The road to the moon

Away from the tango dancers of the capital, the glaciers of Perito Moreno and striking granite peaks of El Chaltén, sits Argentina’s least visited area – Salta

The lunar landscape of Quebrada de Las Flechas, locally referred to as ‘Moon Valley’

This vast northwestern region might lack the fame of its southern neighbours but it packs in some of the country’s most spectacular and varied landscapes. A Salta road trip will take you through some of the oldest towns in the country, as well as past colourful mountains, the surreal lunar landscapes of the appropriately named ‘Moon Valley’, cactus-dotted deserts and Mars-like red rock formations.

Photo essay by Kav Dadfar

The road to Salinas Grandes winds through the mountains

Salinas Grandes is the third largest salt flat in the world and sits at a lung-busting altitude of 11,318ft above sea level; My guide, Mauricio Rios, surveying the Mars-like landscape of Los Cardones National Park

Driving through Los Colorados near Purmamarca in Jujuy province

Los Cardones National Park, near the town of Cachi; The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Rosary in Cafayate; San Jose de Cachi church in Cachi’s main square; The historic town of San Carlos is one of the oldest in this region

Facunda Mamani, a 25-year-old gaucho from Lerma Valley; The viewpoint of Tres Cruces on the road to Cafayat

Need to know

Getting there: Martín Miguel de Güemes International Airport is around 20 minutes’ drive from Salta city centre and is well served by internal flights from Buenos Aries and other cities in Argentina. 

Best time to go: March to May, for warm days and mostly cloudless skies. Avoid December to February when heavy rainfall can make roads impassable. 

Currency: Argentinian peso

Time zone: GMT-3

Food: This region is famous for its empanadas, which are often regarded as the best in Argentina. Try an asado (barbecue) which can consist of beef, pork, sausages and chicken cooked on a parrilla (open fire or grill).

Where to stay:  There is a variety of different accommodation available to visitors, from five-star international chain hotels to self-catering apartments. Choices are more limited in smaller towns like Cachi.

How to do it: The only way to explore this region is with a car, either as self-drive or as part of a tour.

Must-pack item: Early mornings and nights can be bitterly cold, so be sure to pack some warm clothes. Sunscreen is also a must throughout the day. If you’re planning to visit Salinas Grandes, it’s vital to wear sunglasses due to the glare.

Why go: For the epic and jaw-dropping landscape, which can often be enjoyed in solitude: this is a part of Argentina that sees very few foreign visitors. If that’s not enough, the historic villages and towns, delicious food and friendly hospitality will make a trip to Salta a memorable one.

The otherworldly landscape near Cafayate