Northwest Argentina Car Tours: Top 5 Unforgettable Drives

Thinking of hitting the road for an epic trip? Then perhaps Northwest Argentina needs to be pinned on your travel map. What’s super appealing about this region is just how diverse and stunning its beauty truly is, kind of unlike anywhere else. I mean, think soaring mountains splashed with color, valleys brimming with vineyards, and old colonial towns whispering stories of times long past. Instead of those typical tourist spots, why not take on Northwest Argentina with a car, and sort of discover spots that just might take your breath away?

1. Salta to Cafayate: The Wine Route Adventure

So, you wanna begin an adventure? Leaving Salta behind is only the start, with a path that takes you into the heart of wine territory. The route to Cafayate is far from bland, in that it’s famous because you get a chance to drive by way of the Quebrada de las Conchas, and basically get your eyeballs blessed. Here you can gaze at rock formations crafted over time, and see unusual shapes like the Devil’s Throat (Garganta del Diablo) or the Amphitheater (El Anfiteatro). Pretty stunning, right? What is lovely, too, is that as you head closer to Cafayate, vineyards begin taking over the area, and offer such delightful views.

While driving along, keep watch, because the opportunity for exploring the local wineries that grow Torrontés, the fragrant white grape variety unique to Argentina, presents itself. This location, in that it’s renowned, provides the opportunity to witness the production cycle that transforms modest grapes into remarkable nectar. It’s the Wine Route Adventure, where the journey is just as enjoyable, if not more so, than the place where you arrive.

While planning the perfect adventure remember you should allow about three to four days so you can comfortably soak everything in. Also make sure that, along the way, you stop at viewpoints, and check out local eateries for regional cuisine. Also worth consideration, be it for car types, a vehicle offering some higher clearance might give advantages because that path isn’t like glass at certain places.

2. The Humahuaca Canyon: A UNESCO World Heritage Site

The Quebrada de Humahuaca should honestly be a priority, due to it being listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is pretty important in that the area provides what is almost like a time-lapse throughout history. Imagine passing through charming villages, the types of places where time seems to slow down so that life exists on a more simplistic rhythm. A winding path runs past Purmamarca, a settlement situated at the base of the renowned Hill of Seven Colors (Cerro de los Siete Colores).

Moving down that path, you can find yourself visiting Tilcara with its famous Pucará, an ancient fortress that whispers tales that have become relics, from the bygone. And somewhere ahead is Humahuaca itself, a town full of history and which kind of displays a character worth knowing. I mean, seeing Humahuaca Canyon when on the move via wheels seems ideal for any travel style. When driving, allot close to 2-3 days. Be ready so you can visit historical spots while having stops for getting acquainted with local culture; likewise, remember weather alterations can happen. And also, fuel stops could grow sparse; plan beforehand because prevention has greater worth to be recognized. Don’t miss stopping into tiny towns. I guess one can enjoy empanadas somewhere.

3. Salta to Salinas Grandes: High Altitude Salt Flats

Okay so, heading for Salinas Grandes from Salta seems somewhat of a surreal adventure, which kind of takes travelers straight into one of the hugest salt flats of the planet. Now picture this; winding roads rise higher into landscapes where views grow totally more remarkable on that ascent, so you get blessed with that scene. In transition from the abundant greens residing outside Salta’s territory, there’s an introduction of terrains changing, transforming eventually into immaculate spreads featuring blinding white surfaces that are salts. Those vistas aren’t common sights. I mean, after arriving around Salinas Grandes, all ground texture fades away once there is simply crystalline plain everywhere all horizon encompassing totally. One should explore for unique photo opportunities featuring that huge span. Be aware though that extreme altitude means acclimatization.

What seems like advice? Plan it over a full day. Pack necessary sun protection because this region is brutally strong! Do plan gas/refuel detours prior! Road construction could bring alterations, too so local alerts hold information that could make the expedition enjoyable instead. Perhaps make it a priority: Sunglasses! Also take lots and lots of images; I guarantee that backdrop creates images whose like hardly will others.

4. The Calchaquí Valleys Circuit: A Loop of Discovery

What you could see right is the Calchaquí Valleys Circuit. This trip creates, almost, like, the shape of an amazing circle passing multiple places with gorgeous features. First is Cachi town featuring Spanish architecture! Then drive downwards toward Molinos Village featuring vineyards and an age old feel across its scenery.

There seems much exploring so that three to five day stretch ought just work fine while being slow across locations. Plan the route as weather may impact certain areas specifically while raining during high season; having backup paths just looks practical, too! Tasting craft beers plus exploring local dining places simply heightens understanding plus connection with what the heart of that area represents best!

Also something that often might remain forgotten will be sun rays’ magnitude because higher terrains equal sunburn faster! Besides that general packing insight check brakes before undertaking steep descending terrain, as you might not notice these, especially if unfamiliar with switchbacks or driving lower altitudes frequently!

5. Jujuy’s Yungas Road: Cloud Forest Adventure

What is a cloud forest adventure really? To feel true lush environments go traveling Jujuy toward what one understands because the Yunga’s roads will do such properly. Now imagine being transferred almost entirely into this forest from elevated areas transitioning through landscapes packed quite densely via jungles.

This destination truly brings one so distant that many believe Yungas happens distinct almost than destinations described up there above completely; it’s nature filled entirely inside almost; therefore ensure safety precautions while experiencing that terrain plus don’t forget taking extra insect spray too since many local species make their home in dense rainier vegetation!

Be advised roads in general grow windy enough which needs appropriate expertise for cars in general; allocate a lot toward single daytime excursions since traveling happens less encouraged otherwise at twilight hour too! Plan properly and one can discover species local across preserved spots!