Your Guide to the Pack Ya Bags site

Click anywhere on the map below to find the country you would like to travel to

Click anywhere on the photographs below to find your interest search

To other tours in Argentina

ANDEAN EXPLORER 15 days Andean World. Depart from Buenos Aires Talampaya National Park
The Andean World was one of the very first regions seen by the early European explorers in the XVI century. According to their chronicles, they were astonished and fascinated by the incredibly large scale of its beauty. Afterwards, crossing infinite deserts, descending into the deepest, most colorful gorges, and traversing the strong, white, arid “Altiplano” they discovered a civilization which, at that time, had already changed the cultural map of a region that would nowadays cover an area of at least five South American countries. Come with us to discover the “Kollasuyo”, the southern region in the Empire of the Incan Sun.
Day 1: Reception Transfer from International Airport to hotel in downtown Buenos Aires. At 07.00 PM briefing at hotel in Buenos Aires with tour leader. Overnight stay in hotel. Day 2: Transfer to domestic airport and flight to La Rioja. Meet the driver and do some brief sightseeing in the city to see the local faces and experience the atmosphere. Transfer to the hotel in Villa Union. BLD Day 3: Travel towards the Andes to the Talampaya National Park. Take a half day hike through the Talampaya National Park. The dramatic geology of the Yacoraite formation is a feast for the eyes, creating a breathtaking 80 meters deep, red canyon and the most unbelievable shapes ever seen amongst the pre-Incan rock carvings. Then, explore the deep, white-sandstone landscape of Ischigualasto Provincial Park, discovering some of the most unique remains in the world’s natural history like fossilized leaves, dinosaur skeletons and the amazing wind erosion formations in one of the only Triassic Parks in the Americas. Visitors can take a 3 hr hike to offer panoramic views of the park. BLD Day 4: Full day drive to Chilecito passing by the marvelous Miranda Gorge where “La Mexicana” mine and the longest cable car in the world are located. Then continue northwards following the line of the high, snow-capped Andes passing by Famatina town and the famous “Patero” (foot-smashed) vineyard, where locals make wines with regional grapes such as Torrontes and Barbera. Outcrops of the beautiful and unique Argentine pink semi-precious stone, the Rodocrosite mineral, are also in the area. Drive along the National Road 40 and visit the largest Inca ruins in Argentina, the mythical “Shincal”. Arrive at Belen town hostel. BLD Day 5: Guests spend the morning visiting the artisan world of Belen, famous for its Lama and Vicuña wool Ponchos. Some of the finest Indian pottery can be found here as well. Traveling north, discover the different national historical heritage chapels of Hualfin valley, a unique landscape where the road (an old Inca trail) represents a border between the contrasting nature of the desert and the fertile valleys. Arrive in the Santa Maria region famous for its archeological sites full of ancient pottery. After checking in we organize a hike around the Quilmes Indian Ruins, visiting the citadel ruins, a witness of one of the fiercest cultures that resisted Spanish domination for years (and also gave the name to the most popular Argentine beer!). Hotel BLD
Day 6: Drive north visiting famous wine cellars and the handicraft city of Cafayate (wine tasting included) and descend into the Calchaquies valleys to reach the stunning Las Flechas Gorge where visitors can take a short walk among deep white sandstone outcrops. After visiting Indian villages like Seclantas and Molinos (including the unique Vicuñas’ farm), arrive at Cachi, a charming Indian town in the foothills of Mt. Cachi (6,300 meters). Settle into accommodations at a hostel briefly before visiting the famous archeological museum and ancient chapel. BLD Day 7: Today includes a half day hike in the area of Cachi Adentro, a narrow valley full of farms, Indian ruins in the foothills of the stunning Cachi Mount. “Cachi” in Inca language means “salt”, for it is believed that this was the former salt route. Cachi Mount is one of the highest peaks in northwest Argentina and is used for training climbers who will attempt the Aconcagua Mount. Hopefully, there will be great views this day. BLD Day 8: Today, visit the north part of the region, visiting the old town of La Poma, which was partly destroyed by an earthquake and became a ghost town with well preserved rock houses. Visit the origins of the Calchaqui River and its caverns, Inca stores and the stunning Twin Volcanoes. BLD Day 9: After visiting the chapel and square, drive to Salta down the amazing Obispo Gorge, probably the most stunning view for people who love mountain roads, descending approximately 1000 meters to the Lerma Valley.  