Argentina
Argentina Grand Tour – Spectacular Northwest Argentina with the Atacama Desert
Description
This exceptional tour of Argentina takes you through the spectacular landscapes of the Northwest and into the Chilean Atacama Desert. With a rental car, you will explore one of South America's most fascinating routes in 17 days – from Santiago de Chile via the legendary Ruta 40 to San Pedro de Atacama.
What awaits you
This tour of Argentina offers a unique combination of high mountains, desert landscapes, and colonial cities. You will cross the spectacular Cristo Redentor pass, experience the highest mountain in the Americas, Aconcagua, and immerse yourself in the wine culture of Mendoza. The route will take you through the mystical national parks of Talampaya and Ischigualasto, along the famous Ruta 40 through the picturesque Valles Calchaquíes, and into the colonial pearl of Salta. The UNESCO World Heritage site Quebrada de Humahuaca and the Jama Pass form the gateway to the Chilean Atacama Desert, where the surreal landscapes of San Pedro de Atacama, the Salar de Atacama, and the El Tatio Geysers await you.
Your route at a glance
- Day 1: Arrival Santiago de Chile, city tour with Santa Lucia Hill
- Day 2-3: Trip to Chacras de Coria near Mendoza, explore the wine region
- Day 4-5: Onwards to Barreal, Cristo Redentor Pass and Aconcagua
- Day 6-7: El Chiflon, Transition to the High Andes
- Day 8-9: Belen, Talampaya National Park and Ischigualasto
- Day 10-11: Cafayate, Calchaquí Valleys and Route 40
- Day 12-13: Cachi, colonial architecture and Andean panoramas
- Day 14: Salta, the White City of the North
- Day 15: Purmamarca, Quebrada de Humahuaca UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Day 16: San Pedro de Atacama via Jama Pass
- Day 17: Explore the Atacama Desert, departing from Calama
Highlights of this trip
- Christ the Redeemer Pass Spectacular high mountain crossing between Argentina and Chile
- Aconcagua View of the highest mountain in America
- Mendoza World-famous wine region at the foot of the Andes
- Talampaya National Park: Red sandstone formations and prehistoric rock drawings
- Ischigualasto Provincial Park Moonscape with dinosaur fossils
- Route 40: One of Argentina's most legendary roads
- Valles Calchaquies Picturesque high valleys with vineyards and cacti
- Jump Colonial architecture and culture of the Northwest
- Quebrada de Humahuaca UNESCO World Heritage site with colourful mountain formations
- San Pedro de Atacama: Oasis city in the middle of the driest desert in the world
- Salar de Atacama: Chile's largest salt lake with flamingo colonies
- Valley of the Moon Surreal moonscape in the Atacama Desert
Services
- Airport transfers in Santiago
- 16 overnight stays in selected hotels
- Meals as per programme
- Private city tour of Santiago with a German-speaking guide
- 12 days car hire SIXT Cat. F2 inc. Premium insurance
- Cross-border permit and one-way rental
This unique Argentina tour combines the highlights of the Northwest with the fascinating Atacama Desert. With maximum flexibility thanks to your rental car, you'll experience one of South America's most spectacular routes at your own pace. From the vineyards of Mendoza and the legendary Ruta 40 to the surreal landscapes of the Atacama Desert – this journey offers unforgettable experiences for explorers and nature lovers.
Receive personalised advice for this trip to Argentina and get all the details on travel dates, extensions and availability.
Get personal advice on this trip to Argentina at a travel agency near you.
