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Colorful Northwest Argentina

I thought I'd drop you a quick note to let you know that my trip to Argentina was superb! Amazing and fantastic. They did a great job organizing everything. The tour guides in each city were especially friendly and helpful, each driver prompt and courteous...it all ran smoothly and I'm very appreciative of that considering that I was traveling on my own. I have no complaints. Hilite of the trip for me was Salta! The tour up to the Andes Mountain was such a great experience. The tour guides were so enthusiastic, knowledgeable and fun. . The Andes scenery so diverse and grand, stopping by in small towns along the way, interacting w/ the local people which was a really positive experience. A great dose of real Argentine culture. The estancias were a great idea, I enjoyed each one and again, a great chance to experience the people and culture. Looking back I should have allowed more time to rest and relax at each...homemade food, warm hospitality, riding horses and enjoying the scenery. Dos Lunas was especially my favorite, absolutely beautiful. All in all a really memorable trip, in so many ways. Diverse and amazing scenery and great people. I look forward to going back again one day! Thanks again for your help. I will have to keep you in mind for future trips." - Erica

The Andes Mountain Range, true backbone of South America, reaches its highest point, Mt. Aconcagua (23,000 ft) in the Argentine province of Mendoza. A "mecca" for mountain climbing with its two "big peaks" in Argentina ACONCAGUA and its eternal rival the imposing MERCEDARIO, offers countless possibilities of horseback riding, rafting, trekking and hiking at the foot or across the Andes. In addition you may indulge in thermal baths at hot springs and wine tasting in countless wineries, which are becoming famous all over the world

Some of the most spectacular geological formations and deserts on Earth are to be found in the impressive landscape that encompasses La Rioja, San Juan and Catamarca. Here, the soft earth (mostly sandy red soil), the extremes in temperature and water and wind erosion has wrought curious and impressively beautiful formations over a wide area. These same climatic conditions and the prevailing dryness have helped to preserve important fossil beds such as those found in Ischigualasto (also known as " Valley of the Moon" due to its extra-Earthy air). In the past, the indigenous people adapted marvelously to the rigorous habitat, seeking out its more humid areas to establish their villages and erect their ceremonial centers. Eloquent proofs of this are the many petroglyphs, ritual mortars, and burial grounds found all along the imposing Talampaya Canyon, with its 550-foot-high red sandstone walls.Due to its rich environment many national parks have been recently created to protect unique specimens.

One of the most fascinating aspects of a visit to the Northwest area is the chance to mingle with the native population, some of the friendliest people on Earth. Since the rigorous climate up the mountains has discouraged permanent settlements, the local inhabitants preserve practically intact their ancient customs and traditions. Their polychromatic dresses, their expressive artwork and handicrafts, their music, their colorful markets and street fairs and delicious gastronomy are eloquent expressions of the soul of these people and their love for PACHAMAMA (Mother Earth).

Since this area was originally colonized by the Spaniards, this region holds the most ancient traces of Spanish heritage: towns with typical colonial architecture, adobe churches and hidden chapels, old traditional fincas (ranches), etc., which are the delight of visitors.

An unexpected attraction, in sharp contrast with the dry and arid landscape of the Northwest is the cloud forest or montane forest. This is a true link between the Amazon basin and the Andes mountain chain, which penetrates into Argentina from Bolivia (where they are called yungas) in the shape of a V, extremely biodiverse, and full of exuberant vegetation typical of humid regions.

Some of the most spectacular geological formations on Earth are to be found in the impressive landscapes, which encompass the northwestern Argentine provinces. Not only we include this gorgeous formations but also most of the most amazing deserts and high altitude lakes (comparable - and sometimes superior to some extent- to Atacama and Uyuni.