Argentina For The Luxury Traveler: The Insider Guide to Argentina’s Famous Regions (part 1)

Argentina has had a turbulent history, rising from a poor country to one of the wealthiest nations in the world in just a century and then falling again due to the aftermath of the war on the world economy.

“Modern Argentina is 100 years old, a century that has been equally divided into the history of its growth and that of its decline. In 1880 few could have guessed that half a century later, that uninhabited, remote and poor country would… rank among the top five nations in the world by per capita income.” – Translated from ‘La Cuestion Argentina’ by Raul Alfonsin

It is this storied history that helps give Argentina its charm…

Although the country was originally settled by many different tribes of indigenous people, in 1516 the Spanish started to arrive and colonize the country. Today, this blend of indigenous and European influences is still evident across the various regions in the culture, the food and the people. As you travel across Argentina and take in the different landscapes and unique cultures, you may feel as though you have traveled to several different countries.

Considered one of the most culturally diverse countries in the world, there’s a reason many of our Travel Experts and other team members decided to make Argentina their home. In fact, Blue Parallel’s founder lived here while establishing the company and Argentina was one of the first destinations in Blue Parallel’s portfolio of private, luxury tours.

The silver jewel of South America, Argentina is a country with endless attractions, a fascinating, convoluted history, and a vibrant cultural landscape – not to mention its vibrant and beautiful natural landscapes. This bustling corner of the world has a lot to offer and has left its mark on a global scale in many ways.

We’re going to take a closer look at each region in a three-part blog series, discussing what you can expect from a luxury tour to each area. In part one, we look at the Northwest and the Northeast…

Street leading to the striped Hill of Seven Colored lined with white and brown buildings in the mountain town of Purmamarca

Spotlight: The Northwest

A captivating collision of colonial and indigenous cultures can be seen across the Northwest of Argentina, one of the country’s most traditional regions. Here, you can journey through the birthplace of Argentina, taking in its rich history and fascinating culture while enjoying spectacular natural landscapes.

The Landscapes

One of the most endearing aspects of Argentina’s Northwest region is its breathtaking landscapes. Embark on an adventurous drive and witness a variety of natural wonders, from rugged mountains, deep canyons and wide valleys, to large salt flats and dense vineyards…

We recommend taking a private tour to the Salinas Grandes, a large salt flat spanning both Salta and Jujuy. The third largest in the world, these breathtaking salt flats deliver unforgettables views, with one direction showing a stunning, snow-like ground melting into bright blue skies and the other, displaying the red Mars-like mountains of the Andes.

A colorful striped hill known as the Hill of Seven Colors against a blue sky near Purmamarca, Argentina

The iconic Hill of the Seven Colors, or Cerro de los Siete Colores, is also located in the Northwest. This unusual phenomenon was formed underwater, with each layer formed from different minerals and sediments, and is a must-see for travelers visiting Jujuy.

A visit to Argentina’s Northwest region would not be complete without taking a private tour of Cafayate in the Calchaquí Valleys. Known for its native Torrontés grape, Cafayate is home to a number of excellent wineries, some of the world’s highest vineyards and Argentina’s oldest recorded living vineyard which was planted in 1862.

DOWNLOAD OUR BESPOKE NORTHERN ARGENTINA JOURNEY PDF

As well as being a perfect destination for wine-enthusiasts, Cafayate’s spectacular natural landscapes of colorful mountains and unusual rock formations are an attraction in their own right. Spend some time exploring the Calchaquí Valley and discover tropical woods, mountains and more.

The Culture

The Northwest is home to a significant indigenous population which maintains a notable sway over the region. Vibrant village markets, thousand-year-old fortresses and traditional crops of quinoa, corn and potatoes are just a few of the indigenous qualities that remain present.

A strong European influence from the rich colonial heritage can also be recognized, as well as some cultural impact from the more recent immigration of people from neighboring Latin countries like Bolivia.

Spain’s colonial legacy is evident in the region’s stunning architecture. The style can be characterized by sculptural, arabesque décor combined with heavily ornamented architectural elements, such as Salta’s iconic San Francisco Convent which boasts bright walls, red and gold paintwork, detailed sculptures and intricate tapestry.

Vineyards in front of Bodega El Esteco with mountains in the distance in Northern Argentina during a luxury trip

The Food

The food in the Northwest of Argentina is typical of its Andean heritage, with stews, empanadas, and humita – a pre-Hispanic dish consisting of fresh corn wrapped in corn husk and steamed – all proving extremely popular with locals.

Due to its agro-ecological diversity which sees different climates, altitudes and soils across the region, the Northwest boasts a vast range of incredible, fresh ingredients, such as olives, grapes and citrus fruits.

DOWNLOAD OUR BESPOKE NORTHERN ARGENTINA JOURNEY PDF

The Activities

The Northwest is not short of unique activities and luxury travel experiences…

Discover the Andes with a private hiking tour from Jujuy. Follow hiking trails through the narrow mountain valley of Quebrada de Humahuaca, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to the fascinating town of Tilcara, including the pre-Inca fortification of Pucará.

A road winds between jagged hills known as Quebrada de las Flechas near Salta during a private tour of Argentina

Jujuy is also home to the incredible Salinas Grandes salt flats and the majestic Hill of the Seven Colors, both of which can be explored during private, bespoke tours.

In Cafayate, we can arrange exclusive vineyard tours and private wine tastings with expert sommeliers at some of the area’s best wineries, including El Esteco, Bodega Piatelli, and San Pedro de Yacochuya.

Outdoor adventurers and nature enthusiasts will also enjoy a hike through the extraordinary landscapes of the Quebrada de las Conchas to admire the unusual rock formations that weave between the cities of Salta and Cafayate.

The Accommodation

Luxury accommodation in the Northwest of Argentina makes the most of the region’s unparalleled natural beauty, offering incredible views and facilities.

We have an extensive portfolio of luxury hotels in this area, including:

Manantial del Silencio, Jujuy: located next to the Quebrada de Purmamarca River and the Hill of Seven Colors, this neocolonial-style hotel delivers when it comes to views. It also benefits from a large garden with a swimming pool, as well as a delightful spa offering luxury treatments after a long day exploring the local area.
House of Jasmines, Salta: this expansive estancia, which was originally owned by actor Robert Duvall and his Argentine wife, captures the warmth of the Argentinean Northwest beautifully. The estancia has been designed with optimum comfort in mind, offering luxurious rooms, a 100-hectare park and a wellness center with spa and outdoor swimming pool – all just a stone’s throw away from the Andes.
Patios de Cafayate Hotel, Cafayate: nestled in the stunning valleys, this elegant hotel boasts its own vineyards, a swimming pool and luxury spa which can all be explored at leisure.

Private helicopter flight over Iguazu Falls

Spotlight: The Northeast

The Northeast region of Argentina has a somewhat subtropical climate, boasting endless greenery, vegetation and wildlife. From still, mysterious wetlands and striking red soil, to the most powerful waterfall system on earth, its staggering landscapes make it a fantastic destination for nature enthusiasts, wildlife lovers and outdoor adventurers.