El Norte Argentino

I have this dream of traveling to each Andean country and visiting the Andean regions of each. Little by little the dream is coming to a reality. When we were in Argentina last year around this time in November we planned a trip to the northwest region where the Andes of Argentina are located. Many people do not associate the Andes with Argentina at all and I thought it was important for me to learn about them and visit myself.

I was very surprised to learn the amount of beautiful, magnificent places the region has to offer. After a short flight from Iguazu we arrived at the city of Salta, in the province of Salta. Our goal was to start a road trip from Salta to Jujuy, another province north of Salta.

We visited the following sites:

Museo de Alta Montana de Salta-

Museum of High Altitude Archeology in Salta is the home of 3 mummies found inside the Llullaillaco Volcano in a Capacocha ( Quechua for “ofrenda” or gift to the gods). Besides learning more about the Inca culture in general; you will be able to admire these mummies that are preserved through centuries due to atmospheric conditions and found on expeditions and brought to the museum.

Purmamarca

Picturesque town with rainbow colored hills and Andean culture flair. This is a must stop also for shopping artisanal crafts and enjoy dining in the area.

Tilcara

We visited the Pucará de Tilcara- Tilcara is known in the Andean region for the Carnaval de Humahuaca. This celebration taking place yearly in February and joining multiple places worldwide has famous carnival activities such as parades, dancing and rites to mark the transition of seasons for some and for other religious celebrations. The Pucará are pre-Incan ruins at Tilcara. This archeological site is a landmark of the Qhapaq- Ñan (Inca Trail) and is an invitation to reflect about indigenous cultures and any culture and its people about subjects and not objects in history.

Quebrada de Humahuaca (Serranias del Hornocal)

This colorful lookout is located at 15,000 ft above sea level! It is Unesco World Heritage Site and just a beauty altogether.

Road to Cafayate ( not be confused with “El Calafate”)

Cafayate is a known wine town in the north of Argentina, however the road that takes you to the area (ruta Nacional 68) is the most scenic I have experienced so far. Get ready to make several stops to take images of the Martian landscapes with mountains that resemble shapes and magnificent colors. Some of these landmarks are:

• Quebrada de las Conchas

• Garganta del Diablo

• Los Castillos

• Las Ventanas

Tren a las Nubes in San Antonio de los Cobres

This historic train trail is known for the scenic experience of traveling through the argentine andes not only at high altitudes but also over great structures. Hence the title of it “Train to the Clouds”.

The Andean Region of South America is located across 7 countries Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Chile, Bolivia & Argentina. Have you visited any of these countries? Did you get a glance of the magical Andes yet?