Exploring Northwestern Argentina: A Photographer's Paradise

As our small group of photographers sets out to explore Northwestern Argentina, excitement and anticipation fill the air. We've heard tales of this region's dramatic landscapes and rich cultural heritage, but nothing truly prepares us for the visual feast that awaits. This adventure promises culture, landscapes, and beautiful photography.

Emerging from the colonial center of Jujuy, we find ourselves in the temperate Siancas and Lerma valleys. Here, we capture the interplay of light and shadow across undulating fields and rugged escarpments.  The golden hour bathes the landscape in warm hues, creating a photographer's smorgasbord. The challenge is where to aim your camera!

Climbing higher into the Calchaquí Valleys and Quebrada de Humahuaca, the air grows thinner, and the scenery more surreal. Ancient trade routes snake through the terrain, and we pause to photograph pack animals laden with goods—a living connection to the region's past from pre-Inca civilizations to the Inca and Spanish colonizers. The Algarrobo trees, gnarled sentinels of the valleys, provide endless compositions against the backdrop of colorful mountain ranges.

This region offers countless captivating subjects. We encounter towering Cardón cacti, spiked giants dotting the landscape between 5,900 and 9,900 feet. Their silhouettes create striking shapes against the vivid sky. Between November and February, summer here, we aim to capture their delicate blooms, which appear briefly due to intermittent rains.

Throughout the journey, our guides regale us with stories of the region's complex history as we explore canyons and ridges above deep dry valleys. Photography of adobe dwellings comes easy, with doors and beams crafted from the wood of the Cardón cacti—testament to the resourcefulness of the local people living in harmony with their environment.

The grand finale of this photographic odyssey is the Puna—a high-altitude plateau that takes your breath away, both literally and figuratively. At an average elevation of 13,000 feet, we find ourselves in an otherworldly landscape of vast salt flats and looming volcanoes. The photographic challenge here is capturing the immense scale and solitude. The details and juxtaposition of carved stones against winding canyons and small rivers offer endless angles. Experimenting with long exposures to blur the movement of clouds across the endless sky and using human subjects to provide a sense of scale against the expansive salt flats enhances the experience.

Reviewing images during downtime and in the evenings, we are struck by the incredible diversity captured in a relatively small geographical area. From arid deserts to rugged canyons and salt flats to multi-colored layered mountains, Northwestern Argentina provides a lifetime of photographic memories.

All great adventures eventually draw to a close, but we've only scratched the surface of what this region offers photographers and explorers. Hopefully, this initial foray sparks an interest in visiting some of the more remote areas soon. This land of undiscovered treasures will remain, as the Andes keep rising, the winds keep blowing, and the canyons and rivers fill with summer rains. The next hidden wonder of Northwestern Argentina awaits, hiding from the crowds.

INCLUDED:

• airport Transfers IN and OUT of Jujuy & Salta, Argentina
• private vehicle and professional driver
• bi-lingual photographer guide
• all hotel / hostel /estancia accommodations for all nights (based on double occupancy)
• all daily meals as denoted on the itinerary as ‘B, L, D’ (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
• all entry fees and permits to protected areas, national parks and museums
• bottled water per person per day
• snacks during the whole trip
• more than 25 years of tourism experience

NOT INCLUDED:  

• international airfare to destination country
• domestic airfare from Lima to Cusco
• visa requirement and fees
• personal expenses of any kind (liquor, laundry, personal purchases, etc.)
• any meals not specifically included in the itinerary
• telephone, email, mobile phone, Wi-Fi services
• emergency evacuation expenses
• personal travel or health insurance, doctor visits
• personal equipment and clothing
• gratuities to guides, drivers and other personel

We, of course, would do whatever is necessary in case of medical emergency and evacuate to the closest hospital or clinic to make sure you receive medical care.

It's likely you will arrive in the city of Buenos Aires before connecting to your domestic flight to northern Argentina.  The airport for your arrival in Jujuy is Gobernador Horacio Guzmán International Airport. Upon arrival in Jujuy, you will be greeted by your local bi-lingual guide, who will introduce you to the region's vibrant culture and history. You will then embark on a quick 30-minute drive to your hotel in the heart of Jujuy. After settling in, enjoy a welcome dinner featuring local cuisine, providing a perfect introduction to the flavors of Northwest Argentina.  The altitude of Jujuy is 4,131 ft (1,259 m), so altitude should not be an issue, but we are here to help if you need anything.

Hotel: Altos de la Viña (4*)

Meals included: Dinner

After a hearty breakfast, embark on a scenic drive north to the Quebrada de Humahuaca. As you ascend, witness the rapid transformation of landscapes from lush greenery to rugged mountain terrain. Your first stop is Yala, where you'll explore the verdant Yungas forest, a biodiversity hotspot. We continue to the historic Posta de Hornillos, a former staging post from colonial times, where you'll learn about the region's rich history. At an appointed time we will enjoy lunch en route. Upon arriving in Tilcara, check into your hotel and spend the late afternoon exploring the Pucará de Tilcara, an ancient pre-Inca fortress offering panoramic views of the Quebrada. The evening is yours to explore the charming town of Tilcara and dine at your leisure.

