From the Andes to the Heart of History:
A Journey Through the Soul of Northwestern Argentina
We embark on an epic journey through the diversity and richness of Argentina, traveling for 21 days through majestic landscapes, historic cities, and corners where nature and culture embrace. We begin in Mendoza, the land of sun and wine, where we explore the city and are seduced by its wineries and olive oil mills, tasting flavors born from the land and the Andes. We explore the Atuel River Canyon, a geological wonder that impresses us with its formations and colors, and ascend the High Mountain Road, passing the iconic Puente del Inca and gazing at the grandeur of Aconcagua, the highest mountain in the Americas. We then move on to San Juan, where we tour its streets and discover the Wine Route, with vineyards and wineries that connect us to the region's winemaking tradition. We admire the landscapes of Barreal, the Calingasta Valley, and Pampa del Leoncito, where the night sky offers us an unparalleled celestial spectacle. We continue to Jáchal, the Cuesta del Viento Dam, and Rodeo, before venturing into the Ischigualasto Provincial Park, the Fertile Valley, and the magical Valley of the Moon, where the earth seems to tell us stories from millions of years ago.
Our journey continues through La Rioja, crossing the Talampaya National Park and the city of Chilecito, ascending the Cuesta del Miranda, and contemplating landscapes that combine history, geology, and tradition. We spend the night in Tinogasta, and then continue to Catamarca, touring the Adobe Route, the Fiambalá Hot Springs, the Inca Ruins of Shincal de Quimivil, and the city of San Fernando del Valle de Catamarca, where we feel the ancestral footprint of the country. Finally, we reach Córdoba, where history is breathed in its streets and estates. We explore Córdoba La Docta, marvel at the landscapes of Traslasierra, the town of Mina Clavero, and the sanctuary of Cura Brochero. We discover the Jesuit Estancias Trail and immerse ourselves in the magical Cumbrecita and the picturesque Villa General Belgrano, closing a journey that brings together nature, culture, history, and emotions in every step. In these 21 days, we experience a Different Argentina in all its magnitude: between mountains, valleys, historic cities, and hidden corners, letting ourselves be carried away by the beauty of its landscapes and the richness of its cultural heritage. Each day gifts us with unique experiences, authentic flavors, and landscapes that will forever remain in our memory.

DAYS | 21 Days - 20 Nights |
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DESTINATIONS | Mendoza, San Juan; La Rioja, Catamarca, Córdoba |
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21 days - 20 nights
Day 1 - Getting to Know Mendoza
Reception at Mendoza Airport and transfer to the hotel.
We dedicate half a day to visit the city of Mendoza, famous for its legendary trees, wide sidewalks and its great order and cleanliness. Founded over 400 years ago by the first colonists, this city offers a lot of history and culture. We will visit La Alameda, the historical zone where Pedro del Castillo founded this large city in 1561, where most shops and civic life was concentrated until it disappeared with the 1861 earthquake. The town council was, in the old days, where the Foundational Area Museum is nowadays. There are still remains of what once was the San Francisco church. We continue to the new city, post-earthquake. We visit its principal avenues, the downtown, the Plaza Independencia
(Independence Square), the civic neighbourhood with the Government House, the Law Courts and the General San Martin Park going along the Civit Avenue, entering the park through the Portones (Gates). We can enjoy the beautiful woods in the park, as well as the Rosedal (rose garden) next to the lake and the clubs located in the area. We also meet the Caballitos de Marly (Marly Little Horses, replica of the ones in Paris), the Fuente de los Continentes (the Fountain of the Continents), etc. Then we climb the Cerro de La Gloria (The Glory Mount) where there is a monument to the Ejercito Libertador (the Liberator Army) and very near it, the Greek theatre Frank Romero Day.
