along the old colonial mining route: this Altiplano tour brings you into close contact with the mountain plateau wildlife of vicuña, flamingoes, and rhea.
This excursion combines the must-see highlights of the UNESCO-protected Quebrada de Humahuaca with little-explored sections of the Argentine mountain plateau.
Far from artificial light, enjoy the breathtaking night sky in remote hamlets places like Yavi and Santa Catalina, close to the border with Bolivia.
Click here to view map route.
Salt & Seven Colours
This is one of our most popular tailor-made tours which combines the historic UNESCO site of the Quebrada de Humahuaca with the Salinas Grandes salt flats of the Altiplano mountain plateau and the colourful and barely populated canyon of Quebrada del Toro.
For wine lovers among you, there are some excellent new producers in the emerging wine region of Jujuy province, as well as great places to hike, horseride or even trek with llama.
We can often combine this trip with our Classic Wine route by taking the mountain pass of Abra el Acay, the highest road crossing in the world outside the Himalayas, at just under 5,000m altitude.
Read my blog for more information about the wineries in the Quebrada de Humahauca.
Click here to view map route.
Salta City Tour
Salta is one of the best-preserved colonial cities in South America: with excellent museums, bars, restaurants, and nightlife.
We can organise a walking tour of three or four hours which will cover the main highlights of this pretty, laid-back city, starting in the classically Spanish colonial main square.
We also offer a longer tour in a car over four or five hours taking in the environs of Salta.
Mountains to Cloud Forest trekking
This is one of our most challenging north west Argentina hiking trips, recommended only for experienced trekkers: covering 58km over four days, we climb to an altitude of 4,200m, gradually descending to 1,325m, following the contours of mountain tracks along the way.
This hike offers a complete change in eco-system during four days: starting in the mountains which enfold the Quebrada de Humahuaca, we descend into the Yungas Cloud Forest of the east, following the trail of indigenous traders who travelled between the salt flats and the sub-tropical jungle.
There is an extraordinary range of landscape in these four days, and a warm welcome for modern hikers from the families in the refuges where we sleep overnight.
Available April to November.
Why choose us?
Poncho Tours - Argentina Tour Packages
Since 2008, we have been providing exclusive personalised Argentina private tours to intrepid travellers like you. All of our tours in South America are escorted by a select group of knowledgeable English-speaking guides. Instead of offering identikit Argentina group tours, we arrange a local experience. We're sure you'll find our tours to be adventurous, informative, and exciting.
Quality & Experience
When you're planning your trip to Argentina, wherever you’re going, do get in touch with Nick and Alicia at Poncho Tours. We have been organizing people’s tailor-made holidays for 14 years. Tho...
When you're planning your trip to Argentina, wherever you’re going, do get in touch with Nick and Alicia at Poncho Tours. We have been organizing people’s tailor-made holidays for 14 years. Though based in Salta and specialists in the northwest, we have contacts all over the country, so can recommend the best things to do in Buenos Aires, the finest wineries in Mendoza, and the top places to visit in Patagonia.
During our Covid-enforced shutdown over 2020-21, Nick returned to his old job as a journalist and has been writing for the international blog Budget Travel Plans.
Here you will find links to Nick’s articles on Buenos Aires, as well as his guides to the famous Atacama desert in Chile and tours of the Bolivia salt flats, the Salar de Uyuni.
We can also arrange tours to Bolivia’s little-known wine region of Tupiza, the historic cities of Potosi and Sucre, and onto the capital, La Paz.
And check Nick's regular blog which is updated every month with useful information about your holiday in South America.
Culture & Tradition
Your trip with Poncho Tours will give you an insight into Argentina's culture and tradition. Argentina is an ostensibly Catholic country but, particularly in the rural areas, Christianity is mixed ...
Your trip with Poncho Tours will give you an insight into Argentina's culture and tradition. Argentina is an ostensibly Catholic country but, particularly in the rural areas, Christianity is mixed with pre-hispanic beliefs in Mother Earth, Pachamama. When you visit Argentina, you will come across roadside shrines to more contemporary folk saints like Gauchito Gil and the Difunta Correa. In the North West, the coca leaf is also bound up with ancient traditions: it's still chewed daily by the locals and is ideal for combating altitude sickness. Read our blog to find out more about South America's holy herb.
Though some may quibble about its listing under culture, football is the glue that binds the nation, and it provides a great ice-breaker for foreign visitors. It was immigrant railway workers who staged the first ever football match in Argentina in 1867, and the Scotsman Alexander Hutton who founded the Asociación del Fútbol Argentino 26 years later. The Brits, of course, also brought rugby and polo (as well as cricket, which, mysteriously, never quite caught on). Read our blog for more about the patron saint of Argentine football, Diego Maradona.
Food & Drink
Argentina is a food lover's paradise. Taste the grilled Argentinian beef slathered in fresh chimichurri sauce. Savour the empanadas filled with meat, chicken, or cheese (think of a small meat pie)....
