We left the Puna with its unique landscapes and drove 550km to Salta on mainly paved roads which descended to the Calchaqúi Valley back in the Eastern Range of the Andes.

The landscapes became greener with willow trees and cactii now growing at the lower altitudes
and we started to see cows, donkeys and horses along the roadside instead of vicunas and ostriches. We followed National Highway 40 for part of the distance. This road runs from North to South through Argentina
from Bolivia to Ushuia.
We stopped for empanadas and ice cream in Cayfayate which is known for its wines – Malbec and Torrentes. The region produces only about 3% of the Argentinian wine, but the quality is amongst the best.

The final road to Salta goes through the Quebrada las Conchas with its spectacular red rock formations.