Northern Argentina is part of a colorful, wind-sculpted, montane desert traversed by green river valleys. Slow-paced village life is enhanced by comfortable inns (many recycled from colonial structures), as well as delectable local cuisine and numerous wineries. All of this makes a leisurely drive through the valleys an unforgettable experience.
These are the least-seen places in Argentina. Most of the villages along the way sum up the history of the area in their archaeological and wine museums as well as in the workshops of local artists and artisans. Explore colorful villages, canyon lands, and valleys of outstanding beauty. Enjoy meeting friendly local people and take pleasure in the warm sunny days and cold nights sheltered in the most lovely hosterías and estancias.
The “Queen of the River Plate Basin” or the “Paris of South America,” as Buenos Aires is called, can be a superlative introduction to the exploration of Argentina, both from the cultural and wildlife perspectives. What is certain is that this cosmopolitan city, European in appearance, can keep any culture-oriented visitor busy indefinitely. Its intense cultural and commercial life can fill every minute of any visit with pleasant experiences.
Upon arrival in Buenos Aires, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. This cosmopolitan city can keep any culture-oriented visitor busy indefinitely. In the afternoon, you will enjoy Buenos Aires’s major tourist attractions on this tour, which highlight all of this cultural metropolis. Guided by a knowledgeable guide, learn about Porteño’s lifestyle, vibrant culture, and music. We will visit important historical monuments on your way to Plaza de Mayo and take a moment to admire significant buildings such as the Casa Rosada or the Congress. We will experience the European flair that has given the city its fame, strolling around eclectic neighborhoods; from antique San Telmo and colorful working-class La Boca to fancy and chic Recoleta with its famous Cemetery, representing the elegant and historical Buenos Aires and containing the graves of many Argentina’s emblematic figures, such as Eva Peron.
At the end of the tour, you will have a transfer back to your hotel.
Lodging
Palo Santo Hotel or similar
BDay 2Tigre, Delta and Tango
Today, you will explore one of the most beautiful areas of Buenos Aires’ surroundings, the northern riverside districts of Tigre and Delta. We will pick you up from your hotel and take you to the port of Buenos Aires. We will travel on a premium-class boat, sail along the Rio de la Plata, and admire the views as we navigate through the northern neighborhoods, heading upstream towards the Tigre Delta.
While gliding through the islands, stilt houses, and floating markets of the delta, we’ll enjoy a traditional Argentine sweet alfajor with black coffee on board. After a cruise of approximately 1 hour, we will arrive in Tigre. We will spend some time exploring the “Puerto de Frutos” before concluding our journey back to downtown Buenos Aires by land, and we will be able to taste the famous Empanada. Along the way, we’ll stroll through the Victorica promenade and pass by the Tigre Naval Museum. Once we finish, we will take you back to your hotel for a rest.
In the evening, you’ll be picked up from your hotel to take you to a legendary venue where you will discover one of our oldest traditions. You will enjoy a tango and music show performed by a group of local artists immersed in their passion for this genre. The manners, elegance, atmosphere, attire, and dance steps practiced by tango lovers 100 years ago will come to life again, transporting you through time for one night. The show will be accompanied by a delicious three-course à la carte dinner and beverages. At the end of the evening, we will take you back to your hotel.
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner
Lodging
Palo Santo Hotel or similar
CDay 3Salta
Transfer to Buenos Aires’ domestic airport to board the flight to Salta city. One of the most fascinating aspects of visiting the northwest region is the chance to mingle with the native population who preserve their ancient customs and traditions: polychromatic dresses, expressive artwork and handicrafts, music, colorful markets, street fairs, and delicious gastronomy are eloquent expressions of the soul of these people and their love for Pachamama (Mother Earth). Since this area was originally colonized by Spaniards, it retains historic traces of Spanish heritage: towns with typical colonial architecture, adobe churches and hidden chapels, old traditional fincas (ranches), etc.
Upon arrival at Salta, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Keep in mind that religion is very important here: religiously speaking, people take a siesta in Salta… so between 1:00 and 3:00 p.m., it will be more difficult for you to find the places open, so take advantage of it to take your first northern siesta!
At the appropriate time, your guide will meet you at the hotel to start our walking city tour. We will walk through the city of Salta and visit the historical and architectural heritage. Then, we will visit the main square, the Cathedral, and the historic Cabildo. San Francisco Church and San Bernardo Convent are important sites near the square. This tour includes the entrance fee to the Museum of Archeology and High Mountain of Salta (MAAM). At the end of the tour, our guide will accompany you back to the hotel.
Meals
Breakfast
Lodging
Hotel del Vino or similar
DDay 4Cuesta del Obispo to Cachi
Today you head north, to Cachi through Cuesta del Obispo. Leaving behind the fertile Lerma Valley, we will ascend along the Quebrada de Escoipe and then continue along the impressive Cuesta del Obispo and the Encantado Valley, surrounded by mountains. Then, we will continue to Piedra del Molino (2113 miles above sea level), through Los Cardones National Park, which occupies 65,000 hectares in the middle of hills and dry ravines of around 1677 and 3100 m.a.s.l. The area is covered by thick vegetation, mainly cacti that measure almost 10 feet high once they turn 250 or 300 years old.
The magical town of Cachi, the highest area of the valleys, is a village at the foot of the snowy mountain (3928 m.a.s.l.) that bears the same name. The town stands out for its old colonial-style houses that are located on the edge of narrow cobbled streets, its church dating from the 18th century, and is known for its floor, ceiling, and cactus wood furniture, and its adobe walls. In addition, the town has an important Anthropological Museum, where the history of indigenous civilizations is exhibited in almost 5,000 pieces.
Cachi, a beautiful town with white buildings, adobe houses, stone-paved streets, and impressive architectural and cultural constructions, means “salt” in Quechua because natives mistook the top of “El Nevado” for a salt mine. Today you will enjoy visiting the town, its church, and its museum.
