The north-west is the region perhaps least recognisable with the traditional Argentine image. Away from the main towns, life is far more in keeping with that of neighbouring Peru and Bolivia.

A far smaller number of tourists venture here, however those that do are rewarded with some of the most dramatic scenery in the country, landscapes filled with gigantic cacti, vast gorges, dazzling salt flats and beautiful mountains brightly coloured by their natural minerals. There are a number of Inca ruins well worth visiting, as are many of the ornate colonial churches in the area.

Rail enthusiasts will not want to miss out riding on board ‘The Train to the Clouds’. An engineering marvel, the train departs from Salta and proceeds to climb up to nearly 4000 metres, the surrounding views are extraordinary.