%3Amax_bytes(150000)%3Astrip_icc()%2FTAL-purmamarca-mountain-argentina-ALISTCAROLAPOST0625-174fd0b9fce5447db23268e7907c488e.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
Why This Underrated Region of Argentina Deserves More Attention, According to a Travel Advisor
What to See
In northwest Argentina, the landscapes are unlike any other.
Starting in the Jujuy province, at the border of Chile and Bolivia, the Quebrada de Humahuaca valley winds through candy-striped mountains and adobe villages. In nearby Purmamarca village, visitors can take in the multi-colored hues of the Cerro de los Siete Colores, or the Hill of Seven Colors. This rock formation receives its coloring due to thousands of years of geological history and its unique mineral composition. Just further north, the Serranía del Hornocal mountain range, often another favorite, displays shades of rose, gold, and gray.
Head south into Salta's Calchaquí Valleys, where red-rock canyons burn at sunset, and the whitewashed towns of Cachi and Molinos welcome you with quiet plazas, adobe walls, and delicious high-altitude wine.
Further west, Catamarca brings you into the true wilderness. Here, you'll find the Campo de Piedra Pómez, a nature preserve of white, volcanic rock. Near the village of Tolar Grande, there are shimmering salt flats and flamingo-filled lagoons to explore, too.
What to Do
The Arita Cone in Puna, Argentina.Northwest Argentina is a place to slow down, take a deep breath, and reconnect—with the land, the people, and yourself.
Wander ancient valleys still threaded with original Inca trails. Ride horseback with local gauchos (skilled horsemen) near the quaint towns of Cachi or Cafayate. Cross the surreal Arisaro salt flat and snap a picture at the Arita cone, or ride a 4x4 up the surrounding hills. Another great site to visit is Puna plateau, the high-altitude region in the Central Andes.
Keep in mind, however, there are no signs in this area—just vicuña tracks, rock cairns, and instinct—so it's best to travel with a guide when visiting the region.
Where to Stay
Private outdoor seating at the Terraza Suite at House of Jasmines.
House Of Jasmines
While remote, there are a few great accommodations in the region. Just 15 minutes from downtown Salta, one of my favorite properties is the House of Jasmines. There are just 14 elegantly appointed rooms and suites, a spa, an outdoor pool, and the acclaimed La Table restaurant, which only serves traditional dishes from the north of Argentina, like tamales.
In Cafayate, about a three-hour drive south of Salta, there is Patios de Cafayate. This resort combines colonial charm with modern luxury.
In the other direction, a three-hour drive north of Salta, is Las Marias hotel, which is located just a few blocks from the main square in the city of Tilcara, where you can explore Andean culture. This boutique offers a serene escape with breathtaking vistas of the surrounding mountains.
Where to Eat
Food in Argentina's northwest is hearty, and a culmination of Andean and indigenous influences. A few highlights of the cuisine include locro, a slow-cooked stew of corn, beans, and beef; humitas, which consists of fresh choclo (a large field corn) steamed in corn husks; and llama meat, which is tender and becoming a staple in the northern regions. Another must-try includes empanadas with a splash of lemon and a glass of local torrontés, an aromatic white wine.
In the city of Salta, enjoy a contemporary take on traditional cuisine at El Baqueano, a restaurant situated atop the scenic San Bernardo Hill. El Bodeguero Hotel, set in a restored neo-colonial mansion, is another spot that serves delicious bites.
Final Takeaways
The northwest of Argentina isn't just a destination—it's a rhythm full of deep tradition.
Bring your dustiest boots and an adventurous spirit because up here, where clouds drift below you and volcanoes stand in silence, you'll find something most travelers never experience.
Carola Fresno is a member of Travel + Leisure's A-List and specializes in Argentina and Chile trips. You can create a tailor-made itinerary with Fresno by contacting her at [email protected].
