Salta and Jujuy are the most northwesterly provinces in Argentina, situated around 930 miles (1,500 kilometers) from Buenos Aires. The provinces’ close proximity to the Andes and Bolivia has resulted in prevailing indigenous and rural cultures thus a region of Argentina that will feel far removed from its Europeanized urban centers. Prior to Spanish arrival, Argentina’s northwest was a hotbed for indigenous groups, most notably the Diaguita-Calchaquí people. In fact, today when traveling around the region today you can frequently encounter communities of Quechan people.

There’re myriad things to do in this region of Argentina and it’s also one of the cheaper areas to travel.  Visit the picturesque towns of Humahuaca and Tilcara to see how Andean cultures continue to thrive. Rent a car and take a road trip through two of the country’s most dramatic and scenic routes, the Quebrada de Cafayate and Quebrada de Humahuaca. Tour the bodegas of the Calchaquíes Valley in Cafayte, which is famous for growing the Torrontés grape. Admire colonial architecture in Salta city then catch El Tren a las Nubes, a train that trundles through the mountains to a plateau some 13,845 feet (4,220 meters) above sea level.

Thrill-seekers bask in the extreme sports on offer, too. Tackle the rapids of the Río Juramento on a white-water rafting trip or bungee jump from a bridge at Dique Cabra Corral. Additional outdoor pursuits include trekking, horseback riding and mountain biking.

The region is great to visit at any time of the year and Salta city is particularly famous for possessing an agreeable year-round climate. If there was an ideal time to come then it would be in spring and the beginning of summer (September to December). During this period daytime temperatures fluctuate between 74°F and 84°F (23°C and 30°C), with lows rarely falling below 50°F (10°C). Spring is also the dry season. At the height of summer temperatures can hit the 104°F (40°C) mark and flash thunderstorms occur. Autumn is another great time to visit as the summer rain gives life to the mountainous landscape and creates a sweeping panorama of greenery.

Salta City

The city of Salta is by a long stretch the tourism capital of Argentina’s northwest region. It’s a city where the old converges with the new and where the old comes out on top. Whether arriving from Buenos Aires or crossing the border from Bolivia, you’ll notice instantly the laidback lifestyle of Salta. Time often feels as though it has stood still around the cobblestone streets of the city center, which is blessed with colonial architecture. Tradition runs deep here, most notably during Carnival when locals hit the streets to pay homage to Pachamama, the Incan goddess of fertility.

Founded in 1582 by Governor Hernando de Lerma of Tucumán, today the city is commonly known as Salta la Linda (Salta the Pretty). The city’s name originates from the word sagta, which means beautiful in the language of the Aymara indigenous people. Unlike other Argentine cities, Salta didn’t witness a wave of mass immigration. However, what the city missed out on in European influence it benefited by maintaining the traditions of the Diaguita-Calchaquí indigenous group and other Inca tribes.

Being in the far north of Argentina, reaching Salta requires a fair amount of patience; the bus journey from Buenos Aires is around 20-hours. That said, the city has very good transport links and regular flights arrive from Buenos Aires, Córdoba, Puerto Iguazú and Santa Cruz, the latter in Bolivia. Salta’s bus terminal is on the edge of Parque San Martín, southeast of the city center. In addition to Buenos Aires, cross-country bus services connect with Catamarca (7 hours), Mendoza (18 hours), Rosario (16 hours) and Tucumán (4 hours). Rent a car when in Salta to explore the towns and villages of Quebrada de Cafayate and Quebrada de Humahuaca (see below). The slower lifestyle means that driving is a pleasurable experience. Major rental companies have offices in the city, such as Hertz (Caseros 374) and Europcar (Córdoba 20).

What to See and Do

From architecture and museums to artisanal markets and hilltop lookouts, there’s plenty to see and do in Salta. Start your visit at Plaza 9 de Julio, the city’s main square. On its north side is the stunning Salta Cathedral (España 596). It houses the ashes of General Martin Miguel de Güemes, an important figure during the wars of independence. The interior of blue, green and gold is spotless, as is the impressive cathedral organ. There’s also a small museum that holds religious relics.

