Best Places to visit in North West Argentina (Catamarca, Salta, Jujuy)

Understanding North West Argentina: More Than Just a Landscape

The Allure of the NOA (Noroeste Argentino)

Often referred to simply as the NOA (Noroeste Argentino), this region is a world away from the European-influenced streets of Buenos Aires and the vast, flat pampas. It is a land of profound contrasts, where the earth reveals its history in layers of colored rock. Within a few hours, you can travel from the verdant, humid cloud forests of the Yungas to the stark, sun-drenched beauty of high-altitude deserts, passing through dramatic canyons carved by ancient rivers.

But the NOA is more than its breathtaking geology. It is the cultural heartland of Argentina, a place where deep-rooted traditions persist. The influence of pre-Inca and Andean civilizations is palpable in the music, the cuisine, the textiles, and the resilient spirit of the local communities. This indigenous heritage is layered with a rich colonial history, visible in the whitewashed churches and elegant plazas of its towns. This unique blend makes the NOA a destination that appeals to every kind of traveler, from those seeking a scenic road trip through wine country to intrepid explorers ready to tackle some of the highest volcanoes on the planet.

The Three Provinces at a Glance

While often grouped together, the three main provinces of the NOA each offer a distinct character and set of experiences.

• Salta: Known affectionately as “La Linda” (The Beautiful), Salta is the most developed and common entry point for travelers. Its capital city boasts some of the country’s best-preserved colonial architecture. From here, roads lead south to the world-class high-altitude wine region of Cafayate and west through iconic landscapes of giant cacti and rust-colored rock formations.
• Jujuy: Situated to the north of Salta, Jujuy is the epicenter of Andean culture in Argentina. It is home to the Quebrada de Humahuaca, a stunning mountain valley designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is where you will find the postcard-famous rainbow-colored mountains and villages that seem to cling to the vibrant hillsides.
• Catamarca: The wild, undiscovered frontier of the NOA. Catamarca is for the true adventurer. It is a remote and sparsely populated land of immense scale, defined by giant volcanoes, surreal white pumice stone fields, and stark, silent beauty found deep within the high-altitude Puna. It promises an expedition rather than a simple visit.

Salta Province: Colonial Charm and Otherworldly Vistas

Known affectionately as “Salta la Linda” (Salta the Beautiful), this province is the most well-known and accessible entry point to the Argentine Northwest. It offers a perfect blend of sophisticated urban culture, world-class viticulture, and some of the most iconic geological formations in the country. From its vibrant capital to the remote high-altitude plateau, Salta provides a complete and unforgettable introduction to the region.

Salta City: The Perfect Basecamp

With its remarkably well-preserved colonial architecture and lively atmosphere, Salta City is more than just a starting point—it’s a destination in its own right. Spend a few days acclimatizing and soaking in the local culture before heading out to explore the wilder landscapes.

• Plaza 9 de Julio: The heart of the city, this beautiful square is framed by the pink-hued Salta Cathedral, the elegant Cabildo (historic town hall), and numerous cafes under graceful archways. It’s the perfect place to begin your explorations.
• MAAM (Museo de Arqueología de Alta Montaña): This world-class museum offers a profound and moving insight into Inca culture. It houses the famed Children of Llullaillaco, three Inca children discovered frozen atop a volcano, who were part of a religious ritual over 500 years ago. Their preservation is astonishing and provides a powerful connection to the region’s pre-Hispanic past.
• Teleférico San Bernardo: For the best views of the city and the surrounding Lerma Valley, take the cable car to the summit of Cerro San Bernardo. It’s a fantastic way to get your bearings and appreciate the city’s layout.
• Experience a Peña: This is an absolute must-do for a genuine taste of Salteñan culture. A peña is a traditional restaurant where local musicians play folk music (folklore) throughout the evening. It’s not a performance for tourists, but a living, breathing expression of local identity. Expect delicious regional food like empanadas and humitas, plentiful local wine, and an atmosphere filled with passionate music and community spirit.

The Calchaquí Valleys (South): Wine and Canyons

Heading south from Salta City, you enter a world of sun-drenched valleys, quirky rock formations, and high-altitude vineyards. This circuit is one of Argentina’s most celebrated road trips.

Cafayate

Nestled in the heart of the valleys, Cafayate is the epicenter of high-altitude wine production. The region’s unique terroir, with its dry climate and significant temperature fluctuations, is ideal for producing aromatic and complex wines. It’s particularly famous for Torrontés, a crisp and floral white wine that is Argentina’s signature white varietal. Many wineries are within walking or cycling distance of the town’s charming central plaza. Notable bodegas to visit include:

• Bodega El Esteco: A historic estate with beautiful colonial architecture and premium wines.
• Piattelli Vineyards: Known for its stunning modern facility and restaurant with panoramic views of the vineyards.
• Finca Las Nubes: A smaller, family-run winery offering a more intimate tasting experience with incredible views from its hillside location.

