NORTHWEST
- NOA - PUNA
The Northwest region combines different geographical areas, such
as the Andes, the Puna and salt lakes, low forests and sub tropical
forests (Yungas). The Puna is a high plain area in between 3300
to 3500 m. high, with dry climate. Toward the east, we find the
Calilegua National Park, set to protect the very special environment
of the warm high rain forest known as Yungas.
   
Provinces of Tucuman,
Salta and Jujuy
These
three provinces are located on the northwestern tip of Argentina.
They include high Andean mountains, high desert areas (known as
the Puna), and towards the East, tropical rainforests and dense
vegetation. Among these areas is the “Quebrada de Humahuaca”,
recently listed as a Heritage for Mankind by UNESCO. The distinctive
feature of the Provinces of Salta and Jujuy is the presence of
many villages possessing strong culture and traditions. The descendants
of the Diaguitas, who follow their ancestors’ traditions
of breeding animals, growing different crops, and producing handicrafts,
inhabit the “Calchaquí Valleys”. The “Calchaquies
Valleys” surprise visitors with their magnificent deserts
spotted with cactus and vineyards producing the best white wine
of Argentina. In The Humauaca Ravine the ancient people who lived
here were known as the “quechua-aymará”, and
their present-day descendants are known as “kollas”.
They live in communities, fight for their right to own their historic
lands, cultivate and rear animals and are also good craftsmen.
There are many popular celebrations to share with the locals,
such as the “Pachamama” (Mother Earth) day on the
first day of August, and Carnival festivities during the whole
month of February.
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Northwest
of Argentina: A Complete Experience Between The People And The
Land
The itinerary begins with a visit to the city of Salta and then
continues northwards to “Purmamarca” and the areas
of “Tilcara” and “Humahuaca”. The tour
continues with an ascent to 4000 meters at “Abra Condor”.
This is the entryway to what are known as “the valleys of
silence”. The steep cobble-stoned streets of the village
of “Iruya” (2750m) welcome us to the magical lands
where the “Pachamama” or Mother Earth reigns supreme.
The next day is spent exploring a new geographic region known
as the Puna. This area is inhabited by llamas and Vicunas (a local
animal similar to a deer) and is very arid. The landscape stays
this way until we reach the great salt plains. After spending
a day of rest and relaxation in Salta, we set off for the central
south zone of the province where we find the ”Calchaquies
Valleys”. We travel through the area’s various villages,
getting to know the traditions, music and craftwork of the Diaguitas.
We visit the ravine of the “Escoipe”, a serpent-like
route through the “Cuesta del Obispo”, the “Cardones”
National Park and the snows of the “Nevado de Cachi”.
We travel to the village of Cachi, investigating its low, mud-brick
houses. From the village of Molinos, we follow a route in the
direction of the zone of Jasimana where we visit a large community
of weavers who explain their traditions. We stop in the picturesque
village of Molinos where there is a project of vicuna breeding
and traditional weave.
The project aims to diffuse, preserve and develop textile art.
We spend one night, sleeping in the homes of the local people.
The next day we continue along the trail of the valleys entering
the wine-producing region in the area of Cafayate. We travel to
the south, reaching the province of Tucuman, where we visit the
ruins of a famous indigenous community known as “Quilmes”.
We arrive at the village of Amaicha, where a group of young people,
descended from the aborigines, has created The “Amauta
Foundation”. The main goal of the foundation is to recuperate
the “Amaicha” culture and to improve the lives and
prospects of the youth living in the community. They are also
developing a program of responsible tourism, housing visitors
in their houses and offering them guided walks and horseback riding.
The journey continues, crossing mountains and jungles until reaching
the city of Tucuman.
The ideal season for this trip is between the months of April
and November. We are accompanied by Luis
Aguilar, a member of our team and an expert in mountain expeditions
for the entire journey.
Special Trekking and Horse
Back Riding
Those wishing to partake in these treks are treated to a few days
of solitary time, accompanied only by the mountains, beautiful
nature and the pastors who live in this area above the clouds.
From the city of Tilcara, it is possible to go trekking or horseback
riding for three or four days, from the mountains on the east
side of the Quebrada de Humahuaca to the green and humid valley
of the Park “Calilegua” in the Yungas.
From the city of Iruya starts the 3-4 days trekking led by Luis
Aguilar, an excursion along the routes used by the rural farmers
of the area who are known as “kollas”. We spend the
night in the mountain refuge
“el Condor”.
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Province
of Catamarca
  
This
is the southwestern most province of the NOA region and also the
least visited. Ancient crystal blocks and rocks dating back to
500 million years ago form the Sierras Pampeanas and they cut
across the Province of Catamarca up to the Andes. The Andean Altiplano
contains some of the highest peaks in South America and a large
number of volcanoes. The mountain slopes are full of attractive
secondary roads, passes, ports or portezuelos typical of Catamarca.
Because vehicle traffic does not justify the construction of tunnels,
the provincial roads are still narrow, twisty and very scenic
as they climb up and down the mountains. These roads link small
towns ripe with tradition as well as some interesting archeological
sites. The local pottery and metalwork that the craftsmen produce
is part of their inherited culture. Some 2000 years ago and up
to the Inca invasion, the natives built circular houses with 3
to 6 rooms and produced highly developed pottery and ornaments
in gold, silver, copper, and metal alloys.
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