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.
