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Up in this far-flung corner lie great and magnificent swathes of land that have visibly more in common with Argentina’s Andean neighbours than the modern, European influenced areas further south.

A lunar landscape awaits, a place of ochre deserts dotted with cactus and gorges striped with many different hues.

Exploring the Region

Begin your exploration in the historic city of Salta, where striking architecture and leafy plazas easily justify a stay for a day or two.

During excursions from this charming city, you will climb past giant cactus, grazing vicuña, sculpted rocks and mountains striped red, amber, coffee and ochre, reaching dazzling salt flats and impossibly tiny settlements at nearly 4,000 metres above sea level.

Humahuaca Gorge

From Purmamarca, with its Hill of Seven Colours, you can travel further north into the awe-inspiring scenery of the Humahuaca Gorge, visiting quiet oasis villages, the ruins of a hilltop fortress, exquisite churches and some of the most important archaeological sites in the country.

Combinations

If you wish to combine Argentina with Chile, we can organise for you to traverse the high puna from this point into the Chilean Atacama Desert, in a heady day’s travel over a high and quiet border crossing.

South of Salta lie the stunning Calchaquíes Valleys and the vineyards of Cafayate, which can be combined in a day’s trip, both accessible by means of winding mountain passes above which condors glide.

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Tom King

Start planning your tailor-made trip to Salta & The Northwest by contacting one of our Argentina specialists

Map of Salta & The Northwest

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    Our expert guides to exploring Salta & The Northwest

    Written by our specialists from their own experiences of visiting Salta & The Northwest, these guides will help you make the most of your time there. We share both our practical recommendations and the best ways to appreciate Salta & The Northwest at its best.

    • Driving Argentina’s wild northwest: Salta to Mendoza on Ruta 40
      Road to Cachi from Salta or viceversa

      Driving Argentina’s wild northwest: Salta to Mendoza on Ruta 40

      Driving Argentina’s wild northwest: Salta to Mendoza on Ruta 40

      Between Salta and Mendoza in northwest Argentina lies a yawning, unforgiving landscape dominated by Andean ranges, desert and badlands. Few visitors set foot there. Audley specialist Melissa explains why it makes for a classic Argentinian road trip on Ruta 40.

      10 min read

      Read this guide

    Accommodation choices for Salta & The Northwest

    We've selected a range of accommodation options for when you visit Salta & The Northwest. Our choices usually come recommended for their character, facilities and service or location. Our specialists always aim to suggest properties that match your preferences.