The enormous country of Argentina has amazing geology and landscapes that are worth traveling for. One of the special and little known areas is the Quebrada de Cafayate (Cafayate Canyon). It is located in the northwest corner of the country, a few hours south of Salta or an hour north of Cafayate.
The Quebrada de Cafayate is an amazing canyon that resembles what the offspring of the Grand Canyon and Utah’s Capitol Reef would look like.
The route, Ruta 68, through the canyon is on a freshly paved surface (great for touring bicyclists). There are small despensas along the way offering cold drinks and empanadas.
The land was shaped and molded by subtropical rain storms and the waters of Rio de Las Conchas. What was once forested hillside has changed into rainbow colored spires and steep canyon walls. The landforms, in certain areas, look like giant sculptures created by man.
Here are a few examples of the sites that are worth exploring:
- Garganta del Diablo (The Devil’s Throat): The nondescript trail starts from the parking lot. After passing a few green, bushy trees that are a stark contrast to the deep red rock, the walls open up into a steep orange and light red tongue. All of a sudden it truly feels as if you are standing before the immense jaws of the devil, looking up into his throat. The tongue leads to an area of benched rock where you can look straight up the throat. The rock walls extend up into the air hundreds of feet, giving the illusion of a red, irritated, angry throat.
- EL Anfiteatro (The Amphitheater): This again begins at an unassuming trailhead then leads to a masterpiece. The earth opens up into a multitude of layered, colored rock that is in a huge amphitheater shape. This would be a wonderful place to have a concert. The acoustics are perfect.
- Los Castillos (The Castles): This area looks like giant sand castles. The spires of rock are dressed in deep reds and warm oranges. The eye plays tricks with the observer looking at the vertical lines of colors intermixed into the shapes.
Among these trailheads are locals selling their handmade crafts. The craftsmanship and detail to each different piece of art, from carved cactus earrings to vases matching the rock walls, shows awe-inspiring talent.
The Cafayate canyon is of worldly beauty and should not be missed when traveling through Northern Argentina.