Salta
This area is in the northwest of Argentina , close to the borders of Chile and Bolivia . With its majestic backdrop of stunning mountains, which change colour throughout the day, its deep canyons and fast flowing rivers, it is ideal for white water rafting. Salta Rafting at level 3 is an unforgettable experience along the Rio Juramento . When you have time to pause in calmer water you can see the footprints of dinosaurs, embedded in ancient rock along the side of the canyon. After your amazing river trip, the guides will cook a superb barbeque of a selection of meats and salads. Rest afterwards in hammocks to digest the feast!
There are so many places to visit and interesting things to do in this area. It has so many archaeological sites that they are never crowded, such as the superbly excavated sites at Quilmes and Tastil which were inhabited by civilizations even before the Incas. More recent historical evidence of a changing society can be seen at the now deserted railway terminal of Aleman – once a prosperous trading post but now a ghost town with only goats waiting on the station platform. Alternatively take a breathtaking trip by train into Los Nubes (the clouds) along a viaduct, high up in the mountains.
Salta has a wide selection of ranches and posadas in which to stay, all of which offer superb hospitality after a day’s touring. Here are just a few examples but there are many more to choose from:
The Finca Santa Anita has been run by generations of the same family. Formerly a tobacco plantation, there is a fascinating small museum depicting the history and production of tobacco over the centuries. The finca now specialises in goat rearing, with many prize-winning breeds. Needless to say, the food here is organically produced with several varieties of cheese on offer.
The posada Don Numas is run by the vivacious Josefina Sarapia who will embrace you with her hospitality. The posada combines luxury with a 
family atmosphere and the food is divine!
For those wanting a more remote experience, a two-day horse treck to the ranch Puerta del Cielo, meaning gateway to heaven, will provide it. The owner, Vincente Sarapura, still speaks the indigenous language of Wichy. His surname, which is shared by nearly everyone in this remote area, means ‘maize man’. In this pure, timeless environment, there are year round rodeos in which the winners of lassoing competitions are obliged to eat an enormous cake, washed down with huge quantities of wine!