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
I Plan Safaris For a Living—and These African Lodges Are My Personal Favorite Hidden Gems
A-List travel advisor Chris Liebenberg shares four under-the-radar stays for your next safari. Luxury in Africa isn't just about thread counts or plunge pools—it's about storytelling, connection, and exclusive access to one-of-a-kind experiences. As a travel advisor, I'm always on the lookout for luxury safari lodges that blend adventure, indulgence, and authenticity. These properties aren't on every 'top 10' list—they're whispered about amongst seasoned safari-goers and industry insiders. Here are four of Africa's best hidden gems and why they belong on your radar. Ol Jogi: Laikipia, Kenya Ol Jogi isn't exactly a lodge—it's a 58,000-acre, 11-bedroom private sanctuary that guests have entirely to themselves. With an in-house team, private chefs, and access to rare wildlife encounters, this stay is the epitome of African exclusivity. It's also one of the few places in Kenya where you can see the endangered Grévy's zebra, black rhinos, white rhinos, and leopards all on the same game drive. Plus, with a salt lick and waterhole directly in front of the villa's pool, wildlife will come right to you. While on property, go on game drives, horseback safaris, helicopter rides over Mount Kenya, and conservation-focused experiences with on-site rangers and researchers. Evenings are for sunsets at private viewpoints and family-style feasts under the stars. Insider Tip: Book at least four nights at Ol Jogi. The pace here is unhurried, and the activities are completely tailored to you, whether you're celebrating a milestone, traveling with family, or just craving immersion in nature. Noka Camp: Lapalala Wilderness, South Africa Suspended dramatically above the Lephalala River, Noka Camp offers a front-row seat to the untouched beauty of the Lapalala Wilderness. This not-for-profit camp is entirely solar-powered and puts all proceeds toward the reserve's conservation efforts. Wake up to panoramic views of the biodiverse Waterberg biosphere, where leopards roam and black rhinos track ancient paths. The reserve's raw, remote terrain is home to a surprising diversity of wildlife, and you'll likely have it all to yourself—the accommodation is private, and can host up to 12 guests. Activities include twice-daily game drives, guided walking safaris, and stargazing from your own heated plunge pool. Between adventures, savor fine dining and wine pairings under the stars. Don't miss the chance to learn about one of Africa's most elusive mammals at the Pangolin Conservation and Research Centre, which Noka proudly supports. Insider Tip: Each villa features a retractable glass floor for a one-of-a-kind view straight down to the river below—perfect for spotting wildlife while sipping your morning coffee. Miavana: Nosy Ankao, Madagascar Miavana, a private island accessible only by helicopter, is wildly remote, ecologically vital, and utterly transformative. Aside from relaxing on the serene beaches, there are some deep-diving, expedition-style adventures that can be launched from the property's base on the mainland. Guests can mix land-based safari with marine adventure, where they will see lemurs, chameleons, and baobabs on land, and sea turtles, rays, and technicolor reefs underwater. For activities, guests can go on forest treks with expert guides, go deep-sea fishing, or indulge in a spa treatment to the rhythm of the ocean. Evenings begin with champagne at the beach bar and end with gourmet dinners under the stars. Insider Tip: Miavana is even better as a post-safari island getaway. Combine it with a mainland lodge for a dramatic contrast between bush and beach. Kalepo Camp: Samburu, Kenya Remote and culturally immersive, Kalepo is a rare jewel nestled at the base of the Mathews Range in northern Kenya. This family-owned, exclusive-use camp offers an intimate introduction to indigenous Samburu culture in its most authentic form. This area is also home to the rare 'Samburu Special Five': Grévy's zebra, reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich, gerenuk, and Beisa oryx. Birdlife is diverse and prolific here, and the landscapes—dry riverbeds, doum palms, and towering peaks—are pure cinematic beauty. At Kalepo, each day is shaped by the goings-on in the local community, and many activities involve genuine cultural exchange with the Samburu people. Your stay could include participating in traditional Samburu warrior games or immersion into a manyatta, or settlement, where you might observe local blacksmiths at work or even witness festive ceremonies. Insider Tip: Spend more time here than you think you need, and let the experience unfold around you. This is also the perfect home base from which to explore even more remote areas like Lake Turkana in Kenya's wild north. Chris Liebenberg is a member of Travel + Leisure's A-List and specializes in Botswana and Namibia trips. You can create a tailor-made itinerary with Liebenberg by contacting him at chris@ Read the original article on Travel & Leisure Solve the daily Crossword
