Norwestern Argentina

Bordering Bolivia and Paraguay to the North, Chile to the West and Chaco’s tropical plain to the East, the Argentine northeast region (NOA) comprises the provinces of Santiago del Estero, Catamarca, Tucumán, Salta and Jujuy. Undoubtedly, it is the Argentine route with the most diverse landforms. Indeed, deep into the heart of the Andes range lives an indigenous population whose culture and traditions still remain unchanged. The NOA embraces all the typical aspects of the Andes: mountains, Inca population and culture, handicrafts, coke leaves... You should not miss Argentina’s most “alive” region.

Salta, la linda (the beautiful)

Salta was founded in 1582 by Hernando de Lema, and it is 1,200 meters above sea level. Its colonial expansion is closely related to its privileged geographical location on the route that connected Lima and Buenos Aires. This magnificent city shelters a population of 465,000 and preserves many colonial-era buildings and monuments. Salta is also the starting point of numerous excursions. The route to San Antonio de los Cobres offers one of the most imposing landscapes of Northwestern Argentina: Quebrada del Toro. Typical sightseeing spots of the area include colorful valleys, cactus plants and some pre-Colombian sites. We can also discover the beauty of the region by taking a trip onboard the Tren de las nubes (the Train to the Clouds), which will immediately reminds us of a coffee brand advertising spot. This train is beyond doubt spectacular and its 438-km route goes through dozens of tunnels and viaducts reaching a maximum height of 4,100 meters.
Down the route to the South, towards Cafayate, visitors will arrive at one of the most beautiful places of the NOA: Quebrada de Cafayate. Colorful mountains, fantastic shapes and stunning views!


Jujuy

San Salvador de Jujuy is the Argentine northernmost city and was founded on April 9, 1593 by Francesco de Arganarez y Murguia. Similarly to Salta, its strategic location on the route that joins Buenos Aires and Lima favored its development. The city has a population of 180,000 and could not preserve many of its historical monuments. Jujuy is also an excellent starting point to take wonderful excursions.
Quebrada de Humahuaca is one of the most beautiful and changing regions of Argentina. The indigenous city of Purmamarca was built at the foot of Cerro de los siete colores (Seven Colors Hill), a colorful geological formation of violet to beige layers; it has a lovely colonial-style church and a marketplace where you will find indigenous handicrafts. Tilcara, a pre-Colombian fortress originated in the Humahuaquena culture is also a very interesting town. Lastly, Humahuaca, located 3,000 mts above sea level, is a typical Andean town with narrow cobble-stone streets known for its large indigenous handicraft market.

Tucuman

Tucumán is the capital of the smallest though most densely populated province of Argentina. It was in Tucumán where Argentina freed itself from Spain hindrance declaring its independence on July 9, 1816 after the victories achieved by General San Martin. Departing from the city of Tucumán, you may visit Tafi del Valle and Parque de los Menhires.