Trip information and notes about Northwest Argentina:

Location:
The Argentine northwest is a region formed by the provinces of Salta and Jujuy which share their borders with Bolivia and Chile.

Geography and climate

Most of the Northwest is mountain area with spectacular scenarios. The weather is mostly dry and hot and in winter it is cold and wet with lots of rain. The western part is a high plateau 3800 m.a.s.lm.s.n.m. (Known as la Puna), cut by high peaked mountains. In the central region we find the valleys and gorges known as Quebradas i.e.: Humahuaca).
On the eastern side a lower mountain range is found 2000 m.a.s.l. Before entering the Chaco forest and plains. The mountains in the northwest are snowcapped with an amazing diversity of colors: red, orange, purple and green can be found.
The famous Cloud Train ( Tren a las Nubes) in Salta is one of the highest in the world and allows us to appreciate the landscape in a unique way. La Quebrada de Humahuaca in Jujuy with its colorful mountain range and towns ( some pre-columbian) Loaded with history is worthwhile visiting. Unsurpassed beauty can be found at the towns of Purmamarca, Tilcara, Yaví, Humahuaca, Cachi and Iruya.
The best time of the year to visit is in Autumn,winter and spring (April to September). .



History

The Inca empire settled in this area in the XII century. It originated close to the Titicaca lake and at its height - XV century - the empire covered a great part of the Andes range (north Argentina) forming what was known as the southern province - Collasuyo -. The empire crumbled after the Spanish conquerors arrived XVI century. The Incas were an agricultural society and also raised animals. Pottery, music and weaving were also part of their lifestyle. The name "Salta" has two translations one says it jeans in quechua : beautiful place to stay and others say it comes from a tribes name the "sahta" from the "Lule"nation.
The first exploration of the Salta region came from Peru in 1535, 43 years after Christopher Columbus discovered America. In 1550 began the colonization of a vast region known as " El Tucumán". It was not easy for the Spaniards to settle and conquer the land nor the local Indians. On April the 16th. 1582 Hernando de Lerma founded next to the Arenales river the city of "Ciudad de Lerma en el Salta".. The purpose of this town was to serve as defense and to support commerce and communications between Santiago del Estero and Peru. In 1776, the Virreinato del Rio de la Plata was established and in 1784 a new administration was formed with Salta as the capital city. After 1810 the Independence war stopped commerce with Alto Peru and the northwestern commerce deteriorated. The city began to grow once the eastern front calmed and the importance of Salta as a vital link between Buenos Aires and Lima became obvious. The northern border of the young nation had to be protected from the Spaniards. It was thanks to Martin Miguel de Güemes and his brave gauchos, indomitable and full of courage they new the forests and mountains well and fought against a strong enemy for their freedom. He is well remembered by Argentine history and he is Saltas pride. Still nowadays gaucho parade in front of his monument to honor their hero. The other side of the store is that in north Salta and Jujuy the native tribes - coyas, chorotes, wichis and guaraní- still are trying to maintain and defend their culture.



Means of payment:

The local currency in Argentina is the Peso Argentino. It is convenient to change currency in Buenos Aires, in order to get better value for the Dollar or the Euro. However, credit cards are also widely accepted, except in smaller and more isolated towns and villages. It is not advisable to carry travelers' checks as it is costly to use them. At the major cities you have several ATM available, which is a good option. A debit card used at an ATM avoids the interest payments of a credit card used at an ATM and you get a good exchange rate. Here is a currency converter where you can check the exchange rate into your local currency
The value added tax (VAT in Spanish IVA) in Argentina is 21% at the airport you can claim the VAT refund for any national product that you purchase over $70.- (stated on the bill) at shops included in the Global refund system.


Requirements to enter the country:

Argentina: Most countries are granted a 90 days permit to stay with no visa. Only a valid passport. Neighboring countries: passport not required. Only identity document.
You are not allowed to enter : plants, vegetables, fruit and other perishables ( jams, fresh food etc..)
If you bring a car or rent one you need an international drivers license.
.


Communications:
In Argentina have an efficient telecommunication infrastructure and international phone calls are at an acceptable price. Public telephones use coins or phone cards. I.D.D. can be found even in small towns. International phone calls from hotels are not recommended they tend to charge an extra fee. Most of the commercial centres have call centres known in Argentina as "locutorios" where you can obtain information, make call back calls and also buy prepaid phone cards.
In Argentina there is a good Web system and Internet is well known. Some hotels offer these services. Cybercafés are found in most of cities and towns with an Internet connection via ADSL or phone.


How to get there?

En Argentina have a good road system with modern buses for long distance transport. The railway system is slow and in many cases services are no longer provided. There are different buses or "colectivos" (in Argentina) with normal seats and others with leaning seats that become beds (coche supercama, servicio ejecutivo). Depending on the route there are different services and prices.
Capital cities like San Salvador de Jujuy and Salta have modern international airports with daily flights from Buenos Aires and also connect with other airports like Tucumán, La Rioja and Cordoba although flights are not so frequent. The airlines flying these routes are: (Aerolíneas Argentinas, Austral, American Falcon, SW y Línea Federal). For international flights in Argentina a U$18 airport tax is charged which is not included in the airfare. (It can be paid cash or by credit card)


Cultural aspects:

Tips: In Argentina and Chile there is no fixed rules for tips. Usually a 10% is accepted at bars and restaurants. Taxi drivers are not tipped unless you feel you want to round up the fee or the taxi driver has helped you with the luggage. For other services tips are not required.

When meeting: Shaking hands is the norm although when people know each other they tend to kiss once on the cheek. In Argentina men also do so. When on visit it is always nice to bring a small gift.

Traditions: The native cultures in this area are still alive and present in everyday activities. Old rituals from their Aymara forefathers are still maintained and some have blended with catholic rituals brought by the Spanish. The Jujuy carnival is an example:

This old European tradition was introduced by the Spanish and mixed with the local customs of celebrating harvests and the richness of the land. In the regions of La Puna and La Quebrada de Humahuaca, carnival is represented by a devil (Diablo) that unburied itself in a noisy way from a pile of rocks known as "apacheta" or a magic spot, drinking and celebrating and dancing along with the lively music played by the anatas, erquenchos, sicuris,. Streamers and flour are part of the ritual that lasts quite a few days and then it ends when everyone cries at the devils burial

Handcraft: the natives still produce handmade pottery, baskets, leather , knitting & weaving of sheep and Llama wool, also the "lunchado" which is the combination of both wool, Palo Santo woodcraft. Cafayate black pottery and red from San Lorenzo. Torrontés wine from Cafayate. Omaguaca pottery: shaped like small bulls or human faces both man and woman. Silversmiths from Jujuy : mate gourds houseware and other forms of this ancient art.

Patagonia mountain biking trips | Northwest Argentina mountain biking trips | Bolivia & Peru biking tours | Worldwide biking tours | About our trips | Biking Equipment | Dates and Prices | Contact us | FAQ |
Trip notes- Information | About us | Interesting links | Photo gallery | Home