%3Amax_bytes(150000)%3Astrip_icc()%2FTAL-lead-vatican-city-skyline-ALISTPOSTZOE0725-f24ab3eb3bf74ba58a751418285c5343.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
Travel + Leisure
3 days ago
- Travel + Leisure
An Italy Travel Expert's Perfect Itinerary for a Luxe Girls Trip to Rome
Rome is the perfect destination for a girls trip—there's no shortage of chic activities to partake in or women-owned establishments to support. In fact, throughout my career as a travel advisor, I've planned countless trips for girl groups, bachelorette parties, and even all-female family trips. Whether you're looking to learn about history, shop for Italian leather, or just spend some quality time abroad with the women in your life, here are my top tips for a Roman holiday with some feminine flair. Statues of the House of Vestal Virgins in the Roman Forum. Iconic attractions like the Roman Forum and the Michelangelo-designed Capitoline Hill are must-visits on any trip to Rome. There, travelers can familiarize themselves with the capital's founding and complex past, especially with the help of a knowledgeable tour guide. While most tours neglect the stories of influential women in Roman history and mythology, some, like Stellavision Travel, make sure to spotlight them. You can learn about the legendary noblewoman and heroine Lucretia; the goddess of victory, Nike; and the six priestesses known as the Vestal Virgins—all while experiencing the stunning sights of Rome's most historic neighborhood. A tourist walking in the city streets with shopping bags. Retail therapy is the ultimate girls trip indulgence, but finding chic shops amongst the souvenirs can be a tall order, particularly in Rome. Don't miss Voodoo Jewels, a by-appointment-only jewelry showroom. The brand, whose offerings range from fashion to semi-precious, was founded in 2002 by Livia Lazzari, a Roman designer. Across the Tiber River, in the beautiful passageway of Via di Monserrato, you'll find L'Archivio di Monserrato, a two-floor boutique. There, Argentinian fashion designer Soledad Twombly curates a selection of clothing, antiques, and textiles from around the world; in some cases, you may be invited to see her collection of artwork in the basement. A table setting in an Italian osterias are perfect for a quintessentially Roman experience, but my girlfriends and I typically favor women-run spots that feature updated culinary classics in design-forward spaces. At SantoPalato, chef and owner Sarah Cicolini emphasizes quality ingredients and low waste while serving revitalized Italian classics. Mazzo, Francesca Barreca's modern trattoria, offers generous helpings of hearty Roman food in an upscale setting. At either restaurant, you're in for a delicious meal complemented by extensive wine lists and cool decor. The exterior view of Fendi Private Suites in Rome. When in Rome … Why not live like the city's most famous sisters? The storied Fendi family focuses on fashion, of course—Silvia Fendi's brand headquarters are in one of my favorite buildings in Rome, the Square Colosseum. You'll also find Fendi fingerprints on exciting antiques at Federica Formilli Fendi's Triplef store. The sisters have recently entered into hospitality with the Fendi Private Suites, located within the historic Fendi Palazzo above the flagship store. They provide guests with luxurious stays and the ultimate view over the Spanish Steps. Another fashionable option is Alda Fendi's Rhinoceros Roma. These apartments, which sit between the Tiber River and the Circus Maximus, combine industrial-chic decor with serious art credentials. From the ground-floor museum to the rooftop restaurants, Rhinoceros offers plenty of spots to gather with your girls. Zoe Shapiro is a member of Travel + Leisure's A-List and specializes in female-focused trips. You can create a tailor-made itinerary with Shapiro by contacting her at [email protected] .
