Part II of our Argentina dispatch is from our colleague Susie Gavlik, who many of you know and work with. Susie ventured into the northwest of Argentina, a region still largely undiscovered, even by most Argentines. This is Big Five constantly pushing the envelope, discovering new ways to experience a country, and embracing the WTTC Conscious Traveler Guideline set for by my friend Andrea Grisdale. Connecting travelers with these parts of Argentina is how we truly support community owned small and medium sized businesses, from glamping to stargazing or immersive cultural experiences.
For this dispatch, I share Susie’s thoughts and comments about this journey.
Argentina’s north is a painter’s palette, a kaleidoscope of colors, where in less than three hours, one can travel from lush green Yungas forests to red-hued canyons and cactus-strewn deserts to the high-altitude salt flats shimmering in shades of blue and white. This region is more than a feast for the eyes – it’s a cultural crossroads of indigenous roots, Spanish colonial heritage, and immigrant traditions. My journey began in Tilcara, nestled in the heart of the Quebrada de Humahuaca—a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its dramatic desert landscapes and multicolored mountains. Here the locals still farm their lands using traditional plowing methods and grow vegetables from seed passed down through the generations.
It was then on to Pristine Salinas Grande Camp positioned on the isolated, otherworldly expanse of the Salinas Grandes, the third largest salt flat in the world after Uyuni and the Atacama. Surrounded by endless white horizons and distant mountain peaks, the views at sunrise, sunset, and under the stars are nothing short of breathtaking. During the rainy season, the salt flats transform into a natural mirror, creating surreal reflections. Whether you’re a photographer, a stargazer, or a traveler in search of something extraordinaire, this is a destination that stirs the soul.
From the salar, we drove through Purmamarca, the most picturesque and representative town of Quebrada de Humahuaca, best known for its hill of seven colors. This multicolored mountain is one of the most iconic natural landmarks in Argentina with vivid layers of red, pink, green, yellow, and purple formed over millions of years due to sedimentary rock deposition and mineral content. After winding through the Quebrada de las Conchas, where dramatic red rock formations, canyons, and wind-sculpted cliffs command awe at every turn, we arrived in Cafayate, Argentina’s second most important wine region after Mendoza and most famous for its Torrontés, a young white crispy varietal that thrives in high-altitude conditions and delivers bright, floral flavors with every sip.
The malbec here is simply elegant too! It was then off to Cachi where the traditional whitewashed adobe houses and cobblestone streets transport one back in time. Nearby is Los Cardones National Park, famous for its giant cactus forests, a rich prehistoric heritage of dinosaur tracks and fossils, and a wide array of wildlife including guanaco, red and gray fox, and if luck is on your side, the Andean condor. My time in the north ended in Salta, a city that wears its history with pride. With its colonial architecture, lively pedestrian streets, art galleries, and café-lined plazas, Salta offers the perfect balance of culture, relaxation, and Argentine charm.
Most Americans who travel to Argentina rarely venture into the north. While this region does attract tourists, they’re mostly from neighboring countries or Europe. This is untouched Argentina—far removed from the European charm of Buenos Aires or the tourist-heavy trails of Patagonia. It offers a unique glimpse into a side of the country few ever see, one that appeals to lovers of nature, adventure, and a more laid-back rhythm of life. After all, travel isn’t just about the destination—it’s about the stories you gather along the way. And believe me, I collected more than a few. From the vast salt flats to the fertile wine valleys, from the cactus-covered hills to the charming colonial towns, northern Argentina stole my heart.
I think I found my new home. Can someone talk to Ashish about letting me work remotely from northern Argentina?
(don’t worry I already approved it).
Enjoy the video and feel free to reach out should you want to see the real Argentina.
When you think of Argentina, what comes to mind? I would be willing to bet the names that pops into your head are the same as mine. Well, at Big Five, we’ve always believed that the first thing that comes to mind about a destination is exactly where we shouldn’t focus on.
Enter our latest dispatch: a two-part journey across Argentina that goes beyond the expected.