From the cathedral, walk over to the Museo Arqueologiá de Alta Montaña (Mitre 77). If you only visit one museum in Salta then make it this one, which dedicates itself to the preservation of Andean culture and anthropology. The highlight is the so-called Llullaillaco Children, three mummified and perfectly-preserved Inca children discovered at Llullaillaco Volcano in 1999. Historians believe the children were sacrificed in a fertility ceremony or as an offering to the Incan gods, around the year 1490. To maintain the preservation, only one is on display at any one time. On the south side of Plaza 9 de Julio is the Museo Histórico del Norte (Caseros 541). Housed in Salta’s original cabildo (town hall), the museum contains displays of Salta’s Indian and colonial history, in addition to art exhibits.

Walk east along Caseros street until you reach Córdoba street. Here, you’ll find the Iglesia San Francisco, a striking church with a 174-feet (53-meter) tower and terracotta exterior. Inside, a small museum displays religious images from the 1600s and 1700s. Continue along Caseros to Santa Fe, where you’ll see the Convento de San Bernardo. Access is for Carmelite nuns only but it’s worth passing by to see the striking wooden door of the main entrance.

For panoramic views of Salta, and the city’s surroundings, take the teleférico (cable car) to Cerro San Bernardo. The teleférico leaves from Parque San Martín, a 15-mintue walk from Plaza 9 de Julio. At the hilltop are various balconies and lookout points, and terraced gardens. Look for a monument dedicated to the Battle of Salta, and 14 Stations of the Cross. The hilltop is a good spot for a picnic and to watch the sunset. If you are feeling energetic then walk up via the route that starts behind Güemes Monument (Paseo Güemes and Av. Uruguay). Combine a ride on the cable car with walk around Parque San Martín, which is similar to Palermo Woods in Buenos Aires.

Salta is a great place to shop for leather, ceramic and textile goods, and you’ll find things markedly cheaper than in other parts of Argentina. The best place to shop is at the Mercado Artesanal (San Martín 2555), located in an old millhouse about 25 blocks from Plaza 9 de Julio. There’s a nice café here that you can have a drink in before making your way back. On Sunday mornings, head to Balcarce street, where the Feria Artesanal sets up, selling everything from homemade honey and jams to clothing and locally-made souvenirs.

Nightlife and Restaurants

The cuisine of Argentina’s northwestern region is notably different from the rest of the country. Be sure to try the empanadas, which many say are the finest in Argentina. Other local fare includes: locro, a thick stew of corn, beans and potato; tamale, corn flour wraps filled with meat and/or potatoes and steamed in a leaf wrapper; and humita, steamed corn husks filled with mashed corn and cheese.

Make the El Patio de la Empanada (cnr San Martín and Esteco) top of your list of places to eat. It’s a simple establishment; an open-air patio lined with family-run stalls selling classic Salteño fare. Take a seat at any table, wait for a waitress and order a plate of delicious empanadas. It’s great value and locals fill the tables at lunchtime, so it can’t be bad. The Mercado Central (cnr Florida and San Martín) is another good spot to pick up some cheap eats, including fresh fruit and vegetables.

The west side of Plaza 9 de Julio has number of bars and cafés, most with outdoor seating areas. This a great location for a coffee or snack combined with a spot of people-watching. Balcarce street, especially the section that runs south from Salta’s train station, has a large concentration of restaurants and bars. Try La Vieja Estación (Balcarce 875) for traditional Salteño dishes and live music on most nights of the week. If you can’t get enough of Argentine meat, then drop by Parrillada la Leñita (Balcarce 802).

Elsewhere in the city, Bartz Tapas Mundiales (Santiago Del Estero 686) is a superb tapas bar with numerous fish and meat options. Between Iglesia San Francisco and Convento San Bernardo, El Charrúa (Caseros 221) is arguably the best steakhouse in Salta. It also does a good selection of local fare, such as locro and goat dishes.

When in Salta don’t miss out on a night at a peña, a restaurant and folkloric music venue. You can enjoy local food while watching music and dance performances, and it’s likely that you’ll be invited to join in the dancing. There’re a number of such venues on Balcarce street. Salta’s most famous peña, however, is Peña Balderrama (San Martín 1126). Many of Argentina’s folk music bands would meet here and the bar has been immortalized in a folkloric song. The bar is opposite El Patio de la Empanada, and it’s worth making reservations.

For late-night action, stroll along Balcarce street and pick a bar that grabs your attention. Worth checking out is Café del Tiempo (Balcarce 901). It has a good selection of wines and beer, and there’s regular live music. The pizzas and sandwiches are good, as well. Peña Los Cardones (Balcarce 885) and La Peña del Chaqueño (Balcarce 935) both offer folkloric concerts accompanied by handkerchief waving gaucho dance displays.

