Highlights of Northern Argentina and Chile
Buenos Aires, Salta, Tilcara, Atacama & SantiagoExperience the epic scenery of northwest Argentina and the Atacama Desert, where the Andes mountains meet dazzling salt pans, turquoise lagoons and fields of giant cacti. Cushion the surreal landscapes with stays in two of Latin America’s most vibrant cities.
At a glance
Experience jaw-dropping scenery on the mountain road from Salta to the Atacama Desert, passing striking rock formations, salt pans and rugged desert scenery
Explore the historic streets of Salta and travel to nearby Andean villages, brimming with culture
Tuck into delicious local cuisine in Buenos Aires on a bespoke foodie tour, sampling some traditional favorites and unique creations by renowned local chefs
Go geyser hunting, star gazing and walking amongst Mars-like scenery in the Atacama Desert
Journey highlights
-
Experience jaw-dropping scenery on the mountain road from Salta to the Atacama Desert, passing striking rock formations, salt pans and rugged desert scenery
-
Explore the historic streets of Salta and travel to nearby Andean villages, brimming with culture
-
Tuck into delicious local cuisine in Buenos Aires on a bespoke foodie tour, sampling some traditional favorites and unique creations by renowned local chefs
-
Go geyser hunting, star gazing and walking amongst Mars-like scenery in the Atacama Desert
Our tailor made journeys include:
- Your dedicated Travel Consultant who will take care of arrangements
- Private international airport transfers in destination
- Your own private, English-speaking local guides
- Unique experiences, hand-picked by our Journeys team
- Entrance to must-see local sites
- Dedicated 24/7 team providing in-country support and guidance
- Complimentary access to My Scott Dunn – industry-leading travel app providing pre-departure information and in-journey support
When to visit
- J
- F
- M
- A
- M
- J
- J
- A
- S
- O
- N
- D
The weather is good almost all year round in Salta and the north west of Argentina in general. It’s warm and dry in winter (June to September) though it gets cold at night. Summer (December to February) is hot and there’s no air conditioning in most rooms. Avoid the rainy season of February to March, when many of the roads to places you'll want to explore may be impassable due to flooding.
Day time temperatures in the Atacama are agreeable all year round. A characteristic of the desert climate is the marked fluctuation in temperature between day and night. In winter (June, July and August) the average temperature is 22ºC during the day and at night it goes down to around 4ºC; temperatures can occasionally go below freezing. In summer (December to February) the temperature varies between 28ºC during the day and 16ºC at night. During these months the temperature can reach 32ºC. January-March can sometimes receive a little rainfall and cloudy skies.
Buenos Aires and Santiago are year round destinations.
Price Guide: (per person based on double occupancy and excludes international flights)
| Departing |
Price from*
|
Deposit from * | Enquire |
|---|---|---|---|
| October | $12,900 | $3,200 | plan your trip |
| November | $13,400 | $3,400 | plan your trip |
| December | $13,900 | $3,500 | plan your trip |
| January | $13,900 | $3,500 | plan your trip |
| February | $13,900 | $3,500 | plan your trip |
| March | $13,900 | $3,500 | plan your trip |
| April | $13,900 | $3,500 | plan your trip |
| May | $12,900 | $3,200 | plan your trip |
| June | $12,900 | $3,200 | plan your trip |
| July | $13,900 | $3,500 | plan your trip |
| August | $13,900 | $3,500 | plan your trip |
| September | $13,400 | $3,400 | plan your trip |
-
October
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$12,900
Deposit from*$3,200
-
November
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$13,400
Deposit from*$3,400
-
December
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$13,900
Deposit from*$3,500
-
January
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$13,900
Deposit from*$3,500
-
February
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$13,900
Deposit from*$3,500
-
March
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$13,900
Deposit from*$3,500
-
April
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$13,900
Deposit from*$3,500
-
May
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$12,900
Deposit from*$3,200
-
June
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$12,900
Deposit from*$3,200
-
July
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$13,900
Deposit from*$3,500
-
August
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$13,900
Deposit from*$3,500
-
September
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$13,400
Deposit from*$3,400
- plan your trip
Itinerary
Fly to Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires
Begin in Buenos Aires, a Latin city with plenty of European flavor, indulging in fine wine, fiery tango and mouth-watering steak. Explore its thriving arts scene and get under the skin of its culinary delights with a range of bespoke private tours to truly maximize your time. We’ve included a private wine and cheese tour in the heart of the sophisticated Recoleta neighborhood, where a number of the city's best galleries, restaurants and boutiques can be found.