Arrive in Salta city. Hotel. BL Day 10: Late morning visiting the most beautiful city in northwest Argentina, walking its historical streets. Salta is full of shops, a picturesque food market and squares.  Spend the rest of the day at leisure. B Day 11: Drive north to famous Humahuaca Gorge through a subtropical jungle road, visiting Jujuy city and the Indian villages of Tilcara, Humahuaca, Uquia and Purmamarca, a tiny colonial town in the foothills of the famous Seven Colors Mountain. If time allows, visitors can take a relaxed walk. Spend the night in a hostel. BLD Day 12: Today travelers head west driving towards the Andes ascending Lipan Gorge, crossing infinite deep, white salt lakes with hundreds of flamingoes and finally get into Chile (the highest pass crossed today will be 4.600 meters) among beautiful (and some active) volcanoes like Lascar and Licancabur. Arrive at the oasis of San Pedro de Atacama. Stay in hotel overnight. BL Day 13: Easy morning visiting the legendary and original town and its great archeological museum. In the late afternoon, the magnificent reddish clay and salt range better known as the world famous Moon Valley merits a visit. Sunset here is unforgettable. Stay in hotel. B Day 14: Today we visit the famous Tatio Geysers early in the morning and experience a feast for the eyes and imagination. In the afternoon there will be free time for horse riding, biking or visiting Atacama Salt Lake with its magnificent flamingoes. Overnight in hotel. B Day 15: Transfer to Calama Airport and a flight to Santiago (ask for our “Santiago Extension”) / / or to San Pedro de Atacama Bus Terminal to start an Overland Trip from Uyuni Salt Lake to La Paz, Bolivia (ask for our Uyuni Extension).B
Includes: All transfers mentioned, meals (B; L or D) as mentioned, experienced English (and Spanish) speaking tour leader. When group is 4 to 6 pax, private transport is provided from day 1 to 11, transfer to ATACAMA is by comfortable public bus services in San Pedro de Atacama are provided in SIB English. Tour leader is included from Day 2 to 12 when passengers board the Bus to San Pedro de Atacama. More than 7 pax all transport is provided in private the tour leader join the group from La Rioja to San Pedro de Atacama (day 2 to 15). Also included are hotels, hostels in double rooms, National Park entrance fees, local airport taxes. Does not include: Tips, insurance, visas, optional tours, meals not mentioned, etc.
Food, Treks and Accommodation There is a local payment of U$D 200 to be paid to the tour leader on arrival and covers diverse operational expenses. All meals are included at hostels in the mountains or isolated places. In cities, travelers have freedom to choose when no meal is included. Travelers should allow approx U$D 10.- for each meal not included in the itinerary. Boxed lunches are included during every trek. Accommodation is in tourist class hotels and clean and comfortable hostels, mainly on a double room basis. During treks it is not necessary to carry heavy backpacks, only a water bottle, sun cream, rain jacket and the pack lunch; therefore a small rucksack is recommended. General information It is best not to carry a lot of money in travelers’ checks as shops in Argentina avoid accepting them. US dollars cash is accepted and there are ATMs in most of the night stops. Credit cards like VISA and MASTERCARD are accepted in Salta and other towns. Suggested clothing and other equipment: “Camel-back” water hydration backpack or water bottle,  sun cream, windproof jacket, rain trousers, sun visor or cap, Gore-Tex anorak, thermal shirt, fleece, T-shirts, cycling shorts are all essential. It can get cold at night and the weather is unpredictable. Some roads are in poor condition.
To make a reservation please do not hesitate to call us either by the request form or email to info@packyabags.com If you do not see what you would like please ask as we have product throughout the world that may not be on this site