Day 2 - Mendoza Wineries & Olive Oil Factory
Breakfast at the hotel. We invite you to discover the rich history of our emblematic Malbec, learning about oenology and enjoying beautiful landscapes in the Maipú region, an area recognized for producing some of the country’s best wines and olive oils. Accompanied by our expert wine guide, we visit two wineries, with options depending on availability such as Vistandes, Cavas de Don Arturo, Domiciano, Florio, Cecchin, Esencia or Viña del Cerno, where tastings of their finest wines are held, the secrets of winemaking are revealed, and the history and tradition of each winery are explored. During the visit the peculiarities of each grape variety, production processes and the evolution of winemaking techniques are highlighted, offering participants a complete and enriching journey through Mendoza’s wine culture. Besides the wineries, we visit a boutique olive oil factory, with options depending on availability such as Pasrai, Laur or Centenario, where a guide explains in detail the production process of Argentine olive oil and it concludes with a tasting of different oils, balsamic vinegar, artisanal pastas and various types of olives, enjoying the characteristic aromas and flavors of the region. This tour offers a comprehensive experience combining learning, authentic tastes, unique landscapes and the opportunity to get up close to the excellence of Mendoza’s gourmet products, enjoying the company of a specialized guide who shares his knowledge and passion for oenology and local gastronomy.
Day 3 - Atuel River Canyon
Breakfast at the hotel. We set off from San Rafael towards the Cuesta de los Terneros to go to Dique Valle Grande and the Atuel river. We stop at the San Francisco de Asis lookout point to enjoy a terrific sight of the city and the canyon. After several kilometres we enter El Nihuil which is impressive for the depth of its lake. We rest and may have lunch (not included). We set off to the Atuel Canyon, to be trapped by a landscape of pure beauty, typical of the andean ecosystem, due to the erosive action of winds and water creating natural sculptures becoming awesome landforms, fanciful shapes of mother nature such as Museo de Cera (Wax Museum), el Lagarto (the Alligator), Los Monstruos (the Monsters), Los Jardines Colgantes (The Hanging Gardens) or La Ciudad Encantada (The Haunted City), etc. The canyon is formed by the Atuel river, Valle Grande Reservoir and El Nihuil. We make a short
walk along the canyon to arrive at the Valle Grande. The ones who want adventure tourism, can enjoy rafting, rappel or a boat voyage (all these activities must be booked at destination).
Day 4 - High Mountain Road: Puente del Inca & Aconcagua
Breakfast at the hotel. We begin our exciting High Mountain Road excursion from Mendoza, traveling along the famous National Route No. 7 that takes us through breathtaking landscapes. The first stop, after passing through the Cacheuta village tunnel, is the impressive Potrerillos Dam, nestled in the Andes Mountains, where you'll have the chance to take unforgettable photos with the High Peaks in the background. We continue upstream to reach the mountain town of Uspallata, a place full of history that was home to the Huarpe indigenous people in pre-Hispanic times and marks the transition between the foothills and the front mountain range. Here, we’ll stop for breakfast before continuing our journey through a mountain landscape that includes the charming villages of Picheuta, Polvaredas and Punta de Vacas, and a view of the old Los Penitentes ski resort. The tour continues with one of the most anticipated moments: the visit to Puente del Inca, a natural monument of extraordinary geological beauty recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Further on, we’ll enjoy a stop at the viewpoint of Mount Aconcagua, the highest mountain in the Americas and the second highest in the world after the Himalayas—an ideal place to marvel at the majesty of the Andes. Finally, we reach Las Cuevas, a picturesque village on the border with Chile, built in a distinct European style, where we’ll enjoy a Mendoza-style lunch in a traditional mountain restaurant. If weather conditions permit, the tour ends with a visit to the Cristo Redentor, an emblematic monument symbolizing the union between Argentina and Chile. This tour is a unique experience that invites you to connect with high mountain nature, explore the stunning Puente del Inca, admire the majestic Aconcagua up close, and enjoy unforgettable corners of the Andes Mountains. Not included: cost of breakfast, cost of lunch, and cost of rental clothing or snow boots if necessary during the winter season.
Day 5 - From Mendoza to San Juan
Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to Mendoza bus station. Reception and transfer from the bus station in San Juan to the hotel.
