TAFI DEL VALLE: A DESTINATION THAT FALLS IN LOVE

EMPIRE OF MUSIC, DANCE, THE WATER AND THE FOAM, THE CARNIVAL DAYS OPEN IN THE ROUTINE A TIME TO FREE YOURSELF TO THE JOY OF CELEBRATING IN COMMUNITY.

IN LATIN AMERICA IT HAS ITS OWN MANIFESTATION: CULTURE FROM ACROSS THE OCEAN MIXED WITH THE CUSTOMS OF THE NATIVE PEOPLES, GIVING RISE TO VARIOUS WAYS TO CELEBRATE CARNIVAL. THUS, ARGENTINA, A COUNTRY OF GREAT EXTENSION AND DIVERSE CONFORMATION, CONTAINS SEVERAL OF THESE EXPRESSIONS.

THE IMPORTANCE OF THIS PARTY IN THE PROVINCE OF CORRIENTES IS SUCH THAT IT HAS A TOURIST CORRIDOR WITH 20 TOWNS WHERE THEY ARE DEVELOPED SHOWS. ITS CAPITAL, NAMED NATIONAL CAPITAL OF CARNIVAL, RECEIVE THOSE WHO WANT TO ENJOY A REMARKABLE PARADE WITH VARIETY OF DESIGNS, EMBROIDERY AND FLOATS. THE CITY OF SANTO TOMÉ IT STANDS OUT FOR ITS MIX OF MAGIC AND FANTASY, WHILE MONTE CASEROS & NBSP; DISPLAYS LUXURY AND SPLENDOR AT ITS ART CARNIVAL.

IN ENTRE RÍOS, GUALEGUAYCHÚ IS HEADQUARTERS OF THE LARGEST AND TOURIST CARNIVAL IN THE COUNTRY. RELATED TO THE STYLE OF RIO (BRAZIL), HAS AN IMPOSING CORSÓDROMO, GREAT OPEN-AIR STAGE THAT WELCOMES 35,000 SPECTATORS. A PARTY TO DANCE TO THE RHYTHM OF BATUCADAS, BE DAZZLED BY THE COSTUMES OF FANTASY AND ADMIRE THE IMPOSING FLOATS THAT CARRY FAMOUS CELEBRITIES, IN A COMPETITION OF MAJESTY.

THE CARNIVAL OF HUMAHUACA (JUJUY) IT IS ONE OF THE MOST FAMOUS AND ATTRACTS MANY TOURISTS. FOR EIGHT DAYS BRIGHTLY COLORED SUITS REIGN, VERY ELABORATE COSTUMES, ANIMAL MASKS, FLAGS AND SONGS. & NBSP;

THE DEVIL COSTUME CANNOT LACK. DRESSED IN RED, SEQUINS, MIRRORS AND BELLS, THIS FIGURE SYMBOLIZES CARNIVAL. EVERY YEAR IT IS "UNEARTHED" OF A CAIRN AT THE HEIGHT OR AT THE FOOT OF A HILL, INAUGURATING THIS PARTY PERIOD IN WHICH "ANYTHING GOES". THIS ALL HAPPENS AT SOUND OF TYPICAL ANDEAN SONGS AND INSTRUMENTS, AND THE FUNDAMENTAL INGREDIENT THAT CHARACTERIZES THIS CELEBRATION: THE PARTICIPATION OF PEOPLE WHO THROW AND RECEIVE STREAMERS, WATER AND FLOUR OR TALC.

THE ENDS OF WEEK AND THE HOLIDAYS OF CARNIVAL, AT NIGHT, THE NEIGHBORHOODS THEY CUT SOME OF ITS STREETS. THE COSTUMES, NEIGHBORHOOD GROUPS WITH COSTUMES OF DISTINCTIVE COLORS, DANCE ON THE ASPHALT WEARING GALLEYS AND POLES. THE SINGERS GET ON A STAGE SPECIALLY SET UP TO SING PROTEST SONGS AND HUMOR. THE PEOPLE SURROUND THEM, WHILE FLYING CONFETTI, WATER AND FOAM.

This place is a city that cannot be reached by road. It is within the isolated Northern  Amazon Area of Peru. If you want to visit Iquitos you have to take a plane or a boat.

If you are an adventurer you will take a boat along the Amazon River, it is a slow trip, but you will be in touch with the amazing landscapes. However, many tourists prefer to take a flight and landing at Francisco Vignetta Airport.

Iquitos is the perfect place to explore the rainforest of Peru. Once in Iquitos, you will be immersed in an adventure, where you can visit a lake, go on a boat safari to see caimans or catfishes, go on a night-walk to see huge frogs, or hike through the jungle.

If you take a boat trip to Lake Sapote, it will be possible to see different birds. And, later you can go to Moena Lagoon, a place where you can see sloths, monkeys, squirrels and dusky titi monkeys.

At night, you can take another boat trip, but this time it will be a little bit dangerous because you will see caimans, mammals, and nocturnal birds.

Here, you can taste the water contained within the vines of the cat's claw plant.

In the middle of this place, you will also see the smallest monkey in the world, the pygmy marmoset, and tamarin monkeys. But, the most impressive animal is the howler monkey, whose deafening roar can be heard many miles away.

Fishing is another pleasant activity; you can take a boat trip to the Lakes Purura and Corrientes and catch different kinds of fishes including piranhas.

You can also hike the surrounding area with a guide. This walk allows appreciating flora and fauna of this amazing place and some villages like San Juan de Yanayacu.

But, the most magical activity is swimming with pink and gray dolphins in the Amazon River.

Iquitos is a place for braves, adventurers and nature lovers. 

If you are organizing a trip through the Argentine Northwest, Salta cannot be missing from your itinerary.

Its customs, colonial architecture and the valley that surrounds it make the city of Salta a key destination, where some of Its main attractions are the Cerro San Bernardo, the Basilica San Francisco, the Cathedral, the Cabildo de Salta, the Güemes Museum and the Plaza 9 de Julio.

As it is one of the busiest places to base and visit other nearby towns, offers a great variety of gastronomic proposals, activities and, of course, suitable accommodation to all tastes of the via jeros.

For this reason, below we will tell you which are the 9 best hotels in Salta:

Alejandro I

It is a reference in the city of Salta for its good location, infrastructure, gastronomy of quality and good service from all staff.

Alejandro I has 160 rooms spread over 14 floors.

All of these were designed with a modern style while maintaining the regional air and sharing direct views of the Cerro San Bernardo or the Lerma Valley.

Its categories are divided into:

-     Standard: It has an area of 30 square meters and is equipped with a 32 ”LCD, minibar, air conditioning and heating, private bathroom with bathtub , shower, hairdryer and amenities, safe, work desk, telephone, USB charger and free Wi-Fi.

-       Superior: With a surface area of 30 square meters, it is equipped with air conditioning, heating, 43 ”Smart TV, security, minibar, telephone, work desk, USB charger, free Wi-Fi and private bathroom with bathtub, shower, hair dryer and amenities.

-       Executive: It is located on the highest floors and equipped with 43 ”Smart TV, safe, minibar, air conditioning, heating, work desk, free Wi-Fi, USB charger, delivery of local newspaper to the room (by choice), private bathroom with bathtub, shower, hairdryer, amenities, bathrobes, slippers and a plate of sliced fruits as a welcome.

-     Junior Suite: It has an area of 40 square meters and has a living room, private bathroom with double vanity, hydromassage, shower, hairdryer , amenities, bathrobes and slippers, 43 ”Smart TV, safe, air conditioning, heating, work desk, free Wi-Fi, USB chargers, delivery of local newspaper to the room (by choice) and plate of sliced fruits as a welcome. Located on the highest floors with great views.

-       Executive Suite:  With an area of 45 square meters, it is located on the highest floor of the hotel and has spacious Windows offering privileged views, living room, private bathroom with hydromassage, shower, double sink, hair dryer, amenities, bathrobes and slippers, 43 ”Smart TV, air conditioning, heating, safe, minibar, work desk, USB chargers , Free Wi-Fi, local newspaper delivery to the room (by choice) and a plate of sliced fruit as a welcome.

-     Presidential Suite: It is an 80 square meter apartment consisting of a living room with a desk, living room, bathroom and kitchenette In another of the rooms, a suite with a King size bed, work desk, dressing room and fully equipped bathroom. In addition, it has 2 entrance doors.

In turn, the hotel has connecting rooms ideal for families, accessible rooms for people with reduced mobility and if necessary, you can request a cot. 

Regarding  gastronomy, the hotel has its own restaurant-bar:

-     Restaurant “ El Mesón de La Plaza ”:   a relaxed space where you can try regional and international dishes made with quality products.

-     “ Hidalgo ”Piano Bar:  has an extensive menu that ranges from cafeteria, breakfasts and snacks to alcoholic beverages and different fast food options.

The preferred place for those who stay in  Alejandro I  is undoubtedly their  Health Club: a space where they offer an organized program equipped with professionals and the latest generation elements.

Here you can find:

-     Gym

-       Spinning classes

-       Dynamic circuit 

-       Pilates

-       Beauty salon

-       Heated indoor pool

-    Jacuzzi

-       Solarium

-       Massage room

-       Dry sauna

-       Turkish bath 

-       Scottish shower

And if you are thinking of organizing an event with cocktails, corporate events, weddings, among others, Alejandro I has 5 rooms with different characteristics and with capacity for up to 600 people.

Sheraton Salta Hotel

Like all Sheraton hotels, this chain is also based in the city of Salta and offers a luxurious atmosphere and a wide range of services for an excellent stay.

All of its rooms offer city views, private baths with plush robes and marble countertops, feather beds, and flat-screen TVs. In turn, they are divided into categories:

- Classic: In this type of room, it can be requested with a King bed or 2 single beds and the option of city view or Valley view.

- Junior Suite: It is a room located on the corner, with views of the mountains and has a king bed and 2 private bathrooms.

- Terrace Suite: Equipped with a King bed, 2 private bathrooms and a private terrace with armchairs and lounge chairs with a view of the mountains.

Its gastronomy.

Sheraton Salta offers a buffet breakfast and has 2 restaurants to enjoy without moving:

The Terracota Restaurant offers international gourmet dishes and a selection of high-end wines in an elegant and relaxed atmosphere.

On the other hand, Jardín del Sol is located on the second floor of the hotel and has a menu with fast food options and different cocktails.

For recreation and relaxation, Sheraton Salta has a gym with state-of-the-art equipment, where swimming classes are also offered in its outdoor pool.

Its Spa has different types of treatments and the rooms are divided for men and women. It is a great space to relieve stress or fatigue after a long journey.

Finally, it offers 6 rooms that are adapted to different types of events and have a capacity of up to 500 people.

Kkala Boutique Hotel

It is located at the foot of one of the hills, in the Tres Cerritos neighborhood and 15 blocks from the historic center of the city of Salta. Its decoration with wood, stone, handicrafts, linen and velvet fabrics are some of the typical elements of the North of Argentina that make the place a totally traditional space.

Kkala Boutique has 10 rooms and to give each one personality, they were specially decorated and identified under the names of National Parks and places to be visited in the province of Salta.

According to the size of each room and bathroom, they are divided into the classic, superior, deluxe and suite categories and their general services are:

- King or Twin bed

- 300 thread count cotton sheets

- Complete bathrooms with amenities (hydromassage according to category)

- LCD TV with cable

- Minibar

- Air conditioning and central heating

- Safe box

- Wifi

- Fresh flowers as decoration

- Phone

- Pillow menu

- Homemade breakfast included

On the other hand, the hotel has different common areas to rest: a library and reading area to enjoy a good book in silence, a breakfast room with windows and views of the city, a large garden and patio with barbecue grills and a clay oven. , a heated outdoor pool with deck and a living room with armchairs and board games.

