Argentina's north - surprisingly beautiful

Once again, we cross the border to Argentina from Santiago. During the bus ride across the Andes, we enjoy a breathtaking view of the highest mountains in South America.

We start in Mendoza, in the most famous wine region of Argentina. During a Bike & Wine tour, we visit four different wineries, learn a lot about wine production, and of course, taste the alcoholic beverage. We quickly make new friendships with other backpackers in our group and spend a fantastic day in beautiful weather.

From Mendoza, we continue heading north. After a few relaxing days in San José, we visit two impressive national parks: Ischigualasto & Talampaya. The Ischigualasto park is also called "Valle de Luna," meaning Moon Valley, and in this dry area, we actually feel like we have arrived on the moon. The Talampaya park impresses us with its large red mountains and different rock formations. It's incredible what beautiful places nature has.

Next, we head up into the mountains. While we were in one of the driest areas before, we are now in the wettest region. Everything is so green; we feel like we're in Ireland. In the small village of Tafí del Valle, we stay on a farm with its own dairy. On a rainy day, we visit the farm's around 200 cows and tour the dairy. During a tasting, we savor the delicious cheese.

On the way from Cafayate to Salta, the "Quebrada de Cafayate," the Mars landscape, snakes along the highway. Prominent natural stone formations such as a devil's throat, an amphitheater, toads, and castles inspire us to fantasize.

In Salta, we enjoy the atmosphere of the city for two days before continuing to the next small villages in the north. We are particularly impressed by the pool in our hostel garden, where we find refreshment and relaxation.

In the province of Jujuy, the villages Purmamarca, Humahuaca, and Tilcara are waiting for us. The tiny towns are characterized by picturesque landscapes, colorful hills, and unimaginable views. The villages, inhabited by indigenous Quechua people, consist of adobe houses, narrow cobblestone streets, and numerous adobe churches.

We were particularly impressed by "Salinas Grandes," a salt lake in the province of Jujuy.

My travel partner Marine continues to Bolivia from here, while I take one last trip to Chile to the Atacama Desert in San Pedro de Atacama. There, my friend Carina from Viña del Mar is waiting for me.