From Editor to the Reader After 15 years working on incoming tourism, we decided to make a guide for our clients. But it´s not just a guide. It´s a tool to help you in the process of your booking decision, to choose this hotel better than the other one, or choosing this activity instead the other one. You will find here, a list of activities to do in Salta, and the Argentinean Northwest, with total lenght, available days of operation, meals included, seasons, and guide language. You will fiind also location and a brief description of the hotels we suggest for the area. Any advice is welcome of course, you can contact me to ramiro@ ripioturismo.com.ar Would be a pleasure for us to receive your comments. Thank you,
Lic. Ramiro Rodriguez Sales & Marketing Manager
VENEZUELA
COLMBIA
ECUADOR
PERU
BRAZIL BOLIVIA
PARAGUAY SALTA Salta
Mendoza
Iguazu Falls
Cordoba
BUENOS AIRES URUGUAY
CHILE ARGENTINA Mar del Plata
Bariloche
Puerto Madryn
El Calafate
Is Malvinas
SALTA Buenos Aires
Salta is a city located in the Lerma Valley, at 1,152 metres (3780 feet) above sea level in the northwest part of Argentina. It is also the name for the capital city of Salta Province. Along with its metropolitan area, it has a population of 619,000 inhabitants, which makes it the second most populated city in the northwest of the country. The weather is warm and dry, with annual averages of 756 mm of rainfall and an average temperature of 16.4 °C (20.4 °C in summer, 10.8 °C in winter). January and February are the months with greatest rainfall. During the spring, Salta is occasionally plagued by severe, week-long dust storms. Nicknamed Salta la Linda ("Salta the beautiful"), it has become a major tourist destination due to its old, colonial architecture, tourism friendliness, excellent weather and natural scenery of the valleys westward. Attractions in the city proper include the 18th century Cabildo, the neo-classical style Cathedral, and the 9 de julio central square along with San Bernardo hill and its surroundings. The city's museums exhibit a wide range of artifacts and art work from the native civilizations that flourished in the area (Salta is located in the southernmost region of what was the Inca empire, belonging to the Collasuyu, one of the four areas the empire was divided until the Spanish conquest), as well as from the 16th century Spanish conquest and the colonial and post-colonial periods. Salta is also the starting point of the "Train to the Clouds" (Tren a las nubes), and on the way to red-soiled Cafayate, as well as to other nearby tourist destinations. The Martín Miguel de Güemes Airport, 6 kilometres southwest of the city, has regular flights to Buenos Aires, Tucumán, Jujuy, Córdoba, Iguazu, Rio de Janeiro and Santa Cruz de la Sierra (Bolivia).
SLA 001 – EXCURSION TO HUMAHUACA CANYON One of the most incredible visits in the area After pickup at your hotel in Salta, we will start a wonderful excursion to the Humahuaca Canyon, when culture and colorful landscapes are the vedette. We start with a 2-hour drive to valley called Quebrada de Humahuaca. Through your guide’s commentary, learn about how the Incas once used this gorge as a caravan road and later as a commercial route during the colonial period. We arrive to Purmamarca where we can enjoy watching the incredible Cerro de los Siete Colores (Seven-Color Hill,) a large natural formation looming over the town. It´s a great chance to take a wonderful and unforgettable picture. Stroll through the streets of the small village, visiting the small church and handicrafts at the local market. the town’s cathedral and the French Baroque–style Flag’s Hall before moving on to the Government House. Continue south on winding Route 9, which provides stunning views of local vegetation, the Santa Laura Pass, Campo Alegre and Vaqueros. Arrival to Salta, and transfer to your hotel English Speaking Guide Full Day Activity
SLA 002 – Excursion to San Antonio de los Cobres A full day trip to one of the most famous landscapes in the Argentinean Northwest
did you know? Please note, excursions in the area are usually full day, so a good idea if you do not want an intense trip is to keep a free day to enjoy walking the city
After a stop, we continue to Tilcara, where you will visit the archaeological museum and the town square. First, stop at a scenic viewpoint on the way into town to see some pre-Incan ruins. We continue through Huacalera,to admire the colorful formation called La Pollera de la Coya, and see paintings dating from the 17th century in Uquía. Stop in Humahuaca, the most densely populated city in the area, for a lunch (not included). We will visit the Monument of Independence, the local cathedral, and admire paintings from the Cuzco School. After that, we start return to Salta, but we will watch some incredible ladscapes on the way, like La Paleta del Pintor or the Painter’s Palette, and stop in San Salvador de Jujuy. Visit
The name quebrada (literally “broken”) translates as a deep valley or ravine. It receives its name from Humahuaca, a small city of 11,000 inhabitants. The Grande River (Río Grande), which is dry in winter, flows copiously through the Quebrada in the summer
your expense. Then we will start the return to Salta. Transfer to hotel. English Speaking Guides Full Day Activity
SLA 003 – EXCURSION TO CAFAYATE (Wine Area) A visit to the wine area and Calchaqui Valleys After pick up, we will start a trip following the route 68 through the Lerma Valley toward Cayafate, which lies about 190 km, south of the city of Salta. We will make stops along your scenic drive through gorges, around mountains and along rivers for coffee or a snack at La Viña or in Posta de las Cabras.
did you know?
