Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Observe weavers at work in the memorable
Valles Calchaquíes
(
Click here
)
Cleanse your lungs in the crisp mountain air of
Tafí del Valle
(
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)
Hit Wild West
Chilecito
(
Click here
), the base for uplifting mountain excursions
Soak up the colonial ambiance and relax in the enticing boutique hotels of soph-
isticated
Salta
(
Click here
)
Taste the torrontés at northern Argentina's wine capital of
Cafayate
(
Click here
)
Try the regional
cuisine
(
Click here
) of the far northwest, where llama meat and
quinoa replace beef and pasta on the menu.
SALTA & JUJUY PROVINCES
Intertwined like yin and yang, Argentina's two northwestern provinces harbor an inspir-
ing wealth of natural beauty and traditional culture. Bounded by Bolivia to the north and
Chile to the west, the zone climbs from sweaty cloudforests westward to the puna (An-
dean highlands) and some of the most majestic peaks of the Andes cordillera.
The two capitals - especially colonial, beloved-of-travelers Salta - are launchpads for
exploration of the jagged chromatic ravines of the Quebrada de Cafayate and Quebrada
de Humahuaca; for the villages of the Valles Calchaquíes, rich in artisanal handicrafts;
for the stark puna scenery; for nosing the aromatic Cafayate torrontés whites; or for ex-
ploration in the national parks of Calilegua or El Rey.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Salta
0387 / POP 655,600 / ELEV 1187M
Sophisticated Salta is a favorite of many, engaging active minds with its outstanding mu-
seums, and lighting romantic candles with its plaza-side cafes and the live
música
folklórica
(folk music) of its popular
peñas
(folk-music clubs). It offers the facilities -
and the traffic and noise - of a large town, retains the comfortable vibe of a smaller place
and preserves more colonial architecture than most places in Argentina.
Founded in 1582, it's now the most touristed spot in northwest Argentina, with numer-
ous accommodation options. The center bristles with tour agents: this is the place to get
things organized for onward travel. A very popular option is to hire a car here to explore
the surrounding area.