Extra services

If you want, you can also access other services with additional charges:

- Coordination of transfers

- Laundry service

- Room service

- Early Check IN and Late Check OUT

Ayres de Salta Hotel

It is located in the historic center of the city of Salta, 3 blocks from Plaza 9 de Julio and 5 blocks from the famous Balcarce street where all the popular bars and clubs are. Here, the "ayre" of Salta is breathed in every moment.

Ayres de Salta has 40 rooms divided into Premium and Executive categories and share these characteristics:

- Air conditioning and heating

- King beds or 2 Twin beds

- Private bathrooms equipped with bathtub, shower and hairdryer

- Minibar

- Safe box

- Phone

- Free WIFI

- LCD TV with cable

In turn, the hotel has its own Restaurant Bar.

The Restaurant offers a menu with varied dishes where sophisticated recipes are combined with local ingredients to give it a northern touch.

And its wine list has the best brands in the region stored exclusively in the hotel's own cellar.

The bar offers buffet breakfasts during the day, an executive menu at lunchtime, pastries at tea time, and salad options during the night.

Their hours are from 10 am to 11 pm.

For rest and recreation, on the hotel terrace you will find its swimming pool and gym with direct views of the city of Salta and the Lerma Valley.

The hours of use of the pool is from 9 am to 9 pm.

Extra services!

- Room Service

- Golf at "Jockey Club Salta"

- Laundry and dry cleaning service

- Mail and messaging

- IN/OUT transfers on request

- Attendance

Design Suites Salta

Located in the center of the city, Design Suites follows the same minimalist and modern style as its entire chain distributed in Argentina.

Therefore, this is a good option if you like novelty more.

The hotel has 51 rooms divided into 3 categories:

- Junior Suite: It has an area of ??25 square meters, with a panoramic view of the entire city and is equipped with a Queen bed (or the choice of 2 Twin beds), bathroom with hydromassage, safe, telephone, LCD TV, free Wi-Fi and minibar.

- Suite: With an area of ??35 square meters, the suite can be Single, Double or Twin and has a panoramic view of the city. It is equipped with a Queen bed (or Twin beds), bathroom with hydromassage, safe, telephone, LCD TV, free Wi-Fi and minibar.

- Palace Suite: It has an area of ??55 square meters with views of the city. It is equipped with a Queen bed (or the choice of 2 Twin beds), bathroom with hydromassage, special amenities, air conditioning, work desk, safe, telephone, LCD TV, free Wi-Fi and minibar.

In turn, it has different common areas to enjoy the entire stay:

- Heated swimming pool: it is uncovered and is located on the hotel terrace next to lounge chairs to relax and sunbathe.

- Restó Bar Wine Bar: with a great selection of dishes and wines from the region.

- Events room

- Art Gallery

- Outdoor hydromassage: it is located on the terrace next to the pool.

- Spa: Equipped with wet sauna, dry sauna, Scottish shower, massage room

-     Gym

In addition to the rooms, all the common areas of the hotel have free high-range Wi-Fi.

Legado Mitico Salta

Legado Mítico is an old house that was transformed into accommodation and where the old, the modern and the rustic merge.

This hotel is located in the historic center of the city, a few blocks from the main square and all the most visited tourist attractions.

As for the rooms, the decoration and the names are inspired by art, writing, music and the original peoples of Salta.

In turn, they are divided into 3 categories:

- Classic myths.

- Top myths.

- Mythical luxury.

In addition, the hotel has a room adapted for people with reduced mobility and is subject to availability.

Breakfast is included in all rates and during the stay, everyone has access to a 24-hour reception, concierge, and cafeteria.

Finally, Legado Mítica has a room with a sober decoration that shows an excellent handling of aesthetics and an internal patio decorated with plants, armchairs and libraries to relax in complete silence.

And as a courtesy, on your arrival you are greeted with a welcome glass of wine.

Amerian Salta Hotel

Close to the downtown area, the Hotel is specifically located 5 blocks from the main square and 2 blocks from the famous cable car that takes you to the top of Cerro San Bernardo.

Amerian Salta has 56 rooms distributed over 8 floors and in different categories:

- Single Economy: It has an area of 15 square meters with views of Cerro San Bernardo and is equipped with a double bed, work desk, LCD TV and Wi-Fi internet connection. There are the double and matrimonial options.

- Superior Twin/Double: It has an area of 20 square meters, with the option of a double bed or 2 single beds.

- Superior Family Plan: With an area of 30 square meters, it is ideal for families due to its space and comfort. It is equipped with LCD TV, desk, table with chairs, 2 large beds available for 2 adults and children under 5 years old free of charge. It overlooks the Cerro San Bernardo and has free Wi-Fi.

- Double Junior Suite: It is located on the highest floor of the hotel and is decorated with exclusive details. It has an area of 29 square meters and a balcony that gives a panoramic view of the entire city. In addition, it is equipped with a bathroom with hydromassage, a living room with an armchair-bed, two individual armchairs with a coffee table, work desk, LCD TV and free Wi-Fi.

Its gastronomy

Amaterra Restaurante Coffee Bar is the hotel's own space to enjoy a very complete buffet breakfast and a large wine list and regional and international dishes for lunch and dinner.

Their hours are from 10 am to 12 am.

What other services does Amerian Salta offer?

For greater comfort, you will find:

-    Gym

-     Pool

-    Solarium

-    Room Service

-    Laundry service

 And if you are traveling for work and need to organize a business meeting, interviews, training or product presentations, Amerian has its Executive Room equipped with technological tools.

Hotel Almeria

It is located in the historic center of the city, 400 meters from Plaza 9 de Julio, the Cathedral and the Alta Montaña Museum.

Almería has 64 rooms and 2 suites, divided into categories:

- Classic internal: It overlooks the internal patio and this category is distributed on the first and second floors. In addition, there are connecting rooms ideal for large families. It is equipped with individual heating, bathtub, hairdryer, amenities, minibar, LCD cable TV, telephone in the room and in the bathroom and free Wi-Fi.

- Classic external: Between the first and fourth floors, it has views of the Cerro San Bernardo and the City of Salta. It is equipped with individual heating, bathtub, hairdryer, amenities, minibar, LCD cable TV, telephone in the room and in the bathroom and free Wi-Fi. It is allowed to add a cot.

- Executive: This category is located both on the first floor and in the fourth and overlooks the Cerro San Bernardo and has individual heating, bathtub, hairdryer, amenities, minibar, LCD cable TV, telephone in the room and in the bathroom and free Wifi. It is not allowed to add a cot or additional bed.

- Superior: It is equipped with 2 double beds, individual heating, bathtub, hairdryer, amenities, minibar, LCD cable TV, telephone in the room and in the bathroom and free Wi-Fi. It overlooks the Cerro San Bernardo and a cot can be added free of charge.

- Mojacar Suite: It is located on the fourth floor and overlooks Cerro San Bernardo. It is equipped with individual heating, hydromassage bathtub, Scottish shower, hairdryer, amenities, minibar, LCD cable TV, telephone in the room and in the bathroom and free Wi-Fi.

- Almería Suite: It is located on the fifth floor of the hotel and overlooks Cerro San Bernardo. It has individual heating, bathtub, Scottish shower, hair dryer, amenities, minibar, LCD cable TV, telephone in the room and in the bathroom, free Wi-Fi and a Jacuzzi on its wooden deck overlooking the hill. In addition, it is allowed to add a cot free of charge.

- Accessible internal classic: It was designed and equipped exclusively for people with reduced mobility. From its window, it has views of the hotel's internal courtyard and is connected to another room, if necessary. It has individual heating, bathtub, hairdryer, amenities, minibar, LCD cable TV, telephone in the room and in the bathroom and free Wi-Fi.

All rooms include entrance to the Gym, Spa, parking and a continental breakfast suitable for celiacs that includes homemade croissants, juices, cold cuts, sweet cakes, hot drinks and cold drinks.

On the other hand, on the ground floor of the hotel is the Don Salvador Restaurant where they offer a gourmet menu with a regional style and an excellent selection of wines from Salta and Mendoza.

Almería has its own SPA and Gym:

-   Spa: Here you can find a sauna, solarium, hydromassage, Scottish shower and Scottish shower. All at no charge to guests.

-   Gym: Equipped with stationary bicycles, treadmill and climber.

-   Your extra services:

-   Laundry service

-   Parking lot

-   24 hour security

- Room with a capacity for 12 people ideal for business meetings, interviews and training

Casa Real Hotel

This 4-star Pet-friendly hotel is strategically located a few steps from the city center, the historic center and the famous Balcarce promenade.

Many choose Casa Real for their business trips, for all its comforts.

Business and pleasure are combined in the comfort of its 87 rooms, divided into categories:

- Junior Suite: It has an area of ??40 square meters and is equipped with a King size bed, bathroom with hydromassage and shower, work desk, LCD TV, heating and air conditioning, minibar, safe and free Wi-Fi. In addition, it has panoramic views of the entire city.

- Superior: It has an area of ??40 square meters and is equipped with a King size bed, bathroom with hydromassage and shower, work desk, LCD TV, heating and air conditioning, minibar, safe and free Wi-Fi.

- Luxury Triple: It has an area of ??35 square meters and is equipped with 2 Queen beds and an additional bed, work desk, LCD TV, heating and air conditioning, minibar, safe and free Wi-Fi.

- Luxury Double: It has the same characteristics as a Luxury Triple room, only it is equipped with 2 Queen beds.

- Luxury Standard: With an area of ??35 square meters, it is equipped with a King bed, work desk, LCD TV, heating and air conditioning, minibar, safe and free Wi-Fi. In addition, this category admits connecting rooms and rooms for the disabled.

Its gastronomy

Casa Real has its own restaurant called "Los Cebiles Resto Bar" located in the hotel lobby.

It is a very comfortable space to start the day with a very complete buffet breakfast and during the day, excellent international dishes, desserts and snacks

In turn, it works as a Confectionery bar with a variety of sandwiches, drinks and coffee.

And next to the pool, Casa Real also offers a “beer patio” with wines, beers and tables of fine cheeses, in a relaxed atmosphere.

Rest areas

After a long day of work or excursions, the hotel offers two key areas for rest and recreation:

- A heated and covered swimming pool.

- Gym.

- Spa with dry sauna and steam bath.

Finally, it offers some extra services during the stay:

- Laundry and dry cleaning service

- Room Service

- 24 hour security.

If you want to book accommodation in Salta, excursions or travel packages, contact us!

Story: What happened in the Casa de Tucumán?

How was the Casa de Tucuman in 1816?

Other important events at the Casa de Tucumán

Guided tours in the Casa de Tucumán

It is a tour of the entire exhibition by the hand of a Museum staff who provides information on every corner of the Historic House.

In addition, there are special school visits.

Visiting hours are:

- Monday to Friday: 10:30 - 12:30 - 16:30

- Saturdays: flexible hours depends on the number of people

- Sundays closed

- In July there are no guided tours

- For school visits, you must request a shift and they are given from Monday to Friday morning shift at 10:45 and 11:45 or afternoon shift at 2:45 and 3:45 p.m.

