Argentina Wine Explorer: Cafayate, Salta & Mendoza

Argentina Wine Explorer: Cafayate, Salta & Mendoza

Argentina is a land of drastic landscapes, delicious cuisine and world class impeccable wine. On this 7 day trip, you will head into the heart of the northern region visiting Cafayate and Salta to taste delicious wines unique to this region before heading south to the famed vineyards of Mendoza. This region offers a unique landscape perfectly suited for Malbec grapes and stunning views over the foothills of the Andes.

Argentina is a land of drastic landscapes, delicious cuisine and world class impeccable wine. On this 7 day trip, you will head into the heart of the northern region visiting Cafayate and Salta to taste delicious wines unique to this region before heading south to the famed vineyards of Mendoza. This region offers a unique landscape perfectly suited for Malbec grapes and stunning views over the foothills of the Andes.

Quick Summary

Itinerary Detail

Day 1: Salta Arrival - Cafayate

Daily Summary

Welcome to Argentina! Upon arrival in Salta, you will be met by your private driver and transferred to your accommodations in Cafayate. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Day 2: Cafayate - Salta

Salta
Daily Summary
  • Transportation: Hotel Transfer
  • Accommodation: La Candela
  • Meals: B

Today you will be met by your private driver at the Viñas de Cafayate Resort and transfer back to Salta to check into the La Candela Boutique Hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Salta

With an enticing mix of historical architecture, picturesque views and sprawling vineyards in the Andean foothills, Salta is the main point of access to explore the culturally rich Northwestern territory of Argentina. Simply wandering through the streets of the central city area will take you past a variety of impressive 18th and 19th century buildings, including the neoclassical Cathedral of Salta, the ornate Church of Saint Francis and the Museum of High Mountain Archaeology – housing a collection of ancient Inca relics. A more hedonistic attraction is the area’s array of wineries, while for panoramic views over the region visitors should head to the top of San Bernardo Hill. The trek will be well worth the effort!

Day 3: Salta

Daily Summary

Enjoy this day at leisure exploring the charming town of Salta. The hotel is a short walk to the historical Basilica Cathederal and the 9 de Julio Plaza.

Day 4: Salta - Mendoza

Mendoza
Daily Summary

Today you will be met at the La Candela Hotel and transferred to the Airport in good time to board your flight to San Juan Airport in Mendoza. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your accommodations in Mendoza, Lares del Chacras. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Mendoza

Mendoza, home to the delicious blends of Malbec wine, is another city that will captivate you. At the base of the Andes Mountains, the climate is well suited to vineyards and the culture is rich and relaxed. Mendoza's tranquil atmosphere allows you to relax and enjoy the beautiful views and charming vineyards. The prestigious vineyards are located in the district of Godoy Cruz, Guaymallén, Luján de Cuyo and Maipú.

Day 5: Mendoza

Full Day Lujan de Cuyo & Maipu Wine Tour
Daily Summary
  • Tour: Full Day Lujan de Cuyo & Maipu Wine Tour
  • Accommodation: Lares de Chacras
  • Meals: B

Full Day Lujan de Cuyo & Maipu Wine Tour

Today, you will have the chance to see for yourself why the Mendoza province of Argentina really is the star of the country’s wine making show. Although there are other wine making provinces in the area, Mendoza is truly the crown jewel. This is because of its incredible diversity of production. The key is the distinctive micro climates and differing terrains of the 3 distinct regions; Lujan de Cuyo, Maipu and the Uco Valley - all in varying proximity to the Andes and ranging between 700-1,100 meters above sea level. Today, you will explore the vineyards of Lujan de Cuyo and Maipu in a circuit that highlights the beauty of the region and some of its most famed vineyards.

On your full day excursion, you will learn the complete wine making process, from grape growing to bottling and labeling of the wines. You will also learn about the history of the region, from the knowledge of your English speaking expert guide. Mendoza is famous for its complex and efficient irrigation system developed by the Huarpes Indians over 500 years ago – the province is actually a desert region, yet thanks to this ingenious system that uses melted water from the snow-capped Andes peaks dotting the horizon, it offers the verdant wine growing oasis that you see today.

Some of the country’s most prestigious vineyards are located in these two areas of the province and today you will visit contrasting wineries to see those experimenting with the latest available technology, as well as those using more traditional wine making methods. The region is becoming almost as famous for its fabulous cuisine as its wine, and you will stop for lunch in a winery along the way to enjoy an excellent wine-paired meal taking in Andes views in the sunshine. Please note that the wineries visited today, may vary according to the availability or your specific requests. Tastings and entrances will be included, however lunch is not. (This service is on a private basis.)

