Argentina

Northwest Argentina

Northwest Argentina
Salinas Grandes, Argentina
Northwest Argentina
Northwest Argentina

Why visit the Northwest of Argentina

Northwest Argentina feels markedly different from the rest of the country. Here, the landscapes are shaped by the Andes, with vast deserts, multicoloured mountains, cactus-studded valleys and high-altitude vineyards creating some of South America’s most dramatic scenery. It is a region where indigenous traditions remain deeply woven into daily life, offering a rich cultural dimension alongside the natural beauty.

The charming city of Salta provides an ideal gateway, with its elegant colonial architecture, lively plazas and excellent restaurants. Beyond the city, journeys unfold through spectacular landscapes such as the Quebrada de Humahuaca, where rainbow-hued rock formations and centuries-old villages line ancient trading routes. Further south, Cafayate combines striking scenery with some of Argentina’s finest vineyards, producing exceptional Torrontés wines beneath clear Andean skies.

What makes Northwest Argentina particularly rewarding is its sense of authenticity. The region remains relatively undiscovered compared to Patagonia or Buenos Aires, allowing visitors to experience traditional markets, local festivals and remote communities with fewer crowds. Whether exploring dramatic mountain passes, sampling regional cuisine or learning about the area’s indigenous heritage, Northwest Argentina offers a fascinating blend of culture, history and breathtaking landscapes that rewards those willing to venture beyond Argentina’s better-known highlights.

Northwest Argentina

Highlights of the Northwest of Argentina

  • Explore the Quebrada de Humahuaca – Follow ancient trading routes through colourful mountains, traditional villages and one of Argentina’s most fascinating cultural landscapes.
  • Taste wines in Cafayate – Sample elegant Torrontés wines among high-altitude vineyards framed by dramatic red-rock scenery and clear Andean skies.
  • Drive the Cuesta del Obispo – Navigate hairpin bends and soaring mountain passes, with sweeping views across valleys studded with giant cacti.
  • Camp on the Salinas Grandes – Spend a night beneath spectacular star-filled skies on vast white salt flats deep in the Andean puna.
  • Visit James Turrell’s Colomé Light Museum – Discover immersive light installations in a remote vineyard setting surrounded by the Calchaquí Valleys.
  • Marvel at the Quebrada de las Conchas – Journey through a landscape of sculpted canyons, towering cliffs and extraordinary red-rock formations.
  • Ride the Train to the Clouds – Climb high into the Andes aboard one of the world’s most spectacular high-altitude rail journeys.
  • Wander the streets of Salta – Explore elegant colonial architecture, lively plazas and some of the finest cuisine in northwest Argentina.
Remote gallery

At over 2,300m above sea level, the James Turrell Museum at Colomé is one of the most remote art museums in the world. The dramatic Andean setting forms an integral part of the experience, blurring the boundaries between landscape, light and art.

Scrum time

Rugby is hugely popular in Salta, earning the city a reputation as one of Argentina’s rugby heartlands. The local team, known as Los Mayuatos (‘the lizards’), has produced numerous international players, and match days are a lively affair, drawing passionate crowds from across the region.

Good to know

Getting to the Northwest of Argentina

The city of Salta is the main hub for this region with multiple flights daily from Buenos Aires and flights from Iguacu or Mendoza once or twice a week depending on the season.

For one of the most spectacular road trips, it is also possible to combine Salta with San Pedro de Atacama in Chile, crossing the border at around 5,000 metres above sea level.

How to explore the region

This region of Argentina is all about the scenery and is home to some of the most spectacular roads ever built. If you are happy to self-drive then it is incredibly rewarding and we would highly recommend it. If you’d rather be driven then, of course, we have access to incredible driver-guides who will make sure you don’t miss a thing. If you do choose to drive yourself then it’s worth recapping those Spanish lessons from your school days as a little bit goes a long way in these remote corners.

When to go

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OUR FAVOURITE TIME TO VISIT

The summer months (December to February) can see localised flooding, it is still accessible, but worth bearing in mind. If you can go in August, you will likely get beautiful clear skies that accompany the Pachamama Festivals throughout the region.

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