From Salta to Cafayate through the Quebrada de las Conchas
The journey south from Salta city begins on National Route 68, taking you through the Lerma Valley. This first section allows you to experience rural life in towns such as Cerrillos, La Merced and El Carril, which are famous for their tobacco production. However, the landscape changes dramatically upon entering the Quebrada de las Conchas Natural Reserve.
This stretch of road is one of the most spectacular in Argentina. Wind and water erosion have carved the red sandstone mountains, creating whimsical shapes that look like they belong on another planet. Following the key stops recommended by Destino Salta, you will stop at the Devil's Throat, an imposing formation that makes you feel small in the face of the rock's sheer magnitude. A few meters away is El Anfiteatro (The Amphitheater), where the acoustics are so perfect that local artists often play their instruments, enveloping you in a magical atmosphere.
As you continue, you will see El Sapo, El Obelisco, and Los Castillos, formations that change color depending on the position of the sun. The Tres Cruces panoramic viewpoint is ideal for taking in the vastness of the gorge and the riverbed that runs through it.
Finally, you will arrive in Cafayate, the land of sun and fine wine. Located in the heart of the Calchaquí Valley, this town is world-famous for its Torrontés grape variety. Here, you can visit boutique wineries, have lunch under the vines, and wander through its colonial streets. You can't leave without trying the wine ice cream, a local delight that provides the perfect finale to this day of colors and flavors.
Cachi along the Cuesta del Obispo
On the second day, you are invited to tackle the heights as you head west along Provincial Route 33. The route begins in the Quebrada de Escoipe, a valley surrounded by green hills and reddish earth where the vegetation is surprisingly dense. But the most exciting part comes with the ascent of the Cuesta del Obispo (Bishop's Slope).
This winding road takes you up to 3,348 meters above sea level at Piedra del Molino. Here, the air is pure, and the clouds often lie below your feet, offering a panoramic view that captures the grandeur of the Andes. This is the perfect spot for spotting condors gliding above the peaks.
After reaching the summit, the landscape opens up towards Los Cardones National Park. Thousands of giant cacti stretch across the Valle de la Luna, creating a surreal desert landscape. You will cross the Recta del Tin Tin, a perfectly straight road built by the Incas that traverses this high plateau.
Your final destination is Cachi, a town that has preserved its colonial architecture with remarkable authenticity. With its white adobe walls, cobblestone streets, and historic church with cardón wood ceilings, Cachi invites you to rest and reflect. Having lunch in its main square, overlooking the Nevados de Cachi, which are perpetually covered in snow, is the perfect way to end this journey through the roots of Northern Argentina.
