Salta & The Train to the Clouds

General Description

A fascinating combination of a three nights stay in the fine colonial city of Salta, founded in 1582 as a stopover on the commercial route from Lima to Buenos Aires, with a ride in the train to the clouds, which provides a unique opportunity to experience the dramatic Puna sceneries of the desolated deserts, high snow-capped mountains and salt beds.

Itinerary

DAY 1: SALTA
We meet you at Salta airport and drive you to the hotel. An afternoon at leisure to enjoy this wonderful colonial city, the gateway to the High Andean Puna.

DAY 2: SALTA - TRAIN TO THE CLOUDS
Early morning transfer to the Train Station to board the famous TRAIN TO THE CLOUDS, one of the highest railways in the world. This route is one of the most spectacular entrances to the Puna Highlands. The ride takes us to San Antonio de los Cobres and we visit the viaduct "La Polvorilla" (69 m high and 269 m long), a wonderful engineering work. Return to Salta. Overnight in hotel(B).

DAY 3: SALTA.
A full day at leisure, ideal to visit the beautiful city of Salta or to enjoy a very easy and panoramic bike tour of Salta. Overnight in hotel (B).

OPTION: We strongly suggest to overnight at FINCA EL MANANTIAL, a lovely and huge estancia at the foot in the Lerma Valley. We can drop you at the estancia off the Train to the Clouds, where you overnight days 02 & 03. The guide leading the excursion to Quilmes on day 4 picks you at the estancia.

DAY 4: SALTA - CALCHAQUI VALLEYS - QUILMES.
From Salta, we travel up the "Cuesta del Obispo", the famous winding and scenic road and visit "Los Cardones National Park", the ancient village of Cachi and the "Valles Calchaquies". We finally reach Quilmes, a spectacular Indian fortress built by the Indians of the same name. Overnight at the fascinating hotel overlooking the Quilmes ruins. (B).

DAY 5:QUILMES - SALTA.
After a morning exploration of the ruins, we resume our journey. We taste a delicious and unique Cafayate wine at a winery before returning to Salta through the scenic "Quebrada del Rio las Conchas" with its impressive geological formations. Transfer to the airport (B).

Extension
A holiday in Argentina should include a visit of one of the Estancias (ranch), the most representative feature of Argentinean way of life, providing a unique opportunity to learn more about the "gauchos" traditions and culture and appreciate their dexterity in cattle and horse gathering. This is also a unique occasion to taste the world wide famous "asado de carne" (Argentinean barbecue) while enjoying the local music and dance.

We recommend Estancia Las Mercedes, only 15 km from Salta. Activities offered include horseback riding, hiking, mountain biking, tennis, horse-drawn carriage drives, swimming pool, bird watching, and a variety of ranch activities...
or
Estancia Ruinas de Quilmes, facing the famous ruins of the Quilmes pre-colombian city, 235 km from Salta and 54 km from Cayafate, which offers a fabulous opportunity to explore the archaeological sites of the region.

General Information and Price

Rated: Easy


Fixed Departure dates
Every Friday from March to December with 2 participants minimum

Tour Tariff
	Per person	SGL Supp.
USD	$ 545	$ 211
EUR	452	175
GBP	305	118

(*) Price last updated on 30 October 2005. Current price may vary due to elements out of our control, so please always check by sending us a
quotation request .
(**) Supplement for meals (to be paid locally) U$S 85
(***) The overnight stay in option can be organised at Estancia El Manantial for a a supplement of around USD 125

Included: Accommodation in double rooms with private facilities, meals as specified, transportation, experienced bilingual guides, excursions and entrance fees
Not included: Other meals, drinks,optional excursions