Argentina’s Northwest is home to some of the most scenic drives in the country. The road is the destination on Ruta Nacional 52, Quebrada de Humahuaca and Quebrada de las Conchas, three spectacular drives in the provinces of Salta and Jujuy.

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Starting Point – Salta

All three drives are located in the provinces of Salta and Jujuy, in Argentina’s Northwest. We rented a car in Córdoba and set out for the capital of Salta, an eleven-hour drive. Salta is a beautiful colonial city, aptly nicknamed La Linda (The Beautiful). We spent three nights in Salta while exploring the region.

One of the beautiful historic buildings along the plaza harbors three 500-year old Inca children. The mummies were discovered on the Llullaillaco, one of the highest volcanoes in the Andes. The Museo de Arqueología de Alta Montaña (MAAM) displays a different mummy every six months, to safeguard preservation.

Purmamarca

Two scenic drives depart from the Quechan village of Purmamarca in the province of Jujuy. If you plan to drive both of them, consider staying a night in Purmamarca in order to save a return trip to Salta. The town’s setting against the backdrop of Cerro de los Siete Colores is enough reason for a visit. Purmamarca’s colorful town square has a year-round handicraft market, where you can stock up on inexpensive souvenirs while supporting the local community.

#1- Ruta Nacional 52

The first impressive route leaving from Purmamarca leads into Chile. You can buy coca leaves along the way, as Ruta 52 winds up to 4.170 meters above sea level. Truck drivers chew coca leaves to combat fatigue, but the leaves are also said to prevent altitude sickness.

The spectacular scenery along Ruta 52 continues after its peak, with an occasional vicuña or lama passing by the window. Further down the road, the red hills make way for a growing white surface.

Salinas Grandes is one of the largest salt flats in the world. Ruta 52 cuts right through this sea of salt. Besides a parking lot and occasional food stall, there are no amenities. You can walk on the salt flats to take in the unique landscape.

#2- Quebrada de Humahuaca

The second scenic drive travels from Purmamarca to Tres Cruces on Ruta Nacional 9. The Quebrada de Humahuaca follows the ancient Inca Road in an impressive mountain valley, rightfully making it to the UNESCO World Heritage list. The spectacular drive through the Rio Grande valley takes you past colorful mountain ridges, thousands of giant cactuses and remains of (pre-)Incan settlements.

The picturesque town of Humahuaca is the starting point of a brief sidetrack onto Route 73. After 16 miles on an unpaved road, you’ll reach the viewpoint of Argentina’s rainbow mountain, El Hornacal.

#3- Quebrada de las Conchas

The third drive heads south from Salta to the wine region of Cafayate. The Quebrada de las Conchas or “Shells Ravine” covers 30 miles of Ruta 68 between Salta and Cafayate.

The route is scattered with dramatic rock formations and breathtaking views. The rocks have such particular shapes that they received names, some more obvious than others.

Once you make it to Cafayate, more beautiful scenery awaits. The region is well known for their signature white wine Torrontés. You can taste this refreshing wine at one of many scenic wineries around town. We spent the night celebrating my birthday with delicious food and wine on Cafayate’s cosy central plaza.

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