Experiences and local guides in Salta

Nature

Salta la Linda is the base for Argentina's north-west: to the north, the Quebrada de Humahuaca with Purmamarca's Hill of Seven Colours and the Hornocal range; west, the Salinas Grandes and the puna at 4,000 m; south, the Calchaquí valleys with the Quebrada de las Conchas and the world's highest vineyards at Cafayate. Cardón cacti, vicuñas, adobe villages and living Andean culture.

Activities

• Quebrada de Humahuaca: Purmamarca, Tilcara, Hornocal and the Salinas Grandes via the Lipán pass
• Trekking in the Quebrada de las Conchas, Cerro San Bernardo and high trails in the puna
• Rafting on the Juramento river, paragliding from San Lorenzo, gaucho horseback rides in the valleys
• Cafayate wine route, high-altitude torrontés, cycling between wineries
• Train to the Clouds and La Polvorilla viaduct, Cachi via the Cuesta del Obispo, folk peñas and Salta empanadas

When to go

April to November is dry, with clear skies and cold nights on the puna. December to March is the rainy season, with green hills but gravel roads sometimes cut. February is carnival in Humahuaca.

How to get there

Martín Miguel de Güemes airport (SLA) is 10 km away, with flights from Buenos Aires (2 h 15), Córdoba, Mendoza and Iguazú. Buses from Jujuy (2 hours), Tucumán (4 hours), Cafayate (4 hours) and San Pedro de Atacama via the Jama pass (10 hours). A rental car is recommended for the Quebrada de Humahuaca, Salinas Grandes and the Calchaquí valleys.