Days 6-7 Salta
Take a hike amongst the stunning rock formations of La Yesera (think Wadi Rum meets Dakota Badlands) then continue by road back to Salta passing the lunar-like Quebrada del Rio de las Conchas rock formations. These impossibly red, silver and orange cliffs are as majestic as they are awe-inspiring.

Salta was one of the oldest cities to be established in Argentina by the Spanish conquistadors. An afternoon walking tour will be a fantastic introduction to its colonial history. Close to the borders of Chile, Bolivia and Paraguay, Salta nestles like a jewel among verdant green hills with a rich cultural heritage, artisan tradition and mouth-watering regional food.

This evening experience the strong folk traditions at a musical gathering in a local ‘Pena’ restaurant.

Day 8 Purmamarca
Travel two hours to Purmamarca, the perfect base to explore the amazing Cerro de Los Siete Colores (Seven Colours Mountain). This is known locally as the ‘artist’s palette’ due to the rainbow of colours that run through it. Wander the streets of the quaint adobe town with its stunning backdrop and explore the colourful artisan market, one of the most vibrant in Argentina. Walk the Paseo de los Colorados loop passing lunar landscapes, rock formations and look out points over the valley and multi-coloured hill.

In the afternoon visit Salinas Grandes (Great Salt Flats), a mesmerising white expanse of salt pans, before returning to your hotel in Purmamarca.

Day 9 Purmumarca
Time to take a walk with the Llamas! For over 5,000 years the high Andean people have seen llamas as companions, a source of sustenance and good pack animals. Today you will walk those same ancient pathways through the hills, valleys and gorgeous landscapes accompanied by these amusing animals. Ascend to high altitudes to the viewpoint of the Serranias del Hornocal (also known as 14 Colour Mountain – these mountain titles are starting to get competitive now…), breathtaking, quite literally, before returning to Purmamarca.

This evening why not try some of the fabulous cuisine Pumamarca is famous for – empanadas, locro (a hearty stew of corn and meat), tamales, humitas, and (apologies to your trekking companions today), llama meat.

Days 10 to 11 Iguazu Falls
Return to Salta and fly to Puerto Iguazu, the gateway to the world’s most impressive waterfalls. Think Niagara?  Think again… The Iguazu Falls are nothing less than a ‘New Wonder of Nature’, and all ages will be wowed by their strength and dramatic setting. They are in fact a series of 275 waterfalls, reaching up to 90m high, shared by Brazil and Argentina.  A visit to both sides (another stamp in the passport!) is an absolute must.

First off, head to Brazil. Incredible scenic walkways lead you to multiple view points including the dramatic Devil’s Throat. Everywhere you are surrounded by the natural world. Coati racoons abound (watch out for your snacks), colourful butterflies flit overhead and toucans, macaws and parrots screech greetings. Fig trees, giant bromeliads and vibrant orchids add to the scene.

You will end your first day here at the ‘Backstage Experience’, which sounds like something out of Las Vegas, but starring local fauna instead. Enjoy privileged contact with birds, featuring feeding of toucans and other species whilst learning about the park’s much needed conservation and rescue programmes.  Educational and a huge amount of fun – all ages will love it.

The next day experience the falls from the Argentine side, which most people consider to be the more exciting. Take a train that leads to the lower walkway circuit through humid subtropical forest filled with wildlife. Or follow the superior circuit with hanging bridges that offer spectacular views of the massive deluge of water.

You will then hop into a ‘safari boat’ and get up close to the base of the falls themselves, heart-stopping stuff as the captain plays with your nerves running the rapids, whirlpools and currents. Hint – you WILL get wet!

Day 12 Ibera Wetlands
Head to the incredible pristine eco-system of the Ibera Wetlands. Stop en route at the San Ignacio ruins and learn a little about the history of the Jesuit missions once based here.  Continue on to your remote ranch, set on the banks of the Parana River.

The Ibera Wetlands are one of South America’s great-untouched wildernesses. A huge expanse of marshes and plains where capybaras, giant anteaters, alligators, anacondas, monkeys and numerous birds such as jabirus, rheas, toucans and parrots reside. It provides a fantastic off the beaten track destination for wildlife lovers – or those just wanting some much needed ‘down time’.

Day 13-14 Ibera Wetland safaris
Home to 300 different types of birds, 35 varieties of reptile, 85 mammal species and dozens of amphibians, there should be plenty here to keep all ages excited.  You have two full days to enjoy exploring this natural world on a variety of different activities. These will include canoeing along the Paraná River, horseback safaris, early morning bird tours, boat rides, walking trails and kayak trips through the marshes…. just keep the fingers well away from those caiman and piranha!

Your ranch is a genuine estancia so you will be able to observe and participate in the modern life of a working farm.

In the evenings you can relax in a hammock surrounded by a constant stream of birdsong – punctuated by bickering families of howler monkeys!

Day 15 Buenos Aires
Fly back to the capital to enjoy a final afternoon in this fabulous city.  Bring those Strictly Come Dancing skills out in an evening tango lesson or simply enjoy the spectacle of a professional tango show.

Day 16 Buenos Aires
Transfer to the airport for your flight home.