Meals
Breakfast
Lodging
Hosteria Cachi or similar
EDay 5Cachi / Cafayate
After breakfast, you will continue along National Route N°40. Observe other attractions on the way: the town of Seclantás, also known as the “cradle of the Salteño poncho,” is the home of tissue experts. Molinos, irregularly, stands out for its Church (declared a National Monument) built in 1639, where the mummified remains of the last realistic governor, Nicolas Isasmendi, are preserved. Angastaco: from where the Quebrada de las Flechas begins, named for its capricious forms carved by rain and wind erosion. San Carlos, an old town that originated when the Jesuits established the so-called “Mission of San Carlos”. Nearby, visitors will find the only stone mill to operate using the millenary system. Finally, Animaná, a town famous for its production of artisanal wine.
You will arrive at Cafayate, along breathtaking Las Conchas Gorge, with peculiar rock formations which, due to the effect of wind and water, have formed almost real shapes like the amphitheater and the monk’s statue.
Meals
Breakfast
Lodging
Iraola Hotel Boutique or similar
FDay 6Cafayate to Salta
Cafayate has become the most important site in the Calchaquí Valleys. Located at 1,660 m above sea level, it is well known because of its famous torrontes wine, a product of the exquisite combination of temperature and humidity that provides the ideal environment for the growth of this sweet and deep fruit-flavored vine, as well as Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Syrah, and Chardonnay.
In the town, we will visit a winery where the whole wine production process will be explained to the passenger, as well as some wineries, which offer a small tasting as a courtesy.
After lunch, we return to the city of Salta, driving along the Quebrada de las Conchas that originated in the Tertiary Age, 70 million years ago, and divides the Lerma Valley and the Calchaqui Valley. Wind erosion has formed a succession of capricious natural phenomena such as Los Castillos, El Obelisco, El Fraile, El Sapo, El Amphitheater (with excellent acoustics), and Garganta del Diablo (The Devil’s Throat), a deep and narrow canyon.
Meals
Breakfast
Lodging
Hotel del Vino or similar
GDay 7Around the Clouds, Salta to Purmamarca
Travel through the breathtaking canyons of the Andes Mountains as a start to the 3-day trip to the Humahuaca Gorge.
After passing the town of Campo Quijano, accompanying part of the route of the C-14 Branch, you ascend through the Quebrada del Toro to Santa Rosa de Tastil, a small town with only one street. Continuing north on National Route No. 51 is the town of San Antonio de Los Cobres, named for being within its jurisdiction the famous Copper Mountain, rich in this mineral. Continuing along the former National Route No. 40 and after an hour and a half following the old road of the “troperos” (man driving cattle from one place to another on horseback) we will find the majestic Salinas Grandes, whose origin dates from an extensive period temporarily located between 5 and 10 million years before the present. Ascending through an amazing mountain road, and in a few kilometers, we will reach the highest point of the route and the beginning of our descent to the town of Purmamarca , the Abra de Potrerillos (4170 masl). Now we will take the famous Lipan slope, which in just 20 km in length will lead us to descend about 2000 m until we reach Purmamarca (2300 masl) at the foot of the hill of the 7 colors, on a curved road and against curves with amazing landscapes.
Meals
Breakfast
Lodging
Hosteria del Amauta or similar
HDay 8Purmamarca Quebrada de Humahuaca
Enjoy a full day expedition through the multicolored landscape of Humahuaca Canyon to the peaceful villages, old chapels, native markets, small museums with astounding archaeological pieces, and remains of ancient pre-Inca fortified towns. The gorge once served as a route for the Incas, a required passage for expedition parties and settlers, and an important commercial route in the vice regal period.
Today, little towns conserve their religious beliefs, rituals, ceremonies, art, music, and agricultural techniques, a unique living patrimony in the world. For this reason, it was declared Humanity Cultural Heritage by UNESCO in the year 2003.
Unique villages are shown: Maimará, of colorful hillsides, called Paleta del Pintor. It also has its cemetery, suspended at the top of the hill and visible from the route. Tilcara stands out for its local festivities (Carnival and Holy Week) and for its Pucará (fortress in height), whose ruins have been partially reconstructed and transmit a notion of the development achieved and pre-Hispanic way of life.
Further north, in Huacalera, the Tropic of Capricorn is crossed, identified with a white monolith. Uquía shows its chapel, built in the 17th century with the oldest altarpiece in the region, worked in laminated gold, being one of the two existing in Argentine territory decorated with oil paintings of the Cuzco school, ‘Los Angeles Arcabuceros’, nine in total, a testimony of the colonial architecture. Humahuaca gives its name to the ravine and is its largest population, with cobblestone streets and iron streetlights on the corners, is also the highest point of the tour on this second day, 2,940 meters above sea level. Main attractions: The Independence Monument, the Cathedral, and the Municipal Building.
Visit to Hornocal. Hornocal is a mountain range located 15 miles from the city of Humahuaca. It is a gravel road that leaves tourists on a balcony in front of the majestic hill, whose symmetry and color trap the opportune visitor. It is a stratified sedimentary formation formed by the Yacoraite formation (a limestone of ocher, yellow, green, whitish colors where the iron did not oxidize), from the end of Cretaceous time, 75 million years ago. This limestone is delimited by other well-oxidized sedimentary formations, of deep red color, that cause the impressive contrast. It has a height of 4761 meters above sea level.
Meals
Breakfast
Lodging
Hosteria del Amauta or similar
IDay 9Purmamarca to Salta
On the third day, in the morning, we will be able to visit the village of Purmamarca (2,300 m.a.s.l.). We recommend the Paseo de Los Colorados, a short, picturesque, and easy walk at the foot of the Cerro Siete Colores.
