Salta and Jujuy Northwest of Argentina

 

 

Spectacular valleys, colonial towns and Andean culture

 

In Salta and Jujuy, you’ll get a taste of authentic Argentinean culture before driving onto the vast Altiplano past ancient Inca ruins, tiny white-washed villages, salt lakes, giant cacti and palm trees. On the way, you’ll be staying in local accommodation in small villages.

Salta and Jujuy are the most northwesterly provinces in Argentina, situated around 930 miles (1,500 kilometers) from Buenos Aires. The provinces’ close proximity to the Andes and Bolivia has resulted in prevailing indigenous and rural cultures thus a region of Argentina that will feel far removed from its Europeanized urban centers.   

 

El Monje - Quebrada de las Conchas - Salta

 

Here, the familiar tapestry of the country’s European heritage begins to unravel as the land rises up towards the Andes. Through llama herds and polychromatic ponchos, the ancient cultures of the Andean peoples reach down from Peru and Bolivia, while some of the nation’s oldest remnants of the conquering Spanish can be found in heart-rending folklore ballads and time-warped adobe and wood churches.

 

The largest city and main jumping-off point for exploring this area is Salta, the Capital of the province. Salta boasts some charming boutique hotels, Estancias, hotels, plenty of tourist and car rental agencies and a nice central plaza, but it’s not a place you should plan to stay for more than a couple of nights. Other real gems are small colonial towns located near Salta (such as Tilcara, Cachi, Cafayate and Humahuaca) and the landscapes in and around them that also deserve a visit.

Gauchos Parade in the streets of Salta

 

There are myriad things to do in this region of Argentina and it’s also one of the cheaper areas to travel.  Visit the picturesque towns of Humahuaca and Tilcara to see how Andean cultures continue to thrive.

 

 

Cerro de los Siete Colores - Purmamarca

There are two important circuits that should start in Salta City:

Wine Country of Cafayate and Calchaqui Valleys: Cafayate is most famous for its Torrontés grape, used to create a lovely dry, fruity white wine. This particular provincial wine has received a great deal of global praise, earning it the notable title of, ‘the white wine of Argentina.’

A drive through the terracotta colored rocks of Quebrada de las Conchas, the third in a series of stunning ravines you will have encountered by now in the Calchaqui Valley.

 

Historic Center of Salta City - Cabildo

 Quebrada de Humahuaca 

This mountain valley route runs for around 96 miles (155 kilometers) alongside the Río Grande. Historically, this is an old trade route known as the Camino Inca and has been used for some 10,000 years. Spreading out at intervals along the trail are Inca-influenced towns and villages, namely Humahuaca, Purmamarca and Tilcara. Adding to its scenic qualities is the Andean Plateau, which borders the north and west, and the sub-Andean hills towards the east.

Its distinctive pre-Hispanic and pre-Incan settlements, as a group with their associated field systems, form a dramatic addition to the landscape and one that can certainly be called outstanding.

 

Quebrada de Humahuaca - Jujuy

 Best time to travel

The region is great to visit at any time of the year and Salta city is particularly famous for possessing an agreeable year-round climate. If there was an ideal time to come then it would be in spring and the beginning of summer (September to December). During this period daytime temperatures fluctuate between 74°F and 84°F (23°C and 30°C), with lows rarely falling below 50°F (10°C). Spring is also the dry season. At the height of summer temperatures can hit the 104°F (40°C) mark and flash thunderstorms occur. Autumn is another great time to visit as the summer rain gives life to the mountainous landscape and creates a sweeping panorama of greenery.

 

Alejandra and Silvina at Yacochuya's Vineyard - Cafayate, Salta

 

We offer two options for the programs depending on the season: the wet season takes place from December to March and the dry season from April to November.

Contact us for more detailed information of our customized Itineraries.