From Salta: Full-Day Tour to Cachi and Los Cardones National Park

Salta, Argentina’s northwest region, offers a captivating full-day tour to the charming town of Cachi and the breathtaking Los Cardones National Park. Operated by La Quebrada Turismo, this adventure promises stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and an unforgettable journey for up to 23 participants. Despite some transportation challenges, the knowledgeable guide and air-conditioned vehicle ensure a comfortable experience. With inclusions like lunch and park entrance, this tour invites travelers to explore the unique wonders of this picturesque area. But the true essence of the journey lies beyond the logistics – in the moments that leave an indelible mark on the senses.

This experience made our list of the 3 Best National Park Tours In Salta.

Good To Know

1. Full-day tour to Cachi and Los Cardones National Park, operated by La Quebrada Turismo, with a maximum of 23 participants and free cancellation up to 24 hours prior.

2. Tour includes air-conditioned vehicle, entrance fees, and lunch, with additional costs for lunch drinks and tips not covered in the price.

3. Pickup is available within 15 blocks from Plaza 9 de Julio, with notifications sent a day before, between 7:00 AM and 7:45 AM.

4. Positive feedback from travelers on the scenic landscapes, charming town of Cachi, and the knowledge and friendliness of the guide and driver.

5. Company committed to enhancing customer experiences by addressing transportation issues, improving guide communication, and upgrading the fleet for better comfort and safety.

Tour Overview

The full-day tour to Cachi and Los Cardones National Park offers travelers an opportunity to explore the scenic landscapes of Salta, Argentina.

Operated by La Quebrada Turismo, the tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle, entrance to Los Cardones National Park, and lunch.

With a maximum of 23 participants, the tour starts at 7:00 am and includes free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience.

Pickup locations are available at designated spots, with notifications sent a day prior and a search time between 7:00 am and 7:45 am within 15 blocks from Plaza 9 de Julio.

The tour is priced from $19.58 per person.

Inclusions and Exclusions

According to the tour overview, the tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle, all fees and taxes, entrance to Los Cardones National Park, and lunch.

However, the tour excludes lunch drinks and tips. This means that while the major expenses like transportation, park access, and the meal itself are covered, travelers will need to pay for any additional drinks they wish to have during lunch, as well as tips for the guide and driver.

The clear breakdown of what’s and isn’t included helps set appropriate expectations for the tour participants.

Pickup Information

Travelers can select their pickup location from designated points. The tour operator will notify participants a day prior with the search time, which falls between 7:00 AM and 7:45 AM.

Pickups happen within 15 blocks from Plaza 9 de Julio. This allows for a convenient and organized start to the full-day adventure.

The tour’s transportation is an air-conditioned vehicle, ensuring a comfortable journey to the stunning Cachi and Los Cardones National Park.

With clear communication on pickup logistics, travelers can rest assured that the tour will run smoothly from the very beginning.

Customer Experiences

Praised for the scenic landscapes and charming town of Cachi, the tour received generally positive feedback from customers. Reviewers commended the guide Ximena and driver Mario for their knowledge and friendliness.

However, some travelers encountered issues with the transportation, including a bus breakdown and long wait for a replacement vehicle. The language barrier with the guide also left a few customers feeling they missed important information.

Plus, complaints were made about the bus’s comfort and the driver’s handling of the rough roads, which led to motion sickness. The company acknowledged the feedback and expressed a commitment to improving customer experiences.

Scenic Landscapes and Charming Cachi

The stunning landscapes and charming town of Cachi captivated many travelers on this full-day tour.

Rolling hills, towering mountains, and the rugged beauty of Los Cardones National Park delighted visitors.

The picturesque whitewashed town of Cachi, with its colonial architecture and narrow streets, offered a glimpse into traditional Andean life.

Travelers praised the guide’s knowledge and the opportunity to explore this unique region.

The tour allowed them to enjoy the natural splendor and cultural charm of Argentina’s northwest.

Many left with a deeper appreciation for the region’s breathtaking scenery and the warmth of the local community.

Transportation and Guide Challenges

Despite the captivating landscapes and charming town experiences, some travelers encountered challenges with the tour’s transportation and guide. Issues with the bus, including a breakdown and long wait for a replacement, disrupted the itinerary. Plus, the language barrier between the guide and some participants led to concerns about missing important information. Comfort and driving on the rough roads also caused motion sickness for a few travelers.

Transportation Challenges	Guide Challenges	Customer Feedback
Bus breakdown	Language barrier	Missed important information
Long wait for replacement	Reduced time in Cachi	Motion sickness due to driving
Rough roads leading to discomfort	–	–

The company acknowledged these issues and expressed a commitment to improving customer experiences.

Company Response and Commitment

Acknowledging the feedback, the tour company expressed its commitment to enhancing customer experiences.

They highlighted several key initiatives:

1. Implementing a rigorous maintenance schedule to prevent mechanical issues.
2. Providing additional training for guides to improve communication and information delivery.
3. Extending the time spent in Cachi to ensure a more immersive experience.
4. Upgrading the transportation fleet to ensure passenger comfort and safety, even on rough roads.

The company emphasized its dedication to addressing the concerns raised and delivering exceptional tours that showcase the beauty of Salta and its surrounding landscapes.

Practical Tips for the Tour

To make the most of this full-day tour, travelers should pick up early to ensure punctual arrival at the designated meeting point.

Comfort is key, so wearing comfortable shoes and bringing layers of clothing is advisable as the weather can vary between the different locations visited. Sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses are essential for protecting against the strong Argentinian sun.

Bringing snacks and water is recommended, as the tour includes a stop for lunch but doesn’t provide drinks. Travelers should also be prepared for some walking and uneven terrain, especially within Los Cardones National Park.

Lastly, having a basic understanding of Spanish can enhance the overall experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Average Duration of the Tour?

The full-day tour typically runs from 7:00 am to an unspecified return time, though some reviews mention the planned 2-hour stop in Cachi was reduced to 40 minutes due to delays.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?

There are no age restrictions for this tour. The tour is open to travelers of all ages, allowing families and groups with a wide range of ages to participate and experience the scenic landscapes of Cachi and Los Cardones National Park.

Does the Tour Have Any Physical Requirements or Difficulty Level?

The tour doesn’t have any specific physical requirements, but it involves moderate hiking in the national park. Participants should be able to walk on uneven terrain for up to an hour. The difficulty level is generally manageable for most travelers.

Can Dietary Restrictions Be Accommodated During the Included Lunch?

The tour operator can accommodate dietary restrictions for the included lunch, though advance notice is required. Guests should communicate any dietary needs when booking the tour to ensure a suitable meal is provided.

Are There Any Optional Add-On Activities Available During the Tour?

The tour doesn’t mention any optional add-on activities. It focuses on the core sightseeing itinerary, which includes Cachi town and Los Cardones National Park. The package price covers transportation, entrance fees, and lunch.

The Sum Up

The full-day tour from Salta to Cachi and Los Cardones National Park offers a captivating exploration of Argentina’s northwest. Despite some transportation challenges, the knowledgeable guide and breathtaking landscapes make this an unforgettable journey. Travelers can enjoy the region’s stunning natural beauty and charming town of Cachi, creating lasting memories. La Quebrada Turismo’s commitment to providing a high-quality experience ensures a memorable day in this picturesque part of Argentina.