After lunch, we leave on the way to Salta. After leaving the Quebrada de Humahuaca, through the old RN 9 if the weather allows it, crossing the famous Camino de Cornisa, surrounded by Yungas, the high altitude jungle, called Nuboselva. From the road, we will see the different dikes: such as La Cienaga Dam and Campo Alegre Dam. Accompanied by a road of curves and abundant vegetation, we will reach the city of Salta and drop you off at your hotel.
Meals
Breakfast
Lodging
Hotel del Vino or simialr
JDay 10Salta to Buenos Aires
This morning, transfer to the airport for your flight to Buenos Aires. You’ll be transferred to the international airport and connecting flight home.
Meals
Breakfast
Anticipated plan; actual route and program may vary.
Northern Argentina is part of a colorful, wind-sculpted, montane desert traversed by green river valleys. Slow-paced village life is enhanced by comfortable inns (many recycled from colonial structures), as well as delectable local cuisine and numerous wineries. All of this makes a leisurely drive through the valleys an unforgettable experience.
These are the least-seen places in Argentina. Most of the villages along the way sum up the history of the area in their archaeological and wine museums as well as in the workshops of local artists and artisans. Explore colorful villages, canyon lands, and valleys of outstanding beauty. Enjoy meeting friendly local people and take pleasure in the warm sunny days and cold nights sheltered in the most lovely hosterías and estancias.
The “Queen of the River Plate Basin” or the “Paris of South America,” as Buenos Aires is called, can be a superlative introduction to the exploration of Argentina, both from the cultural and wildlife perspectives. What is certain is that this cosmopolitan city, European in appearance, can keep any culture-oriented visitor busy indefinitely. Its intense cultural and commercial life can fill every minute of any visit with pleasant experiences.
Upon arrival in Buenos Aires, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. This cosmopolitan city can keep any culture-oriented visitor busy indefinitely. In the afternoon, you will enjoy Buenos Aires’s major tourist attractions on this tour, which highlight all of this cultural metropolis. Guided by a knowledgeable guide, learn about Porteño’s lifestyle, vibrant culture, and music. We will visit important historical monuments on your way to Plaza de Mayo and take a moment to admire significant buildings such as the Casa Rosada or the Congress. We will experience the European flair that has given the city its fame, strolling around eclectic neighborhoods; from antique San Telmo and colorful working-class La Boca to fancy and chic Recoleta with its famous Cemetery, representing the elegant and historical Buenos Aires and containing the graves of many Argentina’s emblematic figures, such as Eva Peron.
At the end of the tour, you will have a transfer back to your hotel.
Lodging
Palo Santo Hotel or similar
BDay 2Tigre, Delta and Tango
Today, you will explore one of the most beautiful areas of Buenos Aires’ surroundings, the northern riverside districts of Tigre and Delta. We will pick you up from your hotel and take you to the port of Buenos Aires. We will travel on a premium-class boat, sail along the Rio de la Plata, and admire the views as we navigate through the northern neighborhoods, heading upstream towards the Tigre Delta.
While gliding through the islands, stilt houses, and floating markets of the delta, we’ll enjoy a traditional Argentine sweet alfajor with black coffee on board. After a cruise of approximately 1 hour, we will arrive in Tigre. We will spend some time exploring the “Puerto de Frutos” before concluding our journey back to downtown Buenos Aires by land, and we will be able to taste the famous Empanada. Along the way, we’ll stroll through the Victorica promenade and pass by the Tigre Naval Museum. Once we finish, we will take you back to your hotel for a rest.
In the evening, you’ll be picked up from your hotel to take you to a legendary venue where you will discover one of our oldest traditions. You will enjoy a tango and music show performed by a group of local artists immersed in their passion for this genre. The manners, elegance, atmosphere, attire, and dance steps practiced by tango lovers 100 years ago will come to life again, transporting you through time for one night. The show will be accompanied by a delicious three-course à la carte dinner and beverages. At the end of the evening, we will take you back to your hotel.
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner
Lodging
Palo Santo Hotel or similar
CDay 3Salta
Transfer to Buenos Aires’ domestic airport to board the flight to Salta city. One of the most fascinating aspects of visiting the northwest region is the chance to mingle with the native population who preserve their ancient customs and traditions: polychromatic dresses, expressive artwork and handicrafts, music, colorful markets, street fairs, and delicious gastronomy are eloquent expressions of the soul of these people and their love for Pachamama (Mother Earth). Since this area was originally colonized by Spaniards, it retains historic traces of Spanish heritage: towns with typical colonial architecture, adobe churches and hidden chapels, old traditional fincas (ranches), etc.
Upon arrival at Salta, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Keep in mind that religion is very important here: religiously speaking, people take a siesta in Salta… so between 1:00 and 3:00 p.m., it will be more difficult for you to find the places open, so take advantage of it to take your first northern siesta!
At the appropriate time, your guide will meet you at the hotel to start our walking city tour. We will walk through the city of Salta and visit the historical and architectural heritage. Then, we will visit the main square, the Cathedral, and the historic Cabildo. San Francisco Church and San Bernardo Convent are important sites near the square. This tour includes the entrance fee to the Museum of Archeology and High Mountain of Salta (MAAM). At the end of the tour, our guide will accompany you back to the hotel.
Meals
Breakfast
Lodging
Hotel del Vino or similar
DDay 4Cuesta del Obispo to Cachi
Today you head north, to Cachi through Cuesta del Obispo. Leaving behind the fertile Lerma Valley, we will ascend along the Quebrada de Escoipe and then continue along the impressive Cuesta del Obispo and the Encantado Valley, surrounded by mountains. Then, we will continue to Piedra del Molino (2113 miles above sea level), through Los Cardones National Park, which occupies 65,000 hectares in the middle of hills and dry ravines of around 1677 and 3100 m.a.s.l. The area is covered by thick vegetation, mainly cacti that measure almost 10 feet high once they turn 250 or 300 years old.
