Mendoza, Salta and Argentina's northwest

This itinerary through Argentina’s northwest is a relaxed journey that blends Andean landscapes with wine culture, colonial towns, and striking desert scenery. It begins in the region around Salta, where time is spent exploring a city known for its well-preserved architecture, lively plazas, and strong regional identity shaped by Indigenous and Spanish influences. From here, travel moves into the surrounding valleys, where vineyard-covered hillsides sit beneath dramatic mountain backdrops.
The focus gradually shifts into higher and more arid terrain as the route continues through areas such as the Calchaquí Valleys. Here, the landscape becomes increasingly sculpted, with colourful rock formations, wide open desert expanses, and small rural settlements that reflect traditional ways of life. Wine production remains a central thread throughout the journey, with visits to boutique wineries that specialise in high-altitude varietals, offering a sense of how geography directly shapes local production.
The itinerary balances cultural exploration with scenic travel, allowing time in both towns and remote landscapes without rushing between locations. Overall, it presents a measured introduction to a lesser-visited corner of Argentina, where wine, geology, and heritage come together in a distinctive and coherent travel experience.