Tourism, attractions, sightseeing, geography, photos, maps, art and entertainment, sports and recreation and practical information about the provinces of Jujuy, Salta, Tucuman, La Rioja, Catamarca and Santiago del Estero.
Long before the Andes mountains were formed along the spine of South America, what is now called the Valley of the Moon in Argentina's northwest San Juan province was a vast depression of ancient sediments of the Triassic geological period. The fantastic rock formations caused by time and erosion marking the landscape and prompting geologists, paleontologists and visitors to marvel at the history and landscape of what is now, together with Talampaya National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Parque Nacional Talampaya in Argentina's La Rioja province was created to preserve important paleontological and archaeological sites. The brilliant wind eroded rock formations and canyons like Los Cajones attract scientists and visitors alike.
The Long Stones, Menhires are prehistoric carvings once hidden throughout the Calchaquíes Valley near Tucuman, now displayed in Los Menhires National Park. Some theories state that these were used as sign posts by alien visitors, but most agree that they are expression of early worship to indigenous gods.
Introduction to the Northwest, with maps, tourist destinations, major attractions, photos, sports, recreation, events and activities.
11 days / 10 nights to San Juan, La Rioja, Catamarca, Tafi del Valle, Cafayate, and Salta.
"Situated 80 kilometers away from San Agustín del Valle Fértil through Nº 151 Provincial Route and 300 kilometers away from San Juan Capital City, Valle de La Luna Provincial Park is a clay formation with a great variety of colors and shapes, slopes with many layers of minerals and sediments that let you clearly see the evolution of Earth."
Description, in Spanish, plus attractions, things to do and see, getting there, temperature, map and suggested tours.
La Rioja city combines antiquity and modernity - narrow streets, low houses, museums, historical monuments, churches and convents contrast with a dinamic commercial centre providing the tourist with an excellent cultural alternative.
Description of the region, biogeography, climate, wildlife and vegetation, with photos. In English and Spanish.
Tour the strange, rugged rock formations, see the rupestrian art and the landscape of this UNESCO Patrimonio de la Humanidad site.
Facts about ARgentina in general, transportation, and details and photos of a trip through the Northwest.
Click on the thumbnails for larger images of the city's attractions and historical buildings.
"The city Santiago del Estero that gives the county its name, is the oldest city in the country, founded in 1.553. Its current Catedral Basílica Menor was the first to be built in Argentina." Attractionss, hotels and tourist services.
Background, history, photos, culture and links to related material.
"Santiago del Estero City is situated on the banks of Río Dulce ( Sweet River ) and is proud of being the oldest city in the country and the Capital City of the Province. The ideal season to visit the city is Winter since it is sunny and warm. The Summer is hot being 45º C the maximum registered temperature."
"In colonial times, the densely populated northwest was the River Plate's link to the Viceroyalty of Peru and to Spain, and its palpable indigenous and colonial landmarks set among incomparable mountain and desert scenery the region's strongest assets."