The magical town of Cachi, the highest area of the valleys, is a village at the foot of the snowy mountain (3928 m.a.s.l.) that bears the same name. The town stands out for its old colonial-style houses that are located on the edge of narrow cobbled streets, its church dating from the 18th century, and is known for its floor, ceiling, and cactus wood furniture, and its adobe walls. In addition, the town has an important Anthropological Museum, where the history of indigenous civilizations is exhibited in almost 5,000 pieces.
Cachi, a beautiful town with white buildings, adobe houses, stone-paved streets, and impressive architectural and cultural constructions, means “salt” in Quechua because natives mistook the top of “El Nevado” for a salt mine. Today you will enjoy visiting the town, its church, and its museum.
Meals
Breakfast
Lodging
Hosteria Cachi or similar
EDay 5Cachi / Cafayate
After breakfast, you will continue along National Route N°40. Observe other attractions on the way: the town of Seclantás, also known as the “cradle of the Salteño poncho,” is the home of tissue experts. Molinos, irregularly, stands out for its Church (declared a National Monument) built in 1639, where the mummified remains of the last realistic governor, Nicolas Isasmendi, are preserved. Angastaco: from where the Quebrada de las Flechas begins, named for its capricious forms carved by rain and wind erosion. San Carlos, an old town that originated when the Jesuits established the so-called “Mission of San Carlos”. Nearby, visitors will find the only stone mill to operate using the millenary system. Finally, Animaná, a town famous for its production of artisanal wine.
You will arrive at Cafayate, along breathtaking Las Conchas Gorge, with peculiar rock formations which, due to the effect of wind and water, have formed almost real shapes like the amphitheater and the monk’s statue.
Meals
Breakfast
Lodging
Iraola Hotel Boutique or similar
FDay 6Cafayate to Salta
Cafayate has become the most important site in the Calchaquí Valleys. Located at 1,660 m above sea level, it is well known because of its famous torrontes wine, a product of the exquisite combination of temperature and humidity that provides the ideal environment for the growth of this sweet and deep fruit-flavored vine, as well as Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Syrah, and Chardonnay.
In the town, we will visit a winery where the whole wine production process will be explained to the passenger, as well as some wineries, which offer a small tasting as a courtesy.
After lunch, we return to the city of Salta, driving along the Quebrada de las Conchas that originated in the Tertiary Age, 70 million years ago, and divides the Lerma Valley and the Calchaqui Valley. Wind erosion has formed a succession of capricious natural phenomena such as Los Castillos, El Obelisco, El Fraile, El Sapo, El Amphitheater (with excellent acoustics), and Garganta del Diablo (The Devil’s Throat), a deep and narrow canyon.
Meals
Breakfast
Lodging
Hotel del Vino or similar
GDay 7Around the Clouds, Salta to Purmamarca
Travel through the breathtaking canyons of the Andes Mountains as a start to the 3-day trip to the Humahuaca Gorge.
After passing the town of Campo Quijano, accompanying part of the route of the C-14 Branch, you ascend through the Quebrada del Toro to Santa Rosa de Tastil, a small town with only one street. Continuing north on National Route No. 51 is the town of San Antonio de Los Cobres, named for being within its jurisdiction the famous Copper Mountain, rich in this mineral. Continuing along the former National Route No. 40 and after an hour and a half following the old road of the “troperos” (man driving cattle from one place to another on horseback) we will find the majestic Salinas Grandes, whose origin dates from an extensive period temporarily located between 5 and 10 million years before the present. Ascending through an amazing mountain road, and in a few kilometers, we will reach the highest point of the route and the beginning of our descent to the town of Purmamarca , the Abra de Potrerillos (4170 masl). Now we will take the famous Lipan slope, which in just 20 km in length will lead us to descend about 2000 m until we reach Purmamarca (2300 masl) at the foot of the hill of the 7 colors, on a curved road and against curves with amazing landscapes.
Meals
Breakfast
Lodging
Hosteria del Amauta or similar
HDay 8Purmamarca Quebrada de Humahuaca
Enjoy a full day expedition through the multicolored landscape of Humahuaca Canyon to the peaceful villages, old chapels, native markets, small museums with astounding archaeological pieces, and remains of ancient pre-Inca fortified towns. The gorge once served as a route for the Incas, a required passage for expedition parties and settlers, and an important commercial route in the vice regal period.
Today, little towns conserve their religious beliefs, rituals, ceremonies, art, music, and agricultural techniques, a unique living patrimony in the world. For this reason, it was declared Humanity Cultural Heritage by UNESCO in the year 2003.
Unique villages are shown: Maimará, of colorful hillsides, called Paleta del Pintor. It also has its cemetery, suspended at the top of the hill and visible from the route. Tilcara stands out for its local festivities (Carnival and Holy Week) and for its Pucará (fortress in height), whose ruins have been partially reconstructed and transmit a notion of the development achieved and pre-Hispanic way of life.
Further north, in Huacalera, the Tropic of Capricorn is crossed, identified with a white monolith. Uquía shows its chapel, built in the 17th century with the oldest altarpiece in the region, worked in laminated gold, being one of the two existing in Argentine territory decorated with oil paintings of the Cuzco school, ‘Los Angeles Arcabuceros’, nine in total, a testimony of the colonial architecture. Humahuaca gives its name to the ravine and is its largest population, with cobblestone streets and iron streetlights on the corners, is also the highest point of the tour on this second day, 2,940 meters above sea level. Main attractions: The Independence Monument, the Cathedral, and the Municipal Building.
