Calchaqui Valleys  

Regardless of the starting point, which may vary, among the most popular locations are:

Payogasta: From the road, green crops grown on fertile lands can be seen. By the end of March these lands turn into a huge red carpet, when red peppers dry in the sun. This settlement is situated 12 kilometers away from Cachi.

Cachi: In Kakana tongue, the word means 'salt'. Its origin can be traced back to 1673 and this peaceful town has since then frozen in time. Local people say that in deep silence butterfly wings flapping may be heard. Cachi has everything to offer: a snow-capped summit of 5,720-meters; red plantations where pepper dries; Las Pailas, a highly interesting archaeological ruin and part of Los Cardones National Park which stands on the Straight Line of Tin Tin. From the bridge across the Calchaqui River, the white arcades of the cemetery can be viewed. The 16th-century San Jose Obrero Church is made of adobe, stones and cactus wood. Right close to it is the Archaeological Museum, which contains 5,000 pieces presented in chronological order, summarizing over 10,000 years of the pre-Hispanic history The Diaguita People who inhabited the town named the place Cachi, when mistaking the summit of the Cachi Mountain for a salt flat.

Cuesta del Obispo (Bishop's Slope): After a 20-km drive along a green and winding road which starts at the foot of the slope and ends at Piedra del Molino (Millstone), with a maximum height of 3,340 masl, this journey is worthwhile. Shortly afterwards, the Valle Encantado (Enchanted Valley) can be reached. This is an ideal starting point to walk along the edge of Cordon del Candado. Tin Tin is a straight line across Los Cardones National Park, which protects endangered local cacti. These specimen cacti are between 250 and 300 years old and are nearly 3 meters tall. Providing conditions are favorable, this deserted beauty can be accessed through a route and visitors can appreciate these plant specimens as well as the alstroemeria flowers.

The Quebrada de Escoipe (Escoipe Gorge) is a spot which offers one of the greatest panoramic views: condors flying high above following sinuous mountain paths and cacti blossoming for a couple of days with the first spring rains.

Seclantas: a small town to the right of the Calchaqui River. It stands out for its particularly unusual layout. The park is one block from Nuestra Señora del Carmen Church (built between 1828 and 1835) and from the town's cemetery, which lies on a hill, uneven streets and picturesque houses with colorful facades can be appreciated.

Molinos: typical for its adobe houses with mud roofs and its parochial church which dates back to 1639. Opposite the church, you will find an enchanting guest house which used to be the house of the last realist governor in the territory: Nicolas Severo de Isasmendi. To the south, on the way to Cafayate, you cannot miss the Quebrada de las Flechas (Arrow Gorge), famous for its colors and capricious shapes.

San Carlos: characterized by its adobe constructions, whitewashed walls and colonial iron-grilled windows, which together depict the most picturesque postcard of this village.

Cafayate: very well-known for the 'torrontes' wine variety, this town has a special microclimate that is ideal for wine production. You may seize the chance to taste artisan wines made by dozens of small producers. Cafayate is synonymous with wineries, craftsmen's fair and amazing rock formations at the Quebrada de las Conchas (Las Conchas Gorge). Mandatory stops include the Garganta del Diablo (Devil's Throat) and the natural Amphitheater which has excellent acoustics.