Valles Calchaquíes - pre-hispanic ruins, red sandstone, cactus and excellent wine

Calchaquies Valleys

Iruya

Purmamarca

Quebrada Humahuaca

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A delight for the senses!

The Calchaqui Valleys, a 125 mile long geological depression, offer one of the most beautiful sceneries in Argentina. They extend over 17,000 km² area, irrigated by the rivers Calchaquí and Colorado and encompass territory from the argentine provinces of Tucuman, Salta and Catamarca.

The journey starts at Tafi del Valle, in the province of Tucuman, at 6562ft above sea level. There, the main attractions are related to the historical and cultural importance of this region. The local Museum exhibits archaeological findings of extraordinary value that belong to the pre-hispanic cultures of Tafi and Santa Maria. The Menhires Park, in the surroundings, is another great spot to learn about such indigenous cultures; there, plenty of stone sculptures crafted by the Tafi tribe can be observed.

Finally, another popular spot in this area is the 131ft height Cascada de los Alisos, where trekking, mountain biking and paragliding are among the most preferred activities.
Further north, the next stop is at the Ruins of Quilmes, one of the most important pre-hispanic settlements and the last one to fall under Spanish domain. The archeological pieces found during excavations are exhibited at the local museum and are a great way to learn more about the life and culture of this once powerful tribe.

The mythic Route 40 will now take us to Cafayate. This city is located 5250 ft above sea level and holds a strong reputation for the high quality of its wines. You can't miss a visit to the local wine cellars, where bilingual guides explain the process of wine making in every detail. Always popular is the wine tasting at the end of the tour!

After Cafayate, it is advisable to take a detour towards the Quebrada de las Conchas. The breathtaking beauty of the geological formations in this region is only surpassed by the variety and sharpness of the incredible colours adorning every mountain and hill.

Back on the route 40, the wonderful colors and shapes of the mountains escort us on our way to Cachi (7546 ft above sea level). This little, quiet town, with its narrow streets and adobe houses, seems to be taken out of a beautiful postcard. Here you can't miss the Museum and the Artisans Market.

The final phase of the journey takes us through the "Cuesta del Obispo", crossing the incredible "Enchanted Valley" (called this way due to its ever-greenness) and finally through the Quebrada del Escoipe in order to reach Salta.

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Getting There