One way to add more knowledge about the culture and history of this beautiful destination is by hiring the Tucumán City Tour, they will take you through the most emblematic places such as La Plaza Independencia, the Government House, the Temple of San Francisco, the Cathedral Church, the Museum of the Sugar Industry, the Casa deTucumán, the 9 de Julio Park, Urquiza Square: the Legislature, the Casino, the San Martín Theater, the National School and the Belgraniana House. During this 4-hour excursion with transfers included, you will also visit the Yerba Buena neighborhood.

 

The House Museum accessible to everyone

 

To facilitate the facilities, tours and activities, the museum has at its disposal:

- Personnel trained in sign language

- Wheelchairs, walkers and sound equipment

- Entry with guide dogs is allowed

- Braille transcription of the posters in the museum

- Mobile ramps

 

Your show and virtual tour

 

The interactive show managed by Ente Tucumán Turismo was created with the idea of showing the historical moments that led to the Declaration of Independence and the act of its approval, through images and sounds.

On the other hand, if you have not yet had the opportunity to see this place in person, there is a 360-degree virtual tour by a photographer from Tucumán that will allow you, through Google Maps, to see the corners of this historic Argentine house. I lived the experience!

If you want to know more about tours, hotels and all the information about Iguazú, contact us.

Salinas Grandes

Las Salinas Grandes are the third largest in the world and are located between the limits of the northern provinces of Jujuy and Salta. They cover an important area of 525 square kilometers in the departments of Tumbaya and Cochinoca. They are located 3,350 meters above sea level and the salt is 10 to 50 centimeters thick, originally they were a lagoon with a swampy and flat bottom populated by microorganisms and aquatic vegetation.

 

In pre-Hispanic times the exploitation of the Salinas Grandes was firmly established, either for self-consumption or for commercial barter. The loaded salt was carried first on fire and then on donkeys, to exchange or sell in places where this mineral was of great value. They generally bartered it for corn, potatoes, or fruit. A donkey load of salt had approximately 50 Kilograms divided into four blocks. 

 

For many years, indigenous people from the departments of Rinconada came to the Salinas Grandes, Santa Catalina and Yavi, from Acoyte and Iruya (Salta), from Mojo, Sococha and Altos de Tarija (Bolivia). Even a local Cochinoca chief named José Gregorio Chichui allegedly charged foreigners with undue taxes for the extraction of salt.

 

The origin of the Salinas It dates from an extensive period between 5 and 10 million years. In that period, the basin of this salt flat was covered with waters with a large amount of salts from volcanic activity. The gradual evaporation of continental salty waters gave rise to this salt flat that has a crust whose average thickness is 30 centimeters. 

If you are interested in knowing in depth Las Salinas Grandes I recommend you the Tour Vuelta por las Alturas, where you will have transfers and a guide to explore this exotic site and also, you will be able to know the most important sites that surround it such as  the Quebrada del Toro, the town and the ruins of Tastil, San Antonio de Los Cobres, the Cuesta de Lipán   and the most wonderful places in  Jujuy such as Pumamarca and the Cerro de los Siete Colores. 

Another highly recommended tour is the cycling circuit through the Salinas Grandes that will allow you to explore them in their entirety and enjoy the landscapes that contrast with the blue of the sky. It is a different way to experience this wonderful place and get to Pumamarca, another place that will take several sighs with its natural beauty!

If the idea of touring amuses you las salinas in an all-terrain vehicle, the safari tour a las nubes can be a good decision. The excursion starts from the city, where a 4x4 will pass by your hotel and during the trip to the Salinas they will go through streams, valleys and the path of the Train to Las Nubes. Through this tour you have the unique possibility of combining three must-see landscapes in one unforgettable day. The first is the "Road to the Clouds" up to the La Polvorilla Viaduct, then they follow the crossing of the Puna along Route 40 until they reach Salinas Grandes, and finally they will visit the Cuesta de Lipán, making a steep descent from 2000 meters high in 35 kilometers, to reach the town of Purmamarca.

If you want to reach the Salinas Grandes on your own by car you have to drive 224 kilometers along the RN9 until the intersection with the RN52, where after about 72 kilometers you will see the sign indicating the arrival.

Tren a las Nubes

San Antonio de los Cobres 

San Antonio de los Cobres is a small town in height which the tren a las nubes departs and is considered the capital of the puna. What you can find is a town with a church, a school, local of food and, of course, its copper mines and miners that represent the main activity in the area. The arrival of tourists and visitors means that artisans, mostly women and men are engaged in mining, offer newcomers their products at the station and in the streets that surround the town.

Fabrics are an ancestral custom of San Antonio de los Cobres, their production is transmitted from generation to generation. Llama or sheep wool represents the main raw material in each of the looms and fabrics of various colors that are offered in most of the stalls.

San Antonio de los Cobres is famous for being the place where stockings, hats, gloves, ruanas, pullovers, blankets and blankets are produced, made on looms as well as using needles made even from large cardones or cactus or with the wood of a small bush in the area that prevents punctures and injuries.

With the tour to San Antonio de los Cobres you can get to the town from the city with a 4x4 truck that looks for you by your hotel and along the way it takes you through the Quebrada del Toro, where the landscape is full of thick vegetation and cardones. During the tour  You are going to see the Viaducto del Toro, the zigzags of Alisal and Chorrillo, El Candado, El Gólgota and El Alfarcito, you are going to visit the pre-Inca city of Santa Rosa de Tastil, one of the most important cities in whose ruins are they perfectly distinguish dwellings, graves and streets. We continue through Finca La Encrucijada, to begin the ascent to Cuesta del Muñano and ascend in Abra Blanca until reaching 4080 meters above sea level. 

If you want to get to San Antonio de los Cobres on your own, you have to drive from the city along National Route 51 for 3 hours, until you see the signs indicating the entrance to the town. 

Cachi

Cuesta del Obispo 

The Cuesta del Obispo corresponds to a section of Provincial Route 33, which crosses in a zigzagging way Los Cardones National Park. This slope has an extension of about 20 kilometers and is located between Escoipe (2,090 meters) and Piedra del Molino (3,348 masl), about 90 kilometers from the city from Salta by provincial route 33.

The maximum height that the slope reaches is 3348 meters above sea level, which makes it ideal for observe from its viewpoint both the ascent route, as well as the formation of clouds, the meadows and the exotic flight of condors. At the top of the slope is Piedra del Molino, which marks the highest point on the road between Salta and Cachi. La Piedra del Molino is a grinding rock, carved in granite that was left in place after not being able to be transferred to the mill, where the artisan market currently operates in the capital of Salta.

During the tour of the Cuesta del Obispo you will be able to discover the nature that covers the area,  appreciate the different environments of the Yungas jungle: cactus, cardones, carob trees and a landscape of red rocks and multi-colored crops. The viewpoints during the journey allow you to see the great vegetation that surrounds it, observe ruins left by the Inca trail and that are in excellent condition along with different rock formations that are very striking. 

The most beautiful point of the slope is in the final section when arriving at the  Mirador del Cóndor. A plain that forms a high meadow (3000 msnm), where grasslands are formed and in summer the variety of colors that form the seasonal flowers stand out. If you found everything you can find interesting, with the Cuesta del trekking tour Obispo you can reach this entire area with the  transfer included,  make photo stops and visit archaeological sites that surround the Cuesta and Los Cardones National Park, the duration of this excursion is 8 hours.  The trekking begins at La Sala Park along ancient trails, which allow us to appreciate the dimensions of this beautiful place, which borders the Calchaquíes Valleys and shows the immensity of the  Andean Cordillera. There is also the option of tour to Cachi and the Cuesta del Obispo,  With this option you will not only be able to walk and take photos on the Cuesta del Obispo but you will also visit Cachi, Los Cardones National Park, Valle Encantado and other places during this 12-hour excursion.

If you like adventure more, another very entertaining way to get to know this place is with the bike tour of the Cuesta del Obispo where accompanied by an expert local guide and all the necessary equipment you can make a very exciting excursion on a mountain bike, full of adrenaline and freedom. The activity begins with a descent from the highest point of the Cuesta del Obispo in Piedra del Molino (3348 masl). It is an experience to know an impressive place for its zigzagging routes. The descent is about 50 kilometers, all on gravel and asphalt trails, the difficulties are low and it lasts a total of 4 hours. During the bicycle adventure you will be able to appreciate the flora with its various changes between arid puna and jungle greens, where ferns, walnut trees, laurels and red and yellow cherry trees predominate.

Quebrada de San Lorenzo

10 minutes from the city center (10 kilometers) is the Quebrada de San Lorenzo, an ideal park that has a reserve that will allow you to know the yungas and enjoy bird watching while you walk the trails. To get to the  San Lorenzo Reserve   there is a sign in the center of Villa San Lorenzo ( Calle Mariano Moreno Y/N)   which indicates the route and is fully signposted.  On your walk you will find exuberant vegetation characterized by the abundance of ferns, lichens, orchids and other epiphytes, as well as tarco, tala, white tipa and yuchán trees.

The San Lorenzo Reserve has 66 hectares that are They can walk along different trails that are signposted at the entrance, one is the Sendero de la Cruz (Distance  1,24Km ), it is estimated one hour and thirty minutes to cover it, the difficulty is low.  It is accessed by a zigzag path to the top of the Cruz d El Cerro, where the views are wonderful. There are dry and rocky stretches with species such as fig, chalchal and suckling pig. Along the way you pass through the  laurel forests with a great variety of epiphytes. 

Then there is the  North Path (Distance  1.10 Km), the walking time is 1 hour 20 minutes with a low difficulty. Hiking is done through a pasture walkway, on this path it is very likely that you will be able to spot teros, chalchaleros and celestinos. On the way, you will enter a small pine forest on the hill. Later, higher up there are specimens such as the lapacho, pacará, walnut and cebil. Among the birds you can see the black magpies and their characteristic yellow and colorful toucans. At the end of the section you can rest in a small stream where there are flowering plants such as calla lilies, hydrangeas and tree tomatoes.

Finally there is the  Cerro Elefante Trail (Route: 1.50 km), it is the one that takes the longest to travel 1 hour 40 minutes. The difficulty is low.  The path passes through a humid environment with exuberant vegetation, you will find specimens such as the laurel of the hill, ceibo and Horco molle covered by ferns, cacti and orchids.  Further on the journey continues surrounded by bushes and alders of the hill until reaching the top of Cerro Elefante.

In the mountain jungle that surrounds the Quebrada de San Lorenzo and the reserve there is a great  diversity of birds d esde the toucan with its orange beak and his black feathers,  magpies, kingfishers, hummingbirds, parrots up to  Wild ducks. Deeper inside the vegetation are red-legged chuñas and mountain turkeys.

The area of San Lorenzo is characterized by being one of the areas with the largest wildlife near the city, here there are giant ferns, bromeliads, air carnations and vines with flowers of attractive colors, all species from the Yunga biome. There are also  trees characteristic of this area such as ceibos, lapachos and tipas that when they bloom, dot the green hills with color.

Once you finish the walk through the ravine and return to the  Villa San Lorenzo you can walk through its streets, it is one of the most beautiful neighborhoods on the outskirts of Salta. In the central area of the town you can see luxury hotels and huge country houses, many belonging to some of the most traditional families in Salta. T and I recommend visiting is the Castillo de San Lorenzo (Juan Carlos Dávalos 1985), a large house with a 25-meter tower, which was built at the end of the century XIX by Luigi Bartoletti, an Italian gunsmith who married a Salta lady heir to these lands. The castle was built entirely with stones brought from the San Lorenzo and Castellanos rivers, on the back of a mule and is a replica of a Florentine castle in northern Italy. It has three floors, and currently there is a restaurant on the first floor and a hotel on the second floor.

