Highlights of Northern Argentina and Chile
Experience 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.
Journey highlights
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Experience jaw-dropping scenery on the mountain road from Salta to the Atacama Desert, passing striking rock formations, salt pans and rugged desert scenery
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Explore the historic streets of Salta and travel to nearby Andean villages, brimming with culture
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Tuck into delicious local cuisine in Buenos Aires on a personalized foodie tour, sampling some traditional favorites and unique creations by renowned local chefs
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Go geyser hunting, star gazing and walking amongst Mars-like scenery in the Atacama Desert
- Highlights itinerary:Our Highlights Journeys are designed to include bucket list destinations and activities paired with unparalleled insider access, exclusivity and industry-defining luxury accommodation
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.
Itinerary
Fly to Buenos Aires
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At a Glance
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 personalized private tours to truly maximize your time. We’ve included a private wine and cheese tour in the heart of the sophisticated Recoleta neighbourhood, where a number of the city's best galleries, restaurants and boutiques can be found.
Where to stay
CasaSur Palermo (3 nights)
-buenos-aires-and-the-pampas-argentina-south-america-americas.jpeg)
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At a Glance
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.
Where to stay
Finca Valentina (3 nights)
More Experiences in This Area
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At a Glance
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.
Where to stay
Las Marias Hotel Boutique (1 night)
More Experiences in This Area
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At a Glance
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.
Where to stay
Tierra Atacama Hotel & Spa (3 nights)
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At a Glance
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.
Where to stay
The Singular Santiago (1 night)
Fly Home from Santiago
Price Guide: (per person based on double occupancy and excludes international flights)
| Departing |
Price from*
|
Deposit from * | Enquire |
|---|---|---|---|
| February 2026 | $12,800 | $3,200 | plan your trip |
| March 2026 | $12,800 | $3,200 | plan your trip |
| April 2026 | $12,800 | $3,200 | plan your trip |
| May 2026 | $11,900 | $3,000 | plan your trip |
| June 2026 | $11,900 | $3,000 | plan your trip |
| July 2026 | $12,800 | $3,200 | plan your trip |
| August 2026 | $12,800 | $3,200 | plan your trip |
| September 2026 | $12,400 | $3,100 | plan your trip |
| October 2026 | $11,900 | $3,000 | plan your trip |
| November 2026 | $12,400 | $3,100 | plan your trip |
| December 2026 | $12,800 | $3,200 | plan your trip |
| January 2027 | $12,800 | $3,200 | plan your trip |
-
February 2026
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.
$12,800
Deposit from*$3,200
-
March 2026
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.
$12,800
Deposit from*$3,200
-
April 2026
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.
$12,800
Deposit from*$3,200
-
May 2026
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.
$11,900
Deposit from*$3,000
-
June 2026
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.
$11,900
Deposit from*$3,000
-
July 2026
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.
$12,800
Deposit from*$3,200
-
August 2026
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.
$12,800
Deposit from*$3,200
-
September 2026
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.
$12,400
Deposit from*$3,100
-
October 2026
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.
$11,900
Deposit from*$3,000
-
November 2026
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.
$12,400
Deposit from*$3,100
-
December 2026
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.
$12,800
Deposit from*$3,200
-
January 2027
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.
$12,800
Deposit from*$3,200
- plan your trip
Experiences in this tour
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![Salta architecture - Walking Tour of Salta]()
View ExperienceWalking 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) while surrounded by a stunning mountainous backdrop.
We design each itinerary around you, so this suggested itineraryis a starting point that we can tweak or transform into something completely personalized to you. Call us on 858 345 1763 to start planning your vacation.
