The beautiful town of Salta and the stunning surroundings of northwest Argentina are one of the country’s lesser-known yet utterly worthwhile attractions. From multicolored hills to surreal geological formations, join us on a journey of the region’s most spectacular natural wonders.
There’s no better place for a panoramic view of Salta than the top of San Bernardo Hill. Located just a few blocks from the city center, climbing to the top means scaling around a thousand steps. If that sounds like a bit much, a cable car whisks lazy travelers back and forth in just minutes.
Camino Cerro San Bernardo, Salta, Argentina
Teleférico de la ciudad de Salta | © diametrik/Wikipedia
The Quebrada de Humahuaca is a series of surreal ravines that run right up to the Bolivian border. Renowned for its barren beauty, the region features numerous dry river beds which have cut through earthy red canyons and are now home to a smattering of giant cacti.
Quebrada de Humahuaca | © Jimmy Baikovicius/Flickr
The highlight of the Quebrada de Humahuaca is without a doubt the UNESCO-listed Cerro de Sietes Colores (Hill of Seven Colores). This spectacular geological oddity is the result of layers of sedimentary strata eroding over the years to create a kaleidoscope of color in bizarre undulating waves.
Known as Salinas Grandes (large salt works), Argentina’s salt flats resemble a blindingly white desert almost as far as the eye can see. It’s not to be missed, especially by those who don’t plan on visiting Uyuni in Bolivia.
Salinas Grandes, Salta Province, Argentina
Salinas Grandes en la Provincia de Salta | © Kevin Jones/Wikipedia
A few hours south of Salta is captivating Cafayate, Argentina’s premier white wine growing region. Numerous picturesque vineyards can be found in these parts, offering spectacular valley vistas best savored with a crisp glass of vino in hand.
Cafayate, Salta Province, Argentina
Cafayate Winery | © Tanenhaus/Flickr
But it’s the nearby geological marvels of the Quebrada de las Conchas that bring nature lovers to Cafayate, the first stop of most tours being a rather large obelisk.
El Obelisco, Cafayate Department, Salta Province, Argentina
obelisco | © german/Flickr
Then, there’s the aptly named Devil’s Throat, an impressive canyon that seems to have been carved into the mountain by Diablo himself.
Garganta del Diablo, RN68, Salta, Argentina
Garganta del Diablo | © Ari Bakker/Flickr
A favorite stop for many is the natural amphitheater. Formed over 70 million years ago, it’s a stunning sight to behold. The acoustics are also amazing, made even better by talented traveling musicians who hang out here and play tunes in exchange for a small fee.
El Anfiteatro (The Amphitheatre), RN68, Salta, Argentina
The amphitheater | © Dvortygirl/Flickr
A rather eerie attraction, these inexplicable eroded holes in the cliff face appear as if they were man-made windows.
Las Ventanas, Cafayate, Salta Province, Argentina
Las ventanas | © Javier Vidal/Flickr
La Punilla is a definitely worth a visit, consisting of a long winding cave with magnificent earthy colors.
Quebrada de las conchas, Cafayate, Salta Province, Argentina
La Punilla cave | © Miguel Vieira/Flickr
Finally, El Paso is a remarkable cliffside road that was used by the Incas many years ago.
Quebrada de las conchas, Cafayate, Salta Province, Argentina
El Paso | © Jimmy Baikovicius/Flickr