Day 6 - Getting to Know San Juan
We embark on a tour of the city and its surroundings, discovering together the main historical and cultural attractions. We visit the Birthplace of Sarmiento, the Cathedral, and take a peripheral tour around the Bicentennial Theater, also stopping at the Juan Victoria Auditorium. The Birthplace of Sarmiento preserves personal items, period furniture, and documents that allow us to learn about the life and legacy of Sarmiento. Its architecture is typical of the 19th century, with internal courtyards, tiled roofs, and adobe walls. It is an ideal place to appreciate Argentine history while connecting with the everyday life of that time. We then head to enjoy regional production, continuing to explore some of the San Juan wineries, such as Merced del Estero, Aceitera Campo de Olivos, or Finca Sierras Azules, where we discover the essence of local flavors and admire the Ullum Dam, a great engineering work located on the San Juan River, surrounded by mountains and vineyards, with tranquil waters of intense blue color. It is ideal for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and water sports. You can also enjoy coastal walks, picnics, and photography, especially at sunset, when the reflection of the sun on the water creates memorable views. Please note that the mentioned locations may be replaced with others depending on availability and services. On Sundays, we prioritize the landscapes to enjoy the natural beauty of the area. It is important to highlight that entrance fees to wineries or olive oil factories are not included in the tour.
Day 7 - Wine Route: Vineyards & Wineries
On this tour we immerse ourselves in the fascinating world of San Juan wine by touring some of its most prominent wineries. We visit Bodega Viñas de Segisa, whose beautiful old building transports us through time as we discover its wine‑making history and tradition. We continue to the organic sparkling‑wine house Miguel Más, a unique establishment that produces sparkling wines following natural and sustainable processes, combining innovation with respect for the land. Then we head to Bodega Fabril Alto Verde, recognized for producing excellent organic wines that reflect the purity of the San Juan terroir. Also part of this circuit are the Bodegas Las Marianas and La Guarda, each with their particular character, offering the visitor a sensory journey among aromas, textures and flavors. At each winery we enjoy a guided tasting, where we learn to appreciate the nuances of wine with all our senses. During the experience we visit three of these establishments, although admission to the wineries is not included. Each establishment has its own style: some specialize in young fresh wines; others in sparkling wines or in artisanal productions that incorporate family techniques handed down from generation to generation. This circuit allows us to discover the diversity, the history and the passion that make San Juan one of Argentina’s most important wine regions.
Day 8 - Barreal, Calingasta Valley & Pampa del Leoncito (Astronomical Observatory)
We set off to Pampa del Leoncito, then we go to the Astronomical Observatory and the Cerro Alcázar. During this mountain road, we see the cerro Villicúm, the Quebrada de las Burras, Talacasto town, entering Calingasta up to the Barreal. From there we go to Pampa del Leoncito where wind-car is practised thanks to the sustained winds that blow more than 80km per hour. The wind-car is a small vehicle with 2 car wheels at the back and a motorbike wheel at the front, it has a fuselage and a mast made of aluminium to be light and be able to move with great impulse. The Pampa del Leoncito also called Barreal Blanco is a geological structure next to the Barreal town, where a natural reserve has been created. It is a plain with arid and cracked soil 15km long per 5km wide, which before was the bottom basin of a lake, without vegetation of any kind, similar to a spider web.
The vision is atypical and the white colour is very deep. We can observe the impressive Mercedario Mount 6,772m high and then have lunch at the Barreal. It is the most important tourist centre of the valley, a town with dirt streets and beautiful poplars, where we will also visit the astronomical complex El Leoncito. It is an observatory located at the foot of the mountain range, 2,500m over sea level, in the San Juan Astronomical Reserve, occupying almost 70,000 hectares, being an excellent place to observe the space. Once again in San Juan, we will enjoy a spectacular view of the Cerro Alkázar. If you want to see other excursion options in San Juan, click here: Tours in San Juan.
Day 9 - Jáchal, Cuesta del Viento Dam & Rodeo
Breakfast at the hotel. We take the Ruta 40 towards the north of San Juan province, leaving the San Juan river behind, going through towns like Albardón, Matagusanos, Talacasto and next to Villicúm Mount we arrive at San José de Jáchal city, where we learn about its indigenous cultures. We change direction to the west to the central Andean foothill along a mountain road discovering unique sights.
