You’ll discover a vast and wild region in Argentina’s north-west, home to the Andes Mountains. Salta is a city, as are the provinces Jujuy and Catamarca and the Puna high-desert wilderness. Read on for the to best ways to explore this lesser-known part of the country—directly from a top travel advisor who specializes in trips to Argentina.
What to see
The landscapes of northwest Argentina are unique.
Beginning in the Jujuy Province, on the border with Chile The following are some examples of how to get started: BoliviaThe Quebrada de Humahuaca Valley winds through candy-striped mountain ranges and adobe village. Visitors can enjoy the colorful hues of Cerro de los Siete Colores or the Hill of Seven Colors in Purmamarca, a village nearby. The unique mineral composition and thousands of years of geological evolution are responsible for the color of this rock formation. Just further north, the Serranía del Hornocal mountain range, often another favorite, displays shades of rose, gold, and gray.
Head south into Salta’s Calchaquí Valleys, where red-rock canyons burn at sunset, and the whitewashed towns of Cachi and Molinos welcome you with quiet plazas, adobe walls, and delicious high-altitude wine.
Catamarca, further west, takes you to the real wilderness. Here, you’ll find the Campo de Piedra Pómez, a nature preserve of white, volcanic rock. You can also explore the flamingo-filled lagunas and salt flats that are located near Tolar Grande.
What to Do
Francesco Triaca/Getty Images
Northwest Argentina is a place to slow down, take a deep breath, and reconnect—with the land, the people, and yourself.
Explore ancient valleys that still have original Inca trails. Horseback riding with locals gauchos Near the charming towns of Cachi and Cafayate, you can find (skilled horsesmen). You can ride up to the nearby hills in a 4×4 or cross the bizarre Arisaro flat. Puna plateau is another great place to visit. It’s a high-altitude area in the Central Andes.
Keep in mind, however, there are no signs in this area—just vicuña tracks, rock cairns, and instinct—so it’s best to travel with a guide when visiting the region.
What to do?
House Of Jasmines
There are some great places to stay in this remote area. The Hotel Casa del Sol is my favorite property in Salta. It’s only 15 minutes away. House of Jasmines. The hotel has 14 rooms and suites with elegant decor, a spa and an outdoor swimming pool. It also boasts the highly acclaimed La Table Restaurant, which serves only traditional dishes of the north region of Argentina like tamales.
Cafayate lies about three hours drive south of Salta. Patios de Cafayate. This resort blends colonial style with modern luxury.
The other direction is a 3-hour drive to the north of Salta. Las Marias This hotel is just a few blocks away from the main square of the city of Tilcara. Here you can experience the Andean culture. This boutique provides a tranquil escape with stunning views of the mountains.
What to Eat
The food in Argentina’s Northwest is a fusion of Andean, indigenous and European influences. Some of the highlights include ломA slow-cooked stew made of beef, corn and beans; HumitasIt is made up of fresh choclo (a large field-corn) steamed with corn husks, and llama mutton which is becoming a favorite in the north. Another must-try includes empanadas with a splash of lemon and a glass of local torrontés, an aromatic white wine.
El Baqueano restaurant, located on San Bernardo Hill, offers a contemporary twist on traditional food. El Bodeguero Hotel in a restored mansion is another place that serves tasty bites.
Takeaways from the Final Session
The northwest of Argentina isn’t just a destination—it’s a rhythm full of deep tradition.
Bring your most dusty boots and a spirit of adventure because you’ll discover something that few travelers ever experience. Up here, where the clouds drift beneath you and volcanoes are silent, you will find something that most travelers have never experienced.
Carola Fresno It is not a member Travel + Leisure’s A-List is a specialist in Argentina and Chile. Fresno will create a custom itinerary for you by contacting her via [email protected].
