The northern provinces of Argentina - notably Sala & Jujuy - feature traces of pre-Columbian cultures, the ruins of native villages, and constructions dating back to the time of the Conquest and Colonization. Time seems to stand still in the high plateau of the Puna, a land full of mountain ranges, gorges, steep highland paths, and valleys with villages. The region is full of contrasting landscapes for tourists to enjoy; from the high peaks and the plains, to the salt pans where Latin American culture took root.
From Salta, the train to the clouds starts its journey up the mountain through narrow bridges, tunnels and viaducts, which ends at San Antonio de los Cobres, sitting 4,200m above sea level.
With an impressive combination of mountain ranges and striking blue skies, the Shell’s Gorge is known for its contrasting colours and land formations such as El Anfiteatro, Los Castillos, and La Garganta del Diablo. Cafayate is also surrounded by the best high-altitude, boutique and renowned vineyards and is home to where the famous Torrontés wine is produced.
The amazing landscapes of the Calchaquies Valley invite you to take an inspired self-drive journey or to simply enjoy slow travel. Seemingly stuck in time, you’ll find tiny old villages and archaeological sites, ideal for stopping and taking photos, visiting boutique wineries, discovering the artisans’ route, and getting lost among the tall cacti. With a very particular terrain of reddish-yellow canyons passing through valleys full of vegetation, this area is a remarkable lunar landscape stunningly contrasted by colourful scenery that all merges with the beautiful indigeneous culture.
he Salt flats are a must-visit within this region. This amazingly infinite white landscape is located at more than 4,000m altitude in the province of Jujuy and is the third largest salt flat in South America. This immense natural attraction is an ideal setting to play with optical illusions and scenic & perspective photography, taking advantage of the incomparable blue of the sky and how the colours of the natural surroundings become infinitely more vibrant in contrast.
The Atacama Desert and high plain of Northern Chile provide some of the most geographically interesting landscapes and culturally rich regions in South America. It’s possible to cross this border through Paso de Jama, the 14,000ft-tall mountain that connects Salta & Chile while appreciating the striking scenery along the way. On the road, you’ll be surprised by colourful rock formations, desert landscapes, small charming towns, and local wildlife like llamas and alpacas.
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