Club Nueve XXI (Balcarce 921) is the place to go for electronic music and dancing until dawn.

Where to Stay

Being a popular backpacker destination, Salta is home to plentiful hostels and budget accommodation. Hostal La Posta (Córdoba 368) is a good option close to Parque San Martín. Rooms are basic and comfortable and the service is excellent. It’s a 15-minute walk from Salta’s bus terminal. A few blocks from Plaza 9 de Julio is Las Rejas Hostel (Gral. Güemes 569). Set in two colonial houses, it has four-bed dorms, singles and doubles, all with private bathrooms. Rates included breakfast, linen and towels.

Try Hostal El Relax (Pasaje Pedro J. Saravia 19) for a home-away-from-home feel; it’s owned and run by a German couple. While staying here you can arrange massages and spa treatments, use the Jacuzzi and relax on the outdoor patio. Just west of the bus terminal is Molles del Portezuelo (Pasaje Peñalba 69, 13 de Julio), an appealing guesthouse in a quiet part of the city. Some of the rooms are mini-apartments complete with a kitchenette. The outdoor swimming pool is perfect to use in the hot summer months.

For a touch of luxury, check in at Hotel La Candela (Pueyrredon 346). Opt for the Junior Suite, which has a private Jacuzzi. The hotel has a communal pool and garden, and is centrally located. Hotel del Antiguo Convento (Caseros 113) is also a centric hotel, just four blocks from Plaza 9 de Julio. There’s a swimming pool and gym, a tea house and café.

Cafayate

Almost 125 miles (200 kilometers) south of Salta is the town of Cafayate. Encompassed by mountains, it’s the unofficial capital of the Calchaquíes Valley. The town is also at the heart of a large wine-producing region, which comes second only to Mendoza. Cafayate is a peaceful destination centered round a main square. There’re a handful of attractions but what draws visitors are the welcoming guesthouses, excellent restaurants and opportunities to visit the wineries.

History enthusiasts might want to stop by the Rodolfo Bravo Regional and Archeaological Museum (cnr Calchaquí and Colón). It contains displays of artifacts relating to the life of the Diaguita-Calchaquí people and other Inca groups that inhabited the region. Wine lovers will enjoy the Museo de la Vid y el Vino (cnr Chacabuco and Gral. Güemes Sur), a museum with exhibits explaining Cafayate’s wine-producing history.

If you happen to be passing through in February then check out the events of La Serenata music festival. The festival attracts some of the biggest names in Argentina’s folkloric music scene. Bear in mind that hotel rooms get booked up well in advance of the festival.

To get to Cafayate you can jump on a bus from Salta, which takes about 4-hours and passes through the spectacular landscape of Quebrada de Cafayate. The best way to get here, however, is to rent a car and drive along Ruta 68. This is one of the most rewarding drives in Argentina as the road cuts through the middle of a Mars-like region of sandstone rock formations. There’s plenty to see on the route and numerous landmarks are signposted, such as an amphitheater, and rocks resembling a castle and a toad. Bring a picnic and find a secluded spot in amongst the cliffs; just remember to pack plenty of water because it can get extremely hot.

If you do rent a car then make the trip to the town of Cachi. There’s not a great deal to do but the scenery is magnificent. The town is 100 miles (161 kilometers) north of Cafayate, along Ruta 40. You could make a round trip from Salta to Cafayate and then return via Cachi, taking the scenic Cuesta del Obispo mountain route.

Wineries

Cafayate’s wineries are within easy reach of the town, with many clustered around the junction of Ruta 40 and Ruta 68. The easiest way to get to them is by car, but many are also reachable on foot. Alternatively, rent bike and spend the day taking different tours and exploring the area’s countryside. Ask at your hotel about bike rental. This wine region is famous for growing the Torrontés grape, used for white wines.

Bodega El Esteco (Ruta 40 and Ruta 68). Just north of the entrance to Cafayate, this is one of the most popular bodegas in the region. Its Elementos brand is a mid-priced wine seen all over the country. Informative tours explain the process involved in winemaking then finish with tastings in a bar-cum-shop. After a tour you can enjoy open views of the mountains and vineyards. The colonial style white-washed building is also a 32-room boutique hotel. The bodega is a 25-minute walk from Cafayate’s main square.

