Salta is one of the main cities in Northwestern Argentina. It's located in a region dominated by the Andes. The Andes Range and Chile lie to the east and Bolivia is due north. Buenos Aires is 1,500 km (932 miles) to the south. If you travel that same distance to the west from here, through Paraguay, you'll reach the Brazilian states of Santa Catarina and Paraná. The region's geography is an invitation to those who want to get to know the heart of South America by car and would like to get in some good off-road driving.

The landscape here varies from the green of tropical forest to arid formations of red rock that reach up to 5,000 meters (16,400 feet) above sea level – it's an invitation to adventure. One option to see it is taking the Cloud Train, which follows a route that goes to an altitude of over 4,000 meters (13,000 feet) above sea level and offers spectacular views.

Less than 200 km (124miles) from downtown Salta is Cafayate, on the high-altitude wine route, which has been gaining notice among Argentine wine producers. The region stands out thanks to the Torrontés white grape, which has been "stealing the show" from Mendoza, the home of Malbec. To enjoy this region, you can visit the many wineries, walk among their vineyards and enjoy the view.

Bordering the Atacama Desert in Chile, Quebrada de Humahuaca, in the Jujuy Province, includes 170 km (105 miles) of valleys and mountains in an arid setting with scrub vegetation. This is a different Argentina, where Spanish colonization mixes with the first local inhabitants, who live in the villages of Tilcara, Uquía, Iruya and Purmamarca. The region is framed by the mountain of seven colors and the large salt pans.