Located in the Calchaquí Valley, in northwestern Argentina, the colonial town of Salta holds a double appeal: on one hand, it boasts a rich historical heritage, while on the other, it serves as an ideal starting point for exploring the surrounding area.
Within the town itself, the architectural heritage is evident in the cathedral, the “cabildo” (a kind of town hall), and numerous churches and convents. From the top of Cerro San Bernardo, accessible by cable car, there is a sweeping view over the whole town.
In the surrounding area, rocky landscapes, cacti, valleys tinged with orange and red, and whitewashed churches built by Franciscan monks who settled here centuries ago follow one another in a region that stands in sharp contrast to the rest of Argentina. Andean influence is felt here, recognisable in the colourful dress of the inhabitants and the indigenous music that can be heard. The region can be explored on foot, on horseback, or aboard the “Train to the Clouds”, one of the highest railways in the world, reaching an altitude of 4,200 metres.
More specifically, Los Cardones National Park, south of Salta, reveals 640 km² of ravines, sierras and valleys, at altitudes ranging from 2,500 to 5,300 metres. Named after the candelabra cacti (“cardón”) scattered as far as the eye can see, the park also contains traces of prehistoric activity and dinosaur remains, as well as around a hundred animal species, the most famous being the condor.
