The north of Salta is characterized by diversity and dramatic contrast of its landscapes. In large part, is covered by thick, lush subtropical forests know as the Yungas, where rivers and exotic animals defined the way. In the shade of its dense vegetation, live aboriginal centenarians communities that just suspect that on the other side of the mountains, the landscape changes dramatically and ancient villages are suspended from the walls of steep canyons.
Iruya is a jewel of the north and the access to Iruya imposes some difficulty as like any hidden treasure.
The inconvenience is soon forgotten when the tourist see the vertiginous arrival and the challenging beauty of a village, literally, the villa is hanging on top of the northern mountains of Salta. Iruya, as well as other magical villages of the area, can be accessed via a detour from RN 9, then cross the Quebrada de Humahuaca (Jujuy Province). Abra del Condor, a milestone up to 4,000 m altitude divides the provinces of Salta and Jujuy and it is another attraction of the road.
As long as the rainfall permits, because the overflow of rivers can make it impossible, you can access through narrows winding roads to the village. The landscape is barren and imposing and on the hillsides draws the silhouette of small populations of adobe houses and neat squares of crops. Iruya stands suspended from the precipice of a huge gorge.
Surrounded by a majestic landscape, its steep cobbled streets seem frozen in time. Its pre-Columbian roots culture is manifested in pagan-religious celebrations as the colorful fiesta in honor of the Virgen del Rosario which takes place every October.
The magic mountain villages: Nazareno and Santa Victoria.
Nazareno and Santa Victoria have been converted by the time in something more than just a village: Both are also witnesses where still maintain the architecture and lifestyle of ancient times. You heard many stories regarding its history. They are characterized by tranquil beauty and silence of its hills crossed repeatedly by the pastors of the area.
Both villages can be acceded trough The Quiaca (Jujuy) in the far north of our country, crossing a steep mountain road. Tourist can visit the modest church that honors the Virgin of Guadalupe, patroness of the village (especially recommended for September 8, when the party bosses). Santa Victoria Oeste is only accessible from the town of yavi (Jujuy). It is a declared historical place since 1975 and it is surrounded by crops and amazing vegetation highlighted with the walnuts.
The diversity of the Yungas
Beyond the mountains of the northeast, a radical change in the climate and landscape happens. The dryness yield to fertility, the ocher to green landscapes, the empty channels to plentiful rivers. The amzing Yungas have the power of in just a few miles takes you to a completely different ecosystem and equally attractive.
The northeast of the province on the border with the neighboring country of Bolivia has green mountains and large rivers as the Bermejo, whose water is rich in fish such as the dorado, surubí and catfish. The residents, members of ancient native cultures, live from fishing and making handicrafts made from wood and plants of the area.
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