2025 Argentina Dispatch Part II – Quebrada de Las

I found my new home

Part II of our Argentina dispatch is from our colleague Susie Gavlik, who many of you know and work with. Susie ventured into the northwest of Argentina, a region still largely undiscovered, even by most Argentines. This is Big Five constantly pushing the envelope, discovering new ways to experience a country, and embracing the WTTC Conscious Traveler Guideline set for by my friend Andrea Grisdale.  Connecting travelers with these parts of Argentina is how we truly support community owned small and medium sized businesses, from glamping to stargazing or immersive cultural experiences.

For this dispatch, I share Susie’s thoughts and comments about this journey.

Argentina’s north is a painter’s palette, a kaleidoscope of colors, where in less than three hours, one can travel from lush green Yungas forests to red-hued canyons and cactus-strewn deserts to the high-altitude salt flats shimmering in shades of blue and white. This region is more than a feast for the eyes – it’s a cultural crossroads of indigenous roots, Spanish colonial heritage, and immigrant traditions. My journey began in Tilcara, nestled in the heart of the Quebrada de Humahuaca—a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its dramatic desert landscapes and multicolored mountains. Here the locals still farm their lands using traditional plowing methods and grow vegetables from seed passed down through the generations.

It was then on to Pristine Salinas Grande Camp positioned on the isolated, otherworldly expanse of the Salinas Grandes, the third largest salt flat in the world after Uyuni and the Atacama. Surrounded by endless white horizons and distant mountain peaks, the views at sunrise, sunset, and under the stars are nothing short of breathtaking. During the rainy season, the salt flats transform into a natural mirror, creating surreal reflections. Whether you’re a photographer, a stargazer, or a traveler in search of something extraordinaire, this is a destination that stirs the soul.

From the salar, we drove through Purmamarca, the most picturesque and representative town of Quebrada de Humahuaca, best known for its hill of seven colors. This multicolored mountain is one of the most iconic natural landmarks in Argentina with vivid layers of red, pink, green, yellow, and purple formed over millions of years due to sedimentary rock deposition and mineral content. After winding through the Quebrada de las Conchas, where dramatic red rock formations, canyons, and wind-sculpted cliffs command awe at every turn, we arrived in Cafayate, Argentina’s second most important wine region after Mendoza and most famous for its Torrontés, a young white crispy varietal that thrives in high-altitude conditions and delivers bright, floral flavors with every sip.

The malbec here is simply elegant too! It was then off to Cachi where the traditional whitewashed adobe houses and cobblestone streets transport one back in time. Nearby is Los Cardones National Park, famous for its giant cactus forests, a rich prehistoric heritage of dinosaur tracks and fossils, and a wide array of wildlife including guanaco, red and gray fox, and if luck is on your side, the Andean condor. My time in the north ended in Salta, a city that wears its history with pride. With its colonial architecture, lively pedestrian streets, art galleries, and café-lined plazas, Salta offers the perfect balance of culture, relaxation, and Argentine charm.

Most Americans who travel to Argentina rarely venture into the north. While this region does attract tourists, they’re mostly from neighboring countries or Europe. This is untouched Argentina—far removed from the European charm of Buenos Aires or the tourist-heavy trails of Patagonia. It offers a unique glimpse into a side of the country few ever see, one that appeals to lovers of nature, adventure, and a more laid-back rhythm of life. After all, travel isn’t just about the destination—it’s about the stories you gather along the way. And believe me, I collected more than a few. From the vast salt flats to the fertile wine valleys, from the cactus-covered hills to the charming colonial towns, northern Argentina stole my heart.

I think I found my new home. Can someone talk to Ashish about letting me work remotely from northern Argentina?

(don’t worry I already approved it).

Enjoy the video and feel free to reach out should you want to see the real Argentina.