Argentina is a food lover's paradise. Taste the grilled Argentinian beef slathered in fresh chimichurri sauce. Savour the empanadas filled with meat, chicken, or cheese (think of a small meat pie). There are cornmeal tamales with meat, and humitas, parcels of sweetcorn and cheese wrapped in a maize leaf. In the border province of Jujuy, llama is a speciality, served with quinoa or Andean potatoes, of which there are hundreds of varieties of all shapes, sizes, and colours.
Pescatarians and vegetarians will be treated to culinary delights like river fish and pasta, while we have the Italians to thank for the best ice cream parlours in South America.
Nick and Alicia from Poncho Tours will be your guides to the Argentine kitchen, and we can organize special classes for those who are passionate about food (and drink!). To whet your appetite, here you can read our blog about Argentina's sweet tooth.
And on our blog you can read more about Malbec and Torrontes on Argentine wine tours.
Argentina Vacation
The first thing to remember when you visit Argentina is that you'll never have enough time to see it all. The amazing food, world-class wine, friendly people, and stunning landscape will call for you to visit again next year. Planning to take tours to Argentina every year gives you time to properly explore UNESCO world heritage sites like the Quebrada de Humahuaca, as well as the wine region of the Valles Calchaquies, the Cloud Forest of Calilegua and the huge open spaces of the Andean mountain plateau in the north west of Argentina, where Poncho Tours is based.
The best time to visit Argentina is during the shoulder season. The lovely spring months of September to November and the fall months of March to May. That is when travellers will find good weather and fewer crowds in Argentina's busy capital city, Buenos Aires, through which every visitor must pass through and spend a few days.
In the north west, rainy season is January and February, and the winter holidays are in July.
Frequently asked questions
North West Argentina is really an all-year round destination, but remember seasons are opposite from the northern hemisphere. It’s coldest in July and August (winter), and hottest from November to March (Spring into Summer).
Rainy season in northwest Argentina is January and February, but there can also be storms in December and March. We use 4x4 vehicles, but the weather can be unpredictable so we have to be flexible, and in extreme circumstances may be forced to make changes to the itinerary. Storms tend to come late afternoon or overnight, and are very dramatic but over pretty quickly, so hopefully it shouldn’t affect your holiday too much.
Yes, of course: all the trips outlined on our webpage are designed to whet your appetite and show what’s achievable in a certain time-frame. But as we are tailor-made specialists, what we like to do is design the perfect holiday to suit you. So get in touch and we’ll start the conversation!
It’s unlikely. Salta is 1,200m (3,937ft) above sea level, so you don’t even notice the altitude: but going north and south we soon rise to 2,500m (8,200ft): and west into the mountain plateau we can reach altitudes over 3,000m (9,840ft). The key is acclimatisation, so most of our trips are designed to rise gradually: and to follow our advice en route: avoid heavy food and alcohol, drink lots of water, and chew coca leaves or drink coca tea (we’ll provide both).
For cancellation 14 days or fewer before departure on the trip with Poncho Tours, we reserve the right to retain 100% of the deposit paid. For cancellations between 15 and 30 days before departure, it’s 50%, and between 31 and 60 days in advance, it’s 25%. If you cancel more than 61 days in advance, the deposit is fully refundable. See our full terms and conditions here.
If you’re unable to complete your holiday due to Covid-19 restrictions, we will keep your deposit for a future trip or, in extreme circumstances, we may agree to return it.
To enter Argentina, you just need evidence of complete vaccination, and travel insurance which covers Covid, and you need to fill in a form online confirming you have no symptoms. This is a useful interactive map.
Only in rare cases: from most countries you will simply get an entry stamp in your passport on arrival which allows you to stay here for three months.
The national airline Aerolineas Argentinas offers the most flights from Buenos Aires to Salta, in addition to thrice weekly connections from Salta to Iguazu, Mendoza, Cordoba and Rosario. Apart from Aerolineas Argentinas, JetSmart and FlyBondi also operate daily flights between BA and Salta. Jetsmart also has three connections a week to Neuquen in northern Patagonia and twice weekly Iguazu. Here are the links you can visit: https://www.aerolineas.com.ar/
https://jetsmart.com/ar/es/
https://flybondi.com/ar
Recent news
Off the beaten track in the Inca Sacred Valley of Peru
On our recent trip to Europe we stopped off for a week in Peru, a country which Alicia and I first visited in 1999. Twenty five years ago, we actually met on a bus from Copacabana in Bolivia to…
Don’t cry for the blue dollar (or Argentina) just yet
On my recent trip to Europe, it was difficult to avoid the subject of Argentina’s new President. As a new Labour government was elected in my beloved UK, with premier Keir Starmer heralding sensible rule after the mop-headed loon that…
Taxing the Tourist: can it ever be justified?
I am currently on holiday in the UK, having recently enjoyed a month-long tour of Europe with my wife Alicia and 19-year-old son Calixto. One thing we noticed, not only in highly touristy areas like Venice and Florence, but…