The Andes Mountains are unique pieces of land. Stretching 4,300 miles along the coast of South America, the Andes are the longest range of mountains located on a land mass anywhere in the world. Outside of Asia, it is the tallest range of mountains in the world. A landmark that spans almost the entirety of the western side of South America, one place really sets itself apart when it comes to viewing these spectacular peaks. Argentina, home to the Chachi Mountain, Seven Color Mountain, and the Cuesta de Lipán mountain pass, truly welcomes the adventurous and intensive hikers of the world into its rocky and beautiful countryside.
Argentina is a culturally rich destination. Stop in Buenos Aires, and you’ll see why it’s the country’s capital. Boasting to be the home of tango, it also is the home of many different people – as it openly accepts immigrants from across the world. Because of this, Buenos Aires is considered a melting pot, and its cultural influences are not purely limited to its indigenous and Spanish backgrounds. But for the outdoorsy traveler, Buenos Aires might get old. Located on the Atlantic coast, it skips out on the beauty and the majesty of the Andes mountains. For those, head over to Salta and get ready for a mix of culture and nature.
For being so far from the nation’s capital and so surrounded by natural wonders, Salta is a large city. Home to 620,000 residents, it is a nest of culture in the foothills of the Andes. This region is well known for its archaeological wonders, and a trip to the High Mountain Archaeological Museum will prove this. Travel even just a few miles outside of the city and you will find yourself in quaint towns that host authentic Argentinian food (like delicious empanadas) available after a long day of hiking. North of Salta is Purmamarca, which holds the Hill of the Seven Colors – only one of the many enjoyable hikes in this area of the Andes, famous for the sedimentary deposits in the hills that give it its name.
Also renowned in this region is its wine, and what better place to enjoy it? Nestled in the foothills of Cafayate are many high-end wineries…
Nearby Cuesta de Lipán gets the hiker close to Chile and Bolivia. Here you can see more of the famous colored hills of the region, and witness the famous pack animals of the region, like llamas and donkeys. Small towns speckle this region and pave the way for some of the comfort foods that the area is known for, like quinoa and fava bean dishes. Nearby, the Chachi mountain is another breathtaking sight of the area. A farm-heavy area, hikers can often see the fruits of the local farmers’ labor at its varying stages of growth and harvest. Or, visitors may opt to purchase this produce in nearby towns and get a taste of the nearby region after a hard day of hiking.
The best part of the Salta region, however, is that after a day of solitude in the mountains, it is possible to return to the city, ripe with the culture that has made the region thrive over so many years…
Also renowned in this region is its wine, and what better place to enjoy it? Nestled in the foothills of Cafayate are many high-end wineries, whose grapevines thrive in the arid region that mirrors many of the regions in Spain. In this way, it is easy to see how Spanish conquerors made themselves so at home in this region back in the 1500’s. Quebrada de las Conchas, on the other hand, looks a lot like Utah or many regions of the Southwest United States, making it a prime location for a hike and a stunning view unique to the region.
The best part of the Salta region, however, is that after a day of solitude in the mountains, it is possible to return to the city, ripe with the culture that has made the region thrive over so many years and enjoy both as completely unique but inseparable wonder. For it is in this region that inhabitants come to the hills with a sense of gratitude for the natural magnificence that has cultivated their lives. It is alive in their food, their style, and the way that they continue to grow. Experience it on your own or with a guided tour, like Pure Adventures’ Multi-Sport Adventure Tour.