The Quebrada de Humahuaca was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site on 2 July 2003.
The 160 km route, going to the northwest of Salta follows the Argentina’s famous Train to the Clouds, or Tren a las Nubes in Spanish, but traveling by bus allows passengers to disembark, take great photos and see sights along the way. We will arrive to La Quebrada del Toro after a ride of aproximaetly two hours driving, where we can watch and enjoy the incredible Toro Viaduct, with a total of 24 meters. After that, we will visit Alisal and Chorrillo bridges watching a unique scenery of rocky terrain and cactus, changing to dense vegetation. We will stop to take some good photos and stretch in several picturesque towns including Alfarcito, El Gólgota and El Candado. We will visit Santa Rosa de Tastil, a small village that is home to the ruins of a pre-Incan city. There is an small archaeological museum there. We will continue to Finca La Encrucijada to reach the highest point on your journey at 4080 meters above sea level, in a place called Abra Blanca. We will have chances to watch the native llamas and condors in their natural habitat as they pick their way through the mountain landscape. Final portion of the tour is a journey to San Antonio de los Cobres, where you stop for views of the Polvorilla Viaduc. May be the most famous picture of the area. Lunch is at
Drive down into the depths of the Valles Calchaquies, a network of land formations. We will stop several times for fantastic views of the unusual rock formations like the Amphitheater (Amfiteatro) and the Devil’s Throat (Garganta del Diablo). We will stop in Cayafate for lunch which is at your expense. You can visit any of the different wineries in the area. After a short winery tour, enjoy tasting three to four local varietals like malbec, cabernet, torrontés (the region’s signature white varietal) or mistela (a dessert wine). Then, we will return to Salta. Transfer to your hotel. Half Day Activity English Speaking Guide
SLA 004 – EXCURSION TO CALCHAQUIES VALLEYS AND CACHI One of the most amazing trips from Salta to visit Cachi and Calchaquies Valleys After pick up, we will start a 6-hour drive to Cachi. We will enjoy the stunning scenery of the Calchaquies Valleys.The duration of your drive will vary depending on the weather, the condition of the roads and any stops along the way. Heading south past El Carril and Chicoana through the Lerma Valley, stop at Puente Malcante) to take some great photos. We continue through two spectacular gorges, Quebrada de Escoipe and Quebrada de los Laureles, after which your guide stops at a lookout point. Hop out at Cuesta de Obispo (Bishop’s Slope) for views of the Enchanted Valley’s undulating corn fields and lush fruit trees. You’ll reach Piedra de Molino (Millstone), a rocky outcropping and the highest point on the trip at 3,384 meters, and a great spot for beautiful mountain views.
Arrive in the village of Payogasta for lunch. (lunch at your own) before we continue to Cachi. Once there, we will explore the historical village at your own. You can choose to visit the National Historic Monument or the Archaeological Museum, or simply stroll through the whitewashed adobe buildings. Meet up with your group for the 3- to 4-hour return trip to Salta, during which you pass through Los Cardones National Park. Cross the Recta del Tin Tin, a straight stretch of road believed to be created by the Incas. Arrival to Salta and transfer to your hotel. English speaking guides Full Day Trip
SLA 005 – TRAIN TO THE CLOUDS One of the most fantastic activities in the area Enjoy the incredible Train to the Clouds, no doublt, with the Train of the End of the World, the Argentina’s most famous rail trip. Starting from Salta City, down the Lerma Valley before ascending an incredible multicolored Quebrada del Toro, continuing past Tastil ruins and San Antonio de los Cobres, before reaching a stunning viaduct spanning a desert canyon at La Polvorilla (altitude 4220m). Be ready with your camera, landscapes are amazing. It’s a long day – leaving Salta at 7am and getting back into town (the return is by bus) at 9pm. The train stops twice, first at the viaduct La Polvorilla, and then at San Antonio de Los Cobres. Medical staff are on hand for altitude sickness.