If you’re planning a trip to this part of Argentina, check out our reasons to visit Argentina for more inspiration.

Quebrada de las Conchas

The drive along Ruta 68 connecting Cafayate and Salta is a destination itself. The Quebrada de las Conchas (Gorge of the Shells) is a natural reserve where wind and water have sculpted the deep red sandstone into a series of spectacular formations. Be sure to allow plenty of time to stop and explore these key geological wonders:

• Anfiteatro (The Amphitheater): A towering, naturally formed acoustic chamber carved into the rock.
• Garganta del Diablo (The Devil’s Throat): A powerful, narrow canyon that you can walk into.
• Los Castillos (The Castles): Red rock formations that resemble crumbling medieval towers.

Cachi and Ruta 40 (West): A Journey Through Time

This route takes you from the lush valley floor up into the stark beauty of the pre-Puna. The drive is an adventure, climbing the winding Cuesta del Obispo (Bishop’s Slope) road, which offers breathtaking views at every turn. After the peak, the road straightens out into the Recta Tin Tin, an impossibly straight 18-kilometer stretch of road built over an old Inca trail, cutting through Parque Nacional Los Cardones. This protected area is home to thousands of towering cardón cacti, some of which are centuries old, standing like silent sentinels against the mountain backdrop.

Your destination is Cachi, a tranquil and beautiful town that feels perfectly preserved in time. With its whitewashed adobe buildings, cobblestone streets, and a serene pace of life, it’s the ideal place to disconnect. The town is set against the backdrop of the snow-capped Nevado de Cachi, creating a truly picturesque scene.

The High Puna: Adventure on the Andean Plateau

For the more adventurous, Salta’s Puna offers a landscape of immense scale, solitude, and raw beauty. This is a high-altitude desert of salt flats, volcanoes, and unique geological oddities.

The main hub for this region is San Antonio de los Cobres, a rugged mining town sitting at over 3,700 meters (12,300 feet). The town is the highest stop on the route of the famous Tren a las Nubes (Train to the Clouds), an engineering marvel that culminates at the dizzying La Polvorilla viaduct.

Deeper into the Puna lies Tolar Grande, a tiny village that serves as a base for exploring some of the most surreal landscapes on Earth, such as the perfect volcanic pyramid of the Cono de Arita rising from a salt flat, and the Ojos de Mar, small pools of hyper-saline water that are home to ancient microorganisms. Exploring this remote area is a serious undertaking. A 4×4 vehicle, logistical planning, and the expertise of a local guide are not just recommended, they are essential for safety and navigation.

Jujuy Province: The Colors of the Andes

Quebrada de Humahuaca: A UNESCO World Heritage Journey

Stretching north from the provincial capital, the Quebrada de Humahuaca is the cultural and geological soul of Jujuy. This narrow mountain valley, a designated UNESCO World Heritage site, has been a major trade route for over 10,000 years. Today, it captivates visitors with its dramatic, multi-hued rock formations and a string of historic villages, each with its own distinct character.

Purmamarca

Nestled at the base of the iconic Cerro de los Siete Colores (Hill of Seven Colors), Purmamarca is often the first and most memorable stop for travelers entering the Quebrada. The hill’s incredible mineral-striped facade is a geological wonder, with tones that shift throughout the day. For an immersive experience, take the gentle, 3-kilometer walk along the Paseo de los Colorados. This trail winds behind the village, offering breathtaking perspectives of the red, ochre, and violet mountainscapes that surround the town.

Tilcara

Tilcara is the liveliest and most bohemian town in the Quebrada, with a bustling central plaza, a fantastic artisan market, and a great selection of restaurants and small hotels. Its main cultural attraction is the Pucará de Tilcara, a meticulously restored pre-Inca hilltop fortress. Walking among the stone walls and reconstructed dwellings offers not only a glimpse into the region’s ancient history but also commanding views over the Río Grande valley and the surrounding mountains.

Humahuaca

As the largest town and the namesake of the Quebrada, Humahuaca feels like a small city with its cobbled streets, colonial-era church, and impressive Monument to the Heroes of Independence. While the town itself is worth exploring, it serves as the essential launching point for what is arguably the region’s most spectacular sight: the Serranía de Hornocal. Known as the 14-Color Mountain, this incredible range of limestone formations reveals a serrated wave of vibrant colors. To see it at its best, plan your visit for the late afternoon when the sun is lower in the sky, fully illuminating the mountain’s face and making the colors intensely vivid.

