World Images

In order to visit the Calchaquí Valleys and appreciate their beautiful sceneries and the quaint villages from the early XVIII century nestled in their geography, visitors must travel a total distance of 520 kilometers through three main roads, namely Provincial Route 33 and National Routes 40 and 68.

From the very beginning, fascination takes hold of travelers as they enter the San Fernando de Escoipe Ravine. Surrounded by mountains and bordered by Provincial Route 33, it sets the start of adventure.

The local vegetation is typical of the montane rain forest, with the presence of hydrophile and xerofile plants. Ancient laurels, willows, walnuts, peachtrees, poplars and some conifers are always present in the area.

From the vehicle, visitors may see terraces or platforms planted with corn, oats, peas or beans on the slopes of the hills located to both sides of the road.               

The dirt road is crossed by meltdown spring creeks on their way down from the heights, but they do not represent any kind of obstacle for travelers. The Agua Negra Ravine and the Malcante River escort visitors on this stage of the tour.

At the end of the Escoipe Ravine, the winding “Cuesta del Obispo” (Bishop's Slope) begins. It got its name from Monsignor Cortázar, the maximum ecclesiastical authority in Salta, who was traveling from Salta to Cachi back in 1622 and spent the night at this spot lying at 3,400 m.a.s.l.

At the top of the slope, known as “Piedra del Molino” (Millstone), lies a chapel raised to honor the Archangel Raphael, "Patron Saint of Travelers”. This spot features an unforgettable view of the endless slope, which gets mingled with the granite formation of feldspar, mica and quartz contained in the area. 

Driving on, there appears a place which faithfully honors its name: the "Enchanted Valley", a dreamed-of place with red soil and green grass where the huge rocks and the uneven terrain astonish the most daring visitors, who are used to being delighted by natural wonders.