Last updated on May 21st, 2018 at 06:51 pm
The drive from Salta to Cafayate in Argentina
It was like traveling on another planet for me. All you see is a constant contradiction of what you would expect. The dry desert like air and rugged landscape totally exposed to the blazing sun, spattered with succulent plants and trees? I felt hypnotized as we drove through Quebrada De Las Conchas,
the wind worn mountain range on Route 68 from Salta to Cafayate in Northern Argentina.
The name itself means Gorge of the Shells which prompts me to think of white sand beaches and hear the sway of the ocean. That in no way describes the scene as you drive through stacked red rock formations unexpectedly spotted with lush green cacti. No ocean in sight here.
Unless you consider the aquifer that is far beneath the parched weather beaten atmosphere. This oasis under the earth is what punctuates this sun dried rusty landscape with shocks of lush green growth, a stunning contrast.
The highway winds through the craggy hills preparing to deliver The Frog (El Sapo), The Friar (El Fraile) and The Obelisk (El Obeslic). All rock formations carved out by the weather to create natural attractions. First we need to pass Garganta Del Diablo or The Devils Throat. The name evokes feelings of fear and anticipation and let me tell you this devil did not disappoint!
Inside the crevice the rock walls were close and shot high into the sky. Moving further inside toward the back of the throat the layers of rock curve and arch.
Route 68 is to date my favorite road trip. Along her lonely highway nature shines like I have never seen or experienced before. What struck me on this day trip to Cafayate was the metamorphosis in the weather in just a couple of hundred kilometers. Dry desert to acres of delicious vineyards, parched mountains dotted with plump cactus and green foliage.
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Ashleigh
March 1, 2017 at 6:18 amHi! Did you do this trip in one day starting in Salta? I have a very limited time in Salta so am keen to get as many tips as possible to use the time best 🙂
Tracey
March 1, 2017 at 7:03 amWe did do this trip in one day Ashleigh!It was about three hours from Salta to Cafayate.
Patti
June 14, 2013 at 8:45 pmAmazing photos! I know just how you must have felt – we visited Bryce and Zion Canyons last November and I was simply awe-struck by the massiveness of the cliffs and formations.
Tracey
June 15, 2013 at 6:30 amThanks Patti. It was the most beautiful drive I’ve ever taken. I have read about people biking and camping or staying with local families along the way. I want to do that with Mak when he’s big enough:) So much natural awesomeness in the U.S.A. I feel another road trip in our near future, the borders not that far away!