Northern Argentina Trips
The People and the Land
Explore Northern Argentina, and connect with the spirit of Earth and the soul of its people. Wander the Humahuaca Gorge, ride to big salt flats, and discover archeological treasures.
This region of Argentina is known for locations such as Salta and Cafayate, as well as many natural wonders.
FAQs
What should I pack for my trip to Northern Argentina?
There is a lot of thermal amplitude, so the days can be hot and the nights can be cold. We recommend bringing clothes for all climates and dressing in layers. Also, you will be at a high altitude, so both the cold and the heat will be felt. The climate is dry and the rains are usually in summer.
How many days should I visit Northern Argentina?
It is best to stay at least 3 nights, of course, the longer you stay the more you will be able to see, but it is not recommended less than 3 nights.
How can I travel to Northern Argentina?
You can take a long-distance bus or a plane to the city of Salta or Jujuy.
What destinations should I visit in the North?
The Quebrada de Humahuaca and its beautiful towns full of culture and beautiful landscapes and salt flats is a must if you visit the north of the country. If you like wine you must visit the Calchaqui valleys to know the area of Cafayate and Cachi.
What cities to visit?
Salta, Purmamarca, Tilcara, Cafayate and Cachi. Apart from the beautiful landscapes, there is a wide variety of hotels and restaurants.
Is it possible to travel by road in Northern Argentina?
It is an excellent destination for a self drive trip. You can pick up your car at the airport and from there you can drive north or south, or both!
What to Do in Northern Argentina?
The northwest part of Argentina includes the provinces of Salta, Jujuy and Tucumán. It is called “the north” by argentinians. Like yin and yang, Salta and Jujuy are the two most popular tourist attractions of the region, not only because of their stunning scenery (multicolored mountains and sparkling salt flats), but also because of their long-standing customs and mystical culture. Salta was established in 1582. This city is a good place to start touring northern Argentina. Travelers go from this city to the breathtaking Calchaquies Valley and the city of Cafayate, known for being the birthplace of the Torrontés wine.
The province of Jujuy is home to the Humahuaca Gorge (designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site), as well as the Great Flats, a white heaven nobody should miss! Both Salta and Jujuy, served as an essential route between the viceroyalty of Perú and Buenos Aires, and numerous wars were fought here to secure Argentina’s independence.
Destinations to Combine with Northern Argentina
Buenos Aires
On the western shore of Río de la Plata, you’ll find Buenos Aires. From the capital city of Argentina, it only takes an hour to cross to Uruguay, on the opposite coast! The majority of flights and airports in Argentina depart from this city: there is an international airport (known as “Ezeiza”) and a domestic airport (known as “Aeroparque”) from which you can travel to nearly every region of the country. Outdoor cafés, wonderful shopping, resto-bars, wine, steak, and so on; you should stay at least 5 days to explore the streets and find all of these perks, as well as the amazing combination of Latin American and European architecture.
Mendoza
Another marvelous destination that you can combine with a tour to the North of Argentina is Mendoza. Mendoza was once a desert, but the hands of hardworking immigrants, as well as the blessings of water and climate, have transformed it into a green fruitful region. The best Argentine wines are made in this region, and numerous vineyards may be visited for a wine tasting! Mendoza’s greatest wine-growing region is located 4,000 feet above sea level in the Andes, making it one of the world’s highest-altitude wine districts. Insects are hardly an issue in Argentine vineyards due to the high altitude and little humidity. In contrast to other parts of the world, wines in Mendoza are grown with little or no pesticides, allowing organic wines to be easily produced.
Iguazú Falls
“Iguazú” means big water in Guaraní language. These breathtaking falls have been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1984 and one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World since 2011. Argentina’s most known attraction is split between Brazil and Argentina. Both countries offer national parks that can be visited in a single day. However, the Argentinian park is larger and has more trails to explore. Take advantage of the tropical rainforest atmosphere and encounters native species.
Iberá Wetlands
The Esteros de Iberá (Iberá Wetlands) is the world’s second-largest wetlands and one of the continent’s major freshwater reservoirs. This natural reserve, located south of Iguazú Falls, encompasses about 5000 acres of marsh with over 60 lakes. For nature enthusiasts, this is the best place to visit in Argentina. Caimans, capybaras, swamp deer, pampas deer, gigantic otters, anacondas, larger rheas, and over 350 bird species may all be seen.
San Pedro de Atacama
For action seekers, a visit to this relaxed town nestled around an oasis in the world’s driest desert provides the ideal adventures amongst volcanoes, sand dunes, and lagoons. At night, enjoy the beautiful stars; the Atacama Desert is one of the greatest places on Earth for stargazing and learning about astronomy. In this age-old village with dirt roads and adobe buildings, ancient civilizations and tourists from all over the world coexist.
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