Visit to Hornocal. Hornocal is a mountain range located 15 miles from the city of Humahuaca. It is a gravel road that leaves tourists on a balcony in front of the majestic hill, whose symmetry and color trap the opportune visitor. It is a stratified sedimentary formation formed by the Yacoraite formation (a limestone of ocher, yellow, green, whitish colors where the iron did not oxidize), from the end of Cretaceous time, 75 million years ago. This limestone is delimited by other well-oxidized sedimentary formations, of deep red color, that cause the impressive contrast. It has a height of 4761 meters above sea level.
Meals
Breakfast
Lodging
Hosteria del Amauta or similar
IDay 9Purmamarca to Salta
On the third day, in the morning, we will be able to visit the village of Purmamarca (2,300 m.a.s.l.). We recommend the Paseo de Los Colorados, a short, picturesque, and easy walk at the foot of the Cerro Siete Colores.
After lunch, we leave on the way to Salta. After leaving the Quebrada de Humahuaca, through the old RN 9 if the weather allows it, crossing the famous Camino de Cornisa, surrounded by Yungas, the high altitude jungle, called Nuboselva. From the road, we will see the different dikes: such as La Cienaga Dam and Campo Alegre Dam. Accompanied by a road of curves and abundant vegetation, we will reach the city of Salta and drop you off at your hotel.
Meals
Breakfast
Lodging
Hotel del Vino or simialr
JDay 10Salta to Buenos Aires
This morning, transfer to the airport for your flight to Buenos Aires. You’ll be transferred to the international airport and connecting flight home.
Meals
Breakfast
Anticipated plan; actual route and program may vary.
Rates Per Person
Need to Know
Rates Per Person -
Land Cost
$5,100
Single Supplement
+ $1250
Domestic airfare not included; December holiday surcharge may apply
We are happy to have you participate in a Journeys International program!
Please read these terms and conditions thoroughly. They contain information that will be important to your planning and guide how we will handle any circumstances that may change in the midst of planning or while a program is underway. If after reading our materials and talking with our staff you decide to participate in a Journeys International program, please send us your deposit along with your completed Reservation Form and Explorer Information Forms. Important: Your booking is only complete once we receive your deposit, completed Reservation Form, and completed Explorer Information Form, and once we have confirmed that space is available.
Pricing and Payment
We will confirm your reservations once we receive a non-refundable booking deposit, a Reservation Form signed by each person responsible for payment, and an Explorer Information Form signed by each participating adult or the guardian for each participating child, and if space is available. Custom programs during holiday seasons may require a deposit prior to confirmation. The deposit contributes to non-recoverable costs of holding space and servicing your booking through the stages of preparation, execution, and follow-up and cannot be refunded if you choose to cancel.
We charge an additional planning fee of $250 per program for preparing customized proposals. This fee may be credited to your total cost upon booking, but it is non-refundable if you choose not to finalize your reservation.
Prices are stated in U.S. Dollars, based on double room occupancy, unless otherwise noted. We will send an invoice for your total estimated cost when we send your reservation confirmation. The balance as shown on your invoice is due 60 days prior to your program start date regardless of whether any arrangements are still pending. Although we do our best to avoid increasing prices after we receive your deposit, in some cases it may be necessary to adjust pricing after we receive payment to allow for changes in group size, rooming status, currency exchange rate fluctuations, fuel surcharges and/or other circumstances attendant to the challenges of adventure.
Late payments may jeopardize confirmation of your program participation and in some cases may result in additional fees. If we have not received final payment 30 days prior to departure, then your reservation may be canceled subject to our Cancellation & Refund Policy stated below.
Payment for airfare is required at the time of ticketing. Discounts that may be available are not available toward bookings made through third-party travel agencies, advisors, or planners.
We accept payments by Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or check drawn on a U.S. bank account. Paying by credit card offers you certain consumer protections, including the ability to initiate a chargeback if you believe we have committed consumer fraud. You may not use credit card chargeback as an alternative to compliance with your agreement with these terms and conditions.
Late Signups
Early reservations are encouraged! Some programs and flights fill several months in advance. We can confirm your space once we receive your deposit and signed Reservation and Explorer Information Forms. We try, but cannot guarantee, to accept late signups. In the event that we are able to accept reservations fewer than 60 days before a program’s start date, additional fees may apply to cover administrative costs necessary to expedite your reservation confirmation and transmit your program materials. For reservations made fewer than 60 days in advance of your program’s start, full payment is due at the time of booking.
Program Changes
We understand that circumstances arise that lead you to inquire about changes to your custom program, and we aim to satisfy your requests. Once activities and accommodations have been confirmed, we charge a $50 change fee, in addition to the difference in costs for the services booked. When changes are requested less than one week before your program’s start, the change fee is $100. For changes requested after a program has begun, the change fee is $200.
Journeys International reserves the right to change or reprice any program due to acts of insurrection, strikes, weather, road conditions, acts of God or government, or any other force majeure or cause beyond the company’s control. Journeys International cannot guarantee conformity with the provided program plan at any point in time. Among other things, if necessary Journeys International may change the scheduled dates of a program; omit or alter sections of the plan; substitute lodgings, leaders, or conveyances; or change meals, activities, or waypoints; all without notice and without allowance for refunds and with participants bearing the responsibility for increased costs, if any. Should this become necessary, Journeys International will not be liable for extra costs that participants may incur as a result of changes, including but not limited to flight change fees, additional meal costs, or additional accommodations. We strongly recommend that participants purchase Travel Protection Plans, or travel insurance, adequate to cover such costs.
Cancellations & Refunds
If you must cancel before your program begins, please notify Journeys International in writing by emailing info@journeysinternational.com or writing to your adventure specialist directly. You may request a refund according to the following schedule. Some programs require additional non-refundable payments beyond this schedule, as noted in the program description. In the case of cancellation, such amounts are withheld in addition to the amounts listed here.
