Northwest Argentina: Ancient Legacies, Contemporary Cultures

Explore the archaeology, geography, and cultures of the southern Andes

With optional post-trip extension to the Atacama Desert, Chile (November 16–20, 2013)

November 4–17, 2013

$9,495 (member*)
$9,695 (nonmember)

Deposit: $1,000
Balance due: Aug. 4, 2013

*Minimum $100 level
(see Membership)

Optional Extension to the Atacama Desert, Chile:

November 16–20, 2013

Tuition: $5,495
Deposit: $500

Looking for a destination off the beaten path? The northwest corner of Argentina abounds in natural beauty and is home to some of the most fascinating cultures of the ancient world—yet remains largely unknown to most travelers. In this unique exploration of the southern Andes, we discover the extraordinary geography, archaeology, and people of the remote Calchaquí Valleys and Quebrada de Humahuaca (Humahuaca Gorge).

Led by archaeologist Dr. José María Vaquer, we traverse high deserts, deep gorges, and rugged mountains throughout the Salta and Jujuy provinces in search of pre-Inca and Inca-period settlements dating from the tenth through early sixteenth centuries A.D. Our tour also includes visits to charming Spanish colonial cities, lively markets, tango dance halls, and high-altitude vineyards.

Tour rarely visited archaeological sites, including Tolombón, Fuerte Quemado, Quilmes, Las Pailas, La Paya, Los Amarillos, and the Tilcara pukara

Learn how the expansion of the Inca and Spanish empires in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries profoundly changed indigenous cultures

Visit remote mountain villages whose cobblestone streets and tranquil plazas evoke a bygone era—and where you can experience the unique blending of cultures that characterizes rural Argentina today

Traverse the magnificent Quebrada de Cafayate in Salta Province and the Quebrada de Humahuaca (a UNESCO World Heritage site) in Jujuy Province

Discover the vineyards of the Cafayate region, renowned for its torrontés and other fine wines

Explore "classic" Buenos Aires—from the historic Zanjón de Granados to the bustling night life (including tango!)

Scholar

Dr. José María Vaquer is professor of precolumbian art at the National Arts Institute University (IUNA) in Buenos Aires. José's research interests include precolumbian use of the landscape in the southern Andes during the Regional Development and Inca periods; the relationship between archaeology and social theory; and how interpretations of the past are relevant to today's world.

Summary Itinerary

A detailed itinerary is available in the program brochure (PDF). Itinerary subject to change.

For larger map, click here.

Monday, November 4
Arrival in Buenos Aires, Argentina; introduction; lodging at Loi Suites Recoleta Hotel (D)

Tuesday, November 5
"Classic" Buenos Aires: colonial architecture, street markets, historic barrio of San Telmo (including art galleries and historic Zanjón de Granados), tango dancing; lodging at Loi Suites Recoleta Hotel (B, D)

Wednesday, November 6
Salta: Flight to Salta, followed by walking tour of historic district, including plaza and cathedral; evening peña (food, drink, music); lodging at Sheraton Hotel (B, D)

Thursday, November 7
Salta: Museum of Anthropology (precolumbian cultures of the southern Andes); free time to explore Salta; lodging at Sheraton Hotel (B)

Friday, November 8
Scenic drive through the Quebrada de Cafayate, along the Rio de las Conchas; view rock art near Guachipas; arrive Cafayate; lodging at Viñas de Cafayate Wine Resort (B, L)

Saturday, November 9
Cafayate: cathedral, wine museum, wine tasting; lodging at Viñas de Cafayate Wine Resort (B)

Sunday, November 10
Archaeological sites of Cafayate region: Tolombón, Fuerte Quemado, and Quilmes; lodging at Viñas de Cafayate Wine Resort (B)

Monday, November 11
Drive old Inca trail to village of Cachi; tour archaeological museum; lodging at La Merced del Alto. (B, L)

Tuesday, November 12
Archaeological sites of Calchaquí Valleys, near Cachi: Las Pailas, La Paya (including La Casa Morada de La Paya), and Cortaderas; lodging at La Merced del Alto (B)

Wednesday, November 13
Drive from Cachi to Salta, via Los Cardones National Park; lodging at Sheraton Hotel (B)

Thursday, November 14
Travel from Salta to Purmamarca via the Quebrada de Humahuaca; see Puna Plateau, Salinas Grandes Salt Flats, and Cerro de los Siete Colores (Seven Colors Hill); lodging at Hotel Manantial del Silencio (B)

Friday, November 15
Explore archaeological sites of the Quebrada de Humahuaca: Los Amarillos and Tilcara pukara (including museum); lodging at Hotel Manantial del Silencio (B)

Saturday, November 16
Drive back to Salta for flight to Buenos Aires; farewell dinner; lodging at Loi Suites Recoleta Hotel (B, L, D)

Sunday, November 17
Departure from Buenos Aires (B)

Optional Post-Trip Extension to the Atacama Desert, Chile:

A detailed itinerary is available in the program brochure (PDF). Itinerary subject to change.

Saturday, November 16
Drive from Salta, Argentina, to San Pedro de Atacama, Chile, via Paso de Jama (Andes Mountains); explore several outposts of the Tiwanaku, a pre-Inca civilization; lodging in San Pedro de Atacama (B, L, D)

Sunday, November 17
Tour R. P. Gustavo Le Paige Archaeological Museum, pre-Inca sites of Tulor and Pukara de Quitor, Inca administrative center of Catarpe, and ancient rock art site; lodging in San Pedro de Atacama (B, L, D)

Monday, November 18
Visit small village of Toconao, the National Flamingo Reserve, several archaeological sites near the old road to Calama, and the Valle de la Muerte (Chile’s Death Valley); lodging in San Pedro de Atacama (B, L, D)

Tuesday, November 19
Flight from San Pedro de Atacama to Santiago, Chile; lodging in Santiago (B)

Wednesday, November 20
Explore Santiago, including Moneda Palace, Plaza de Armas, Catedral Metropolitana, National History Museum, Barrio Bellavista, and Cerro San Cristobal, before transfer to the airport for evening flight departures for the U.S. (B)

B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner

Cancellation

The following penalty schedule applies: On or before August 4, 2013: $500 handling fee for main trip and $250 for extension; after August 4, 2013: forfeiture of all payments. For complete cancellation and refund policy, see Terms and Conditions.

The Crow Canyon Archaeological Center's programs and admission practices are open to applicants of any race, color, nationality, ethnic origin, gender, or sexual orientation.

Registration as a seller of travel does not constitute approval by the State of California
CST 2059347-50