A Journey to the Heart of Argentina

Venturing into northern Argentina filled me with a profound sense of belonging, a connection to something real and ancient. I was surrounded by stunning, colorful mountain landscapes that seemed endless.

Discovering Salta

We arrived in Salta at night, after a quick two-hour flight from Buenos Aires. We rented a pick-up and headed to our hotel, eager to drop off our bags and dive into Salta’s vibrant nightlife. Though small in size, the city of Salta is rich in cultural heritage. Watching the locals, I imagined the indigenous people who once thrived here, long before European influences changed their culture and complexion. The city was alive with vibrant colors—red, yellow, blue, and green textiles—and the tantalizing smells of spicy, flavorful foods like locro. We indulged in delicious lentils and our first taste of Salta’s famous empanadas, filled with knife-cut meat, corn, and cheese. Each bite was a delight.

Our tour of La Quebrada de las Conchas was breathtaking. The sunlit mountains under a strikingly blue sky made me feel like I was stepping back in time. It felt as if I might stumble upon a dinosaur climbing the red cliffs or feel the ancient warmth of dormant volcanoes. The landscape was absurdly beautiful, almost magical.

On our journey, we stopped frequently. We captured obligatory photos at the Relatos Salvages bridge, marveled at the fiery red of the Garganta del Diablo, and took snapshots of the cairns left by travelers in the Anfiteatro. We took in panoramic views at the Cafayate lookout, greeting locals and admiring flowers along the way. The three-hour drive between Salta and Cafayate felt like mere minutes as I absorbed the grandeur around me. In Cafayate, we enjoyed more empanadas paired with a refreshing local rosé wine, the flavors enhanced by the high-altitude vineyards.

Returning to Salta, we paused often to admire the mountains, savor the fresh air, and snap countless photos. We posed with llamas at the Las Tres Cruces viewpoint, with motorcyclists, and under the sun. My Nikon's memory filled up, but I kept taking pictures, eager to capture every moment and preserve the feeling of being dwarfed by such vastness. We ended the day dreaming of the beauty we had witnessed.

The Magic of Jujuy

We left Salta early, after a simple hotel breakfast, and drove through dense fog towards Jujuy, seeing only glimpses of the massive Rio Grande. As we climbed higher, each twist and turn revealed new vistas until the sun finally broke through, unveiling a landscape of cactus-covered mountains. It was a reminder that no matter how much I’ve seen, there’s always something new to discover. The cacti stood like welcoming giants, smiling at the new visitors.

Jujuy greeted us with vibrant colors, ancestral scents, and stunning mountains. The Mountain of Seven Colors adorned our hotel view, and the local people, music-filled peñas, and roaming llamas and guanacos added to the enchantment. After winding through breathtaking roads, we reached the salt flats, another slice of paradise. We posed for touristy photos, then enjoyed tamales at an unassuming restaurant, savoring the spicy cornmeal treats while taking in the view.

The drive back was equally mesmerizing. In Purmamarca, we embraced the timeless village, honoring Pachamama. We enjoyed tamales and wine at a peña, soaking in the culture.

The next day, we headed to the Mountain of Fourteen Colors. The road was like a roller coaster, and I’d happily ride it a thousand times. At a panoramic viewpoint, we marveled at the brilliant hues, reflecting on the natural wonder before us. Despite the altitude, we savored freshly made tortillas and cheese, connecting with the land.

Descending towards Purmamarca, we encountered colonies of llamas and guanacos, running freely and joyfully. We returned to the village, relishing its colors and peñas before resting. The next morning, we bid farewell and embarked on a new adventure: the Train to the Clouds. Words can’t capture the beauty we witnessed. The landscapes were awe-inspiring, and an encounter with a curious llama added a touch of humor and stress to our journey.

The return to Salta was equally breathtaking. The mountains, with their varied sizes, shapes, and colors, seemed otherworldly. Every curve revealed a new, stunning scene. Back in Salta, we enjoyed more peñas and a rock bar, sampling local dishes and desserts, and savoring wines. The following morning, we strolled through the town center and visited museums before heading home.

This adventure left a lasting impression on my soul. Northern Argentina is a place I will always dream of revisiting.