Days Prior to Departure
Cancellation Penalty
61 or more
Non-refundable booking deposit and planning fee, if applicable
31-60
Non-refundable booking deposit and planning fee, if applicable, plus 50% of total land costs above amount of initial deposit
0-30
100% of total land costs
Please note: cancellation of airfare, other transit, lodging, and ticketed tours and activities is subject to the policies of the individual carriers or providers and is not included in the schedule above. Additional cancellation fees are the responsibility of the traveler. We strongly recommend that all participants purchase Travel Protection Plans, or travel insurance, that includes coverage for trip cancellation or interruption and that may reimburse you for cancellation penalties and extra expenses should a circumstance force you to cancel or interrupt your participation.
Departure is defined as the date on which travelers will leave their home state, province or city, or the program start date as indicated on the program description, whichever comes first. Cancellation date will be considered the date that we receive written notification of your intent to cancel according to the local time observed in Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA.
Payments due at the time of cancellation remain the responsibility of the participant. No partial refunds are possible for unused hotel rooms, air or land travel, program days, or other sight-seeing arrangements included in the land cost.
If Journeys International cancels or postpones a program before the program starts for reasons completely within its discretion, such as but not limited to insufficient group size, all money for services described in the program description will be refunded in the form of credit towards a future program with Journeys in the same location originally planned, less unrecoverable fees and penalties already paid to airlines, accommodations, or other service providers, or the client may submit a written request for a refund to the original form of payment. If a program’s cancellation is necessary due to acts of insurrection, strikes, weather, road conditions, acts of God or government, or any other force majeure or cause beyond the company’s control, credits and refunds will be issued according to the standard cancellation schedule, less unrecoverable fees and penalties already paid to airlines, accommodations, or other service providers, without regard to whether client or company initiates cancellation or postponement. Once a program begins, there are no refunds for unused goods or services.
Air Fares
We can help you to secure air travel arrangements for Journeys International programs. We work with an airfare consolidator to assist in booking the flights that suit your needs. Journeys International and/or the airfare consolidator may charge a ticketing fee for this service. For group programs, if you prefer to fly on dates other than those listed as program dates, or if you arrive at your destination other than at the group arrival time, then you may incur additional fees to cover the separate transfer, contingency, and coordination costs which frequently arise from arrival and departure on flights different from our regular bookings. We will let you know about these fees ahead of time, if they apply. If you must change your air routing after ticketing, there is a charge of $50 per change, in addition to change or cancellation charges levied by the airline.
If you decide to make your own flight arrangements, you must provide Journeys International with a complete copy of your itinerary showing departure and arrival flights and times. You should plan to arrange your own air travel if you are using mileage credit or originating outside North America, but please be in touch with our office before you finalize ticketing so that we may help you to coordinate the correct arrival and departure dates and times. If you arrange your own flights, we can book ground transfers to meet you on arrival in your destination if you wish, and you agree to pay additional costs, as applicable.
Transfers Between Programs
You may transfer between some programs upon written request. More than 60 days before your program start date, the deposit transfer fee is $100 per person plus any cancellation fees charged by airlines, hotels, or ground service providers. 60 days or fewer before the program start date, full cancellation penalties from the original program apply. In the event that Journeys International cancels a program, you may transfer the full amount of your payments to another program without penalty, subject to availability.
Expenses Covered
Normally, our stated total costs include the costs of all guides, leaders, facilities, permits obtained after arrival, lodging accommodations, costs of described activities, food as specified, and all surface transportation associated with the activities described in the itinerary. We do our best to avoid increasing prices after receipt of your deposit, but factors beyond our control might require us to change our prices without prior notice, even after you have signed up.
Expenses Not Covered
Costs not included in the price may include: meals not indicated as included in program descriptions; meals prior to arrival in starting cities; transfers, if not arriving or departing on the scheduled group flights; soft drinks, bottled water, and alcoholic beverages; medical expenses, costs of hospitalization, or evacuation from remote areas; laundry; airport departure taxes not included on your airline ticket; accommodations en route to starting cities; visas; airfares; gratuities; and insurance.
If a program must be modified due to medical emergency, acts of insurrection, strikes, weather, road conditions, acts of God or government, or any other force majeure or cause beyond the company’s control, then the participant may incur additional costs that are not included in the program price. We strongly recommend that all participants purchase Travel Protection Plans, or travel insurance, to cover these risks.
Travel Insurance
Journeys International strongly recommends that you purchase a Travel Protection Plan, or travel insurance, sufficient to protect your investment in travel, personal assets and health during your program. Doing so will mitigate a significant amount of financial risk and decrease your need to worry about things beyond your control. We do not require you to purchase such travel insurance; however, we know many travelers who have benefited from purchasing travel insurance because the insurance carrier assumed risks that would otherwise have been the risk of the traveler. Travel Protection Plans often cover things like theft, baggage loss, trip interruption or cancellation, emergency evacuation, emergency medical treatment, flight delay or cancellation, airline or service provider bankruptcy, jury duty, personal or family sickness leading to cancellation, U.S. Department of State Travel Warnings about terrorism issued for the destination, and other risks as described in the insurance policy. In particular, consider the availability of higher-cost “Cancel for Any Reason” and/or “Interrupt for Any Reason” policies that may allow policy-holders to recoup a significant portion of trip costs under a much wider range of circumstances than standard policies may allow; we have seen travelers benefit from this selection when public health crises, personal turmoil, and civil unrest arose in their destinations. Please note that while we at Journeys will do our best to help you to have a pleasant and successful experience, Journeys International assumes no liability for many of the types of losses described above. If you choose not to purchase travel insurance and you suffer a loss, then you will be responsible for the associated costs.
