Wine and History: Mendoza to Salta
Trip Highlights
Description
Take the long and winding road from Mendoza to Salta, 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.
Click here to view map route.
Tour info
To be discussed upon booking
To be discussed upon booking
Why take this tour?
From Mendoza, we take the mountain road to Villavicencio, offering great views of Mount Aconcagua, the highest peak in the Andes at 6,965m, on the way to Uspallata (the mountain town where Brad Pitt filmed Seven Years in Tibet).
We follow the scenic route up into San Juan province, staying overnight at Barreal, a lovely spot close to the mountains in the Calingasta valley, where you can sample the province's trademark Shiraz and even a Pinot Grigio, before crossing into La Rioja with its spectacular desert scenery. Villa Union is an excellent base to add an extra day and visit the parks of Talampaya and Ischigualasto (Valle de la Luna): the only places in the world which exhibit geology from the whole of the Triassic period, between 248 and 206 million years ago.
To the west, is the spectacular Andean mountain scenery of Laguna Brava, so it’s always worth adding another extra day to the itinerary!
We continue north along Route 40 across the stunning Cuesta de Miranda mountain road to Chilecito, the historic centre of western Argentina’s mining region: and also home to a large scale wine co-operative, La Riojana, and the combined olive and wine operation of Valle la Puerta. North of here in the Famatina valley, Chañarmuyo winery is one of our favourite overnight stops, producing fine Tannat and an excellent sparkling Pinot Noir rose.
Now we’re really off the beaten track following the historic Ruta de Adobe in Catamarca, visiting some 18th century chapels and boutique vineyards in Tinogasta. En route to Belen, we will visit the keynote Inca ruins of Argentina of Shinkal, and the pre-Inca ruins of Quilmes, before arriving in Cafayate, Salta’s premier wine town, celebrated for producing the best white Torrontes in the country.
You can finish your trip here, with our guide’s recommendations on the best large and small wineries to visit under your own steam, continue with us to Salta city via the Quebrada de las Conchas, or take the longer road through the northern Valles Calchaquies, visiting the high altitude wine resort of Colome.
Included
Local Guide Tour
Own Private Vehicle
Wine Tasting
Excluded
Food
Water
Things to know
Your Budget
Argentina has a parallel economy in which the official rate of the dollar is roughly half its real value. What that means is you need to leave your bank cards for emergencies and bring US$ or euros in cash which we can change into pesos for your everyday expenses. You’ll find Salta city is a lo...
Argentina has a parallel economy in which the official rate of the dollar is roughly half its real value. What that means is you need to leave your bank cards for emergencies and bring US$ or euros in cash which we can change into pesos for your everyday expenses. You’ll find Salta city is a lot cheaper than Buenos Aires, and your holiday in Argentina is even better value once we take you on the road on one of our trips. Read our guide to the "Blue Dollar" here.
Covid-19
Our tour company conforms to national guidelines on Covid-19. Social distancing of 1.5m is recommended, and the use of protective hand masks is mandatory in enclosed public areas. Within our vehicles (normally 4x4 pick-ups), we will provide masks and sanitizer, and temperature checks for travelle...
Our tour company conforms to national guidelines on Covid-19. Social distancing of 1.5m is recommended, and the use of protective hand masks is mandatory in enclosed public areas. Within our vehicles (normally 4x4 pick-ups), we will provide masks and sanitizer, and temperature checks for travellers during our trips. Transportation vehicles and all equipment are regularly sanitized between use.
Accommodation & Food
Double rooms at the privately owned B&Bs and small hotels we work with start from US$50 per night. You can eat well in some of the simple rustic places we use where you will be rubbing shoulders with the locals for less than US$10 per person. And splashing out on a three-course meal with wine...
Double rooms at the privately owned B&Bs and small hotels we work with start from US$50 per night. You can eat well in some of the simple rustic places we use where you will be rubbing shoulders with the locals for less than US$10 per person. And splashing out on a three-course meal with wine...
Pricing
Below are our daily rates for Argentina holidays, all with your own private vehicle and English-speaking guide. Prices are per person excluding food and accommodation:
One person - US$350
Two people - US$200
Three people- US$150
Four people (one vehicle) - US$125
Fo...
Below are our daily rates for Argentina holidays, all with your own private vehicle and English-speaking guide. Prices are per person excluding food and accommodation:
One person - US$350
Two people - US$200
Three people- US$150
Four people (one vehicle) - US$125
Four people (two vehicles) - US$200
Prices are per person and valid until 31 August 2023.
Group Size
We operate with comfortable 4x4s which can accommodate up to four people, but if you’re travelling with a larger group, please contact us and we will see what we can arrange.
We operate with comfortable 4x4s which can accommodate up to four people, but if you’re travelling with a larger group, please contact us and we will see what we can arrange.