Bodegas Etchart (Ruta 40, Km 4338). Founded in 1850, this is one of the oldest wineries in the region. The vines grow at a height of 5,740 feet (1,750 meters), thus making it part of one of the world’s highest vinicultures. The bodega runs standard tours that include a visit to the vineyards and factory followed by tastings.

Vasija Secreta (Ruta 40). At the entrance to Cafayate, this bodega is also within walking distance of the town center. In addition to a tour of the bodega, you can visit the Wine Museum, which has displays of historic wine machinery and barrels. The bodega has its restaurant where wine experts will help you choose the correct wine to enjoy with your meal. You should book in advance for the restaurant.

Bodega Nanni (Silverio Chavarría 151). Just one block from the town’s main square, this bodega is ideal if you are just passing through Cafayate and want a quick peek into the world of winemaking. It specializes in the production of organic wines, and is managed by the fourth generation of an Italian family that moved to the region in 1885.

Restaurants

There are plenty of dining options in town, with most places focusing on regional food, and you don’t have to walk far to find them. Surrounding the main square are a host of restaurants and cafés, including La Carreta de Don Olegario (Gral. Güemes Sur 20). Come here for traditional Salteño fare and excellent empanadas. The terrace is a good place to watch activity on the square, and there’s live music in the evenings.

For empanadas with a local twist, such as goat cheese and sweet corn, head to La Casa de las Empanadas (Mitre 24), just off the main square. It does a good range of regional plates as well, including locro and goat stew. Quilla Huasi Restaurant (Camila Quintana de Niño 70) is another restaurant worth checking out. The menu has similar offers to the previously mentioned restaurants, and it has large wine selection. Indigenous decorations give the restaurant a welcoming ambience and authentic feel.

Other places to consider include Terruño Gourmet (Gral. Güemes Sur 28), for fish and game, and Viñas de Cafayate Wine Resort (25 de Mayo, Camino al Divisadero), which is a gourmet restaurant and hotel situated 5-blocks from the main square. Vegetables are sourced from the restaurant’s organic garden.

After dinner, continue your wine enjoyment at Chato’s Wine Bar (Ntra. Sra del Rosario 132) to sample almost every wine produced in the Calchaquíes Valley. If you get hungry then order a picada of cheese and cold cuts. El Almacen Bar (Camila Quintana de Niño 59) is also good for a drink. It’s part of a hostel by the same name so is usually busy with travelers. Alternatively, stop by Baco Restobar (Av. Güemes Norte y Rivadavia) to mix with the locals.

Where to Stay

You’ll find a decent selection of backpacker-orientated hostels in Cafayate, as well as some great family-run guesthouses. Hostel Lo de Chichi (Mitre 166) attracts a young crowd with plenty of communal activities such as barbecues and jam sessions. Hostel La Morada (Miguel Hurtado 111) is 2-blocks from the main square and has clean and comfortable double rooms and a 6-bed dorm. The garden is great for a lazy afternoon sat in the sun.

Hotel Killa Cafayate (Colón 47) occupies a great location, just 100-meters from the town center. It’s set in a colonial-style house with charmingly decorated rooms and suites, some of which have private terraces and mountain views. Rates include breakfast and staff will help with car and bike rental. Portal del Santo (Silverio Chavarria 250) is also a colonial-style hotel. Rooms either overlook the garden or have balconies with mountain views.

For quiet luxury, book in at Viñas de Cafayate Wine Resort (25 de Mayo, Camino al Divisadero). Located in a vineyard just outside of town, it has unbeatable views of Cafayate’s countryside, especially from the swimming pool. Mountain bike rental is available for free, and the restaurant is one of the best in town.

Quebrada De Humahuaca

Stretching north from Jujuy the Ruta 9 cuts its way through the magnificent Quebrada de Humahuaca. This mountain valley route runs for around 96 miles (155 kilometers) alongside the Río Grande. Historically, this is an old trade route known as the Camino Inca and has been used for some 10,000 years. Spreading out at intervals along the trail are Inca-influenced towns and villages, namely Humahuaca, Purmamarca and Tilcara. Adding to its scenic qualities is the Andean Plateau, which borders the north and west, and the sub-Andean hills towards the east.

The best way to experience this region is to rent a car from Salta or Jujuy and stop off at the various towns. The drive is equally as inspiring as the Salta-Cafayate route and you’ll pass multicolored hills and snowcapped mountains, primitive settlements, rushing rivers and vast cactus fields. Major rental companies have offices in both Salta and Jujuy, including Hertz (Salta: Caseros 374 / Jujuy: San Martín 950), Europcar (Salta: Córdoba 20) and Avis (Jujuy: Güemes 864).