For your convenience, we will provide a recommendation for an insurance carrier that offers competitive rates and has proven reliable, fair, and prompt in responding to claims, but we can offer no guarantee that our recommended carrier will meet your needs and you are welcome to contact any insurance carrier that you prefer. It is important to obtain insurance immediately upon signing up for your program in order for problems arising from pre-existing conditions to be covered.
All participants must be covered by a current major medical insurance policy that covers you while in your travel destination for the duration of your trip. For some individuals or for some destinations, it may be advisable to purchase a supplemental policy. Contact your provider for coverage details.
Group-Sized Pricing & Group Minimums
Many programs are guaranteed to depart at prices published on our website with as few as two participants. In some cases, it may become necessary to increase prices depending on the size of the group. We do everything we can to make a program operate as planned even with a single participant. Additional costs for small groups vary from program to program. When pricing for a group program is based on the number of participants, staff and guests of Journeys International (such as topic experts, journalists, photographers, leaders-in-training, or others) are not included in the numbers counted to determine the price. Final decision to cancel a program due to insufficient signups is made at least 60 days prior to departure.
Lodging Accommodations
Lodging accommodations are usually double occupancy in hotel rooms, tents, or other facilities as described in trip itineraries. Please contact our office to discuss pricing and availability of alternative accommodations, if desired. We try to honor specific requests for lodging, but in some cases, we may have to book and confirm equivalent-standard accommodations. In rare cases it may become necessary to make same-day or out-of-class substitutions.
If you are joining alone for a group program but would prefer a roommate, then let us know! We are often able to match solo participants. If a roommate is not available or if you prefer single accommodation, then you must pay the Single Supplement, if one applies. For some programs it is not possible to guarantee single accommodations.
Assumption of Risk
Throughout any program of Journeys International, certain risks and dangers may arise. These include, but are not limited to, travel by train, foot, automobile, aircraft, raft, boat or other means of conveyance; the hazards of traveling in rough or mountainous terrain; high altitude; undeveloped areas; the forces of nature; civil unrest; terrorism; labor interruption; close proximity to fellow program participants; exposure to illness or virus; and accident or illness in remote areas without means of rapid evacuations or availability of medical supplies and facilities. The unique nature of adventure programs entails inherent risks that may be involved in unique program activities and travel away from home and, in fact, the specific nature of these activities is often a reason for participation. Even if a trip or program is rated “easy” these dangers and risks are present. Journeys International and its agents and operators will have no liability regarding emotional distress, equipment, access to, or adequacy of medical care, evacuation plans, or emergency supplies that may be provided. When you sign the Explorer Information Form, you agree to participate in these activities with full knowledge of the dangers and risks involved and agree to assume all risks, including trauma, sickness, injury, and death.
While Journeys International intends that your experience be safe and comfortable, Journeys does not have legal or operational control or ownership of facilities, staff, services, or transportation providers and acts only as agent for the owners of such facilities, staff, services, and transportation. Journeys International is not responsible for any negligent or willful act or failure to act by any such person or entity, nor for any act or inaction of any third party not under its control.
In consideration of the right to participate in Journeys International programs and the service arranged for you by Journeys International and its agents and representatives, you unconditionally and fully assume all risks of bodily injury, death, emotional trauma, property damage, and/or theft, however caused, including those mentioned above, as a result of participation, and release Journeys International, its agents, and its representatives from any and all liability, actions, causes of actions, suits, debts, demands that you may have, including for bodily injury, death, or property damage, loss of income, and other claims.
Fitness to Join
Good physical and mental health are essential for the enjoyment of Journeys International’s programs. It is your responsibility to select/design a trip appropriate to your own abilities and interests. You are responsible for being in sufficiently good health to undertake your trip, and for consulting with your physician for medical advice regarding travel. On some Journeys International programs, participants travel in rugged areas remote from modern medical facilities. Good physical conditioning is recommended as preparation for all programs, especially those involving hiking or trekking. Most programs require some walking. By signing the Explorer Information Form, participants certify that they are fit for rigorous activity and do not have any physical, mental, or other condition that would create a hazard for him/herself or other participants. It is essential that any participant with a medical condition requiring regular treatment or which may be affected by vigorous activity, prolonged travel, high altitude, heat, cold, natural phenomena, or particular foods, notify Journeys International in writing prior to booking. We assume no responsibility for medical care, and we cannot guarantee meeting special dietary requirements or vegetarian needs. Participants may be required to furnish a physician’s statement of good health for some programs.
Journeys International’s or the individual group leader’s or guide’s judgment shall provide the ultimate determination of an individual’s fitness to embark upon, or to continue, a program. Journeys International reserves the right to refuse reservations or deny participation to anyone whom it deems unsuitable for a program or certain activities. Once a reservation has been confirmed, medical circumstances will not be considered as exceptions to our cancellation policy. All participants must be covered by a current major medical insurance policy for the duration of their participation. Proof of such coverage may be required.
Personal Conduct
You are responsible for acting in a manner considerate and respectful of fellow group members and local culture in areas visited.
You are responsible for reading all health-related information provided in advance of the program, adhering to all guidance given by guides and site staff, and conforming to the established standards of personal hygiene to minimize risk of disease. This may include a requirement to wear a face mask when in proximity to other people, whether indoors or outdoors, or other measures intended to limit the spread of disease; failure to do so when requested may result in your dismissal from the program.
Certain activities included in your program may require specific safety precautions. You are responsible for listening to instructions, adhering to guidance, and following the protocols provided for safety throughout the program. If you are unsure about safety precautions, you are responsible for seeking advice. If guides or staff perceive your behavior as risky, uncooperative, or otherwise unsafe, they may remove you from an activity for the safety of yourself and others.
