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 The
Northwest region of
the country preserves its old traditions principally expressed in
its music, folklore and cuisine. The indian heritage is the distinguishing
mark. The inhabitants make excellent handcrafts and preserve their
original languages, above all quechua. Most
trips start from either Tucuman or Salta,
the main cities of the region.
Climate
An arid region where it scarcely rains. These are totally concentrated
in the summer season, rest of the year is dry. There is a wide temperature
range. The whole region has a high rate of sunny days with clear skies.
Geological
formations
Fresh air and a transparent atmosphere emphasize the presence of the
hills and the  irregular
geological formations of the gorges. Puna is the name given
to a wide stripe of the Andes at an average altitude of 4,000m shared
between Argentina, Chile and Bolivia. It was formed after a period
of intense volcanism that deposited lava, ash and pumice above and
between the mountains. It has the aspect of a vast flat desert interrupted
by the conical figure of volcanos. The depressions are normally occupied
by colorful salty lagoons which collect the water from the scarce
rains. Often the water evaporates leaving a salt flat.
Central
Andes
Located between the Coastal Range in Chile and the Eastern Range or
Sierras Orientales in Bolivia and Argentina. The Central Andes have
summits between 5,000 and 6,500m.
 Gorges
Narrow and deep geological faults. The most famous is the Humahuaca
Gorge, besides the Calchaqui and Toro gorges.
Valleys
Location of most cities. The most famous valley is the Calchaqui Valley.
Precolumbian
ruins
The Calchaqui and Humahuaca
Valleys display notorious remnants of the cultures that inhabited
the region, one of the few to resist successfully the Inca conquest.
Two of the most interesting sites are Quilmes ruins and Tilcara Pucara
(fortress).
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