If traveling from Salta then you’ll need to drive along a section of Ruta 9 known as Camino de la Cornisa. This is yet another of the region’s picturesque drives that passes through hills of stark greenery, many of which spill down into large dams. It’s a winding road of hairpin bends and chicanes, often with room for one car only, so drive casually and simply admire the scenery.

Alternatively, northbound buses depart regularly from both Salta and Jujuy. You can find details of journey times and prices on Plataforma10.

Purmamarca

Purmamarca is often the first stop along the Quebrada de Humahuaca route and is famous for the Cerro de los Siete Colores (The Seven Colored Hill). It’s a simple town that is forever busy with tour buses and backpackers that come to admire the colorful hill. The hill is a result of thousands of years of geological activity and erosion.

Buses and cars park up on Avenida San Martín, at the entrance to Purmamarca, from where you can stroll through the town and around Paseo de los Colorados for full frontal views of the hill. If you have the time, hang around for a few hours because the hill’s appearance changes with the movement of the sun, thus allowing for some superb photo opportunities.

In the town center is Plaza 9 de Julio, around which a market sets up on a daily basis. Here, you can shop for Bolivian-style woven blankets, alpaca wool clothing (many with indigenous designs), hats, scarfs and ceramic bowls. Purmamarca has its own pace so don’t be surprised if the stands are unattended during the hours of siesta.

If you fancy staying the night then the town has a handful of hostels and hotels. Hostal El Cardon (Plaza 9 de Julio) is a clean and simple guesthouse right on the main square. It also has great views of the hill. Also close to the main square is El Pequeno Intl. (Florida), which is another welcoming guesthouse with basic and comfortable rooms. For a little more comfort, try Mirador del Virrey Cabañas Boutique (Ruta 52, Km 4.4) or Hotel Marqvés del Tojo (Sta. Rosa 4).

Tilcara

Continue along Ruta 9 for 16 miles (26 kilometers) and you’ll arrive at Tilcara, the busiest of the Quebrada de Humahuaca towns. A town of dusty cobblestone streets and Spanish colonial architecture, Tilcara is fast gaining a reputation as a backpacker destination. In addition to some interesting museums and archaeological sites, the town has a good offering of hostels and restaurants. It’s also a great place to take part in Carnival celebrations.

Make sure to walk to the Pucará de Tilcara, a pre-Inca settlement situated on a remote hill above the valley of the Río Grande. It’s an easy 20-minute walk from the town center. A small botanical garden displaying native plant species is worth checking out. A nominal admission fee to the site grants entrance to the Archeology Museum (Belgrano 445) located by the town’s main square. Here, you can see artifacts relating to the region’s indigenous cultures.

Art lovers might want to visit the Museo José Antonio Terry (Rivadavia 459), which exhibits the work of the Buenos Aires-born painter by the same name. He is famous for painting to rural and indigenous themes. Pass by the Museo Irureta (cnr Belgrano and Bolivar) to see exhibitions of local artists.

If you like walking then there’s a nice 4-hour round trip hike to a canyon and waterfall called Garganta del Diablo (Devil’s Throat). Walk east along either Avenida Belgrano or Avenida Huasamyo until you reach a trail that will take you to the site. You can swim in the waterfall’s pool. A trail map is available from Tilcara’s information center (Belgrano 360).

Tilcara’s growing popularity means that there are abundant places to stay overnight. For budget options, try either of Club Hostel Tilcara (Jujuy 549) or Malka Hostel (San Martín). El Jardín Tilcara (Belgrano 700) is a campsite close to the river. It also has a small hotel and some basic dorm rooms. La Morada (Debenedetti 46) and Antigua Tilcara (Sorpresa 484) are both pleasant guesthouses. Alternatively, take a walk around town and you’ll soon find something to your liking and budget. Note that prices increase during the Carnival period (February or March).

New restaurants and cafés are continually appearing in Tilcara, with many offering the chance to try Andean cuisine. Don’t be shy to try to llama dishes, such as stews and empanadas. Los Puestos (cnr Belgrano and Padilla), El Patio (Lavalle 352) Killa Resto Bar (Belgrano 377) and La Picadita (Belgrano 672) are all worth checking out.