We visit Cuesta del Viento, ideal place to practise nautical sports such as windsurf, then we go to Rodeo, small mountain town next to the Dique Cuesta del Viento, hydroelectical dam with a mirror of crystalline water of a turquoise colour. We continue with the itinerary to Pismanta, where the famous thermal water complex is, mixing the arid desert with the green oasis, being one of the nicest places in San Juan. Its thermal water has healing, therapeutics and rejuvenating effects, ideal for rheumatism and skin diseases. We return to San Juan capital by Las Flores and Bella Vista, foothills road climbing up the slope to arrive at the highest zone at El Colorado. Then, in Talacasto we go back to the Ruta 40 to enter San Juan.
Day 10 - Ischigualasto Provincial Park: Fertile Valley & Valley of the Moon
Full‑day excursion to Valle Fértil and the mythical Valley of the Moon, beginning our adventure headed toward the heart of the San Juan desert. We depart for Valle Fértil, enjoying the impressive scenery along the route as we approach Ischigualasto Provincial Park, a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site since 2000 for its extraordinary geological and paleontological value. Here we make the traditional daytime visit to the Valley of the Moon, comprised of four main stations: Valle Pintado, Cancha de Bochas, El Submarino and El Hongo, in an internal route of approximately 40 kilometers that allows us to appreciate the diversity and uniqueness of its geo‑forms. During the visit, we also explore the William Sill Interpretation Center, where we learn about the geological and paleontological history of the region. This place transports us to the Triassic period, about 230 million years ago, when the first mammals and dinosaurs appeared, among them one of the oldest found: the Eoraptor Lunensis. Each formation, from Valle Pintado to El Hongo, amazes us with its colors and shapes that seem sculpted by an artist, creating a surreal landscape that seems suspended in time. To reach Ischigualasto we travel via National Route 150, enjoying the views of Valle Fértil and its unique surroundings. Note that the entrance to the park is not included, and during the route, each visitor can delight in the natural and historical richness of this jewel of the San Juan desert.
Note: The Ischigualasto & Talampaya natural parks contain a complete sequence of continental fossiliferous sediments representing the entire Triassic period (about 45 million years) of geological history, says UNESCO. Imagine a plain populated by plants climbing over one another, with lagoons, swamps and strange reptiles moving among vegetation. That’s what this place was millions of years ago, in the Mesozoic Era, when the Andes had not yet existed and the Earth was a uniform mass not yet divided into continents. Hard to believe now, facing this blue sky that seems never to know rain; the greyish, arid, rocky ground, the gigantic red cliffs rising in the distance, and the strange rock shapes that alter the landscape. The stars of the itinerary are the gigantic stone figures sculpted over millennia by erosion and which popular imagination whimsically named: “El Gusano” (The Worm), “La Esfinge” (The Sphinx), “El Submarino” (The Submarine), “El Hongo” (The Mushroom). Not long ago one colossal figure called “La Lámpara de Aladino” collapsed, but as consolation, nature is a tenacious sculptor continuing to carve its work through wind erosion, rains, and temperature changes. The Earth, which until the Triassic period—about 225 million years ago—was inhabited only by plants and invertebrates, began to be invaded by reptiles. Here in Ischigualasto are found the remains of reptiles with mammalian characteristics among the oldest on Earth, which may explain key links in the evolution of species.
Day 11 - Talampaya National Park, La Rioja
We depart from Villa Unión with the objective of visiting Talampaya National Park. Villa Unión has about 6,000 inhabitants and lies in a valley between the pre‑cordillera and the formidable Famatina mountain chain, about 60 kilometers from the park.
Talampaya is a natural reserve containing archaeological and paleontological deposits, due to the large number of fossils found, such as *Lagosuchus talampayensis*, a Mesozoic era reptile. In summary, this park is the product of intense tectonic movements and wind erosion over millions of years. It covers 215,000 hectares, is famous for its incredible red rock cliffs and the various sculptural figures formed by wind erosion, and is a nesting site for condors. Its rocks date from the Triassic period of the Mesozoic Era, and the footprints of the first dinosaurs are recorded. Then we return to Villa Unión to spend the night or we return to San Juan. If you wish to see other excursion options in La Rioja, click here: Tours in La Rioja.
