The Northwest
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The beautiful, charming, historic, and diverse north western area of Argentina is truly a traveler’s paradise and most will say that it is one of the most enjoyable areas to travel in the country. This vast region includes areas of rainforests and valley’s, plunging mountain ranges, wide and rapid rivers, flat desert terrains, and world famous salt flats, making the area as diverse as they come in Argentina. If for any reason, you need more than just the spectacular beauty of the landscape, you will not have to look any further than the picturesque towns and mountain villages of the region, the diverse wildlife and plant life, or the fantastically friendly and warm people that inhibit the northwest.
The climate in this vast region can vary from mild temperatures during fall, winter, and spring, to extremes during the summer months, when it is possible for temperatures to reach up to 45degreesC. In many parts, the climate like the terrain is very desert like but is still subject to significant rain fall during the rainy season adding to the lands fertile and prosperous animal and plant life. In some of the mountain areas and higher regions, the air is significantly denser as is the temperatures, often refreshingly cool during the summer months and down near freezing during the winter.
The northwest of Argentina has an unbelievable amount of sights to see and visitors can easily venture to this region for one week to one month, finding something new to see every day of their travels. The region is divided into several provinces including Salta, Jujuy, Tucuman, Catamarca, Chaco, and Formosa, each province with a capital city, quaint towns and villages, and each encompassing a myriad of unique province characteristics.
Salta
Capital of the Salta province, the city of Salta is as picturesque as it is warm and welcoming. Displaying gorgeous historical building, churches, and plazas, this city is also the starting point to many of the trips offered in the region including the Tren a los Nubes (Train in the Clouds), day trips to Cachi and Cafayate, and trips to Argentina’s famous salt flats.
Cachi
This small and stunning town located almost 5 hours from Salta is as worth the visit as is the journey getting there. From Salta, the highway takes you through the winding roads in the Valles Calchaquies, where you will see plunging valley’s, fantastic rock formations, and vast mountain ranges, definitely a must see!
Cafayate
Cafayate is known for its beauty and its wineries which are situated in and around the small city. A popular tourist destination, Cafayate like Cachi, has a stunning valley and a marvellous nearby canyon, the Quebrada de Cafayate that will leave you breathless with its out-of-this-world rock formations and reddish sandstone appearances.
Catamarca
This fantastic city is located over 540mts above sea level and set amongst gorgeous mountain ranges, rivers, and lagoons, offering a myriad of exciting and diverse outdoors activities including mountain climbing, hiking, fishing and more.
Humahuaca
The sand road village of Humahuaca is set in the middle of a desert like terrain, where cactus, llamas, and pre-Columbian ruins set the mood. This fantastic town features a town plaza and church, small restaurants, and the traditional and delicious llama based stew, ’Locro’.
Tafi de Valle
This small mountain town can be accessed from both Cafayate and Tucuman, the most spectacular sight being the trip there which brings visitors through narrow and winding roads that overlook vast green canyons and hillside, definitely worth the 6 hour ride!
La Quiaca
This little town is situated right next to the border of Bolivia on the high plateau of Jujuy Puna. This is truly a mythical area that is filled with ancient history, set in a spectacular valley of hills.
San Salvador de Jujuy
The capital city of the Jujuy province, Jujuy offers visitors a welcoming and quaint city setting and beautiful mountains, rivers, and lagoons just outside of the city, perfect for day trips.
Purmamarca
Only about 30km from Tilcara, Purmamarca is home to the Cerro de los Siete Colores (Hill of 7 Colors), a great day trip from Tilcara or bus/train tour from Salta.
Tilcara
This village of only 3000 residents, north of Jujuy, is the sight of some fascinating pre-Columbian ruins, discovered in 1903 and reconstructed in 1950, providing a great insight into the history of this region.
Santiago del Estero
This architecturally beautiful city claims to be the oldest city in all of Argentina and is home to the Rio Dulce, (sweet river) perfect for water sports or a refreshing dip in the warm months.
Termas de Rio Hondo
This small town is best known for its hot springs, which can be found in and around the city, often at even the most basic accommodation options. An popular Argentine getaway, this village also has a great restaurant scene and some enchanting town sights.
Tucuman
The thriving city of Tucuman is a world apart from the tiny towns that surround the area. Tucuman, characterized by beautiful architecture and city greenery, is pumping day and night, offering visitors plenty of restaurants, nightlife, theatre and arts, as well as a sort of special feeling in the air, being the center of Argentine’s independence.
You can also check other regions of the Argentina Travel guide like the Littoral or Northeast of Argentina that is the area that includes the provinces of Misiones, Corrientes, Entre Rios, Chaco, and Santa Fe.
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