SLA 006 - SAFARI TO THE CLOUDS, SALT FLAT AND PURMAMARCA The route of Train to the Clouds + Salt Flats, in a special truck! It´s an amazing trip, following the route of Train to the Clouds to San Antonio de los Cobres and viaducto La Polvorilla, but in a special 4x4 vehicle. Starting is around 06.30, the “Road to the Clouds”, following the railways of the famous Train to Clouds, admiring this magnificent engineering work started in 1920 by the Quebrada del Toro up to San Antonio de los Cobres. After that, the crossing of the Puna on Route 40 to the Salinas Grandes is an amazing part. Stop to take some excellent photos in Salinas Grandes. Finally, we will continue thought Cuesta de Lipan, a decrease of 2,000 meters in only 22 km… amazing! We will arrive to the small village of Purmamarca at the foot of the famous Mount of Seven Colors or “Cerro de los Siete Colores” as called in spanish. Arrival to Salta is around 9.30 pm after a full day of a unique and unforgettable experience trip Full day activity English Speaking Guide Departures on Wednesday, Fridays and Sundays
The Train to the Clouds has 29 bridges, 21 tunnels, 13 viaducts, 2 spirals and 2 zigzags. Because of the design decision not to use a rack-and-pinion for traction, the route had to be designed to avoid steep grades. The zigzags allow the train to climb up driving back and forth parallel to the slope of the mountain
did you know?
SLA 007 – CITY TOUR SALTA Enjoy this half day trip to visit the best of Salta, La Linda Salta is called “La Linda” which means, the beautiful, because it´s one of the most beautiful cities in Argentina. This city, will give you a chance to explore the nice colonial architecture and learn a bit more about history and rich culture. Discover Salta’s highlights on this Salta guided city tour! This half-day Salta city tour starts with a walk along the charming urban sidewalks taking you to some of Salta’s must-see landmarks. In the heart of Salta you will enjoy watching the extraordinary pink Cathedral built in 1855. Be ready with your camera, as it´s one of the symbols of the city. Another stop to enjoy the Cultural Centre America and a Historical Museum of the North with its exhibitions of sacred art. Another symbol in the city are San Francisco Church and the ceremonious monument of General Martin Miguel de Güemes.
is a stretch of forest along the eastern slope of the Andes Mountains from Peru, Bolivia, and northern Argentina. It is a transitional zone between the Andean highlands and the eastern forests. Like the surrounding areas the Yungas belong to the Neotropic ecozone and climate is rainy, humid, and warm. Along the way you’ll see how the landscape gradually transforms with the appearance of vegetation and streams into the yungas. Once at El Rey National Park, you’ll have the chance to fully immerse yourself in nature with a guided walk along established trails. In the park, you’ll be able to admire the varied fauna and see animals such as the pecary, the red-footed chuña and the brown corzuela. The flora is also very diverse, ranging from moist lowland forest to evergreen montane forest and cloud forests. There will be a break for you to rest and have lunch in the jungle. Return back to Salta.
After the walk, we will ascent to San Bernardo Hill (Cerro San Bernardo) where you will enjoy the unique panoramic view over Salta city and surroundings before continuing with a visit to the impressive Battle of Salta Monument in Salta’s 20 de Febrero Park. Finally, we will visit San Lorenzo, a small village with a micro climate, specially used by the highscaled people of the community of Salta. We will return to stop in a local market, when you can buy some interesting handycrafts of the northwest. After that, return to the hotel.