Note: The rock art of Talampaya Constitutes one of the most valuable indigenous manifestations in our country. The engravings on rocks located at the foot of the cliffs number over one hundred, representing stylized human figures, rhea footprints, felines and various signs and geometric figures still not interpreted. The most important core, called “Los Pizarrones,” is located along the bed of a seasonal stream tributary of the Talampaya River, on a smooth, flat rock sector of about fifteen meters long covered with engravings (petroglyphs) sculpted several centuries before the conquest. Remains of dwellings and stone walls, fragments of fired clay, lithic material from stone tool manufacture were also found in the area. It is presumed that in those times, about one thousand years ago, the climate was somewhat more humid.
Greater abundance of permanent water, vegetation and fauna would have facilitated the settlement of stable human groups and the development of their artistic, rock and craft expressions. Another natural attribute of great importance in the Talampaya area is its paleontological value. The entire valley between the Sierras de Sañogasta and Morada is of the same Triassic origin as the adjacent region of Ischigualasto or the Moon Valley in San Juan Province. These two natural areas are separated by the Sierra Morada. Before the uplift of the Andes, about 160 million years ago, these lands were low, swampy and humid, with lush tropical vegetation, ferns and large trees covered in lianas, populated by a varied fauna of aquatic and terrestrial reptiles, herbivores and carnivores, all of considerable size. The sedimentary rocks of the region house fossils corresponding to that prehistoric flora and fauna.
Day 12 - Chilecito & The Cuesta del Miranda
We enjoy a thrilling full-day excursion to Chilecito, crossing the impressive Cuesta de Miranda, famous for its nearly vertical tectonic plates and intense reddish color, reflecting millions of years of geological history. The Cuesta de Miranda is nestled between the Sierras de Famatina and the Sierras de Sañogasta and is one of the few well-maintained roads connecting the Chilecito Valley with the Cuyo region. It is the main route between Villa Unión and Chilecito, winding its way between the mountains and the canyon of the river of the same name, ending in a scenic route with dramatic curves and cliffs. As we ascend this majestic slope, we observe unique rock formations and landscapes that seem to belong to another era. Upon arriving in Chilecito, the second most important city in La Rioja, we delve into its mining history by visiting the Mining Museum, which displays tools, machinery, and stories showcasing the region's rich tradition. Chilecito lies in the Antinaco – Los Colorados Valley, surrounded by the Velasco and Famatina ranges. The area is known for its wine industry, as well as walnut and fruit cultivation. We continue our visit at the iconic Cable Car, stopping at Station 1 and then Station 2, from where we enjoy a spectacular panoramic view of the city and surrounding valleys. After this rich cultural and natural experience, we return to rest, concluding a day filled with stunning landscapes, history, and discovery in the heart of La Rioja.
We will overnight in Tinogasta (La Rioja) and continue towards Catamarca tomorrow.
Day 13 - Adobe Route & Fiambalá Hot Springs
The excursion takes us to discover the legendary Adobe Route, a cultural itinerary that traverses ancient adobe structures, heritage from indigenous peoples and colonial times. Along the way stand centuries‑old churches, historic chapels, and traditional mansions that seem to freeze time, inviting us to connect with the region’s history and identity. Every corner of the route holds stories of faith, tradition, and vernacular architecture, set against the arid and captivating landscape of western Catamarca. The journey continues to the famous Fiambalá Hot Springs (subject to availability of the thermal complex), a true natural treasure in the heart of the mountain range. There, thermal water flows through various natural pools at different temperatures, offering an ideal space to relax and enjoy its therapeutic benefits. Surrounded by imposing mountains, the hot springs combine rest, health, and nature, becoming an unforgettable experience for body and spirit. The tour ends in the picturesque town of Tinogasta, where accommodation is provided, closing a day that unites history, culture, and well‑being in one trip.