Travel + Leisure
3 days ago
- Travel + Leisure
Why This Underrated Region of Argentina Deserves More Attention, According to a Travel Advisor
In Argentina's northwest, where the Andes Mountains lie, you'll find a wild and vast region unlike any other. There is the city of Salta, the provinces of Jujuy and Catamarca, and the wilderness in the Puna high desert. Read on for the to best ways to explore this lesser-known part of the country—directly from a top travel advisor who specializes in trips to Argentina. What to See In northwest Argentina, the landscapes are unlike any other. Starting in the Jujuy province, at the border of Chile and Bolivia, the Quebrada de Humahuaca valley winds through candy-striped mountains and adobe villages. In nearby Purmamarca village, visitors can take in the multi-colored hues of the Cerro de los Siete Colores, or the Hill of Seven Colors. This rock formation receives its coloring due to thousands of years of geological history and its unique mineral composition. Just further north, the Serranía del Hornocal mountain range, often another favorite, displays shades of rose, gold, and gray. Head south into Salta's Calchaquí Valleys, where red-rock canyons burn at sunset, and the whitewashed towns of Cachi and Molinos welcome you with quiet plazas, adobe walls, and delicious high-altitude wine. Further west, Catamarca brings you into the true wilderness. Here, you'll find the Campo de Piedra Pómez, a nature preserve of white, volcanic rock. Near the village of Tolar Grande, there are shimmering salt flats and flamingo-filled lagoons to explore, too. What to Do The Arita Cone in Puna, Argentina is a place to slow down, take a deep breath, and reconnect—with the land, the people, and yourself. Wander ancient valleys still threaded with original Inca trails. Ride horseback with local gauchos (skilled horsemen) near the quaint towns of Cachi or Cafayate. Cross the surreal Arisaro salt flat and snap a picture at the Arita cone, or ride a 4x4 up the surrounding hills. Another great site to visit is Puna plateau, the high-altitude region in the Central Andes. Keep in mind, however, there are no signs in this area—just vicuña tracks, rock cairns, and instinct—so it's best to travel with a guide when visiting the region. Where to Stay Private outdoor seating at the Terraza Suite at House of Jasmines. House Of Jasmines While remote, there are a few great accommodations in the region. Just 15 minutes from downtown Salta, one of my favorite properties is the House of Jasmines. There are just 14 elegantly appointed rooms and suites, a spa, an outdoor pool, and the acclaimed La Table restaurant, which only serves traditional dishes from the north of Argentina, like tamales. In Cafayate, about a three-hour drive south of Salta, there is Patios de Cafayate. This resort combines colonial charm with modern luxury. In the other direction, a three-hour drive north of Salta, is Las Marias hotel, which is located just a few blocks from the main square in the city of Tilcara, where you can explore Andean culture. This boutique offers a serene escape with breathtaking vistas of the surrounding mountains. Where to Eat Food in Argentina's northwest is hearty, and a culmination of Andean and indigenous influences. A few highlights of the cuisine include locro, a slow-cooked stew of corn, beans, and beef; humitas, which consists of fresh choclo (a large field corn) steamed in corn husks; and llama meat, which is tender and becoming a staple in the northern regions. Another must-try includes empanadas with a splash of lemon and a glass of local torrontés, an aromatic white wine. In the city of Salta, enjoy a contemporary take on traditional cuisine at El Baqueano, a restaurant situated atop the scenic San Bernardo Hill. El Bodeguero Hotel, set in a restored neo-colonial mansion, is another spot that serves delicious bites. Final Takeaways The northwest of Argentina isn't just a destination—it's a rhythm full of deep tradition. Bring your dustiest boots and an adventurous spirit because up here, where clouds drift below you and volcanoes stand in silence, you'll find something most travelers never experience. Carola Fresno is a member of Travel + Leisure's A-List and specializes in Argentina and Chile trips. You can create a tailor-made itinerary with Fresno by contacting her at [email protected].
