Salta Province: Northwest Argentina’s Geological Spectacle

In 1999, archaeologists found three perfectly mummified Inca children on the summit of Cerro Llullaillaco in Salta Province, at 6,739 metres. They had been sacrificed approximately 500 years earlier as part of the capacocha ritual – left with food, clothing, and offerings at the highest altitude Inca ceremonial site ever discovered. The preservation by the cold and altitude was so complete that the children appeared to be asleep. They are now displayed at the MAAM museum in Salta city, rotated so only one is shown at a time.

This is a different kind of entry point to northwest Argentina than the geology usually provides, but it captures something about the region’s accumulated cultural and geological weight: a landscape where the Andes were already a major human transit corridor 10,000 years ago, where the Inca Empire reached its southernmost limits, and where Andean uplift has exposed strata of extraordinary colour across canyon walls.

Quebrada de Humahuaca

The Quebrada is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, designated for its continuous role as a route connecting high Andes to lowland cultures across 10,000 years. The Rio Grande river runs through a narrow canyon flanked by painted desert walls in red, purple, green, ochre, and white. The colours are most vivid when the afternoon sun is low from the west.

Purmamarca has the Cerro de los Siete Colores (Hill of Seven Colours) directly behind the village – seven distinct geological strata visible simultaneously in a single formation. The walk around the base takes about 90 minutes.

Tilcara has the Pucará de Tilcara, a partially reconstructed pre-Inca hilltop fortress with views of the valley. The on-site archaeological museum covers the Tiwanaku and Inca periods that used this route.

Humahuaca at the northern end of the valley is a small colonial settlement with an 18th-century church. Market day (Tuesday and Friday) brings artisans from surrounding communities. Altitude is around 2,900 metres – allow a day to acclimatise before hiking.

Quebrada de las Flechas

South of Salta city near Cafayate, Highway 40 passes through a canyon where erosion has left red sandstone pinnacles pointing upward at irregular angles. No entry fee; drive through and stop where you like. Combined with the Cafayate wine region (the Torrontés white wine grape produces its best versions here), this makes a practical day trip from Salta.

Salta City

Salta (population 670,000, altitude 1,187 metres) has a well-preserved colonial centre. The MAAM (Museo de Arqueología de Alta Montaña, free) on Calle Mitre contains the Llullaillaco children and covers the Inca summit ritual in detail. The display is carefully handled and among the most affecting museum experiences in South America.

Empanadas are the local speciality: Salta-style empanadas contain beef, potato, and spring onion, baked rather than fried. El Solar del Convento on Caseros serves them properly.

Renting a car in Salta city is the most flexible approach for the main sights, which are 70-200 kilometres apart. Organised day tours run to both the Quebrada de Humahuaca and the Cafayate circuit.