Day 14 - Inca Ruins of Shincal de Quimivil (Catamarca)
We begin the journey crossing landscapes that combine mountains, valleys, and villages rich in history, until we reach Londres, Catamarca, where the imposing Inca Ruins of Shincal stand—one of the most significant archaeological sites in South America. This site was founded by the Incas in the 15th century and became the capital of Collasuyo, the southernmost region of the Inca Empire. Across its 23 hectares remain ceremonial plazas, kallankas (large rectangular buildings), food storage houses, dwellings and remnants of roads that were part of the Qhapaq Ñan, the Inca road network designated a UNESCO World Heritage. Also noteworthy are the ushnu, a ceremonial platform used for rituals and offerings, and the tutelary hills surrounding the site, laden with sacred symbolism in the Andean worldview. The visit allows one to travel through time and understand how the Incas managed to organize an administrative, political, and religious center in this Catamarca valley, integrating the territory into their vast empire. Then we continue the journey toward the capital of La Rioja, passing through Aimogasta and Anillaco, until we reach the Los Sauces Dam— a landscape combining water, mountain, and tranquility. During the trip, we enjoy a tasting of typical products and have the opportunity to purchase regional goods that reflect local identity. The day ends with arrival in the city of La Rioja, where we will stay, closing a day that unites history, archaeology, and nature in a single journey.
Day 15 - Getting to Know San Fernando del Valle de Catamarca
We know the city of Catamarca during the morning. From the Basilica, the Paseo de la Fe, 25 de Mayo Square, San Francisco Convent up to the Handcraft Market. We set off to the Cuesta del Portezuelo arriving at the Dique Las Piquitas in the afternoon. The Cuesta del Portezuelo is a beautiful, long and winding road which is almost 1,700m over sea level, where we will have spectacular views of the Valle de Catamarca (the Catamarca Valley) crossed by the Paclin river and the Sierra de Ambato. This downhill has been immortalized in the zamba Paisaje de Catamarca, sung by the famous Argentine folklore group: Los Chalchaleros. During the journey we enjoy different towns by the roadside.
Day 16 - From Catamarca to Córdoba
Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to Catamarca bus station. Reception and transfer from the bus station in Córdoba to the hotel.
Day 17 - Getting to Know Córdoba
We take a tour of the most emblematic sites of the city, which allows us to learn about its history, architecture, and cultural life. We begin by visiting the Historic Center, where we admire the majestic Cathedral Church, a religious and architectural symbol of the city, the historic Cabildo, witness to the most important events in the region, and San Martín Square, a green space that combines history, art, and the daily life of Cordobans. We continue our walk towards the Jesuit Block, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000, where the impressive colonial architecture and cultural importance of this area for the foundation and development of Córdoba stand out. Later, we head to the Nueva Córdoba neighborhood, one of the most dynamic areas in economic, cultural, and recreational terms, where historic buildings blend with modern spaces of art, gastronomy, and entertainment. Nearby, we visit the Church of the Capuchins, a mid-20th-century neo-Gothic construction, the Paseo del Buen Pastor, a cultural and artistic center combining art, gastronomy, and public spaces, the Superior Museum of Fine Arts Palacio Ferreyra, with its rich collection of Argentine and Latin American art, and the Emilio Caraffa Museum of Contemporary Art, a reference for current artistic expressions. Finally, we stroll through Sarmiento Park, one of the oldest in South America, designed by the famous French architect Carlos Thays, a space that combines nature, history, and recreation, ideal to close our tour of the city.
Day 18 - Traslasierra, High Cumbres Road: Mina Clavero & Cura Brochero
Breakfast at the hotel. A visit to the distant and fascinating Traslasierra Valley becomes a journey truly worth taking, not only because of the beauty of the landscape but also for the unique experience it offers. This tour invites us to discover the impressive High Peaks Road, a route that winds through peaks and valleys, offering spectacular views at every turn, and to cross the famous Pampa de Achala, a highland area that dazzles with its vastness and pure, wild atmosphere. Along the way, the journey passes through part of the Quebrada del Condorito National Park and the Pampa de Achala Provincial Water Reserve, protected areas that conserve unique species of flora and fauna, especially highlighting the majestic Andean Condor, which soars over the canyons in a breathtaking spectacle for visitors. Descending into the valley, we pass through a series of picturesque mountain towns where life flows calmly, surrounded by nature and local traditions, offering genuine contact with the regional culture. During the tour, we also learn about the life and work of Saint Cura Brochero, known for his dedication and commitment to the welfare of the community, and visit the multifaceted Rocsen Museum, a place that surprises with its varied and unusual collection, covering science, art, history, and curiosities from all over the world. This trip combines adventure, nature, culture, and spirituality, offering each traveler an enriching and unforgettable experience. Does not include entry to Museums, Parks and/or Reserves, or Meals.
