Salta

Salta

Calchaqui Valley and Chicoana

CALCHAQUI VALLEYS
The trip round the Calchaquí Valleys, known as “La Vuelta a los Valles”, is an unforgettable journey through a region that has witnessed a turbulent pre-inca and colonial history forged in dramatic surroundings, where the winds and the sun have sculpted its geography.
Behind the incredible rock formations of its ravines and multi-coloured hills, there are quiet villages whose adobe and thatch houses take travellers back in time to the distant past. It is a circular circuit that starts either on RN 68 (to Cafayate) or RP 33 (to Cachi).

CHICOANA
Before entering the Calchaquí Valley, and once Salta has dropped behind, the road winds through the Valley of Lerma.
There are a series of towns and farms by this route and the main activity of the area is the growing of tobacco. Many of the farm houses accommodate tourists. Chicoana is a small but very traditional village. With its old houses and well-kept square, the village still has an air of the past about it. It is a “gaucho” village that takes pride in keeping its traditions.
Rural tourism in traditional farm houses. Many farm and ranch houses are now open to tourists. Their service is personal, familiar and complete, and in many cases, provided by the owners themselves. Horse-riding excursions and similar activities can be done during the day.
Still on RP 33, one gets to the Quebrada de Escoipes and then starts the spectacular ascent of the winding “Cuesta del Obispo” until one arrives at Piedra de Molino, a landmark that gives a wonderful panoramic view of the surroundings. At this point one has left the green hills behind and starts to enjoy a completely different landscape where altitude, light, colours and shapes change the appearance of the mountains. The tall and elegant cacti of National Park “Los Cardones” greet travellers.