Full day Trip English Speaking Guide
Half Day Trip English Speaking Guide
SLA 009 – HALF DAY HORSEBACK RIDING IN SALTA A very nice option for beginners who want to enjoy horseback riding in Salta We will pick you up from the hotel to transfer to the traditional village of Chicoana, where our guide will inform about the activity. We will visit the tobacco plantations where the cultivation process will be explained. Generally lunch is a barbecue (recommended). Let us know if you need a different menu, like vegetarian, or any other meal. Included: transfers, breakfast, lunch (optional) Duration: 3 to 4 hours Departure: 09:00 from Salta capital Return: 15:00 (without lunch) arrive in Salta capital 16:30 (with lunch) arrive in Salta Capital
SLA 008 – 4WD TRIP TO EL REY NATIONAL PARK Special trip for adventure and nature lovers This special 4WD trip, begins in Salta, throught the route number 9, towards the jungle called Las Yungas. The Yungas (Aymara yunka warm or temperate Andes or earth) A good idea is to combine the visit of the argentinean northwest, with the area of San Pedro de Atacama. You can cross from Purmamarca, to San Pedro
What should I bring? *Sunscreen for your skin type. *Strong, comfortable shoes. Preferably they should come above your ankles. *A scarf. *Clothing, according to the time of year. *Toiletries Our service includes Transfers: Salta - Ranch - Salta. There will be a vehicle waiting for you in Salta at a prearranged time and location. Breakfast: tea - coffee - mate – milk with toast, butter and homemade jam (strawberry, peach, orange, etc.) Approxi-
mately at 10am. Lunch: Generally barbecue with grilled vegetables, different salads for vegetarians, bread, local wine, etc. Approximately at 2pm. Half day trip English Speaking Guide
What should I bring? *Sunscreen for your skin type. *Strong, comfortable shoes. Preferably they should come above your ankles. *A scarf. *Clothing, according to the time of year. *Toiletries Our service includes: Transfers: Salta - Ranch - Salta.There will be a vehicle waiting for you in Salta at a prearranged time and location. Breakfast: tea - coffee - mate – milk with toast, butter and homemade jam (strawberry, peach, orange, etc.) Approximately at 10am. Lunch: Generally barbecue with grilled vegetables, different salads for vegetarians, bread, local wine, etc. Approximately at 2pm. Full day activity English Speaking Guide
SLA 010 – HALF DAY HORSEBACK RIDING IN SALTA Enjoy a full day horseback riding activity in Salta This horseback riding difficulty level is ranging from basic to intermediate, with cross rivers in the area, travel through small valleys, mountain bases and ravines. Included: Transfers, breakfast, lunch and tea. Duration: 6 to 8 hours in total. Departure for the Ranch: 09:00 from Salta Capital. Departure: 21:00 arrive in Salta Capital Specific routes: Option 1: Quebrada de Tilián, Option 2: Finca las Lajas, Option 3: Río Chicoana, Option 4: Valle de Chivilme.
did you know?
Salta is a city located in the Lerma Valley, at 1,152 metres (3780 feet) above sea level in the northwest part of Argentina. It is also the name for the capital city of Salta Province. Along with its metropolitan area, it has a population of 619,000 inhabitants, which makes it
SLA 011 – HALF DAY RAFTING IN RIO JURAMENTO An incredible rafting activity in Salta The rafting starts in the base with a safety briefing and a introductory rafting course. After we supply the necesary equipment, the descent starts through the rapids of the Juramento river. There are 10 rapids class III plus 5 rapids class II, sorrounded by the beatiful landscape of the Juramento Canyon. The Juramento Canyon is a giant cut open between the mountains, its walls were 65 million years ago, ancient beaches inhabitated by prehistoric animals. The rafting starts in the Base (Route 47, km 34) and ends 12 kms downstream in the place called Los Lapachos. The trip back to the base takes 20 minutes in our vehicles. Transfers in/out from your hotel in Salta included. DIFFICULTY: Intermediate DURATION: 2 ½ hours WE INCLUDE: • A professional guide per raft
• Safety kayak • Supply of necessary gear: helmet, paddle, lifejacket, neoprene wetsuits and boots, waterproof pants and jackets. WHAT TO BRING? Extra clothing, sandals or trainers, towel, repellent for mosquitos, sun protection. STARTING TIME: everyday at 10:30hs in the base, and 8.30 am from your hotel in Salta City. OPTIONAL: • Barbeque at midday after rafting Half Day Activity English Speaking Guide
• What to bring? Comfortable clothes, trainers or trekking boots, sun protection and repellent for mosquitoes. • Minimum age to participate: 10 years. • Impediments to participate: pregnant women, people that weight more than 100kgs. English Speaking Guide Half Day Activity
SLA 012 – CANOPY CONDORS FLIGHT Enjoy a unique canopy activity in Juramento River Our canopy is located in a spectacular region, at the heart of Juramento River’s gorge known as Peñas Blancas, within a short distance from the majestic Cabra Corral Dam and two hours away from Salta city. It starts with an explanation of the basic principals needed, to make this experience an enjoyable and safe one. From there we start this adventure of the zip lines that lets you roam from platform to platform “flying” over the Canyon. The height of the steel cables is 140 meters above the ground, and they are of different lengths, the longest one is of 500mts, this allow us to reach in some of the cables more than 30 kms per hour, giving you an exciting sensation of flying! The last cable takes you back to our base. Descriptions and details... Equipment: professional climbing equipment as harness, pulleys, gloves, helmets, carabiners, everything provided by Salta Rafting.
did you know?
The Juramento Canyon is a giant cut open between the mountains, its walls were 65 million years ago, ancient beaches inhabitated by prehistoric animals.