 The north of Salta is a lush subtropical jungle known
as Yungas, crisscrossed by huge rivers and inhabited
by exotic animals. Other inhabitants of these forests
are the aboriginal communities, which still keep theirculture, protected by the dense and sombre vegetation. On the other side of the mountains, geography changes drastically and one finds ancient villages that seem to hang from the sides of steep hillsides and canyons. Mystic land and virgin territory, it captivates travellers with an almost irresistible attration.  IruyaThe mountains in the north of the province have many secret treasures, magical villages enveloped in mist. You can access this area on a RN9 detour after Quebrada de Humahuaca (Province of Jujuy). The land is arid and yet majestic, and little hamlets with adobe houses and tidy patches of land are silhouetted against the hillsides. Iruya stands out in this landscape, clinging from a plateau into the river ravine. Surrounded by a breathtaking view, its steep cobble-paved streets take us back to the past. Its distinctive pre-Hispanic character can be seen in its celebrations, a combination of Pagan and Christian traditions.. The magic hamlets of Nazareno and Santa Victoria: These two little villages have kept the architecture and life style that agree with ancient cultural codes. They stand out for their beauty and the silence of their mountains. Visitors can access them through La Quiaca (Jujuy), on a steep and craggy mountain path. The diversity of Las YungasThe north of the province, which limits with Bolivia, is an area of mountains covered in vegetation and big rivers like Bermejo where dorados, surubíes and catfish swim. Different aboriginal communities live in the area. Fishing and crafts are their main source of income. The variety of animals and plants in Las Yungas is unique in the world and that is why is extensively protected. Together with theYungas in Jujuy it makes up a reserve protected by UNESCO. Because of the characteristics of the area, many ecotouristic activities are practised here, like trekking, photosafaris and birdwatching. The National Park Baritú, one of the country’s virgin territories, is also situated here. The park is only accessible by four-wheel trucks because of its uneven paths, which make it a favourite place for adventure tourism fans. This is an area of great economic riches. There are gas and oil fields and tropical crops like banana, coffee, citrus trees and sugarcane. FishingSeveral rivers of the Atlantic basin -like Alto Bermejo, Grande de Tarija, Pescado and Lipeo- run through this area. Fly-fishing can be practised here and sometimes, both dorado and trout can be fished in the same rivers at different spots. Other kinds are surubí, pacú, armado and sábalo. There are fishing lodges and special guides. Ethnic TourismSome tourists want to contact peoples belonging to different cultures and some aboriginal communities in Salta are happy to host them. Nations like wichis, chiriguanos, chané, chorotes, chulupies, toba and tapietes have organised cooperatives to produce goods like artistic wooden masks, chagua fabric, nets and seed ornaments. On the other hand, the colla community can be found in Iruya and Santa Victoria. An Invitation to Live the AdventureBecause of the characteristics of the area, many activities are practised here, like trekking, rafting, mountain-bike, camping, four-wheel riding, adventure racing, hunting and fishing. Famous beauty spots are San Andrés and Isla de Cañas. |
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