Road trip from Mendoza to Salta
9 days / 8 nights
DAY 1
Mendoza
Welcome to Mendoza! Many visitors say that it is the most beautiful city in Argentina. Let yourself be seduced by a fine drop of local wine.
DAY 2
Mendoza - Barreal
With your rental car you start your road trip towards north today. Take the Ruta 52 in the direction to the Reserva Natural Villavicencio with its thermal baths. The journey takes you via Uspallata to the province of San Juan, also known as the "Land of the Sun". It is worth taking a detour to the El Leoncito National Park. Steppe-like landscapes, remnants of the Inca Way and occasionally a guanaco await you here. The park's isolated location and dry weather also makes it an ideal place for astronomy research. In the national park there is also the Pampa del Leoncito, a seemingly infinitely wide clay desert without vegetation.
DAY 3
Barreal
Today you can do excursions in the surroundings of El Barreal. In the western reserve of Los Morrillos you can admire old rock carvings from the times before the Incas and the beautiful landscape. Or explore the magnificent Galingasta Valley at the foot of the Mercedario (6,770 m). In the late afternoon, a hike on the eastern edge of El Barreal is worthwhile: The last rays of the day illuminate the bizarre rock formations and create a mystical atmosphere.
DAY 4
Barreal - Villa Union
You leave El Barreal behind and take the legendary Ruta 40 from Talacasto. Barren landscapes in front of impressive mountain panoramas pass you on the drive. On the way you pass the small town of San José de Jachal. Then you will reach your destination of today, Villa Union.
DAY 5
Talampaya and Ischigualsto National Park
Today you should head south to the impressive Talampaya National Park: The enormous rock walls and nature-shaped rock figures will impress you! In the nearby "Moon valley" or Ischigualasto Nature Reserve, the amazement continues.
DAY 6
Villa Union - Belen
You follow the Ruta 40 to the east. The Cuesta de Miranda winds its way through the picturesque mountains in a steep downhill. You will pass through the city of Chilecito, a green oasis with many wine plantations as well as walnut and fruit trees. Then you reach your destination of the day, the small town of Belén in the province of Catamarca.
DAY 7
Belen- Cafayate
Today you continue your journey on the Ruta 40 to the north. Before you reach your destination, you drive a short distance through the province of Tucumen. Take the opportunity to stop at the ancient ruins of the Quilmes people. Finally you reach the wine village of Cafayate, known for its white wines (Torrontés).
DAY 8
Cafayate - Cachi - Salta
Take one of the most impressive routes in Argentina, along the rock formations of the city of Cachi. Then drive from Cachi to Salta. On the track there are plenty of natural wonders to see, enjoy the scenery.
DAY 8
Salta
Depending on the time of departure, you will go to Salta Airport, where you will drop off your rental car and take your flight.