Accommodation: CasaSur Palermo ( 3 nights )
Salta and Jujuy
From here, it’s on to Salta, a colonial city in the north-west, which is surrounded by rugged and rocky scenery and nicknamed ‘Salta the beautiful’ with good reason. Enjoy a walking tour through this quaint city with an expert local guide and visit the MAAM museum to learn about the Argentine northwest’s unique and fascinating history. On one of your days here, escape the city and drive out along winding mountain roads past rows of giant cacti set against a backdrop of lunar red rock to the enchanting adobe town of Cachi or speed across the vast white plains of the Salinas Grandes salt flats, stopping for unforgettable photo opportunities.
Accommodation: Finca Valentina ( 3 nights )
Tilcara
Leave Salta and head north to Tilcara, picturesque town nestled in the mountains and steeped in Andean culture. From here you’ll explore the province of Jujuy, visiting the incredible Humahuaca Gorge, famous for its colorful mountains (and a photographer’s dream!), Humahuaca’s colorful market that sells traditional artisanal goods and the Pucara of Tilcara, a pre-Inca fortress.
Accommodation: Las Marias Hotel Boutique ( 1 night )
Northern Chile & Atacama Desert
Today is one filled with real adventure as you make the epic drive to the Atacama Desert in northern Chile. There are endless opportunities for adventure waiting for you here, and the scenery on route is striking, whetting your appetite for the drama of the highest and driest desert in the world. Pass through Purmamarca with its giant cacti and mars-like red rock mountains, heading towards the vast white salt pans of Salinas Grandes, where turquoise lagoons form a dazzling contrast with the surrounding landscape. Driving along a high and winding mountain pass you will encounter rugged mountains, arriving into Chile and the Atacama Desert. Stay here for three nights and go in search of geysers, soak in the stars at night and cycle, horse ride and hike to your heart's content.
Accommodation: Tierra Atacama Hotel & Spa ( 3 nights )
Santiago and Central Valley
Finally, fly south to the Chilean capital of Santiago, a city with a thriving culinary scene and so the perfect place to spend the final night of this great adventure. If you have free time before your flight, we recommend following in the footsteps of literary great, Pablo Neruda and visiting his quirky house in the bohemian Bellavista district.
Accommodation: The Singular Santiago ( 1 night )
Fly Home from Santiago
Call us on 858 523 9000 to start planning your holiday.
Experiences included in this itinerary
-
![Salta architecture - Walking Tour of Salta]()
Read moreWalking Tour of Salta
Discover the very best of Salta on this wonderful walking tour. Explore the colonial architecture, monumental statues and cultural museums such as the famous MAAM (Museum of High Altitude Archaeology) whilst surrounded by a stunning mountainous backdrop.
Your Hotels
When to visit
- J
- F
- M
- A
- M
- J
- J
- A
- S
- O
- N
- D
The weather is good almost all year round in Salta and the north west of Argentina in general. It’s warm and dry in winter (June to September) though it gets cold at night. Summer (December to February) is hot and there’s no air conditioning in most rooms. Avoid the rainy season of February to March, when many of the roads to places you'll want to explore may be impassable due to flooding.
Day time temperatures in the Atacama are agreeable all year round. A characteristic of the desert climate is the marked fluctuation in temperature between day and night. In winter (June, July and August) the average temperature is 22ºC during the day and at night it goes down to around 4ºC; temperatures can occasionally go below freezing. In summer (December to February) the temperature varies between 28ºC during the day and 16ºC at night. During these months the temperature can reach 32ºC. January-March can sometimes receive a little rainfall and cloudy skies.
Buenos Aires and Santiago are year round destinations.
We design each itinerary around you, so this suggested itineraryis a starting point that we can tweak or transform into something completely bespoke to you. Call us on 858 523 9000 to start planning your vacation.
Why Scott Dunn?
At Scott Dunn, we live and breathe travel. An insatiable appetite to discover the world runs through everything we do. We relish the planning and revel in the detail. We know it’s the smallest touches that make the biggest difference, and we stop at nothing to make every trip not only exceptional but totally unique.
- Every itinerary is crafted from scratch, based around exactly what’s important to you
- Packed full of unique experiences, hand-picked by our journeys team
- Expert local guides enrich your experience in every destination
- Your own dedicated Travel Specialist who will take care of every detail of your trip
- We have a 24/7 team providing in-country support and guidance
- We offer flexibility and financial protection to give you total peace of mind