La Pachamama, my ethereal Argentina.
Argentina | Apr 4 - Apr 25, 2024

Sandra
Sandra R.
San Jose, CA | Reviewed on Apr 30, 2024

The view from here is amazing. This is my second trip to this ethereal land within a year of each other. First was the Southern provinces of Patagonia. Which lead to the craving to see so much more of South America. The Northwest regions of Argentina’s frontier lands, to stand on the Tropic of Capricorn, And who better to make it happen than my trusted friends at KimKim. Ana, my darling one of kind planner. Give her your wish list and she will make it happen. Take it from me, I’m hard to please and Ana didn’t fail me on this second go-a-around.

I can truly say that I’ve managed to see a forceful awe-inspiring wonder that is Argentina’s Northern provinces. Mendoza, Tunuyán, Luján de Cuyo, Salta, Cafayate, Maimará, Purmamarca, Tilcara, Humahuaca, Pucara de Tilcara, San Salvador de Jujuy, Guachipas, the Wetlands of Pellegrini, Lago Iberá. Folks you have to be in good physical shape for the wetlands, (no back injuries, no anxious behavior, or motion sickness if you are prone.) As this road is treacherous to getting to your destination. Approximately a 7 hour drive from Misiones to Corrientes to Pellegrini. But so worth it. If you are game. The beauty and its powerful effect of mindfulness and tranquility is absolutely incredible. A land untouched by time. Animal enthusiasts will sure want to experience this land.

A sincere shout out to the guides, drivers, and hotel staffs who become part of my family while visiting and exploring their beautiful country. Daniel- a kind sprint his dedication in getting up at an un-godly hour of the morning to take me to the airport in order to catch my domestic flights to my destinations. Ramiro my triple AAA 1# Trekking and mountain explorer who took me to 4500ft above sea level elevations just to catch a view of the highlands and into the life of the Vicuñas territory. Guided me through the Salinas Grandes Salt Flats, showed me the beautiful history of Andean culture and the ruins of Pucara de Ticara as old as 5000 bc. And managed to share a meal with me and my family in the Pena’s of Salta to drink and laugh hysterically as we listened to folklore music and the history of samba culture, where the youth of today still is passionate of its music and heritage that is Salta to this day. A beautiful and kind city full of music, dance, and history, and the best empanadas this side of my beautiful Mendoza. I can go on and on, but you need to experience this for yourselves. I’ve just given you a small taste of what South American means to me. My pachamama. Love to all. Sandra Rawlings

Hotel Reviews
Casa de Uco Vineyards & Wine Hotel
Tunuyán

food is excellent, and the staff very attentive to my needs. I recommend that they purchase golf carts for those that are older and can't get around. The on-sight activities are fantasic, archery glass, and bikes a plus, horse back riding and the villas are top notch. the cleaning staff are excellent. worth the price.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Aguapé Lodge
Colonia Carlos Pellegrini

PROS the food is excellent the full board experience is un matched. when it comes to food. I commend the chief. 5-stars. The room is clean and for a ranch. Activities the best - especially the horseback riding guide - went out of his way to show us monkeys. CONS WIFI needs to be broaden to many lost signals especially if you haven guests that do a lot of writing drive is long and unpleasant. Being kind.

Authenticity & Character
Location
the roads may be too much for seniors to take. I would give them a disclaimer of the hazards and the length of road travel. I've heard stories from Oscar the driver on a particular traveler that was not to happy with the experience. It's just to protect the agency against any unlawful lawsuits due to injuries.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Boutique Balcón de la Plaza
Salta

the staff are excellent. the room and balcony, the authenticity of the hotel was my favorite. 1892 built. WOW!!!!!!!!! the charm and character is unsurpassed. I would definitely stay here again.

Authenticity & Character
10++++++++++
Location
right in the heart of town. PERFECT !!!!!!
Staff
charming and friendly
Cleanliness & Comfort
No complaints
Grace Cafayate
Cafayate

PROS Excellent. the villa met all my expectations. Clean, beautiful grounds. everything contained on property Food excellent. Servers - Patricia - lovely in our first night evening meal. the ASADO under the stars - AMAZING !!!!! catered our every need. Too much food, we shared with the staff afterwards, so that it would not be wasted. They were so Grateful. Pottery class - Loved it. Personal attention. CONS they should offer more amenities with the villas, I was fortunate enough that I didn't have to pay for a 20 minute bike ride, they comp me on that. but they should provide other amenities within the property.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Las Marias Boutique Hotel
Tilcara

PROS breakfast service - perfect. spa services - loved it. CONS WIFI - since we are in such a remote town, the service was nonexistent, was difficult to communicate with family

Authenticity & Character
great views of the mountains.
Location
very out of the way hotel, but close to town we can walk and shop
Staff
pleasant and accommodating
Cleanliness & Comfort
very hot room during the nights. No AC. but understandable, nights are cool.
Activity Reviews
Sunset Horseback Riding in Mendoza
Sunset Horseback Riding in Mendoza
Mendoza

long ride through the mountain terrain, very narrow trails, but amazing to view the Mendoza valley below. Be prepared on dusty trails, and cool weather. Prepare to gallop at some points on the trail.