Day 6: Mendoza

Full Day Valle de Uco Winery Tour
Daily Summary
  • Tour: Full Day Valle de Uco Winery Tour
  • Accommodation: Lares de Chacras
  • Meals: B

Full Day Valle de Uco Winery Tour

Today, you will venture out to the vineyards of the Uco Valley, for a full day of exploration! It is here, that you will find the vineyards of the highest altitude. Located furthest from Mendoza city, yet closest to the Andes, it is probably one of the prettiest parts of the province. You will be taken on a circuit with spectacular views of the Andes range to discover the beauty of the region and admire some of the most impressive vineyards.

The spectacular scenery and state-of-the-art wine making facilities has the Uco Valley truly poised to become Argentina's equivalent to California's Napa Valley. It won't take long of breathing in the delicious aromas and savoring the flavors, to understand why. Please note that the wineries visited today, may vary according to the availability or your specific requests (Suggested wineries include: Salentein, Andeluna, and Domain Bousquet). Your wine tastings and entrance fees are included with the tours, however lunch will be on your own account. (This service is on a private basis.)

Day 7: Mendoza Departure

Daily Summary
  • Transportation: Airport Transfer
  • Meals: B

Sadly, this is your last day in Mendoza. At the appropriate time, you will check out of your accommodations to be met by your private driver and transferred back to the San Juan Airport for your outbound connecting flight. Buen Viaje!

Accommodation

Viñas de Cafayate-Wine Resort
Viñas de Cafayate-Wine Resort
Viñas de Cafayate-Wine Resort
Viñas de Cafayate-Wine Resort
Viñas de Cafayate-Wine Resort

Viñas de Cafayate-Wine Resort

The Wine Resort is located in the town handcrafts Cafayate, 1,86 miles away from the main square, on 25 de Mayo St., on the way to the Divisadero. It was built amidst a vineyard plantation at the foot of the impressive San Isidro Hill.

La Candela
La Candela
La Candela
La Candela

La Candela

This charming neo-colonial mansion decorated with classical antiques is situated in downtown Salta. The outdoor pool and sun deck is set in picturesque flowering gardens, and free Wi-Fi is provided. Rooms at La Candela have attractive wooden furniture and French windows. All feature air conditioning, cable TV and local art. Some have a balcony with garden views and a hydro-massage tub. Guests at La Candela can enjoy a fine wine at the bar. A continental breakfast buffet is served daily in the breakfast room decorated with chandeliers and original mosaic flooring. The tour desk at La Candela can book regional excursions and wine tasting tours. Guests can then enjoy an afternoon tea in the lounge in front of the cozy fireplace. La Candela is 11 km from El Aybal Airport, and 400 meters from 9 de Julio Plaza and the historical Basilica Cathedral. Free parking and car rental services are available.

Lares de Chacras
Lares de Chacras

Lares de Chacras

Surrounded by vineyards and gardens full of olive and plum trees, Lares de Chacras is a gorgeous place to explore. The country-style house reflects the art of combining Andean stone with typical desert wood, for a natural, simple and modern look. All rooms are tastefully decorated and the grounds are perfect for morning walks or a bike ride through the hills. Lares is located in the middle of the gastronomic hub of Chacras de Coria, ensuring a variety of restaurants to suit all tastes. The hotel also offers room service snacks that include empanadas, red wine from Finca El Reposo and tomatoes with the house's own extra virgin olive oil Vita Mediterránea.

Details

Details

Price Includes

-All accommodation as mentioned
-Daily breakfast
-All other meals as mentioned
-Tours/activities as mentioned
-Professional English-speaking guide during tours
-All transport as mentioned
-Full support before, during & after your trip

Price Excludes

-International & Domestic Flights
-Airport taxes and fees
-Travel insurance (ask us for a quote)
-Entrance visas when applicable
-Other services not mentioned
-Optional tours
-Early check-in/Late check-out
-Tips and gratuities to guides, drivers
-Expenses of a purely personal nature

Why Global Basecamps

Why Global Basecamps

Authentic travel experiences

Authentic Experiences

The perfect trip exists. The perfect lodge, the perfect tour guide, the perfect sunrise hike and the perfect cultural experience are all out there, and we would like to help you find them.

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UNPRECEDENTED PLANNING

We love logistics and our planning process is second to none. Based on firsthand experience, our travel specialists will design you a customized itinerary ensuring your trip will be memorable and authentic.

extraordinary travel service

Extraordinary Service

Global Basecamps offers the best customer service the specialty tourism industry has to offer. We’re by your side from beginning to end, making sure everything goes perfectly.

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Positive Impacts

Our trips directly benefit the local communities you visit. We work exclusively with like-minded partners who help ensure tourism has no negative impacts on the environment, culture and economy of your destination.