The Northwestern part of the country is, mostly, a mountaineous region with spectacular landscapes.
It stands, to the west, as an elevated plateau "Puna" (of approximately 3800 m.a.s.l.), crossed by high mountain ranges.
In its central part there are gorges (such as the Humauaca Gorge) of a huge slope. To the East, we find sierras that barely exceed the 2000 metres, as a transition to the chaqueña plain.
On the hills we can see the contrast between the snow on the top of the mountain and the red, violet and green stone colours.
Villages are surrounded by multicolored hills, with its scopes covered with cactus. The Quebrada de Humahuaca its a World Cultural and Natural Heritage which preserve religious festivities, art, music.
Tapestries, textiles made with fine threads, sheep, llama or alpaca wool ponchos, gold and silver works and baskets of vegetal fiber are some of the typical crafts tourists can purchase in the area.
This region has the mixture of different precombian cultures; magnific natural sceneries and its people that seem to be stopped in the time.
Can´t miss it!
Some years ago, backpackers used to pass along Salta as a simple stop to rest in their way to Cusco and Machu Pichu, until they discovered the marvels of the Argentine Northwest. Today, Salta is a backpacker destination more and more popular, with increasing quality hostel services, adventure excursions and backpacker tours.