Big Five team members Laura and Susie are currently on the ground, each traveling a different path to uncover Argentina’s more untouched corners, from the wetlands to the northwest.
Part I follows Laura’s journey through the wetlands, with her travels eventually leading to Corrientes, one of the oldest cities in Argentina. Still rich in historic architecture, Corrientes offers a glimpse into a side of the country that few get to see.
Below, I’m sharing her notes directly from the ground, along with a video featuring her photos, a firsthand look at a region that often goes unnoticed but admired.
If you’re intrigued and want to follow in her footsteps, just let us know — we’re here to help you recreate this adventure.
Laura’s Field Notes: Wetlands & Corrientes
June 5: I am now in Corrientes staying at La Alondra Hotel. The plane arrived on time, transfer time between Resistencia and the hotel was 40 minutes. Once you descend from the plane, you have to walk 200 meters to the building to collect luggage. I took a morning city tour in Corrientes. La Alondra was originally a family house that was later refurbished as a hotel. Most of the rooms are on the ground floor, including two suites. Two standard rooms and two suites are on the upper floor, with access only by stairs. I was in a suite room.
June 6: I departed for Ituzaingó by road, a 3 hour bus ride from Corrientes. Once in Ituzaingó, the lodge provided a transfer, about one and a half hours. The lodge has only two cabins, each with a double bed plus a single bed. They can add one more bed in case of a family. I then departed from the lodge by vehicle for a half-day visit within the property and surrounding areas. I returned for lunch, then went out again in the afternoon for another half-day visit. I saw about 25 deer, several capybaras, yacarés and many birds typical of the wetlands. In this case the visit is only for guests staying at the lodge so more exclusive.
June 7: Please note that the route is paved. This is not a deluxe option, as one doesn’t exist this remote. The place is however very well kept, with warm service provided by local staff. There is no A/C. Food is good, homemade. Today was a cloudy and occasionally rainy day so the morning excursion was done by tractor, which offered a unique experience, later returning to the lodge for lunch.
June 8: During our exploration, I came across several spider webs, beautifully adorned with water droplets. These webs are particularly interesting because they’re a favorite feeding spot for the iconic Strange-tailed Tyrant, a vulnerable bird species in the area. Being here at the right time allows for amazing sightings. After lunch, I explored the organic orchard and then embarked on a scenic walk. The path wound through the marshlands and into a montecito, where one could witness the remarkable recovery of the area after a devastating fire two years ago. The highlight of the walk was spotting two red guacamayos in their natural habitat. Later, a short walk near the lodge rewarded us with a glimpse of howler monkeys.
Stay tuned for Part II, as we explore the North West with Susie as we explore the untouched areas of Argentina that are left undisturbed.
Arriving in Alberta just a week before the G7 summit, I headed to the inaugural Virtuoso Travel Impact Summit with a sense of anticipation. The summit aimed to address a crucial need, focusing on assisting developing nations burdened by overwhelming interest payments on debt. It’s staggering to think that 3.3 billion people in countries allocate more funds to debt interest than to essential areas like healthcare and education. The escalating interest payments in developing nations are surpassing growth in vital public expenditures, underscoring the urgency for action.
The breakout sessions sparked engaging discussions and idea exchanges, with the theme of social responsibility through conscious travel taking center stage. It was truly inspiring to collaborate with some of the brightest minds and thought leaders in this field, where the spirit of cooperation prevailed over competition.
Having a clear vision of what travel advisor partners need to integrate the UN Sustainable Development Goals into their travel planning conversations was pivotal. As the regional member representing Big Five Tours & Expeditions within the World Travel & Tourism Council, I was reminded that this is not only a privilege, but also a profound responsibility in our collective effort.
A heartfelt congratulations to Matthew Upchurch, Jessica Hall Upchurch, Javier Arredondo, Keriann Ashley-Chase, Dr. Jill Schiefelbein and the entire Virtuoso team for a successful Impact Summit. I look forward to the future and the positive impact we can continue to make together.
