Argentina Holidays: Villages of Los Valles Calchaquies
Argentina Holidays: Villages of Los Valles Calchaquies
Boasting some of the most dramatic landscapes in the Salta region, northwest of Argentina, Los Valles Calchaquies are a series of stunning valleys surroundied by majestic Andean peaks and rolling green hills. Traveling across this beautiful scenery and stopping in the authentic villages that sprinkle the area is truly a unique experience. The valley is home to a large number of quaint and serene towns which are all a pleasure to explore and a great place to observe the traditional culture and customs of Argentina's Andean region.
Start your explorations in the oasis village of Cachi, beautifully set against the massive range of the Nevado de Cachi Mountains in a wide green valley. Former Diaguita settlement, Cachi was conquered in 1450 by the Incas, who built extensive irrigation channels to the area, using the Nevado's snowmelt, and allowing for farming. Huge scarlet-red fields of peppers can still be seen in around the town, in stark contrast against the arid mountains. Cachi is a pleasant town with a village atmosphere and a tight community always eager to party, so you are likely to be treated to some folklore music. The town is also known in the region for its weaving tradition, with several handicrafts shops and artisan workshop selling their fine products.
From Cachi, continue on the road across the valley, and take a small detour across beautiful scenery to reach Seclantas, a quiet village adorned with simple colonial-style houses and an interesting church from the 19th century. Seclanta's weaving production is known as the finest in the area, and you will see artisans selling their excellent goods directly from their workshop on the side of the road. Continue on toward Molinos, about 50km from Cachi. This small village secluded in between craggy mountains boasts a charming plaza and adobe houses, and is the perfect place to relax, doing nothing.
For gastronomes and wine enthusiasts, the real reason to travel to the remote village of Molinos, apart from its exceptional setting, is the nearby Colom winery. This fantastic retreat, hidden away in the mountains is owned by a charming art collector, and has for a distinct characteristic to produce the highest altitude wine in the world, at 2,300m. Producing exquisite intense wines following organic principles, this winery is a spectacular place, also offering luxurious accommodation and delicious cuisine. If you haven't had your fill after that, continue on to Cafayate, the most important town in the Calchaqui Valleys, known for its excellent climate, and home to some of the country's best wine productions. Latest Summer Shoe Collection 2011 Practical model for Measuring progress towards Sustainable rural tourism development (SRTD) in rural area of Iran Relaxing Holidays in Asia Gul Ahmed Summer Collection 2011 Holidays in the Americas Bermuda - The Pink Sand Paradise Great Culinary Destinations in Asia A Guide to The Five Hotel Located in Paris France Fun Beach Activities Summer Trend Eastern Delicacy The Evolving World of Travel Beach Holidays for Couples Great Attractions That You Should Not Fail To Experience In Your Holiday To Wisconsin Dells