Argentina and Chile: Deserts of the Altiplano

Founded in 1536 by the Spaniard Pedro de Mendoza, for a century and a half Buenos Aires was cut off from the main routes of South America, only gaining importance in the 18th century. As the capital of the Viceroyalty of the Río de la Plata, Buenos Aires saw a large influx of European immigrants in the 19th and 20th centuries. With its wide tree-lined avenues, impressive buildings, and cosmopolitan atmosphere, Buenos Aires is considered one of the most beautiful cities in South America. The Argentine capital has a more European than South American atmosphere and is characterized by lively streets, luxurious boulevards, old-style cafes, and classy restaurants. Buenos Aires is rich in history, culture, and must-see attractions, starting with its colorful neighborhoods and the historic city center, which is the nerve center of the city's relationship with politics.

Nicknamed "Jump the beautiful," it is a beautiful city whose center preserves the monuments of its colonial past. Unlike the cities of Patagonia, built in the 20th century, the city of Salta is rich in history and dates back to the 16th century. The colonial architecture, religious buildings, craftsmanship, music, and typical dishes with Andean flavors all speak of a culture and traditions preserved over time and still alive today. During a visit to Salta, one must not miss the MAAM, the High Mountain Archaeological Museum, an incredible place where Inca mummies are also preserved.

Located in the Northeast of Argentina, just 150 km from Salta, Cafayate is surrounded by impressive rock formations. The vibrant colors of the mountains tell the story of a fertile land, rich in minerals. The main activities and attractions in the area are the wineries and the pristine natural landscapes of the Quebrada de Cafayate. The composition of the soil and the desert climate of Northeast Argentina have created the ideal conditions for the production of Torrontés. This grape variety has a white berry, quite aromatic, with a flavor that closely resembles our Malvasia varieties. In addition to Torrontés, Cafayate also cultivates Malbec, Tannat, and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes.

Purmamarca is a tiny village nestled in the heart of Northwestern Argentina. It is located right at the foot of the Hill of Seven Colors and is the best starting point to reach Las Salinas Grandes. With its old traditional houses, colonial church, and streets crowded with visitors, Purmamarca is not your typical Andean village, but rather a small tourist center that combines tradition and modernity. Among the large carob trees and the breathtaking backdrop of the Cerro de los Sietes Colores, there is a very diverse and colorful population.

Located at the northernmost tip of Chile, at an altitude of 2430 meters, San Pedro de Atacama is the gateway to the Atacama Desert. San Pedro de Atacama is surrounded by majestic sites with unique landscapes in the world: the Moon and Death Valleys, geysers, salt flats, turquoise-colored lagoons, and some of the highest volcanoes on the continent.

as it entered the twentieth century Santiago began to expand eastwards into the new barrio alto and north into Bellavista; in no time the city started gobbling up outlying towns and villages at great speed and Gran Santiago today stretches 40 km by 40 km. The rapid economic growth of the last decade has seen high-rise buildings sprouting up in the central area, particularly in Providencia and Las Condes, but the city’s core still sticks to the same street pattern marked out by Pedro de Valdivia in 1541, and its first public space, the Plaza de Armas, is still at the heart of its street life.