If you have time to learn more about San Lorenzo, a nice walk is to go to Museo del Automovil, is It is located in the heart of the town on the main avenue San Martín 2591. It is a collection of old and classic cars from different periods, all in perfect working order. The museum is set with antique objects related to motorsports.

Emblematic models such as Ford 1925, Rambler Clássic 1971, Studebaker Presidente 1924, Dodge 1931, Buick Roadmaster 1946, Chevrolet 1938. 

Dique Cabra Corral

The  Cabra Corral Dam is located on National Route 68, 65 kilometers from the Capital of Salteña and on the way to the town of Cafayate.

It is a water mirror of approximately 130 km² that was built on the basis of a natural gorge formed by the confluence of different rivers It is  the second most important reservoir in our country and constitutes the largest water reserve in northwestern Argentina , which is a great source of water for irrigation of Salta and Santiago fields. 

If you are interested in knowing it, the most recommended is to go with the tour Dique Cabra Corral that takes you from the center of Salta to visit this marvel of modern engineering, which is surrounded by an impressive natural scenery.  Besides the lake you also go to be able to know the Peñas Blancas dam in the impressive natural landscape  Juramento River Canyon   with its crystalline waters. 

In the Cabra Corral Dam  various water sports are practiced such as rowing, kayaking, windsurfing, wakeboarding and water skiing.   If you are interested in extreme sports there is the  Pack Adrenalina, there are several very fun activities that are done in the dike, one is the  bungee jumping, a jump that is executed from a metal ramp mounted on a bridge. You jump from a height of approximately 40 meters attached to the ankles to an elastic rope. You can choose to touch the water or not. Another activity included in the pack is bungee jumping. It is very similar to bungee jumping, with the difference that you are gripped by the waist with two dynamic ropes, which produces a pendulum movement during the fall, and it is possible to touch the water, without touching it. Then they continue with the zip line that consists of moving through a roller with a static rope that is suspended 40 meters above the water, attached with a harness from the waist, the total route is almost 200 meters.

And finally, the rappel that is performed descending by a rope attached from the metal ramp to the water, with an approximate height of 40 meters. The person chooses the speed of descent. 

If you want more adventure, bordering the Cabra Corral dam towards the town of Coronel Moldes (35 kilometers) you will reach the Juramento river canyon, where you can pre-hire the one day rafting tour. This activity can be done throughout the year, you will see a rugged landscape, surrounded by geological formations, finds of fossil algae, dinosaur tracks and condor nests that hide in the walls. The rafting route is around 12 kilometers. The difficulty category it presents is level 2 and 3.  The Juramento River is the longest that runs through the entire Argentine territory, it is one of the great collectors of the Plata Basin.

If you want to get to Cabra Corral on your own, you need to go by car from the capital of Salta and drive for 89 kilometers along National Route 68 to the intersection with RP 47, where you will see the water reservoir. 

Parque Nacional El Rey

The National Park El Rey is located in the department of Anta, 203 kilometers from the capital of Salta, it has a  area of 44162 hectares and   the  objective of the Park Nacional The king is to preserve the yungas and the  ecotones  (transitional environments). Landscaping this great space is dominated by the mountain ranges of La Cresta de Gallo, which wrap around it giving it a huge amphitheater view. The striking thing about this park is that the vegetation is distributed in different floors and as the height increases it varies significantly.

For example, the lowest floor Low corresponds to the  Chaco mountain forest , there are species such as the quebracho horco, the cochucho, the atamisque and the cardones. Then begins the  transitional jungle with tipas and pacaraes , followed by the montane jungle with large specimens of cedar, tarco, tipa and walnut. Higher up appears the  myrtaceous jungle , where palo barroso, alpamato, mato, chal- chal and güili predominate, and above this the pine forests of the hill, then alder and finally the queñoa. In all these "floors" of the park you can find the carnations of the air and various species of orchids. 

During the tour of  the trails You will also be able to see the different species of fauna  ( 44 species), such as the red-legged chuña birds, the charata, the common turkey, capuchin ducks, cutirí, gray herons, brown and red corzuelas. You can also cross   collared peccaries, river wolves, tapirs, foxes, brown corzuelas, caí monkeys, honey bears and some felines such as the jaguarundí, the ocelot, pumas and the pajonal cat.  While the rivers that cross and the streams are populated by various native fish such as dorado, bogas, catfish and tarpon.

The animal The most popular in the Park is the The tapir   (Tapirus terrestris)  is the largest land mammal in South America. It lives in diverse environments of tropical forests and forests. It is well adapted to aquatic life and if you are lucky you might see them bathing in streams or rivers.

To get to this natural paradise  by car, you have to go along National Route No. 9 to Lumbreras, continue Take Provincial Route No. 5 to Paso de la Cruz, and take Provincial Route No. 20 to the entrance of the park, for a total of 197 kilometers.

Cafayate 

 

 

Crossed by Route 40 and in the middle of the Calchaquí Valleys, Cafayate (196 kilometers from the city) is an unavoidable destination to go from the city of Salta. It stands out for being the   main l wine producer in the province   because the characteristics of this region are very conducive to the production of high quality wine. In Cafayate there are 1,200 hectares of vineyards, benefited by the purest and driest air, the light and heat of the sun for almost 300 days a year and the great thermal amplitude. 

 

The oenologists and engineers who work there popularized Torrontés in Argentina and made it their flagship strain. The visit to the wineries and vineyards is something worthwhile, as well as a visit to the  Vine and Wine Museum to learn more about the history of the area and the first producers. Another site worth visiting in the main square of Cafayate is the Nuestra Señora del Rosario Cathedral, a construction dating from 1885 that is made up of five naves (there are only three structures of this type that survive in South America). 

Other very representative sites of Cafayate are La Quebrada del Río de las Conchas and La Garganta del Diablo. and you can reach them by car by the RN68 for 20 kilometers or with a one-day tour of Cafayate and the Calchaquies Valleys, where you will be able to visit the Quebrada de las Conchas canyon with its unique landscapes with geological formations of great natural attraction, you will go hiking through the famous Yesera, being able to also appreciate the garga ntas and rock formations that date back millions of years, and of course, they will stop in Cafayate, the second most important destination of the wine culture of Argentina, where good wine and its wineries will captivate you.

 

The  Wine Route

Salta in addition to being Known for its extraordinary landscapes, it is also famous for its exclusive wine Torrontés (a variety brought from Spain) that leads several visitors to visit the most outstanding wineries in the area that invite you to enjoy the renowned Wine Route. 

The wine tourism circuit begins in the capital of the province   and crosses very striking landscapes such as those of the ravines of Las Flechas y las Conchas and centuries-old towns such as Molinos, San Carlos, Seclantás (the most prominent for the production of artisanal wine) and Cachi, with an enormous cultural wealth that is expressed in music and handicrafts. The variety of colors in its mountains, the typical villages and the warmth of its people transform it into something magical.

In Salta,  the cultivation de la vid was introduced by the Jesuits in the 18th century , mainly in Cafayate. Here the Torrontés strain matures, a white wine that is distinguished by its intense aroma and fruity flavor. This variety managed to achieve a unique expression in Salta soil, becoming the flagship white grape of our country.

Nowadays the vineyards are spread over More than 3300 hectares between the departments of Cafayate, San Carlos, Cachi, Molinos and La Viña, optimal areas for the cultivation and production of Torrontés and other strains such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Tannat, Bonarda, Syrah, Barbera and Tempranillo.

In recent years the industry experienced great growth and development favoring the production of extraordinary quality wines, recognized in international markets and competitions. The quality and particularity of the high altitude wines from Salta are the result of the combination of the privileged conditions of the terroir and technological innovation, added to the dedication and knowledge of the producers.

One of the most influential factors is the height of the valleys in which the vineyards are located. This not only favors the great thermal amplitude, but the solar rays are more intense and the air, purer and drier. The conjunction of these factors added to the peculiar characteristics of the soil and its components, allow to achieve wines of great character, strong personality and excellent quality, with distinctive aromas, colors and flavors.

To enjoy these flavors and the quality of Salta's wine, I recommend you visit the most outstanding wineries in Cafayate: the Estancia Los Cardones, Finca Quara, Finca Las Nubes, El Porvenir or  Secret Vessel.

Another way to discover this variety of wine, its history and production sites is with the tour Ruta del Vino that through a tour of each winery, its facilities and vineyards will give you the possibility of knowing the entire winemaking process. 

 

 

San Carlos

San Carlos is a  town in the heart of the Calchaquí Valleys ,  is the oldest in the province. It was founded by the Spanish 4 times, since the natives of the area did not allow its settlement. During your visit you will notice that it is a quiet town with narrow streets with colonial houses of adobe and baked brick, you will be able to visit the main places such as the square, its church and the places that offer crafts and traditional food from the region. 

The most important places to visit and that will lead you to understand a little more about its history are the  Iglesia San Carlos Borromeo, right in front of the main square, is an imposing construction that   became the largest temple in the Calchaquí Valleys.  Its construction dates back to the year 1801 and lasted until 1854. Its heavy doors were carved by missionaries. In its interior altars very old images are venerated such as the Virgen de la Dolorosa, San Juan and a penitential Christ. The indigenous decoration and the printing of the Cuzco art school are also of great interest.

Next to the Church you can visit the  Museum of San Carlos, where archaeological collections from the Inca and Hispanic indigenous, preceramic and agro potter periods are exhibited.

Within the historic center you can also walk by  the square  with groves and benches that give place to sit and appreciate the buildings that surround it. The curious thing about this park is that it has a cistern and statues that surround it and one of them is in honor of "Lobo", a pilgrim dog. The story goes that he accompanied the pilgrims of San Carlos on the pilgrimage of the Virgen del Milagro in 2004 and that, when he got lost, he returned alone to the town, traveling more than 200 kilometers through hills and streams.

A beautiful moment to witness in the town is its  patronal feast in honor of San Carlos Borromeo   It is on November 4, people dress with their traditional attire, the women in long white dresses and the men with the gaucho style. At the same time you can enjoy the food stalls and the farms. 

Outside the town you can visit the  Cascada de Celia,   located just 3 kilometers from the town, where you can cool off in its waters and enjoy nature. Another walk 5 kilometers from Casco are the  Peñas Blancas,   an indigenous cemetery where you can enter and see the striking figures that are left to the dead. 

To visit San Carlos you have to go from the capital 196 kilometers through the RN40 to Cafayate and once here you have to drive 24 kilometers to San Carlos.

Quebrada de las Conchas

 

La Quebrada de las Conchas, also known as Quebrada de Cafayate is a natural reserve that is located within the Calchaquíes Valleys, very close to the town of Cafayate (20 kilometers).

 

This creek is an area of great beauty with very rocky formations striking for their reddish coloration.  In 1995 it was declared a natural reserve to protect the curious geological formations, the high walls of singular landscape value and the paleontological sites belonging to the Cretaceous period.

 

The rock formations that you will see from the creek are a geologically modern accident, produced by tectonic movements that took place in the last two million years. Inside the reserve you will also be able to see the Las Conchas river where the route of National Route 68 is located, which connects the town of Cafayate with the city of Salta.

 

On the way you can see landscapes of very varied colors and geoforms of great variety, among which the Devil's Throat and the Amphitheater of reddish sedimentary rocks stand out. In the past (when this entire area was humid) these formations were waterfalls of fresh water, which, due to the flow of concentrated water, eroded the stone, which today astonishes visitors due to their striking shapes.

