Hike and Stargaze in Argentina's Highlands

Welcome to Salta, a provincial capital in the northwest of Argentina – and the starting point for your hiking adventure in the High Andes. The region is of great significance and pride to Argentina due to its rich cultural heritage and distinctly Andean way of life. Arriving at Salta Airport, your host offers one group transfer. Later on, meet your guide in the hotel at 18:00 for a welcome drink.

Begin your exploration of Argentina's northwest with a scenic drive south (approx 2.5 hrs) through Lerma Valley, passing the red rock formations of the Quebrada de las Conchas before stopping for a short hike at La Yesera. Arrive at a local farm, Santa Elena, for a late lunch prepared with their fresh produce, including goat's cheese and vegetables paired with a high-altitude wine tasting. Afterwards, continue on to Cafayate and check in to your hotel, where you'll stay for the next two nights.

This morning's hike departs straight from the hotel. Venture up into the neighbouring mountain range and you'll be rewarded with outstanding views of the mountains and vineyards, before finishing at a small winery for another wine tasting. The rest of the afternoon can be spent at your leisure, either relaxing at the hotel or exploring the nearby town.

After breakfast, head south on Argentina's iconic Ruta 40 (the highway which connects the Bolivian border in the north all the way down to the Magallanes Straight in southern Patagonia). The road takes you through the incredible Quebrada de las Flechas (Arrows Gorge) and onwards to the small town of Molinos. You'll hike one of two possible trails today – either at Cuevas de Acsibi or Cráter de los Cóndores, both characterised by the incredible rock formations in the surrounding hillsides. Later, continue to the town of Cachi, stopping on the route to visit some traditional poncho weavers.

A short drive through plantations of beans, tomatoes, peas and peppers will take you to the start point for today's hike at Las Pailas. You'll start walking amidst giant cacti known as cardones and continue gradually up into the High Andes for a most spectacular view over the valley below. Accompanied by an indigenous guide, you'll walk through archaeological sites and plantations, learning about the region's pre-Hispanic heritage. This evening, head out to stargaze in one of the world's best destinations for astronomy and night sky photography.

Early morning drive will take you out of Cachi across Los Cardones National Park, a sea of endless cacti. At the mountain pass Piedra del Molino, you'll leave the Calchaqui Valley and drive down into the greener Lerma Valley. You'll arrive at the walking trail which will take you along a rocky ridge up to El Torreón (reaching a maximum altitude of 3150m), and down to the lower valley via part of the Inca Trail. Depending on weather and cloud conditions, you may instead trek an alternative lower-lying trail called La Zanja. Hit the road again, driving to the small town of Villa San Lorenzo, set in the 'Yungas' forest that grows on the eastern slopes of the Andes.

Head to the Quebrada del Toro, a natural passage that connects the green valleys of northwest Argentina to the High Puna, and the mineral deserts that spread over into neighbouring Chile and Bolivia. Stop en route at the archaeological site of Tastil, part of the Qhapac Ñan Inca Road System and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You'll walk around the extended site and learn about Inca history in northwest Argentina. After having lunch with the local community, who are custodians of this historic site, you'll continue up into the High Andes (known as the Puna or Altiplano region) to discover the incredible scenery of the Salinas Grandes salt flats. End the day by descending the Cuesta de Lipán mountain road to the small town of Tilcara.

Today you'll explore one of Jujuy Province's most wonderful natural highlights, the incredible Humahuaca Gorge. Set off on a morning hike straight out from your hotel to Alfarcito, then onwards to Maimará, a small mountain community where local producers grow vegetables, grapes and flowers. Take the time to enjoy exploring the sights and sounds of Tilcara town in the afternoon and evening.

Discover the town of Purmamarca and hike at the foot of the Seven-Coloured Mountain, a magical backdrop to a trail that brings you to Tumbaya Grande. Later on, drive up to the Hornocal Mountains and experience the magnificent view as they light up in the afternoon sun – the perfect way to say goodbye to the Andes, before enjoying one last evening together in Tilcara.

The trip comes to an end today as you depart Tilcara and drive south back to Salta Airport for your onward journey (alternative drop-offs are possible at Purmamarca, Jujuy Airport or central Salta).