For entertainment, head to La Peña de Carlitos (Lavalle 397) for a night of folkloric music and dance.

Humahuaca

Another 28 miles (45 kilometers) north is the sleepy town of Humahuaca. Largely inhabited by Quechan people, this is the place to spot women dressed in wide-brimmed hats and colorful ponchos and men in typical gaucho attire. The town is a common stopover for travelers en route to Bolivia and its appearance and ambience is far closer to that of Bolivia than Argentina. With its narrow cobblestone streets and low-rise buildings, and being surrounded by mountains and fields of cactus, Humahuaca feels likes it should be part of a cowboy and western movie.

The town centers around Plaza Dr. Ernesto Padilla and crowds gather here at noon to watch a life-size figure of San Francisco Solano appear from the clock tower of the cabildo (town hall). On the west side of the square is the Iglesia de la Candelaria (cnr Buenos Aires and Tucumán). Step inside this colonial church to find some 18th-century paintings by Peruvian artist Marcos Sapaca.

From the main square a stairway leads to the Monumento a la Independencia. Local sculptor Ernesto Soto Avendaño created the monument to honor the soldiers that fought in Argentina’s wars of independence. At the top there are sweeping views of the Río Grande valley and out to snow-capped mountains. Look for an instantly recognizable cactus, which is one of Northern Argentina’s most photographed landmarks.

For dining options, go to El Refugio (Salta 139) to try Andean dishes including llama. Pacha Manka (Buenos Aires, between Cordoba and Entre Ríos) is a colorful restaurant serving more tasty Andean-style dishes; the apple pie is worth saving a bit of space for. Mikunayoc (cnr Tucumán and Corrientes) is a friendly spot serving great empanadas. The restaurant has an interesting Che Guevara-inspired décor. For fresh fruit and vegetables, head over to the Mercado Municipal de Humahuaca (cnr Tucumán and Av. Belgrano). Go to Bar Tantanakuy (Salta 370) for a post-dinner drink and live music.

If you plan to stay the night then park your car up by the bus terminal and go for a walk (the town’s streets are too narrow to drive along comfortable). It won’t take you long to find a family-run guesthouse or backpacker-orientated hostel. Hostal Humahuaca (Buenos Aires 447) is a few blocks from the main square and offers double, triple and dorm rooms. Hostel la Humahuacasa (Buenos Aires 740) is another budget option and can accommodate up to 25 guests in its three dorms and one private room. Hostal la Soñada (cnr Río Negro and San Martín) has doubles, triples and quadruple rooms, all with private bathrooms. It’s next to the bus terminal and offers guesthouse quality service. Alternatively, try Solar de La Quebrada (Santa Fe 450), which is a stone’s throw from the town center and monument.

Outdoor Activities

One of the most thrilling excursions in this region is the Tren a las Nubes (The Train to the Clouds). Departing from Salta, the train travels for 135 miles (217 kilometers) to La Polvorilla Viaduct at La Puna. It reaches a height of 13,845 feet (4,220 meters) above sea level thus making it one of the world’s highest train journeys. En route, the train crosses 29 bridges, through 21 tunnels and over numerous viaducts, and you’ll experience unrivalled views of the Andes. It’s a 16-hour round trip and food is available onboard, although you might want to bring a packed lunch as well. Purchase tickets from Turismo Tren a las Nubes (cnr Buenos Aires and Caseros).

White-water rafting is a popular tour from Salta. Many excursions take place on the Río Juramento, which is close to Cabra Corral Dam and about 37 miles (60 kilometers) south of Salta city. Rapids here reach grade III levels and are suitable for intermediate level kayakers. Contact Salta Rafting (Buenos Aires 88, Salta) or Norte Rafting (Camping Guanaquitos, Dique Cabra Corral) for further details.

Cabra Corral Dam is also the location of numerous high-adrenalin sports, including bungee jumping, abseiling and paragliding. Extreme Games (Office: Buenos Aires 632, Salta) take care of adrenalin sports here, in addition to jet skiing and cruises.

The mountains and countryside encompassing Salta and Jujuy are perfect for hiking trips. From Salta, both Clark Expediciones (Mariano Moreno 1950) and Norte Trekking (Libertador 1151, Salta) arrange hikes ranging from one to seven days. Clark Expediciones specialize in combined trekking and bird-watching excursions. Further north, Tilcara Trekking organizes treks in the Jujuy province. You can contact the company for mountain biking and horseback riding tours, too.