Day 19 - The Jesuit Estancias Road
In this tour, we head north to visit three of the Jesuit Estancias declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Colonia Caroya, Jesús María, and Santa Catalina, all located along the old Camino Real to Upper Peru. The first stop is in Colonia Caroya, a town marked by Italian immigration, whose influence is still present in the artisanal production of pasta, cheese, ham, salami, and wine. Here, we find the Jesuit Estancia founded in 1616, which became a key point in the system organized by the Jesuits. Next, we continue to the city of Jesús María, crossing the grounds where Argentina’s largest Festival of Horseback Riding and Folklore is held every January, to visit the Estancia de Jesús María, built in 1618. Its museum invites us to explore rooms of great value, particularly the archaeological collection and the Cusco sacred art. Finally, we arrive at the Estancia de Santa Catalina, founded in 1622, known for its monumental church, considered one of the most outstanding examples of colonial Baroque in Argentina. During its heyday, Santa Catalina was an important livestock production center with thousands of cattle, sheep, and mules, which supplied the entire region. At the end of our circuit, we head back to the city of Córdoba, crossing the picturesque Sierras Chicas area. The history of these estancias is best understood by remembering that the Society of Jesus, founded by Saint Ignatius of Loyola in 1540, was one of the most influential Catholic orders in the world. Between 1599, the year of their arrival in Córdoba, and 1767, when they were expelled by order of King Carlos III of Spain, the Jesuits developed a vast cultural, social, and economic system that left an indelible mark on the province, and whose legacy can still be felt today in these heritage treasures. Entrance fees to Museums, Parks, and/or Reserves, and Meals are not included.
Day 20 - La Cumbrecita & Villa General Belgrano
The excursion invites us to discover one of the most charming jewels of the Sierras of Córdoba: La Cumbrecita, the first pedestrian village in Argentina and South America, a place that seems to transport us to an authentic Central European landscape in the middle of the Calamuchita Valley. The tour begins in the morning, crossing picturesque towns such as Alta Gracia, Anizacate, La Bolsa, Villa Los Aromos, La Serranita, and La Rancherita. From Villa Ciudad de América, nature offers us unforgettable postcards with panoramic views of the Los Molinos Reservoir, where we pause at one of its viewpoints to contemplate the serenity of the lake framed by mountains. Continuing the ascent to the Sierras Grandes, we reach 1,450 meters above sea level, where La Cumbrecita is located, a village declared a multiple-use reserve. Its streets are exclusively for pedestrians, and there flourish coniferous forests and Alpine-style buildings that evoke life in an Alpine village. There we take a walk along the traditional circuit, visiting emblematic spots such as La Olla, the Ecumenical Church, and the picturesque Waterfall, where water and greenery blend into a dreamlike natural setting. The experience continues in Villa General Belgrano, a town founded by German immigrants, famous for its Tyrolean architecture, exquisite Central European gastronomy, and craft beer production. Its celebrations, such as Oktoberfest, the Alpine Chocolate Festival, and the Viennese Dough Festival, have made it a cultural icon of the region. On the way back, we take an alternative provincial route that leads us through the town of Los Reartes and the tributaries of Lake Los Molinos — rivers such as Los Reartes, Del Medio, Los Espinillos, and San Pedro — crossing Potrero de Garay and Villa Ciudad de América, closing a day where nature, history, and traditions combine in an unforgettable experience.
Day 21 - Córdoba
Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to Córdoba Airport. End of our services.