 

Other geoforms that can be observed in this reserve (each important site is signposted at the entrance of the reserve on the RN68 with its respective trails) are: the Amphitheater, El Fraile, El Sapo, La Yesera, Las Ventanas, La Casa de los Loros and Los Castillos.  One way to know all these geoforms is with the  one-day tour of La Yesera with which you will see the most important points of the Quebrada and enjoy beautiful views and landscapes.

 

Due to its rich archaeological and historical past, the Quebrada de las Conchas reserve presents numerous fossil remains ? In the area near the Morales bridge (3 kilometers from the entrance to the park) there are fossil frogs of the Pípidae group. There are layers of continental and marine limestone and even dinosaur footprints. Also, the so-called stromatolites are presented. In La Yesera, there is an important deposit of fossil fish, evidence of a process that would have occurred about 15 million years ago: the last entry from the sea to the continent.

 

The stream and its surroundings are also one of the most important areas for bird conservation in Argentina. In this area you can  spot: condors, burrowing parrots, Poma, Solitaria, Widow eagles and green macaws. Other animal species that you can cross are the guanaco, the bush cat, the collared peccary and the corzuela.

 

On the side of the fauna, it is possible to observe horco quebracho, guayacán, white quebracho, molle, cacti and cardones.

 

If you are interested in arriving from the center of the city to La Quebrada de Cafayate, the recommended thing is  rent a car  and drive 169 kilometers (3 hours) until the signposted entrance of the reservation.

Angastaco

Angastaco  comes from the Kakana language, meaning “Town of Aguada del Alto”, it is located on national route 40 to 75 kilometers to the northwest from Cafayate and 250 kilometers from the city of Salta . Angastaco is   1990 meters high in the valley   furrowed by the homonymous river, which crosses next to the town after being born in Pucará, and is the one that allows the  cultivation of the vine and other typical fruit trees of this area.

This town recalls the chronicles of the resistance of the aborigines, especially the chief Juan Calchaquí and the false Inca Pedro Bohorquez who had his place of residence in the archaeological site of Pucará in Angastaco , which can be reached from the town by a path that bears the same name and requires 3 kilometers of hike.

Angastaco is the town of the Valles Calchaquíes that  received more European and Arab immigrants, after residing in this place of Don Joaquín Miralpeix, who donated the land where the new population later rose. Currently the town offers a great variety of tourist activities such as hiking trails mo, horseback riding, rural tourism, visits to wineries , and is a pioneer in making night circuits, these can be hired at the tourist office or hotels in the town, es a wonderful experience where you will surely be astonished with the open sky, the stars and the Moon of Angastaco. 

On your visit to Angastaco I recommend you visit through these places: 

-Church of Our Lady of the Valley of Angastaco:  It was built by the Municipality between 1976 and 1979. The creator of this construction was the architect Guillermo Lee and it was inaugurated on December 8, 1979 (the day the Patronal Festival is celebrated) by Monsignor Diego Gutierrez Pedraza, Bishop of the Prelature of Cafayate. The church is in front of the square, its front is totally symmetrical and has a single bell tower. Inside it has three naves and is under the title  of the Virgen del Valle, celebrating its festival every December 8.

- Los Colorados:   It is only 3 kilometers away from the town, it is a geological formation of clayey terrain, where the conjunction of its colors, the variety of cardones and the landscape of the hills make it a dream place. To access this training on your own, you have to do it along a local path that leaves from the central square and is signposted, it takes an hour to walk or if it is 10 minutes by car, it can be done on horseback requesting the guide at the tourist office.

-Río Adentro:   2 kilometers from the center you can visit the Angastaco River, where it mixes a semi-desert biome with the green of the vineyards and native trees, forming an oasis. Access can also be made by the path marked as Río Angastaco in the center of the town.

- Quebrada de las flecha: nbsp This Natural Heritage is a geographical feature located 7 kilometers from the town of Angastaco on Route 40. They are inclined pointed rock formations that form narrow gorges with walls up to 20 meters high. During this journey, you can make photo stops at the viewpoints: Cut "El Ventisquero" and the geological formation "El Búho", are easy to find along the way.

-El Celse Winery: Visiting this winery can be a nice walk for learn about vine production in this part of the valley, learn about its history and taste its productions of malbec, torrontés, cabernet and rosé (sangria de malbec). Guided tours take place from Monday to Saturday morning. 

The patron saint festivities   are another of the moments that it is worth seeing on your way through this little town. In December the festival in honor of the Virgen del Valle is celebrated, it takes place in the morning with a mass and procession, then the civic-military parade and gauchos take place. In the afternoon, the party continues with the so-called “gaucho skills”, and culminates in the evening with a popular dance. In February the  Patero Grape and Wine Festival takes place, the grapes are stepped on, the different varieties grown in these lands are enjoyed, and the most outstanding wineries are awarded.

Quebrada de Humahuaca

The Quebrada de Humahuaca is located in northwestern Argentina, in the Province of Jujuy, about 270 kilometers from Salta. It is an Andean valley of 155 kilometers in length , surrounded by high mountain ranges and crossed by the Grande River, located at an altitude of more than 2,000 meters.

Quebradeño towns such as Humahuaca, Tilcara, Pumamarca and Iruya link history and traditions of ancestral roots. It is a unique cultural landscape in the world, since the Indian peoples of the area preserve religious beliefs, rites, festivals, art, music and agricultural techniques that are a living heritage, an important reason why it was   declared Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2003.

A very entertaining way to learn about history in detail from this area and go through the most important points is with  the tour to the Quebrada de Humahuaca. It starts from Salta and is an excellent option with specialized guides who take you through the most inhospitable places and explain the most important of the flora and fauna of the area, the most important historical and cultural data as you go into each one. of the towns that make up the Quebrada de Humahuaca. Among the most interesting points that you will visit during this tour is  Purmamarca with its amazing Cerro de los Siete Colores, the picturesque Artisan Market, then continue to the town of Tilcara to visit Pucará and the Archaeological Museum. The tour continues to Humahuaca and Iruya , where you will  have contact with the local people and they will teach you their customs, products and ways of living in the heights.

La Quebrada de Humahuaca is the perfect combination between a spectacular landscape and archaeological wealth. Its current inhabitants are mainly of the Coya ethnic group. The creek was the scene of different ancestral cultures of 10,000 years old, among them the omaguacas, who gave the place its name, Humahuaca is usually translated as "Sacred River". 

Among the customs of the place, you will be able to observe in the towns that are part of the Jujuy ravine that most of the restaurants and shops work in the houses and are attended by entire families, who are dedicated to the preparation of locros , humitas, tamales and roasted kids, among other local delicacies. Tamales are typical foods that have corn and pork wrapped in chala leaves. The locals are very friendly and enjoy serving visitors, entering a   Purmamarqueño warehouse   is quite an experience. 

Something very traditional that you will see on your tour of this area is the  "coqueo" , as they say when chewing these leaves, it is a technique inherited from the aboriginal ancestors that still today they are used by the locals to withstand hard working days or to accompany drinks at evening gatherings. Since times without memory, coca leaves were in the rites of the Inca people. The coconut (who chews the coca leaves) forms a bolus with them called acuyico (chew) and places it between the cheeks and the jaw, leaving it there for hours, causing abundant salivation. In northwestern Argentina, especially in Jujuy and Salta, there are many followers of this   mild alkaloid , the  they use to combat sleep, hunger, thirst and fatigue.   Tourists buy them out of curiosity or to avoid being impaired by oxygen depletion caused by altitude.

To reach  by car to Humahuaca from Salta, you have to travel National Route 9 for 270 kilometers until you reach the signs to Humahuaca.

Iruya

The town of Iruya  (words of the Quechua language and means "abundant straw") is located 2780 meters above the niv that of the sea on the eastern slopes of the Sierra de Santa Victoria, 307 kilometers from the capital of Salta.   This small town,  declared a National Historic Site has its roots indigenous peoples and stands on a plateau between mountains. Its church, its houses and steep stone streets speak of the typical ways of life of its people.

Upon arriving in Iruya, the first impression is of  a town "hanging on the mountain, or rather, of an island, since it is surrounded by the Colanzulí and Milmahuasi rivers.  Its colonial building with narrow streets stands out   and its landscapes with imposing panoramic views. 

Here the inhabitants have their traditional colorful clothing, customs and houses that they continue to maintain. 250 years.The town conserves its narrow and cobbled streets, with houses made of adobe, stones and straw. Iruya is small, and can be easily covered on foot. From the terminal, 500 meters away, is the most "central" area, to put it in some way. The Plaza de la Tablada   is the main square of the town and the meeting point of the locals. Many of the traditional festivals take place there, such as the Festival de la Copla , during which the traditional couplets (poems composed of four verses) are sung. It is also the place where the  Country Fair is installed, where you can buy regional products, handicrafts, fabrics, liquors, sweets, cheeses and plants. You will find the colorful caps, collas, chulos, northern dishes, clay pots and aguayos.

Another place worth visiting is the Popular Museum of Iruya , located very close to the square and the church. The museum exhibition invites visitors to take a tour of the beliefs, traditions and history of the town. If you are one of those who like to know where they are walking this is the perfect place. In addition, a collection of archaeological pieces, masks, ceramics and arrowheads is exhibited, and it has a room dedicated to the typical religious festivals of Iruya. Visiting hours are Monday through Saturday from 9 am to 11 pm and from 1 pm to 4 pm.

A place that I recommend you visit is the  Mirador del Cóndor, from where you can get magnificent views of the mountains and the gliding of the condors. It is located on a hill that is reached by crossing the pedestrian bridge that leaves the Iruya church, located in the center of town. From there begins an ascent of about 300 meters of unevenness that takes between 1 and 2 hours, depending on the physical condition (the climb is quite demanding). 

The most emblematic building in Iruya is the Iglesia de Nuestra Señora del Rosario y San Roque.  Although it is simple and small, it is an old temple built in 1753 and was renovated with over the years. Such is the case of its roof, which was originally made of mud and straw and was later replaced by zinc. It has a nave and a bell tower, like the rest of the Puna and Quebrada de Humahuaca temples. Inside is the image of the Virgin of the Rosary and a Crucifix dating from the 18th century.

Regarding the history of Iruya,  It was founded in 1640, as a settlement of the Spanish Army. Although the original peoples are pre-existing to Iruya and the Spanish colony, they were not settled in that place, but in the surrounding hills. Over the years, it was populated and for a long time it was a transit town between Upper Peru and the populations that were beginning to rise in the region.

The economy de Iruya was always subsistence. Its first inhabitants were dedicated to raising livestock (sheep, goats and llamas) and growing corn, Andean potatoes and other products. Although its inhabitants continue to survive thanks to bartering, in recent years the town has been gaining popularity and tourism began to play an important role in the community.

En Iruya can also enjoy festivities that usually take place in August with  the cults to the Virgen del Rosario, also known as the “Pachamama Festival”.  Hundreds of locals moved by their faith participate in religious acts singing, praying and playing native instruments (quenas, boxes and sikus). The music is accompanied by the typical dance of the "cachis", a group of people dressed in masks whose dance symbolizes the eternal struggle between good and evil. Thanks are also given to the food provided by the crops and from which to this day many in the town live through the barter system.

