Northwest Argentina

The Argentine northwest region (NOA “Noroeste Argentino”) is with no doubt the most different part of Argentina. Even if travelers abandoned this region for a first trip in favor of Patagonia, NOA (or Puna) is by far THE region to visit, and especially the town of Salta and Jujuy.

The Northwest Argentina and its Western scenery

It’s better to have time to visit this exceptional region because of Argentina’s large distances. I go back there each year and each year brings the same pleasure. A trip on these lands will leave you long lasting memories…

You will encounter the Andes’ Indian world form, snowy peaks, dry hills covered with cactus, amazing geological phenomena, red deserts or fantastic valleys filled with luxurious vegetation, impressive canyons like La Quebrada de Humahuaca, which runs along the Rio Grande river, north of Salta, crossing the villages of Purmamarca, Tilcara and Humahuaca.

You will discover the roots of the Latin-American civilization with small villages which still perpetuate traditional Indian traditions together with the colonization heritage.

It is a very authentic and fascinating travel off the beaten path and connected to the local life. Under a pure blue sky, small villages are living at the rhythm of seasons, carnivals, markets and the cult of Pachamama or Mother Earth, rich with corn and grass where lamas and guanacos grow in peace. Deep valleys between the mountains are rising towards the Puna where sandy roads leads to lost villages with pre Colombian ruins. It is the land of the Incas or “Son of the Sun”.

Even if it is the most different, and maybe the most beautiful part of Argentina, NOA remains a very lively region. Music is played everywhere. Music from the Andes is played and danced in the streets and in the several “Peñas”.