Smoking or vaping are not permitted in buses, cars, below decks on boats, in tented camps, in designated non-smoking areas, or during guided tours and activities. Participants agree not to consume cannabis for the duration of the program and understand that possession or use of cannabis may be illegal and subject to severe punishment in some destinations. Participants agree to follow all local laws in the jurisdiction(s) where the program takes place and acknowledge that Journeys International cannot be responsible for ensuring participants’ compliance nor for any costs or consequences of non-compliance.
Sexual harassment or misconduct of any sort by Journeys program participants is not tolerated. You may not make jokes or sexually suggestive comments or gestures regarding the bodies or bodily activities of fellow participants, program staff, site staff, or any people you encounter during your program. You may not touch fellow participants, program staff, site staff, or any people you encounter during your program unless invited. You may not solicit sexual services during the dates of your participation in a Journeys program.
Environmental Stewardship
Journeys International believes that we have a responsibility to protect the earth for future generations. Tourism may be responsible for up to eight percent of annual worldwide emissions of greenhouse gasses. Journeys International advocates that adventure travelers who make environmentally conscious choices when selecting their destinations and activities should also make the environmentally conscious choice to offset the carbon footprint of their travel to compensate for their personal contributions to global climate change. Every Journeys International invoice includes an optional donation to the Earth Preservation Fund’s carbon offset program to be used to purchase and permanently retire certified carbon credits to offset the carbon footprints of Journeys’ program participants. The Earth Preservation Fund purchases carbon credits that have been certified under a reliable third-party standard. Participants who choose to make this donation may also be eligible to claim a tax deduction. There is no penalty for opting out of this donation.
Recording
Journeys International may take photographic, audiographic, and videographic recordings during your program, and may use your image and voice for promotional and commercial use without compensation.
Planning & Preparation Services
We look forward to working with you! After we receive your deposit, we will send you a planning packet containing things like medical and immunization information, visa and other permit forms, a recommendation for travel insurance, packing checklist, reading list, cross-cultural information, and an initial invoice for the balance due. About 3 weeks before your program begins, we will send you a final notes packet including last-minute reminders and contact information for your program. You are responsible for reading all information provided, and for bringing all clothing and equipment noted on the packing list. If you are leaving home before the scheduled trip departure date, please let us know how we can best reach you in case any details change in the days immediately prior to your program’s start.
Please call our office at any time if you have questions about your trip or for additional information.
Duration 10 Days
The number of days, or duration, in a destination corresponds with the itinerary as published. This is the time period covered by the land cost.
Group Size
The stated range indicates minimum required for guaranteed departure and maximum accepted on the scheduled dates. Exceptions can often be made for private departures.
Comfort Level
Superior
Comfortable & delightful hotels and hosterias
Activity Level
Active
Walking and hiking
Why Journeys International
Our purpose is to understand the journey you are on – not just the vacation you want to take – and to help you on your way.
We are here to help you plan the trip that will move you closer to your goals and help you fulfill your dreams.
We are here to help you plan a more inspiring, more provocative, more breathtaking, more transformational adventure.
We say “adventure” and not “trip” because, for us, a trip is just going someplace else, but an adventure is an experience that takes you someplace beyond your comfort zone – and therefore maximizes the potential for wonder, discovery, and potentially transformation.
Why trust Journeys to plan that kind of experience with you?
Journeys is an award-winning industry-leader with more than 40 years in business planning creative and thoughtful adventures in interesting places around the world
Our staff is professional and devoted, with adventure specialists in Ann Arbor and guides in the field who take pride in traveler satisfaction; many stay with us for decades
Our Ecological Code of Ethics has long stood as a model for others, and our Earth Preservation Fund puts our money where our mouth is
We go to the farthest corners of the earth – you’ll see some pretty remote destinations on our list, and if you want to challenge us with something new, we’ll likely be willing (though we’ll make sure you know if we’ve never experienced it firsthand)
We’re real people like you, starting with the real person who will answer the phone, right through the owner, Robin Pollak, who you can talk to any time you want (or even her parents, Joan & Will Weber, who started the company!)
We ask lots of questions and get to know you as well as possible to we can design the best experience for YOU
Your unique itinerary includes sites, accommodations, activities, and meetings with people hand selected for personal goals, passions, interests and abilities
Your personal adventure specialist stays with you from trip planning through departure to answer all your questions – promptly – and make sure every detail is handled so you are well prepared for your trip
Our partners on the ground in your destination will welcome you as a friend of a friend; we’ve been working with many of them for ages
We’re open and clear, and offer a complete picture of what you can expect while traveling. We don’t want to make an easy sale; we want to make an honest one.
24-hour emergency phone support while traveling
We’ll be excited to hear about the trip when you get back, and take all feedback seriously
Our travelers come back again and again, for five, ten, or more adventures — and they trust us enough to send their friends to us, too
We love what we do, and we love sharing our common passion with you.
Match the trip’s intensity to your ability and motivation.
Gentle
Easy walking, with opportunities for low-key physical activity.
Active
Energetic exploration with optional day hikes, leisurely cycling, or light canoeing.
Vigorous
Day-long active excursions and options for demanding activity in varied environments.
Challenging
Strenuous hiking or other intense activity that may be at high altitude or over rough terrain.
Demanding
Multi-day trekking and other activities requiring endurance or strength. Steep trails. No technical expertise necessary.
Comfort Level
Choose accommodations and amenities that fit your personal style
Simple
Our most natural accommodations. Bath facilities often shared, sometimes rustic.
Delightful
Comfortable and especially personal. Small to mid-sized lodges, typically with private bath.
Superior
Lodges and hotels with additional amenities, refined artistry, or extra-special settings.
Deluxe
Exclusive or luxury lodges, hotels, or safari camps with fine dining options.
Uncommon
The most indulgent accommodations arranged specially for private trips.
Single Supplement
The single supplement is applicable if a roommate is not available or if single accommodation is specifically requested. While single accommodation is not available on all trips, we will try and honor this request whenever possible.