EXPERIENCES

Departure to reach the full Patagonian steppe: 130 km northeast of Esquel and in the middle of the Chubut River valley - passing before by Gualjaina town- we arrive at Piedra Parada Nature Reserve, where an imposing volcanic stone stands 210 meters high. From there we begin a trekking entering the Cañadón de la Buitrera, flanked by 150-meter-high walls, which gradually decrease as we advance into the area. This place was the “caldera” of an ancient volcano, whose chimney solidified and gave rise to very peculiar geoforms. The ancient walls with traces of the incandescent material also treasure cave paintings that left the ancient populations of the area. Climbers from all over the world come to the Protected Natural Area.

Magic in the land of Malbec; let's experience floral aromas, violets, red fruit, and fresh spices. Guided by expert guides, we will visit the wineries where the best Argentine wines are born: • Benegas Winery is located in Luján de Cuyo, in a building from 1901 that was constructed by the governor of Mendoza, Agustín Álvarez. Federico Benegas Lynch bought this winery in 1999 and it took him five years to restore it, preserving its original design with adobe walls and cement vats, while incorporating new temperature control technology. • On the southern bank of the Mendoza River, you'll find Matervini Winery, which was founded in 2008. Starting with the same grape variety, the grapes from different terroirs produce wines with absolutely different characteristics. It's a journey from traditional soils to unexplored ones, from younger to older, and non-alluvial soils. Matervini is the search for the unknown, the new in the old. • The pairing of Malbec and Argentine gastronomy comes to life at Finca Decero Winery. This is the result of the extraordinary vision of its owner, Swiss entrepreneur Mr. Thomas Schmidheiny, who discovered the unparalleled potential of the Agrelo region in Mendoza to create a unique and sophisticated winery surrounded by its own vineyards, which he named Remolinos. (On Tuesdays, this winery is closed to tourism and is replaced by another one.)

We depart from Salta toward San Antonio de los Cobres, Salinas Grandes, and Purmamarca, following a route parallel to the “Train to the Clouds” railway line, through the Quebrada del Toro. We begin the ascent until reaching 4,080 m (13,386 ft) above sea level and arrive at San Antonio de los Cobres. Here we take a break with time for lunch; then we cross Route 40 until we reach the Salinas Grandes, right at the border between Salta and Jujuy. Next, we start the descent via the Cuesta de Lipán—where condors are often spotted—until reaching the town of Purmamarca and its famous Hill of Seven Colors.