This is the Salta & the Andean Northwest chapter from Lonely Planet’s Argentina guidebook.

Argentina’s northwest sits lofty, dry and tough beneath the mighty Andes. There’s a definite Andean feel with traditional handicrafts, Quechua-speaking pockets, coca leaves, llamas, indigenous heritage and Inca ruins. The region’s cities were also Argentina’s first colonial settlements.

• wonder at nature’s palette in the Quebrada de Humahuaca
• maps
• observe weavers at work in the memorable Valles Calchaquíes
• transportation
• cleanse your lungs in the crisp mountain air of Tafí del Valle
• restaurants & accommodations

Coverage includes: Jujuy, Quebrada De Humahuaca, Purmamarca, Tilcara & around, Uquía, Humahuaca, Iruya, La Quiaca, Yavi, Salta, Tren a las Nubes, San Antonio de los Cobres, Salinas Grandes, Valles Calchaquíes, Cachi, Seclantás, Molinos, Angastaco, San Carlos, Cafayate, Quebrada de Cafayate, Tucumán, Tafí del Valle & around, Santa María, Amaicha del Valle, Quilmes, Santiago del Estero, Catamarca, Belén & around, La Rioja, Chilecito and Parque Nacional Talampaya.