Salta & the Northwest
The Northwest of Argentina is a region of striking contrasts: jagged Andean peaks, tropical rainforest, sprawling valleys, dramatic gorges, desolate desert and dazzling salt flats. The area covers 500,000 km² and encompasses the provinces of Catamarca, Jujuy, Salta, Santiago del Estero and Tucumán.
Ancient Inca culture is still very much alive in the Northwest. It manifests itself in the local cuisine, architecture, crafts and religious festivals, which embrace elements of both catholic and pagan tradition. The mountains and valleys are full of picturesque white-washed adobe villages, populated by indigenous communities and the odd llama. These sleepy, primitive towns are rich with archeological gems, and offer a fascinating insight into an entirely different side to Argentina.
