North, April 03, 2009
Calchaquíes Valleys
They comprise a series of valleys extending through Tucumán, Salta and Catamarca provinces, which are surrounded by winding roads and high hills and are intersected by picturesque Northern towns such as Cafayate, Cachi, Tafí del Valle and Santa María.
They comprise a 520 kilometer area along Tucumán, Salta and Catamarca provinces.
When to get there:
Despite its high temperatures, above all-day, summer, autumn and spring seasons are the most likely to visit villages of the valleys Calchaqui, and go their ways without drawbacks. Also, Cafayate wineries can be visited throughout the year.
Climate:
The climate in this city is dry and temperate. Temperatures reach roughly 27º C in summer time, and may go down up to 4ºC in the winter season. Nevertheless, daytime temperatures are usually much higher than the ones recorded at night time due to the region´s dry climate.
How to get to this region:
As from San Miguel de Tucumán city, drive Southwards along National Route 38, up to the Acheral district, where route 38 meets Provincial Route 307. Then, a rising itinerary is to begin along the Tucuman jungle. As from the city of Salta, drive Southwards along National Route 68 up to reaching the Quebrada de las Conchas, lying in Cafayate.
The Calchaquíes Valleys feature one of the most breathtaking of Argentine landscapes. They comprise a 520 kilometer area along
Tucumán,
Salta and
Catamarca provinces, and are surrounded by colorful hills and peaceful paths. These Argentine Northwestern valleys are also intersected by picturesque colonial towns characterized by their vast cultural and historic richness such as Cafayate, Cachi, Tafí del Valle and Santa María cities, which certainly stand out.
Places not to be missed in the Calchaquies Valleys Region
It lies at 335 Km Northwards of Catamarca capital city at 1,800 meters above sea level. The Santa María Valley epitomizes one of the major Northwestern Argentine archeological centres, with ruins having 27 native indian settlements. A countless number of pieces used by people formerly inhabiting this region are on exhibit at its Eric Boman provincial Archeological Museum.
It lies within El Mollar district in Tucuman, 15 km Eastwards of Tafí del Valle, and features over a fifty cut-stone monoliths carved by the Tafí culture. As to the engravings in this reserve, they comprise human, feline and even phalic-shaped figures.
Located at 107 Km from San Miguel de Tucumán over a 2,000 meters above sea level, this city contains adobe and straw constructions and stone pircas, which are thought to be traces of its prehispanic background. Some of its centers of attraction include: the craftsmen´ street, the ancient cheese-making ranches, the La Angostura Dam and Los Alisos Waterfall- where water sports are practised.
Located in Tucumán province, at a 60 km-distance from Cafayate, they are regarded as the major Argentine precolombine ruins. Formerly inhabited by the Quilmes native indian tribe, the fortress at present lies on the peak of the Alto del Rey hill, above a 1850 mt height. The Diaguita-Quilmes community currently takes care of this environment and conducts guided-visits both for tourists.
It is one of the tourists favourite Northern cities 180 Km Southwards from the capital city of Salta. Apart from its majestic end of the XIX Century´s colonial and baroque architecture, Cafayate features several points of attraction such as the Calchaquí Archeaological Museum -where over one thousand archaeological pieces are on exhibit- and the Santa Teresita Hill Watchtower.
This city located in Salta province features worldwide renowned wine-making wineries. The ideal soil and climate conditions in this region favor the manufacturing of high-quality wines such as the delicious torrontés, which has been worthy of countless international acknowledgements. Several of the wineries in this area offer a guided-visit service and world-class accommodation for tourists.
This quebrada, which lies at Route 68, features a series of wind and water erosion produced geological formations. Some of its breathtaking natural formations mostly include El Fraile – as it looks like a monk figure - The Amphitheater and the Garganta del Diablo (The Devil`s Throat) –a closed canyon resembling a human trachea.
It is located in Salta and was inhabited by the diaguitas native indians. The major centers of attraction include its XVIII century Parochial Church and the Pío Pablo Díaz Archeological Museum and Las Pailas Ruins –making up a conglomerate of ancient ruins and mines. Visitors should not miss touring the Colomé Winery, on the way to Cachi from Calafate, in the vicinity of the town of Molinos.
