A trip to the 'Quebrada de las Conchas'

From Cafayate, I take a guided excursion to the Quebrada de las Conchas ('Gorge of the Shells'). This is a narrow section of the Río Guachipas valley, also called the Río de las Conchas ('River of Shells'). The landscape is partially desert-like and consists of red sedimentary rock, sandstone, and shale. The excursion is one of the highlights of my trip, despite the heat and the risk of sunburn, I can't stop being amazed. I am so caught up in taking photos that I lag behind the group of ten and lose sight of our tour guide. 'Austria, Austria' echoes through the gorge, as he could remember my nationality but not my first name. 'Aqui' (here), I shout and jump up from the ground behind the desert plants that I have just artistically placed in the scene. From then on, he doesn't let me out of his sight.. :-)