To learn more about this exotic site, I recommend the tour to Iruya with local guides and transfers from the city of Salta. In addition to knowing Iruya, the traditions of its town, walking its streets and places, listening to the curiosities of its history and architecture, you will also be able to visit the areas of the Quebrada de Humahuaca, Purmamarca, the Cerro de los Siete Colores , the Church and the Craft Market of the square, Posta de Hornillos, the town of Tilcara, Huacalera, Humahuaca, with its important Cathedral and the Independence Monument until the end in Iruya , where you spend the night (accommodation not included) and the next day the return is undertaken, visiting the city of San Salvador de Jujuy on the way.

If you want to get to Iruya on your own, by car from the city of Salta is 300 kilometers, about six hours of travel.  The recommended thing is to go towards Cafayate by the national route 68 and from there take the crossroads, where it reads "Iruya 26 kilometers". Following the indicated path, you arrive at the Iturbe station (FCNGB) in the province of Jujuy, here you have to take the sign that says: Iruya, it is a dirt road until you reach the place called "Abra del Condor", here the descent of 1220 meters. In 19 kilometers you reach the town of Iruya.

Humahuaca

At 3,000 meters high, and with a population of 6,500 inhabitants, Humahuaca is the largest town in the puna and It is the largest settlement between Jujuy   and the border with Bolivia.   This town was   founded by the Spanish at the end of the 16th century. In  the Museo del Carnaval Norteño and the Cabildo de Humahuaca   located in the central square you will be able to find a panorama of all its history and customs. You can also get to know every corner of this town with a guide through the  Tour to Huamahuaca through Pumamarca   that departs from Salta and returns in the day.

When you are in Humahuaca I recommend you visit the   Iglesia Candelaria for its antiquity  dating from the year 1641  and for having inside  an image of  patrons of the town  (San Antonio y la Virgen de la Candelaria)  and oil paintings by Marcos Sapaca, a painter from the Cuzco school.   Opposite the church is   the town hall , famous for its  clock- tower , from which a life-size figure of Saint Francisco Solano (a Spanish Franciscan friar and priest, who missioned to Peru and Argentina) emerges every noon and gives a blessing. Another place to visit is the  Regional Folk Museum  (Buenos Aires 447) is open only for groups of more than three people, it has a sample where the collection of instruments stand out (erque, charango and bass drum) and the costumes of the famous Humahuaca carnival. In 1969, when the museum was created, it was dedicated exclusively to carnival, but over the years it was enriched until it encompassed the main aspects of Quebradian culture.

Also highlights the great M onumento a los Heroes de la Independencia,  is dedicated to the people of northern Argentina who fought during the War of Independence, the main figure is known as "the indigenous", a large statue of 9 meters high located in the upper part of the Monument. Below the statue, there are different figures representing the northern armies. Another monument that I recommend adding on your tour is that of the  Heroes of Independence in Humahuaca  is a small tower built in adobe that was used as an oratory in colonial times. The Monument is located at the highest point in Humahuaca and is reached by climbing a large staircase that begins at Plaza Ernesto Padilla. From above, you have a wonderful view of the surroundings of Humahuaca.

A little further from the town there are two interesting places to see in Humahuaca, one is located at 12 kilometers from the town, are the ruins of  Coctaca   with numerous grids of stone walls, here you can find innumerable remains of the pre-Hispanic past, among them pucarás, antigales and cave paintings. The other destination is  El Hornocal or "Cerro de los 14 Colores",   it is an impressive mountain range located about 25 kilometers from Humahuaca, famous for its impressive layers of colors. To get to El Hornocal by car, take Route 73 in an easterly direction until the signpost for the viewpoint area.

In  Humahuaca is It is interesting to see the customs that persist prior to colonization   and you can notice them in community celebrations such as   the Inti Raymi (Sun Festival) celebration, an event of ancient Aymara tradition that is done at the time the winter solstice begins to receive the new agricultural cycle. Other patron saint festivals are the  misachicos   (the cult of the dead) with the living mangers. Another of the most important rites is the  cult of Pachamama , I recommend you see this event that takes place the first week of August and where the inhabitants celebrate it on Mother Earth's day to thank, ask and bless the fruits that are offered to them, holes are usually dug in the earth where food, coca leaves and alcohol are deposited to feed and drink the Pachamama.

Uquia

Uquía is a town located in the department of Humahuaca in the province of Jujuy 240 kilometers from Salta (3 hours by car on National Route 9). This town at 2,900 meters above sea level was originally inhabited by the Uquías Indians, from whom it took its name.

The most visited in this town Small is its well-known church of San Francisco de Paula (1691) where paintings from the Cusco school of 1560 are exhibited.   The series is called Arcabuceros angels (angels with weapons).

Another of the main attractions of Uquía is the  Quebrada de las Señoritas, an impressive cleft in the mountain with red, white and black colors It is signposted from the town and can be reached on foot (300 meters). This site became well known because a traditional festival called "Bajada de los diablitos" takes place, which is celebrated during carnival times. It is a trek of medium difficulty of approximately 3 hours and ends in a red canyon.

If you are interested in witnessing the  carnival  In Uquía to see the famous  Bajada de los diablitos, this takes place the last week of February, the celebration in the town lasts 8 days, the inhabitants dress with their devil masks and colorful clothes . People dance, drink the ceremonial drink (La Saratoga) that is prepared with seasonal fruits and different varieties of alcohol. Also the street stalls offer the typical dishes of the area such as empanadas, locro, fried pastries and other varieties of food.

Another tip that I'm going to give you During your tour of Uquía is that you take a few minutes to  eat at “De la Señorita” , a very delicious food stall located next to the main square. Its owner Olga serves delicious vegetarian dishes with vegetables harvested from her own garden and takes them a few minutes before serving. The quinoa and vegetable soup and the potato, pumpkin and bean cake are delicious!

Tilcara

It is one of the most important and picturesque towns of the Quebrada de Humahuaca, it is located in the province of Jujuy 200 kilometers from Salta.   Tilcara (“Shooting star” in Quechua language)  is the archaeological capital of the northwest and the second most important city in the area.  It is characterized by its low adobe houses and steep dirt streets. It is surrounded by the typical colored hills of Quebrada   and on one of its sides the  Rio Grande meanders.   As it is practically in the middle of the ravine, it is a perfect town to base and explore the surroundings or go for the day with the  Tour to Tilcara.

 

Tilcara has two squares in the town, where artisans gather from afternoon to night to offer all kinds of local crafts such as ponchos, blankets, ornaments and bowls. In one of them is the   Iglesia Nuestra Señora del Rosario , built in 1865 and declared a  National Historic Monument.  A little further from the town, you will find One of the main attractions of Tilcara,  the  Pucará (located 2km from the main square, reached by Padilla street), is an old fortress of the Omaha Indians, which was discovered by Juan Ambrosetti in 1908 and rebuilt by Eduardo Casanova. With its eight hectares, it is one of the most important pre-Hispanic fortresses in Argentina. It is approximately 900 years old and is located on a 70-meter hill, one kilometer from the center.

 

In Pucará you can enter the houses of stone and walk the streets of the different neighborhoods, where there were tombs, corrals for the flames and a temple. The journey takes about four hours. The best thing, however, is to reach the top where there is a stone building in the shape of a truncated pyramid (which pays tribute to the archaeologists who investigated the Quebrada) to contemplate one of the most impressive views in the area. In addition, at the foot of the Pucará is the  Height Botanical Garden , where you can see the typical trees and shrubs of the region. 

Another walk to do from Tilcara (6 kilometers) is the  Antigal De Juella , it is a small town of approximately 300 inhabitants, it is very beautiful to take walks along its paths entering in small streams, in nature and crossing rivers. This area is also an interesting archaeological site that has constructions of "pircas" that can be traversed through the  Adventure tour in Antigal de Juella, this excursion takes you to do a whole trekking around the place and then ends with some sessions of  climbing and rappelling in the ravines that reach 2500 meters in height.

 

Another moment to enjoy in Tilcara is the celebration of  The Carnival  which takes place every year from 22 February to March 1 and focuses on the gratitude to the  Pachamama . Comparsas are performed that descend from the hills, to the rhythm of the drummers, drums and trumpets. They walk the streets of Tilcara to summon neighbors and visitors in this celebration that has been going on for more than 500 years. There are 9 days of festivities, parades, costumes and delicious meals to  honor Mother Earth . The Tilcara Carnival represents a release of repressed feelings and desires. Colorful costumes, bells and masks invade the streets of the town. During the celebration this is what is called Los fortines, they are the points of the city where the rocks are opened, they celebrate and dance until dawn, it is ideal to try the typical foods and drinks of the area to the rhythm of popular folklore.

If it is in your plans to visit Tilcara you can do it  by car driving for 200 kilometers along National Route 9 until the signs that mark the direction to the town.

Purmamarca and el Cerro de los Siete Colores

Purmamarca   is one of the most picturesque and visited historical towns in northern Argentina. It is a small but cozy place, where the roots and customs of the original peoples are still preserved.

Purmamarca is located  about 190 kilometers from Salta and it takes around 3 hours to get there by car. You can go through routes 9 and 52, or take routes 34 and 66 to get to San Salvador from Salta capital, to then connect with routes 9 and 52.

The height in Purmamarca is more than 2,300 meters above the level of the Tue. For some people, this can cause so-called altitude sickness or "pointing." Some ways to avoid it are: chewing coca leaves or eating coca candies, drink plenty of water, avoid heavy meals and alcohol.

During your visit to Pumamarca there are several walks that you should take into account to get to know this puna town to the fullest:

-Cerro de los Siete Colores: This is probably one of the most photographed mountains in Argentina and is the "star" of the town. Many travelers visit Purmamarca to see this impressive and colorful mountain formation, which can be seen from almost anywhere in town

The Cerro de los 7 Colores is famous for the shades of colors that are seen on its slope, which is caused by the different materials it contains. The best place to observe it is the top of Cerro El Porito, which you can enter paying 10 pesos per person from the same town.

-Plaza 9 de Julio and its handicrafts: is the main square of Purmamarca , you can see it while you walk through the streets of the town.

Around it, you can find stalls street food, handicrafts, textiles and also several restaurants, cafes and historic buildings. This is an ideal place to buy a souvenir or gift, since you will find the  classic northern pottery   (ponchos, ruanas, alpaca or llama sweaters, camisoles with aguayos), the traditional northern dishes, nativity scenes, masks.  In these stalls or in the premises that surround the square you will notice that all the crafts are made by hand by local people and drawings are used in them and typical materials of the area such as  

- Santa Rosa de Lima Church and Algarrobo Viejo: At one end of Plaza 9 de Julio there is the Church of Santa Rosa de Lima,  built in 1648 . It is one of the oldest buildings in Purmamarca. Next to the Church, one of the greatest curiosities is to see  a historic carob tree, more than 650 years old   also known as “Purmamarca's grandfather”.

-Cabildo Viejo: The Cabildo Histórico  was built in the mid-19th century  and is one of the 10 traditional councils that still exist in Argentina. Its architecture of arches and galleries, contrasts with the typical buildings of Purmamarca, with flat and simple walls. Today, the Cabildo Histórico has an exhibition center and cultural hall.

- Cerro El Porito Viewpoint: Before, I told you that from the Cerro El Porito   you have the best views of the Cerro de los 7 colores. The truth is that, from the viewpoint located at the top of the hill, you can also appreciate the spectacular environment that surrounds Purmamarca and see the town from above.