Salinas Grandes: A Dazzling White Desert

Straddling the border between Jujuy and Salta at an altitude of over 3,400 meters, the Salinas Grandes is a vast, blindingly white salt flat. This immense expanse of hexagonal salt crusts creates a surreal and disorienting landscape that stretches to the horizon. Walking out onto the flats is an unforgettable experience, offering incredible opportunities for perspective-bending photography. Local workers tend to rectangular pools, harvesting salt in a traditional method that you can observe up close. Accessing the salt flats is an adventure in itself, typically involving a drive up the spectacular, winding Cuesta de Lipán mountain road, which offers stunning views as it climbs into the high-altitude Puna.

The Yungas: Jujuy’s Lush Green Secret

In a dramatic departure from the arid, high-altitude landscapes that define the region, the eastern edge of Jujuy is home to the Yungas, a dense subtropical cloud forest. This lush, green world offers a completely different experience for visitors. The premier destination here is Parque Nacional Calilegua, a protected area of staggering biodiversity. It’s a haven for birdwatchers, with chances to spot toucans, hummingbirds, and condors. Well-marked hiking trails wind through the dense vegetation, offering a chance to experience a different climate zone and see unique wildlife, all within the same province as the bone-dry Puna.

Catamarca Province: The Undiscovered Frontier

If Salta is the elegant heart and Jujuy the cultural soul, then Catamarca is the wild, untamed spirit of North West Argentina. This is the least visited and most remote of the three provinces, a land of superlatives reserved for the most adventurous travelers. Here, the scale of the Andes is on full display, offering landscapes so vast and silent they feel truly primordial.

Ruta de los Seismiles: Driving Among Giants

Stretching west from the town of Fiambalá towards the Chilean border, National Route 60 becomes the legendary Ruta de los Seismiles, or “Route of the Six-Thousanders.” This is one of the most spectacular high-altitude drives on the planet, a paved road that winds its way through a corridor of the highest volcanoes outside of the Himalayas. You are not just looking at mountains; you are driving amongst them. The journey reveals a series of breathtaking scenes, from the shimmering, mineral-rich waters of Laguna Verde to the jaw-dropping panorama of a turquoise lake system from the viewpoint known as Balcón del Pissis.

It is essential to understand that this is a serious high-altitude expedition, not a casual drive. Proper planning is non-negotiable. Conditions are extreme, services are non-existent, and the altitude can be dangerous if not respected. To undertake this journey safely:

• A 4×4 vehicle is mandatory, not just for capability but for reliability and ground clearance on side tracks like the one to Balcón del Pissis.
• Acclimatization is crucial. Spend several days at progressively higher altitudes before attempting the highest passes.
• Traveling with a knowledgeable local guide is the most recommended approach. They manage logistics, understand the weather patterns, and carry emergency supplies, including oxygen.

Antofagasta de la Sierra and the Puna

Deep in the heart of the Catamarcan Puna lies the small town of Antofagasta de la Sierra, the primary base for exploring the region’s most surreal landscapes. This is the gateway to the Campo de Piedra Pómez, an otherworldly field of white pumice stone. Over millennia, volcanic eruptions deposited vast layers of this light, porous rock, which the relentless wind has since sculpted into a labyrinth of bizarre, flowing formations. Walking through this silent, white landscape feels like exploring the surface of another planet.

Nearby, the vast expanse of the Antofalla Salt Flat stretches to the horizon, watched over by the towering Antofalla volcano. Tucked into its edge is the tiny oasis village of Antofalla, a remarkable testament to human resilience in one of the world’s driest and most isolated environments.

Belén and Londres: History and Handicrafts

While the high Puna showcases nature’s raw power, the lower valleys of Catamarca reveal a deep human history. Near the small town of Londres, you’ll find the ruins of El Shincal de Quimivil. This was one of the most important administrative and ceremonial centers of the Inca Empire in Argentina, a southern capital often referred to as “Little Cusco.” Walking among its restored plazas and structures offers a tangible connection to the region’s pre-Hispanic past.

This historical legacy is woven directly into the local culture. The nearby city of Belén is renowned as the “Cradle of the Poncho,” celebrated for its exceptional textile traditions. Here, artisans continue to weave high-quality garments from vicuña and llama wool using techniques passed down through generations. Visiting a weaver’s workshop provides a fascinating glimpse into a living culture that predates the arrival of the Spanish by centuries.

Planning Your North West Argentina Adventure

A trip to North West Argentina is a journey of immense scale and variety, and a little forethought will go a long way in making your experience smooth and rewarding. From choosing the right season to deciding on your mode of transport, these practical considerations are key to unlocking the best of Salta, Jujuy, and Catamarca. Discover more reasons to visit Argentina.

