Salta

The Northwest of Argentina is a land of high valleys and colorful mountains. An Inca trade route once ran here, and Andean culture still shapes markets, music, and cuisine today. The starting point is the colonial city of Salta; from there, roads lead to the Quebrada de Humahuaca with its vibrant rock faces, up to the Salinas Grandes at around 3,450 meters, and south to the wine region around Cafayate.The most pleasant time to travel here is between May and September, when it is dry and sunny. Many destinations are well over 2,500 meters; plan time for acclimatization.

This small village at the entrance to the Quebrada de Humahuaca is situated directly at the foot of the Cerro de los Siete Colores, the "Mountain of Seven Colors," one of Argentina's most famous photo opportunities. In the village square, vendors sell local handicrafts.The approximately three-kilometer-long Paseo de los Colorados leads around the colorful rocks; in the morning light, the colors appear particularly vibrant. Purmamarca is also a starting point for the drive over the Cuesta de Lipán to the Salinas Grandes and a popular place to experience the Carnival of the North.

The Quebrada de Humahuaca is a roughly 155 km high valley in Jujuy Province, traversed by the Río Grande flowing north to south. Its rock walls glow red, ochre, yellow, and violet, due to exposed strata from many geological eras. For approx. 10,000 years, humans used the valley as a trade route, later also the Incas; in 2003, UNESCO declared the Quebrada a World Heritage cultural landscape.Along the road are strung small towns: Purmamarca with the Cerro de los Siete Colores, Maimará with the "Paleta del Pintor", Tilcara with the reconstructed pre-Hispanic mountain fortress Pucará, and Humahuaca at the northern end, from where you drive to the Serranía de Hornocal with its "14 Colors". The climate is dry and windy. The valley is high; allow time for acclimatization.

The Salinas Grandes are an approximately 212-square-kilometer salt flat located at an average elevation of 3,450 meters on the border of the Jujuy and Salta provinces. This dazzling white expanse beneath a deep blue sky formed five to ten million years ago when saltwater evaporated in a basin. Salt is still extracted here today; you can see the rectangular pools where it is mined.From Purmamarca, it's 66 kilometers via Ruta Nacional 52, which winds its way up the Cuesta de Lipán in switchbacks to an elevation of 4,170 meters. Bring warm clothing, sunglasses, and headwear, drink plenty of water, and avoid alcohol beforehand to prevent altitude sickness.

Cafayate, situated at around 1,680 meters in the Valles Calchaquíes in the south of Salta province, is the hub of northern winemaking. Red mountains, vineyards, and a dry, sunny climate define its surroundings. The typical grape variety is the aromatic white wine Torrontés; many Bodegas around the town offer tours and tastings.Even the journey there is an experience: The paved Ruta Nacional 68 leads from Salta through the Quebrada de las Conchas with its red rock formations such as the Garganta del Diablo and the Anfiteatro, a rock gorge with remarkable acoustics. The approximately 190-kilometer journey takes about four hours, including photo stops. To the north, the unpaved Ruta 40 stretches to Cachi; it's best avoided during the rainy season.