Quality of Experience
would love to see 2 gauchos on trails, one in front and the other at the back end to help manage travelers expectations and help move the horses along if they are not comfortable with riding.
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
earlier start on the pick up time of guests in order to make sure that the ride is not set in the dark when coming back for the Asado.
Cooking Class at Casa de Uco
Cooking Class at Casa de Uco
Mendoza

Had to cancel this experience. It would have been great if....

Welcome to Iberá!
Welcome to Iberá!
Iberá

the Estancia where we stayed was amazing, and having the VIP experience only 2 people in a large ranch that overlooks the wetlands, rain or shine, just the vast beauty of this place sets it apart. The wildlife....in AWE.

Quality of Experience
I love the wildlife and the solace of the wetlands, land, and forests.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Oscar - top notch experienced driver over 20 years driving through these road conditions. Commendable.
Transport
for future travels, please make them aware of the long drive and the rough terrain to get there, for safety concerns.
Lujan de Cuyo Wine Experience
Lujan de Cuyo Wine Experience
Mendoza

Marcos, was a great. And to see him again, after last years wine tasting and he remembered me. I was taken back that he would remember our talk and asked about my family.

Quality of Experience
Food
lots of quality wines and brought home a case.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
SUV straight to the winery. Perfect. Sol also accompanied us there.
Horseback riding!
Horseback riding!
Iberá

Personal attention on this ride. I truly recommend it.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
the guide came to the ranch and we rode straight to the everglades. Nothing can match this experience. Truly EPIC.
Transport
Canoeing adventure
Canoeing adventure
Iberá

can't rate this adventure, as we didn't get to experience. due to weather, but we had an alternative by small boat where we managed to see numerous flora and fauna.

Tour of the City - Discovering Salta's Hidden Treasures
Tour of the City - Discovering Salta's Hidden Treasures
Salta

From the 1892 Colonial Mission Style hotel, to the town square with all its shopping. I was fortunate enough to see Salta celebrating their Anniversary this day. Parade of Gauchos and China's on traditional attire, dancing through the town of Salta, gauchos yipping and hollering while the crowd watched in awe. Taking pictures at the marvel coming down the street. Our guide Ramiro, knew one of the gauchos and flagged him over to where we were on the steps of the Cathedral and I took a picture with a gaucho. Getting my shoes shined by an old world traditional back in the 40's was a treat. Eating pastel de papa, at an outdoor cafe while a troop of young Salteños matching through the town in uniform and wearing the Salta flag, all ages from 5 to 18. Wow!!!! can't get any perfect than that. Late night shopping, make sure you bring extra luggage to carry it all back with you.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Scenic road from Cafayate to Purmamarca
Scenic road from Cafayate to Purmamarca
Argentina
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Road trip to Cafayate
Road trip to Cafayate
Argentina

the drive didn't phase me. when you love this country the way I do. the hours fly by and when you have great guide and licensed drivers like KimKim's partners even better. They stop for photo ops and continue on. the Devils Throat, EPIC and to hear Salteños sing the national anthem of Buenos Aires, brought tears to my eyes as their voices filled the cavern. No words.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
It's wine time!
It's wine time!
Cafayate
Quality of Experience
I can't stop raving about the smaller wineries in this region. Salta's Torrentes wines are one of a kind, especially at this little winery that specializes in sparkling wines. Burbujas Winery. I met Andres and his lovely wife. His family owned winery is custom to small runs but his story and legacy from the Noruega blood line is what you need to stop and listen as he describes his craft as enólogo. And how he nurtures the land, Ecosistma. and cradles his craft. I highly recommend these type of vineyards to the larger ones
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Colors of Humuhuaca
Colors of Humuhuaca
Purmamarca

local town is full of artisans selling their wears. the food is simple but tasty. fall weather in the afternoon is warm and sleepy. and the nights are cool and entertaining. lots to see and do, trekking and to see the Cerro las Senoritas and behold the beauty that the multi color limestone mountains show is breathtaking. can say enough of my experiences here in the land of wonder.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Visit Salinas Grandes
Visit Salinas Grandes
Argentina

Lot's of tourists, and super hot when the sun beats down on the salt flats. But a sight to behold, on how they mine the salts from this volcanic paradise. Make sure you take protection and drink plenty of water the elevation is brutal to those that push themselves too hard in this valley. you reach height of approx. 4200km back to 2500km within hours, so try to have fun without the expense of pushing your body to hard, slow and easy wins the race.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Ana Gutierrez
Ana
Ana Gutierrez
Local specialist in Buenos Aires | Replied on May 02, 2024

You're amazing Sandra! Thank you once more for your kindness and sweetness! It was a big honor to handle this beautiful new trip to Argentina. Thanks for allowing me to show you the beauty of the North.
Wishing you all the best! 😊
Ana