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Departs: 05 October 2010

Atacama & North West Argentina

Rich Spanish folklore Rich Spanish folklore

Stretching 1000km from southern Peru to northern Chile, the Atacama is the driest desert on earth. From the oasis of San Pedro, watch the colours change over bizarre formations in the Valleys of Mars and the Moon. To the south, the world’s second largest salt flat, Salar de Atacama contrasts with a backdrop of snow-capped Andean volcanoes. Your first week concludes with sunrise at El Tatio geysers, baths in thermal hot springs and visits to small Altiplano villages, clifftop fortresses and petroglyphs.

 

Across the Andes in north west Argentina, the Diaguitas and Calchaquis people have long inhabited the desert regions. Trace ancient trade routes to the Humahuaca Valley, visit the Purmamarca handicrafts market and Pucará de Tilcara, a pre-Hispanic fortress.  After two nights in the quiet mountain village of Iruya we continue to Salta, rich in Spanish folklore, music and handcrafts.

 

South of Salta, we take several days to explore historical places such as Quilmes ruins and Cachi Anthropological museum. Walk in Las Conchas Gorge, the Red River Valley and search for cactus hummingbirds, guanacos and condors in Los Cardones National Park.

  • Quote: “This tour was the highlight of South America for us. Culturally it was extremely informative. So many local people were so proud in their humble abodes. It was a privilege to see them as people and not as spectacles.”
  • Quote_Source: Alec & Glythyn Campbell
  • Highlights:
    • Experience the bizarre salt landscape of Salar de Atacama
    • Watch the sunset over the Valley of the Moon and sunrise at El Tatio Geysers
    • Visit high altitude lagoons in the National Flamingo Reserve
    • See the handicrafts of the Altiplano villages (llamas and alpaca wool, cactus wood)
    • Cross the Andes into Argentina, visit ancient Indian ruins and stay in the mountain village of Iruya
    • Walk in Los Conchas Gorge and Los Cardones National Park
    • Time in the lively cities of Santiago, Salta and Buenos Aires

  • Dates: 5 – 19 October 2010 (14 nights)
  • Price:

    Twin share / person (ex Santiago de Chile, ends Buenos Aires)

    Early Bird:  A$6,900 *until 7/06/10

    Regular:  A$7,200


  • Accommodation: Hotels and lodges with private facilities
  • Rating: Moderate to Challenging
  • Rating_Notes: due to some high altitude walking

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