Yastaah

La Caldera is the first town I've visited around Salta. Just about 15km far.  La Caldera is a "blast from the past", as it keeps the original structure, and the church in particular, of the XVII century. You can pickup a bike for free and go to the near hill where about 50yrs ago a giant sculpture of Jesus Christ (Cristo Penitente) has been built. It's 26meter for 10 tons of weight. Just few km from La Caldera, a great location for a light trekking session is the Dique Campo Alegre. Once there just enjoy the view from the top, the dam and the near river. Another dam is the Dique Cabra Corral. Here the options to spend the day are many: bungee jumping, rafting, fishing or just go for a trip on a boat.  Last town visited is Villa San Lorenzo. It's a very small town and it's the favourite holiday location for many Salteños. It's possible to hike, having a large variety of paths, suitable for everyone. And the river gives its best for hottest da...

Salta "the pretty" is in the north west of Argentina, very close to the Andes and 20hours by bus from Mendoza. Here it's very different from what I've seen so far. Altrough the colonial architecture clearly shows the Spanish influence, the "gaucho" (indigenous people) tradicion is well visible too. The weather is super dry (at least in winter, while it's quite rainy in summer), which makes this province a good location to produce wine. The local food is also great. I'd suggest to try the locro (kind of a soup with meat and beans), the humita, based on corn, and even some dessert like the "turrón salteño", a very sweet nougat. I've tried all of them obviously :) The curches and the main buildings are well preserved. Right in the middle of the city, there is San Bernardo hill. A half-hour trekking should be enough to reach the top and have a great view of the city. Alternatively you can go by car or by cable-car. Three full days sho...