The Northwest of Argentina
Jujuy - Salta - Tucuman

and important points in between

HUMAHUACA: Humahuaca, at a height of 9000 feet, has whitewashed adobe houses with bright red roofs. The church, La Candelaria, dates back to 1640 and is the starting point for the colorful religious processions that bring the hamlet to life. All the inhabitants, in colorful ponchos and hats, come out for the occasion and meet in the square opposite the church. There is a daily handicraft fair.

TILCARA: Halfway along the Quebrada de Humahuaca, is one of the most interesting villages. Close by there is an archeological site where excavations of an Inca village have unearthed remains of stone houses.

PURMAMARCA: This small village is distinguished by the hill with seven contrasting colors that overlooks the village and the Church of Santa Rosa (1648, rebuilt 1778) with lovely frescoes, and an algararrobo tree thought to be some 500-years old.  It is a sleepy but charming village. There is a handicraft market. Where to stay: El Manantial del Silencio

JUJUY: the province of Jujuy is the center of Argentina’s mining industry. Colonial Jujuy is picturesque with the Cathedral and its beautiful gilded altar depicting Jacob’s dream, a masterpiece of colonial art. The Government House displays the first Argentine flag. Jujuy has retained a far more Indian atmosphere, not so much in the city itself, which is modern and prosperous, but in the country where the old customs, legends, music and handicraft handed down from generation to generation can be seen.     Where to stay: El Bordo de las Lanzas

QUEBRADA DE HUMAHUACA: The road to Humahuaca follows a deep canyon running some 100 miles north to south. It is flanked by mountains rich in minerals which lend their different colors to the rocks. All along the Quebrada, Indian hamlets dot the landscape, each with its chapel adorned with Indoamerican religious objects and works of art.

SALTA: Salta is situated on the Rio Arias in a mountainous and strikingly beautiful district.  It was founded in 1582 and is the capital of its province. It is well k known for its handicrafts and is often a base for excursions exploring the area. The central plaza of Plaza 9 de Julio is considered to be one of the most outstanding in the country and is the only one with verandas all round. The Cathedral and Cabildo reside on the plaza, and there are many colonial mansions converted into various museums. Salta is a jewel of XVII century colonial architecture. Its houses are typical with white walls, red tiled roofs, carved wooden doors and intricate wrought iron window bars. Behind the door, a cool welcoming patio with a waterwel and lots of plants and flowers beckons passersby.
            The Tren a las Nubes, "Train to the Clouds" operates between May and November on a once a week schedule (weather permitting) that is increased during the height of the season.   From Quebrada del Toro up to the Polvorilla viaduct at 4200m, almost on the Chilean frontier, there is magnificent mountain scenery. This narrow gauge track engineering feat  winds its way up the mountains until it reaches and crosses the viaduct. The statistics are impressive: 21 tunnels with a total length of almost two miles; 31 bridges, 13 viaducts and 1,279 bends. It is a full day excursion from Salta.
             Where to stay: Hotel Solar de la Plaza  or House of Jasmines or Legado Mitico or Sheraton

CACHI: At the foot of the 19,000 foot Nevado del Cachi, Cachi is a beautiful little town.   Founded in 1694, it is well known for its weaving and crafts. There is an interesting archaeological museum with artifacts from the pre-colonial Calchaqui culture.   Cachi Adentro is just 3 miles distant and the Indian ruins at Las Pailas offers another excursion in the area.
             Where to stay: El Molino de Cachi Adentro, the activity oriented Explora Finca Rancagua or La Merced del Alto

MOLINOS: Founded in 1659, this small village has a church with fine twin-domed bell-towers, built around 1720. There are fine vistas of the area from atop a nearby hill.   Don't miss the James Turrell Museum at Bodgea Colome

QUEBRADA DE LAS FLECHAS: This gorge, just south of Angastaco is formed by the Rio Calchaqui and remarkable for its formations and colors. It is named after the arrow-shaped rocks found in the gorge.

CAFAYATE: Founded in 1863 on the site of Jesuit and Franciscan missions, Cafayate is surrounded by vineyards and is an important center for wine production and home to several renowned bodegas. There are several museums in town. The Quebrada de Cafayate begins about 12 miles to the north of town and extends north about 40 miles. For most of its length, it is a desert landscape, with rocks of contrasting colors. The southern section is particularly known for the unusual rock formations.   Where to stay: Bodega La Rosa, the Luxury Collection member Patios de Cafayate Hotel & Spa, Casa de la Bodega or Grace Cafayate.

QUILMES: Quilmes is one of the most important archaeological sites in Argentina. Situated on the slopes was a central fortification flanked to the north and south by two other fortresses which controlled the valley. There are other ruins stretching over several kilometers, splendid views and interesting cacti.

AMAICHA DEL VALLE: This tiny village has an important Pachamama festival at the end of Carnival.  Pachamama, the goddess of mother earth venerated for the fertility of the earth, animals and crops, is portrayed by an elder of the village and accompanied by other gods. At the height of the festival Pachamama offers wine from the new harvest.  It is quite a colorful affair celebrated over several days.

TAFI DEL VALLE: This small village of around 2600 is located about halfway along the valley of the Rio Tafi, which is known to archaeologists as a holy valley of the pre-Columbian Indian peoples. Nearby is the Parque de los Menhires, a park with 129 standing stones marked with engraved designs of unknown significance but thought perhaps to be gods protecting the fields and dwellings.

TUCUMAN: The full name of this city is San Miguel de Tucuman.  It is the capital of the smallest province of Argentina, and the largest and most important city in the northwest of the country. Founded in 1565 and then transferred to its present site in 1685, Tucuman became an important center for mule trains moving between Bolivia and Mendoza and Buenos Aires.  It developed a landed aristocracy distinct from those of other provinces and it was the site of an important battle during the Wars of Independence. The historic Plaza Independencia hosts the neoclassical Cathedral dating from 1852 and housing the cross from the founding of the city; the Palacio de Gobierno and the Church of San Francisco with a picturesque facade and tiled cupola.