What strikes you as a visitor to Argentina is the sheer diversity of Argentina. The country goes from the Sub-Polar to the Sub-Tropical and from bustling metropolises to isolated, baron landscapes. It is one of the biggest countries in the world in terms of land covering a total of over a million square miles! What attracts most visitor though is the fact that is well off the beaten tourist track in Argentina, making it a great place to explore if you want something different.
The North West region is no exception, it is different to other areas you may visit. Located to the East of the Andean mountain range this high altitude region has much to offer. At the heart of the region is the town of Salta, a old colonial town that was originally founded to be an outpost between Lima and Buenos Aires. The city became of strategic importance during the wars of independence from Spain as a military outpost but then fell into decline. At the start of the 20th century a wave of immigration from Europe and the Middle East bought new prosperity with the increase of trade and production.
Salta is said to be one of the most Spanish cities in Argentina, given it architecture and style are so similar to cities in Spain. However, the city is very Argentinean and does what Argentina does well, great food and wine. Do not be surprised when you visit empty restaurants at 9pm as most Argentines eat late and food service is very relaxed, the best advice is to give yourself lots of time to eat and socialize, eating out is a Argentine institution.
Using Salta as a base it is easy to get up to the many towns around the region, as well as out into the rugged and baron terrain. As you get out of the cities following the long and narrow roads you realize the vastness of Argentina. Many tours will drive through the huge expanse that is the high-altitude Puna desert with its shimmering salt flats dotted with vast mountains providing stunning views over a unique landscape. As you explore more you see growths of cacti dotted around the baron area.
Given the regions remoteness from the coast and colonial expansion the region retains much of the Andean traditional culture, with the pre-Inca city of Santa Rose del Tastil in easy reach of Salta. Some of the smaller towns offer traditional food from the region.
The region also boasts some well known tourist sites such as the 'Train to the Clouds', the third highest railway in the world and still carries passengers today. Check with a Salta tour agency for more details as it operates seasonally. It is also possible to visit the impressive 'Quebrada del Toro' (Bull's Gorge) as well as the picturesque village of Purmamarca, located at the base of the well known 'Mountain of the Seven Colors', which is exactly what it says, a truly interesting site.
It is possible to book Salta Travel tours around the region with a range of reputable agencies. The region is easily accessible by air from Buenos Aires as well as been served by a range of long distance bus services.
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