Self-drive in north west Argentina
Travel through the spectacular landscapes and rustic towns of the Salta area at your own pace with the freedom of a hire car.
This 5-day self-drive itinerary will show you the best of the North West while leaving you free to set the pace and stop wherever the mood takes you. Along the way, you’ll watch the stunning landscape change from sun-bleached Andean plateau to cactus-riddled wilderness, overlooked by looming walls of multi-hued rock.
We suggest starting out towards the tranquil mountain town of Molinos before continuing through the winelands of the scenic Calchaquíes valley to spend the night in Cafayate. There are outstanding restaurants to be enjoyed here as well as rustic bodegas offering wine tastings.
From the valley it’s an extremely scenic day’s drive on to Purmamarca. This village is the gateway to the spectacular Humahuaca Gorge and lies at the foot of the Hill of Seven Colours, a sheer rock face layered with bold shades of orange, red and purple. There is much to explore in the area, from Andean villages to pre-Inca ruins, so spend a couple of nights before returning to Salta.
Ready to start planning?
Tell us where you want to go, and we’ll take it from there. No obligation, no sales pitch – just a conversation with someone who knows the region inside out.
Why choose Journey Latin America for your holiday
We’ve been planning trips to Central and South America for over 45 years, longer than any other UK specialist. Every holiday is built around you by a Travel Expert who has been to the places they recommend, with support from your first enquiry to the day you fly home.
Rosie embarked on a year-long backpacking trip across Latin America. She is excited to share her knowledge and experiences with others.
Finn discovered his passion for travel on an extensive 18-month trip to Latin America, experiencing the vibrant Carnaval in Rio, the end-of-the-world city of Ushuaia, trekking the Andes and volunteering on the Galápagos Islands.
Maggie visited Latin America on her first backpacking trip when she was 19. Since then, she has taken every opportunity to travel, and has managed to explore a lot of the region in subsequent trips.
Gary discovered what he had been missing with his first foray into the wilds of Latin America. In his role as Product Manager, he combines this personal obsession with years of industry experience to help ensure that travellers will fall for the region every bit as much as he has.