-Paseo de los Colorados: It is a one of the most attractive and recommended activities to do in Purmamarca.  It begins at the base of Cerro Porito and it is a 3-kilometer circuit   that passes behind the town, crossing the hills that surround Purmamarca. The landscapes that can be seen in the Paseo de los Colorados, are simply spectacular, mountains of varied colors with reddish and brown tones, accompany you throughout the journey.

Tolar Grande

Tolar Grande is located  about 400 kilometers west of Salta. The journey by road takes about nine hours. This region has an average elevation of  3700 meters above sea level, it is immersed in an arid, hostile and inhospitable geographical environment. It has some of the most spectacular and unusual landscapes in Argentina:  red clay deserts, volcanoes, multicolored hills and immense salt seas.

In the Tolar Grande area there are three green water lagoons called “Ojos de Mar”, they are in the middle of the salt lake, product of the water courses that emerge, the water comes from the Serranía del Macón and therefore is freshwater, but when mixed with the salt crust of the Salar de Tolar it becomes saline.

In these Ojos de Mar are some of the few living stromatolites (microorganisms mainly photosynthesizing cyanobacteria). These stromatolites, like others also found in the Puna de Atacama (region where Tolar Grande is located), are the only ones known on planet earth that live at altitudes close to 4,000 meters with environmental conditions very similar to those that originated the first living beings. about 3,500 million years ago.

Another place to visit in Tolar Grande is El Arenal, just 8 kilometers from the village. It is one of the most arid areas in the vicinity, you travel through the interior of immense reddish sand banks that can be climbed and you get magnificent views of the Andes mountain range. If you want to know the most important points of Tolar, I recommend the Tour Travesía Tolar Grande, you have transfers from Salta, a guide and you will be able to visit the town of Tolar, which has 200 inhabitants and is like stopped in time with its mud houses, then they will continue to El Arenal, where they can practice sandboard and go to Get to know  the exotic Ojos de Mar. It is a perfect excursion   to take the best photographs.

The town of Tolar Grande gained some notoriety in 1999 for being the closest town to the  Llullaillaco volcano , where the bodies of the "Children of Llullaillaco" were found (3 Inca mummies of about 500 years old that were in perfect conditions of conservation), today the remains rest san in the MAAM museum in downtown Salta. 

Another striking point in Tolar Grande is located about 13 kilometers from the town: the "Dead Man's Tunnel", a cave-shaped formation about 180 meters long, in which you can see stalactites, columns and other strange salt formations. It can also be found within a few kilometers  the Arizaro salt flat and you can tour the Macón hill, which provides spring water to the town.

As for the festivities, the third Saturday of the month of November, local residents  make the ascent to Cerro Macón (5500 masl) where  offerings are made in gratitude to the Pachamama.  At its top there is a Inca Apacheta for what is considered a "sacred mountain". This hill has a particular beauty for its beautiful landscapes, where you can see the desolation of the area, volcanoes, salt flats, mountains and the presence of llamas.

Yes You are thinking of visiting Tolar Grande  from the city of Salta, keep in mind that you must drive 600 kilometers   along National Route 51 until you reach the entrance to the town, and then follow the different signs towards the most interesting places in this locality.

Ojos de Mar

A  380 kilometers from Salta capital and 5 kilometers from Tolar Grande, appears this oasis of turquoise water in the middle puna. There are three turquoise lagoons in the middle of a white salt flat, they are called  Ojos de Mar  because the first settlers who arrived at the place in the 1940s said that it was water from the Pacific Ocean ( which is about 400 kilometers) that reached these salt flats formed by volcanic action through subterranean filtrations.

The reality is that all the slopes of this sector of the puna were volcanoes that erupted a lot of salt and the accumulated water from the rains passed under the salt and then through a process of erosion, when oxygen enters, the water gushes out forming these wonderful eyes.

A few years ago, CONICET discovered the presence of stromatolites, microorganisms specialized in transforming carbon dioxide into oxygen   dating back thousands of millions of years. They are living stones that, when they die, remain in time as fossils. Although they cannot be seen, they have a high scientific value. The discovery was very important since it was thought that there, due to the height and adverse climatic conditions, it was impossible to find life forms. Therefore, the local authorities made a parking lot and several trails to protect the place, which can only be accessed by walking.

To get to the Eyes de Mar, you have to go by car from Salta to Tolar Grande, it is about   600 kilometers   along National Route 51 until you reach the entrance to the town, where you will see the provincial route 17 that takes you at the entrance to the parking lot of the salar (5 kilometers) where the Ojos de Mar are located.

Las Cuevas de Guachipas

To visit the  Painted Caves of Guachipas is to visit a  sacred site that served as an oratory for the native peoples from that area of Salta. They were discovered in 1965, the paintings are found in the thirty-three eaves of Cerro Pintado, and  correspond to the period between 900 and 1400. However, records of this place were already known in 1903, thanks to the work of archaeologists Eric Borman and Juan Bautista Ambrosetti.

This National Historic Monument is located in the Paraje de las Juntas, about 30 kilometers from the town of Guachipas and 115 from the city of Salta, one of the most recommended ways to get there is through the guided tour through the Cave paintings of Guachipas, where, together with a specialized guide, travelers can see auquénid motifs, the so-called “shield men” and abstract forms. On the other hand, these drawings depict scenes of daily life, among which religious ceremonies, wars and animals such as jaguars, birds, insects, suris and llamas stand out.

The history of the place is impregnated in its walls and is a testimony of different periods and the degree of civilization of the original inhabitants before the arrival of the Spanish. Currently, the best preserved eaves is the Ambrosetti, which is fenced with wires for a better preservation of the work of the original peoples of Guachipas, known for being great artists.

This place is also known as Oma Sacopo (bosom of the Pirguas del Sol), it was a sacred site and oratory of the Guachipas tribes, who chose the place where the top is crowned by a large apacheta dedicated to the Pachamama, which receives the sun from its birth to its sunset.

This is an   ideal site for photography lovers   no They will stop capturing images, some will have to take them lying on the rocks, since they are made on the vault of narrow eaves. 

To get to the Cuevas de Guachipas   you have to travel 103 kilometers from the capital through national route 68, it is a whole right section of easy access.

Cono de Arita

Between populations from Caipe and Tolar Grande is the Salar de Arizaro, which is located at more than 3,000 meters above sea level and within it is the great  Cono de Arita, a  geoform of volcanic origin that rises at the southern end of the salt flat   and resembles a pyramid.  It is about 200 meters high , It is for many the most perfect natural cone in the world.

Several studies have shown that this formation  is nothing more than a volcano that was not strong enough to explode, so it does not have a crater or cast lava, the surrounding landscape is black salt, which is attracted to the surface by underground magma. Due to the remains found in the place, it is believed that the cone was a ceremonial center for those who inhabited the area before the arrival of the Incas. 

For their part, the inhabitants of Tolar Grande (the closest inhabited center to the Cone of Arita) consider this natural spectacle the  "Condor's Nest"   or the "Vulture's Dormidero" in allusion to the place where the condors that fly over the area rest to feed on animals that were dead.

In addition to the excursions that arrive every day from the city of Salta ,  the area is also noted for the mining of salt, marble, iron, copper and onyx.   Most visitors who come to the salt flat only go to the base of the cone , the more adventurous climb it although it has some difficulty, since being salt in a more solid state one is slipping as it rises.

If you found it interesting In this place, keep in mind that from  the city of Salta is 600 kilometers by car along National Route 51 until you reach the entrance to the town Tolar Grande and then from there it is 6 kilometers that you They are pointing to the sign that mentions the Salar de Arizano. 

La Poma 

La Poma (name given by the pumice stone that is abundant in the area) is a town with very few inhabitants that  is located halfway between Cachi and San Antonio de los Cobres , in the north of the Calchaquíes Valleys,  190 kilometers from the capital of Salta. La Pomada has an enormous geological wealth,  The Devil's Bridge  is one of them, it is a tunnel over the Calchaquí riverbed, formed by the basaltic remains of the Los Gemelos eruption and the natural excavation of the current. La Poma is the starting point to explore these caves that are 6 kilometers away and can be reached by Route 40.

In this town  time seems stopped with its small adobe houses, the sheep and llamas that graze in the surroundings and with the settlers who walk the dirt streets. La Pomada is located west of the Calchaquí River that runs parallel to Route 40 for several kilometers. A few kilometers north of this town, there are the remains of the original town, La Poma Vieja, which was swept away by the 1930 earthquake and partially rebuilt and where the old church with its stone walls stands out.

During the tour of La Poma you will be able to see in the area of the fields how the inhabitants herd the goats, lead the flocks of sheep, plow their land and maintain the fields of alfalfa, other settlers go to fish their food in the river to which you go down the main road of the village, you can see this river encased by the vertical walls of the canyon and you can also find the stalactites and stalagmites that hang from the walls, formed by the dripping of waters packed with calcium carbonate.

Returning to the main square of La Poma, it is interesting to appreciate the work of the ladies who are in the surroundings with their blankets and chairs making handcrafted fabrics that they then offer to visitors. If you are interested in getting to this town there is a Tour to La Poma that allows you to visit not only this little town, the underground caves, the Gemelos volcanoes and the Devil's Bridge but all the most important points that surround this area and with an interesting talk given by a local guide.

Caverna Puente del Diablo 

The Puente del Diablo cavern is a landform formed naturally by rain and strong winds , it is located in the town of La Poma in Salta, 200 kilometers from the city.  This cavern  It is a tunnel of 111 meters in length, It has an important geological value due to the excellent state in which it is located, the tunnel is on the Calchaquí riverbed formed by the basaltic remains of the eruptions of volcanoes that surround it.

The place has been known since ancient times, since its roof was used by native peoples as a natural bridge to cross cattle, currently became a site studied by biologists due to its natural qualities.

Those who visit this cave You will notice that as you descend you can find two fossil galleries , while at the bottom of the ravine you will find the access to the main gallery through which the river of frozen waters enters. Its flow is important and its drag force increases and the difference in level between the ends reaches 1.5 meters.

The first sector consists of a large room where You can walk standing, from this point looking towards the entrance, you can see the water in a green hue, product of the presence of photosynthetic algae, which indicates the establishment of primary producers in the cave ecosystem.

These algae, plus the matter carried by the river, are used by a colony of crabs that gather in the backwaters. Stalactitic and stalagmitic castings cover the entire cementing level, including trailing trunks and branches. The room narrows until it becomes a gallery one meter wide, considerably increasing the depth of the water, reaching 1.7 meters in some sections.

As you go, the height of the ceiling lowers until you have to crawl, with only 15 centimeters between the water level and the ceiling. The outlet end is widened to form a new room where the river loses depth. On the walls of these fossil galleries you can see an infinite combination of colors and textures  that make them true "natural works of art".

These drawings that are formed on the walls with water and minerals, give rise to the imagination of those who visit them and say they see human figures and faces, demons and mythological beings , which give rise to ancient legends and the fearful respect of the locals for this place where they assure that "the Devil lives" and that is why it receives the name of the Devil's Bridge Cavern.

To get to this cavern you can hire the trekking to the Devil's Bridge which includes a guide with which the walk begins a few kilometers from the town of Pumamarca to the cavern (approximately five hours of walking), throughout On this tour you will be able to see characteristic landscapes of the Quebrada de Humahuaca, as well as the Puna of Jujuy and spot different animals such as llamas, vicuñas, guayatas and Andean vizcachas.

In the case of going  by car, you have to go from the city of Salta for 200 kilometers to El Puente del Diablo, from the To enter this site, follow the signs that lead to the ravines of the Calchaquí River, where a sign welcomes the cave of the Devil's Bridge. 