Hotel: Las Terrazas Tilcara (4*)

Meals Included: B, L (Dinner is on your own to explore great options)

Begin your day with a journey to the picturesque town of Humahuaca, characterized by its adobe homes and vibrant markets. Continue to the quaint village of Cianzo, where agricultural fields stretch as far as the eye can see. Here, enjoy a box lunch made from local ingredients. In the afternoon, head to the stunning Serranía del Hornocal, known for its multi-colored hills, often referred to as the "Hill of 14 Colors." Capture the breathtaking views as the sun sets, casting a golden glow over the landscape. Return to Tilcara for dinner.

Hotel: Las Terrazas Tilcara

Meals Included: B, L (Dinner is on your own to explore great options)

This morning, explore Juella and the Quebrada de las Señoritas, regions steeped in local legend and natural beauty. For lunch, savor a meal at Yacoraite Vineyards, renowned for their exquisite wines. Continue to the small church in Uquía, home to a collection of paintings by indigenous artists. Visit local weavers and learn about traditional textile-making techniques. Your day concludes in Purmamarca, a village famous for its striking Cerro de los Siete Colores (Hill of Seven Colors).

Hotel: La Comarca de Purmamarca

Meals Included: B, L (Dinner is on your own to explore great options)

Rise early for a sunrise walk to photograph the iconic Cerro de los Siete Colores, watching as the morning light illuminates the vibrant bands of color. Explore the Camino de Los Colorados and wander through Purmamarca's bustling street market. Afterward, drive up the dramatic Cuesta de Lipán, transitioning from high valleys to the vast, arid expanse of the Puna or Altiplano region. In the early afternoon, arrive at the otherworldly Salinas Grandes salt flats. Visit the small town of San Francisco de Alfarcito and return to the salt flats for a stunning sunset. End the day in Susques.

Hotel: Pastos Chicos

Meals included: B, L, D

This is a full-day adventure in the volcanic altiplano, traveling along Route 40. Journey through the desolate yet mesmerizing landscapes, passing by the Huancar and Sey regions. Stop at the Tuzgle Volcano for breathtaking views and photo opportunities. In the late afternoon, capture the striking Viaducto de La Polvorilla, a remarkable feat of engineering. Conclude the day in San Antonio de los Cobres, a quaint town high in the Andes.

Hotel: Hotel de las Nubes

Meals included: B, L, D

Begin your descent from the high altiplano into the lush, green valleys below via the Quebrada del Toro. This dramatic gorge offers numerous photo opportunities with its towering cliffs and verdant landscapes. Upon reaching Salta, settle into your hotel and enjoy an evening in this vibrant city known for its colonial architecture and lively atmosphere.

Hotel: Solar de la Plaza

Meals Included: B, L (Dinner is on your own to explore great options)

Set off early for a drive to Cachi, ascending the Cuesta del Obispo. At the mountain pass of Piedra del Molino, witness the transition from the lush Lerma Valley to the arid Calchaqui Valley. Drive through Los Cardones National Park, where the landscape is dotted with giant cacti. Explore the Tonco Valley, capturing photos of its unique sedimentary formations. Arrive in the picturesque, whitewashed town of Cachi by late afternoon.

Hotel: La Merced del Alto

Meals Included: B, L (Dinner is on your own to explore great options)

Journey along the famed Route 40, one of the longest and most scenic roads in the world. Travel through the surreal rock formations of the Quebrada de las Flechas and visit a local community to learn about traditional Andean weaving. Enjoy lunch at an old colonial hacienda, immersing yourself in the history of the Calchaquí Valley. In the afternoon, explore the vibrant red formations of the Quebrada de las Conchas before arriving in Cafayate.

Hotel: Los Castillos

Meals Included: B, L (Dinner is on your own to explore great options)

Spend the day in the enchanting town of Cafayate, surrounded by sand dunes, colorful mountains, and sprawling vineyards. Visit a local winery and sample some of Argentina's finest wines. Capture the stunning sunset, with the vivid colors of the landscape creating a perfect backdrop for photography. To end the day we enjoy a group farewell dinner in Cafayate.

Hotel: Hostería Pueblo del Sol

Meals included: B, L, D

Begin your final day before departing in the afternoon with a morning photo session in the Quebrada de las Conchas, known for its unique rock formations and marine fossils. After capturing the beauty of this area, continue your journey back to Salta. Arrive at Salta airport in the late afternoon for your departure.

Hotel: Hostería Pueblo del Sol  (**see below)

**ONLY included IF you are adding the 5-day expedition to the Puna region

Meals Included: B, L (Dinner is on your own to explore great options)