Calchaquí Valleys, Valley system in Salta Province, Argentina
The Calchaquí Valleys form a river valley system in northwestern Argentina characterized by dramatic red rock formations, steep canyons, and varied plant life across mountain elevations. The landscape shifts from narrow gorges to open plains with scattered traditional towns.
The Diaguita-Cacano peoples lived in these valleys for thousands of years before Spanish conquest reached the region around the 1560s. Resistance against colonizers defined much of the early colonial period here.
The valleys are home to traditional towns where local crafts, markets, and daily routines reflect centuries-old ways of living. You can see how these communities maintain their connection to the land through agriculture and local production.
Exploring this region works best starting from Salta City and traveling through mountain roads that connect different valley sections. Each town offers basic services and places to stay for visitors.
This region produces Torrontés wine, a distinctive white wine whose grapes develop unique flavor qualities due to the high altitude and cool mountain climate. The vineyards here create characteristics that set them apart from other wine regions.
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