THE NORTHWEST

THE NORTHWEST

ASTOUNDING GEOLOGICAL FORMATIONS AND DESERTS

PRE INCA CULTURES FROM THE ANDEAN HIGHLANDS & SPANISH COLONIAL HERITAGE

THIS REGION TREASURES THE MOST ANCIENT TRACES OF SPANISH HERITAGE IN ARGENTINA EVERYTHING. FOR EVERYBODY

This amazing yet sometimes forgotten region covers 10 % of Argentina’s territory, and encompasses half of the history of our country. From the ancient local cultures that adapted to the highlands and the Incas, to the Spanish domain and the Independence days, all of these leaving a strong imprint on the present culture and lifestyle of the local inhabitants.

THE AREA HAS EVERYTHING TO OFFER, FOR EVERY TASTE GOING WEST, DISCOVER THE PUNA HEADING NORTHEAST, FIND OUT HOW THE ROAD REACHES THE STEAMY YUNGA OR TROPICAL FOREST, HOME TO THE JAGUAR TRAVEL THROUGH THE CENTER AND THE SOUTH, IN ORDER TO DISCOVER PROSPEROUS VALLEYS DOTTED WITH QUAINT PRE-HISPANIC SETTLEMENTS

GO FOR!

  • The intriguing hillside villages, the polychromatic natural formations, the blindingly white salt beds.
  • The traditions of the friendly locals, their art work, their textiles and ceramics.
  • The breathtaking hikes from one small village to another
  • The Estancias, working ranches in stunning and remote locations.
  • The legendary wineries producing some of the best high altitude wine around the world.
  • The invaluable company and expert leading of Maru & Luis Aguilar, our star local guides.

DO!

  • Hike the Silent Valleys with Maru & Luis Aguilar. Everybody is invited. Superb!!
  • Horseback ride in the Andean highlands and valleys
  • Explore the local villages in a rented car, follow the Calchaqui River and the Legendary Road 40
  • Reach the Salt flats and be amazed by the ever changing contrasts and the thin air
  • Enjoy a unique llama trek

EAT!

  • Taste the local delicacies such as the “Humita en chala”, the “Tamal”, the “Locro” stew and the “Empanadas”, all prepared with the locally grown vegetables and traditional Andean cereals.
  • Explore the rich fusion cuisine, merging the traditional ingredients and recipes with the new approaches to the food experience. Llama beef, Quinoa and Kiwicha are essential among others.
  • Make sure you stop by some of the most renowned restaurants in the area: “El Manantial del Silencio” in Purmamarca or “Osadia” in Salta City, just to name a couple.
  • Discover the unique Torrontes white wine, mysterious and fruity, perfectly paired with goat cheese or empanadas.

STAY!

  • At a traditional working estancia, surrounded by the most impressive and unique landscapes, while you enjoy the local lifestyle.
  • At a deluxe lodge, where you may get pampered and admire the vineyards and the wineries
  • At any of the cozy Hosterias, where you may share the simple yet charming atmosphere of the smaller towns and villages.

DO NOT MISS!

  • At least two nights at a local Estancia, for a full Argentine experience
  • A hike above the clouds in Iruya and the Silent Valleys
  • A horseback ride in the highlands or in the valleys
  • A meal at any of the traditional “Penas” in Salta city, including the traditional folk music of the region.
  • A visit to the MAAM in Salta city (Museum of High Altitude Archaeology www.maam.org.ar), that includes an interest exhibition of the High Mountain Sanctuary.
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