Best Time to Visit

The region’s climate is largely defined by altitude and a distinct dry and wet season. While travel is possible year-round, your timing will significantly impact road conditions and accessibility.

• April to November (Autumn, Winter, Spring): This is the dry season and widely considered the best time to visit. You can expect reliably clear blue skies, pleasant daytime temperatures perfect for exploring, and open roads. Be prepared for cold nights, especially in the high-altitude Puna where temperatures regularly drop below freezing.
• December to March (Summer): This is the rainy season. While the landscapes burst into life with shades of green, this period brings challenges. Afternoon thunderstorms are common, which can cause flash floods and washouts, leading to frequent and unpredictable road closures (cortes de ruta). Travel requires more flexibility and a backup plan.

Getting Around the Region

How you choose to travel will define the scope of your adventure. The freedom of your own vehicle is unparalleled, but public transport and guided tours are excellent alternatives for certain routes. Learn more about do’s and don’ts in Patagonia to prepare for diverse terrains.

• Rental Car: This offers the ultimate freedom to explore at your own pace and stop at every breathtaking viewpoint.
  • A standard car is perfectly adequate for the main paved tourist circuits, including the drive from Salta to Cafayate via the Quebrada de las Conchas and the main loop through the Quebrada de Humahuaca in Jujuy.
  • A 4×4 pickup truck (camioneta) is highly recommended for the scenic but partially unpaved route to Cachi. It is absolutely essential for any exploration into the high Puna of Salta (e.g., Tolar Grande) and for all of the high-altitude routes in Catamarca.
• Buses: For travelers on a budget, a reliable network of long-distance and local buses connects the main cities and towns like Salta, San Salvador de Jujuy, Cafayate, Purmamarca, and Tilcara. This is a practical way to get between hubs, though you’ll miss the flexibility to stop at scenic points along the way.
• Tours: Opting for a guided tour is a fantastic, stress-free choice, especially for the more remote and challenging destinations. For expeditions into the Puna of Salta or Catamarca, a local guide with a suitable 4×4 is not just a convenience but a crucial element for safety, navigation, and logistical support.

Sample Itineraries for Inspiration

These itineraries are templates to help you visualize a trip. Feel free to adapt them, slow them down, or combine elements to match your interests and timeframe.

7-Day Classic Loop (Salta & Jujuy)

This popular route covers the most iconic highlights of the two main provinces, offering a fantastic taste of the region’s diversity.

• Days 1-2: Arrive in Salta. Explore the colonial charm of Salta City, visit its museums, and enjoy the views from Cerro San Bernardo.
• Day 3: Drive north into Jujuy. Settle in Purmamarca and spend the afternoon walking the Paseo de los Colorados around the magnificent Hill of Seven Colors.
• Day 4: Explore the Quebrada de Humahuaca. Visit the pre-Inca fortress in Tilcara and continue to the larger town of Humahuaca.
• Day 5: An epic high-altitude day. In the afternoon, drive up to the Serranía de Hornocal (14-Color Mountain), then cross the Cuesta de Lipán mountain pass to the vast Salinas Grandes salt flats. Return to Purmamarca.
• Day 6: Drive south on the legendary Ruta 40. Cross Parque Nacional Los Cardones and stop in the beautiful, white-washed town of Cachi before continuing to the wine hub of Cafayate.
• Day 7: Enjoy a morning of wine tasting in Cafayate. Drive back to Salta via Ruta 68, taking time to stop at the incredible rock formations of the Quebrada de las Conchas.

14-Day Explorer’s Route (Adding the Puna)

With two weeks, you can experience the classic loop at a more relaxed pace and add a true off-the-beaten-path adventure into the high-altitude desert.

• Follow the 7-day itinerary but add extra nights in key locations like Tilcara or Cachi to explore more deeply.
• Incorporate a 2 or 3-day guided 4×4 expedition from Salta into the Puna. This journey will take you to the remote mining town of San Antonio de los Cobres and the surreal landscapes surrounding Tolar Grande, such as the Cono de Arita and Ojos de Mar.

3-Week Ultimate Adventure (Including Catamarca)

For those with a deep sense of adventure and a desire to see some of the most remote and powerful landscapes on the planet, this is the trip of a lifetime. It combines the well-trodden paths with a deep dive into the raw frontier of Catamarca.

• This itinerary builds upon the 14-day route. After exploring Salta and Jujuy, you will embark on a dedicated 5 to 7-day 4×4 expedition into Catamarca’s Puna.
• This leg of the journey is a serious undertaking, leading you along the Ruta de los Seismiles among giant volcanoes, to the otherworldly Campo de Piedra Pómez (Pumice Stone Field), and to breathtaking viewpoints like the Balcón del Pissis. This is the ultimate Andean road trip for the intrepid explorer.