Payogasta

10 kilometers from Cachi, on national route 40, is Payogasta an ancient population of indigenous origin, whose name e means "white town", the imposing  Nevado de Cachi and the multicolored hills are other spectacles that can be seen in the background in this town.  Payogasta is a small colonial village located in the Calchaquí Valleys on the eastern coast of the Calchaquí River and National Route 40, it is the access point to reach the Cuesta del Obispo and Los Cardones National Park.   In this area there are also the highest vineyards in the world and you can explore them, since they are a few kilometers from the town:  Bodega Cereus ,  Sala de Payogasta   and  Bodega Puna. 

Payogasta was inhabited for about 10,000 years, it was a town of hunters and gatherers  who evolved and developed irrigated agriculture, metal smelting and domestication of camelids. The ancient settlers are known as  Diaguitas  spoke a language that is now dead, "kakan". In the Calchaquíes valleys they were also known as "Calchaquíes", in turn each tribe was named by their place of residence, for example in this area they were the Payogasteños.

Within the town there are three sites that are worth visiting on your way, one is the   Church of the Immaculate Conception , it is directly on the route, going up some steps. Its facade is simple, white and with a triangular crown, it does not have bell towers but two bells that hang from the south side in the portico. Inside it has wooden trusses and you can see the reed that upholsters the interior of the ceiling, the floor is made of ceramic and has a simple and stripped altar.

Other Building to see is the  Municipal House , it is located one block from the central square, it has a colonial style very similar to the "Casa de Tucumán" in white with blue details, it is a beautiful Payogasta postcard with the adobe houses that surround it and the colored hills in the background. 

Another of the most important attractions of Payogasta are its "pepper dryers" . These are wide sectors located on nearby farms and even in the middle of the town itself, in which tons of pepper are expanded in order to dry them in the sun and thus transform them into the famous and always coveted paprika.

Finally, I recommend you make a stop at one of the  food stalls of the town   to try regional dishes such as roast kid and lamb , the locro casseroles with corn and quinoa, the empanadas from Salta and without a doubt, these dishes must be accompanied by one of the high-altitude wines from Payogasta. To close a delicious meal, you can order the famous goat cheese with cayote sweet.

If you want to take a souvenir from this northern town, steps from the square Dry this room of  Payogasta an Andean Cultural Center , where crafts and typical sweets are exhibited and sold, here local guides are also offered to explore this quiet town or for a lot of passage.

To get to Payogasta on your own you have to travel 150 kilometers from the capital along the RP33, it is about 3 hours of travel, the road is in perfect condition.

Termas del Río Jordan

The Jordan River Hot Springs are known for its   incredible turquoise color caused by the amount of minerals, and in speci to sulfur, which are found on the surface. They are one of the most beautiful attractions in the province of Jujuy, although few know of their existence.  

The Termas del Jordán  are located at an average height of 1000 meters above sea level and are located in the town of San Francisco , 210 kilometers from Salta (Accessed by national route 34). The waters of these hot springs are strongly mineralized: sulphated, chlorinated and sodium. This makes them  very beneficial for rheumatic and skin diseases, beyond their benefits these deep pools allow you to swim and relax with views of the yungas jungle.

These hot springs can be enjoyed throughout the year, although it is advisable to try not to visit them during  the months of November to March because it is the time of greatest amount of rain.

A very important piece of information to enter the hot springs is that there is a post where you must notify that you will enter (it is at the entrance to the hot springs) and the estimated duration for them to be authorized, since this area belongs to indigenous peoples, who are living in the place and usually take these measures to prevent the deterioration of the jungle. From there, a guide from this community will greet you and accompany you on an 8-kilometer tour of trails (on foot). During the journey to the hot springs you will find the Jordan River, once you cross it you will go down 200 meters to contemplate the Quebrada where the turquoise pools are located.

Seclantás

Those who visit it consider it a  "Magical" town, where everything seems to take place in another era and is preserved in perfect condition. The houses are made of adobe and the streets are cobbled, the people of the town are characterized by being very friendly and they have some inns, since it is a good place to spend a few days of rest surrounded by beautiful landscapes of the hills.

Seclantás is recognized throughout the region for being the area where the best ponchos from Salta are produced, you will see artisans in stalls in the street or in their own homes with the looms creating these beautiful pieces of clothing.  The raw material they use is llama or sheep wool and for some special jobs, the much appreciated vicuña wool.

Seclantás is  one of the best preserved towns in Salta, along its main street you can see  Old adobe mansions   with galleries and large patios with architectural details that give the place an old air.  The Main Square also called La J unta , it will surprise you with its tall palm trees and the great variety of plants that keep the park with a lot of vegetation throughout the year. Around the square you can see the Church (Iglesia del Carmen, built in 1835 in Cuzco style)  and some of the most typical houses of the town.

The church of the Cemetery   is one of the most beautiful churches in Salta and It was declared a National Historical Monument, it was built in 1885, it is located at the top of the town, from there you will have the best views of this picturesque valley and you can get to it from the path that is signposted from the main square.

Another very nice place to visit in Seclantás is the Brealito place. It is a very picturesque place near the river and surrounded by hills and cardones, there are also small houses and a church that the inhabitants used to go to, it is a beautiful corner of the town to take photos and enjoy the lagoon that is a few meters from houses. An ancient legend states that a strange monster inhabits this spectacular water hole. 

To get to Seclantás you have to go  by car 165 kilometers along Provincial Route 33 to the signs indicating the entrance to the town.

Silla del Inca

La Silla del Inca  It is considered an archaeological treasure from the  Inca period, according to studies it was a throne that is still in perfect condition today. This site  located 67 kilometers from the capital  has a technical access, since you have to ascend 3600 meters above sea level along the Juan Simo trail, this path begins in the Ingeniero Maury town in Quebrada del Toro a the one that is arrived from the city by the RN 51.

The area in which the Silla del Inca is located  is an area of pre-Inca ruins and there are also traces of other Inca constructions. The Chair is located inside what was   an adobe house, it has an adobe backrest, it has an armrest and a flagstone that serves as a seat.   In the ruins you can also find a series of destroyed stone walls, holes surrounded by stones that served as defense and in the distance, on a hill, the viewpoint. 

According to archaeologists who studied the area, the chair was precisely where the village hierarch sat to administer.  They consider that this area was inhabited between the years 1000 and 1450 by the original Diaguita peoples, it was a strategic place because it articulated the passage to the Calchaquíes Valleys and the Lerma Valley, where Salta is today. In 1945 this area known as Incahuasi was considered a National Monument and World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Molinos

This Salta town is located in the heart of the  Calchaquíes Valleys on National Route 4 in the town of Cachi. It is a town stopped in time, where you can visit wineries and taste rich high altitude wines and experience the local culture. 

Molinos   is located on the south bank of the river Molinos, that is why it bears his name, it is a very small town with a few streets with cobblestones and adobe houses that attract attention with their internal galleries and Its plants decorating them, it is a town with a colonial architecture, simple but very picturesque.  

On your way through Los Molinos you will wonder what to see, Despite being a small place, there is much to appreciate. One of them is the classic  Iglesia San Pedro Nolasco de los Molinos , it is the most characteristic of the place, from the outside you can see a white adobe façade and a cardon wood roof that gives it an austere appearance It is very well preserved. This church was declared a National Historic Monument and the remains of the last royal governor of the province, Nicolás Severo de Isasmendi, can be seen mummified. In front of the church is the historic house of the former governor, today converted into a lodging: Hacienda Molinos.

La Estancia and Bodega Colomé  is another point to take into account, it is an exclusive hotel owned by the Swiss Donald Hess, who in turn owns wineries in the United States and South Africa. It is located 25 kilometers from the town of Molinos (it can be reached by the RN40 or there are also cars/guides from the central square) and next to the winery is the Casa del Fundador and the James Turrel Museum, which is dedicated exclusively to the works of contemporary American artists, his pieces focus on light and space and the exhibition spans five decades of the artist's work as in a time warp. In this winery there is also the Visitor Center, where there are guided tours of the vineyards and tastings of high altitude wines. This high area of the Calchaquíes Valleys is considered the highest wine-growing region in the world between 2,300 and 3,111 meters above sea level. Malbec grapes from four different altitudes are grown here. 

La Reserva de Vicuñas and Asociación de Artesanos San Pedro Nolasco de los Molinos  It is another nice walk to see the vicuña wool handicrafts. It is located between the Humanao and Luracatao Rivers, in a large house inaugurated in 1870 as part of the Luracatao Hacienda. It was donated by descendants of the Isasmendi family to the Association in 1984 and restored. Here you will find a handicrafts showroom full of sheep, llama and vicuña wool textiles as well as leather braiding, and molle and reed baskets.

Los Molinos is located  210 kilometers from the city of Salta and 45 kilometers from the town of Cachi , to get there you have to take National Route 68 to the town of El Carril (37 km), then along Route 33 to the town of Cachi (110 km), and finally take 50 km along National Route 40 to the entrance to the town.

Baritú National Park 

Located 75 kilometers from the city, the Baritú National Park has 72,439 hectares that preserve the northernmost sector of Argentina, representing or to the biome of the yungas (mountain forests) very well preserved.

In the heart of the Tucuman-Oranian jungle, its almost virgin environment makes this Park the most rugged. The relief is extremely rugged, bristling with blades, faults and folds.

The Park  is surrounded by mountain ranges over 2000 meters high and You can see rivers  streams   and streams such as Lipeo, Porongal, Baritú and Pescado , which after meandering through the jungle topography flow into the Bermejo river. During the route of the only path in the park (the entire route is 15 kilometers long) that begins at the entrance, you will notice a jungle landscape that forms an impenetrable wooded mass, covered in summer by clouds that turn the environment into a humid and shady.

Also in Baritú there are countless lianas and vines   that link to evergreen trees that reach up to 30 meters in height.There are gigantic laurels on the skirt, their trunks reach 2.50 meters in diameter, they are imposing cedars of invaluable wood, you can also see white tipas, maromas or figs, oak, cloverwood and Creole walnut. edible nuts.

In the humid and high places of the jungle you can find the mato, horco molle or palo barroso, myrtle and guava. Tree ferns are also abundant, they are true living fossils that can be up to 4 meters high.  

The availability of environments and resources in the Yungas allow the existence of a great variety of  fauna.   Among the larger mammals is the  jaguar, the puma, the corzuela, two species of mountain pig, the anteater, the tapir or anta, the capybara and the fox , that, although they are difficult to observe due to their natural habits, they leave evidence of their presence through the tracks. On the way through the trails it is possible to spot squirrels and caí monkeys.

The rivers that cross the park, such as the Lipeo, Pescado and Bermejo are the habitat of different species of native fish such as tarpon, bogas, catfish and dorado. Smaller streams are home to smaller fish such as toothy, yusca, and water old women. All of them serve as food for mammals such as the  little river wolf and the washing bear or mayuato.

As for the birds, there are of varied shapes and colors, among which the   eagles and the dwarf hummingbird stand out.   There are also numerous species of insects, amphibians, reptiles and snakes. During the summer season, by the footpaths, it is possible to be surprised by the striking color of the red-bellied toads.

The recommended time to visit the Park is in winter or spring, because summer is very rainy and the increased flow of rivers and streams makes access difficult. If you are thinking of coming to Baritú National Park, keep in mind that you can reach renting a car and heading along the RN34 for 3 hours After passing Los Toldos, the entrance to the Park is signposted. 

If you want to know more about  tours, hotels and all the information about Salta, contact us.