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Trip Report
From empanadas salteñas to balancing on a highline - 4 seasons in Salta, Argentina
My trip was in Salta, northern Argentina. A province where all year round one can hike, climb, practice highline, search for rivers and waterfalls, meet friendly travellers and try out local wine.
+ 5
South AmericaArgentina364 days / January - February - March - April - May - June - July - August - September - October - November - December 2020
Highs & Lows
Climbing at the Laguna de Brealito and going on a highline for the first time were by far my favorite activities in Salta.
Very hot and dry summers. Important to always have water, a hat and enjoy the "ciestas" under a tranquil tree.
Itinerary Overview
I arrived in Salta, got a bus to Vaqueros which is near the center of Salta and explored the area for a couple of days.
I got a bus to Cafayate and would explore other places nearby hitchhiking. I visited the Anfiteatro at the Quebrada de las Conchas, the Garganta del Diablo also in the Quebrada and did lots of hiking in the mountains of the Quebrada. We visited the Anfiteatro and the Garganta del Diablo both during the day and at night, to admire the shooting stars and the milky way galaxy. In this Quebrada, I camped with some friends who I had met at the square in Cafayate and we did some volunteer work at a vegetable garden in exchange of camping at this lady's piece of land. By meeting the people who actually lived in the Quebrada, we were able to visit a beautiful and quite hidden waterfall.
In Cafayate I went to the "7 waterfalls" where I could enjoy the refreshment of water, being in a region that hardly rains, and also appreciate beautiful starry skies and see some of the milky way galaxy!
I hiked to the Cerro de la Cruz in Cafayate and camped there a few times. There's no water and food up there so we had to take lots and lots of water because it's extremely dry. Up in this Cerro was where I had the opportunity to experience my first highline. A unique sensation in which only trying it out one can actually understand the adrenaline and admiration for life that is experienced.
In Cafayate I also went to El Divisadero, where there are lots of climbing opportunities. This place provides a beautiful view of the valley and a friendly connection with the local community.
With my climbing friends, we went to the Laguna de Brealito, also in the province of Salta, where we could bathe in a gorgeous lagoon, explore waterfalls, hike and do lots of climbing.
Cafayate Visiting family and exploring the region: hiking, climbing, winery tours, photography, making friends, learning Spanish.
4+I visited the Anfiteatro at the Quebrada de las Conchas, the Garganta del Diablo also in the Quebrada and did lots of hiking in the mountains of the Quebrada. The Quebrada de las Conchas is a gorgeous place to camp, where I could explore the interesting rock formations, bathe in the Río de las Conchas, go to the river in Alemanía and enjoy the tranquility.
In Cafayate I also hiked to the "7 waterfalls", which is a super fun hike with some light climbing (no ropes necessary). There I camped, enjoyed a nice fire and admired the starry sky.
Up in the Cerro de la Cruz was where I had the opportunity to experience my first ever highline. I camped there for about 10 days, cooking directly on a fire, doing lots of hiking, climbing and of course, balancing on a rope.
Laguna del Brealito Climbing
With my climbing friends, we went to the Laguna de Brealito, also in the province of Salta, where we could bathe in a gorgeous lagoon, explore waterfalls, hike and do lots of climbing.
We had to pay a small fee to enter the lagoon because it is considered private property.
It is a place with plenty of dry wood so we were able to cook with fire with no difficulties, we took lots of food but had to make sure to hang the food high up in trees, or else the donkeys would have luxurious meals with our food.
Each day we would explore a different place, we walked along the river where we found some waterfalls and pools, we swam in the lagoon, climbed different sectors, there are some really hard and fun climbing opportunities!
Vaqueros Exploring the town
A sweet little town, where I got to know it walking as it is quite small. I treated myself to a nice local meal and participated in a Contact Improvisation workshop at the Biblioteca El Molino.
I went to Vaqueros with the intention to go to this Contact Improv workshop which I had heard about online. I found this really sweet bed & breakfast, the owner was adorable, she showed me her property and took good care of me. I then arrived at the Biblioteca and it was a really pretty place. The people from the workshop were super friendly, there was also one guy from Chile and a girl from Italy. After the workshop I walked around town and got to know the place. It's really close to Salta but has a different, more humid climate. Beautifully green!
Q & A
Restaurant recommendations?
Try out the empanadas salteñas from La Casa de las Empanadas in Cafayate, Salta.Tips you would give a friend?
Be open to meeting people at the main squares. The squares are ususally the center of small towns, where there are lots of people gathered, music, dancing, sports and food around. Don't be shy in approaching others and making new friends. Lots of great adventures can come from a friendly "Hello".Transportation Tips?
Hitchhiking is fairly easy in Argentina and a good opportunity to get to know people and get insights on places to visit.
Lodging
Casa de Peter
Bed & Breakfast