Population Argentina: 44.7 million. Average number of people per square km – 16 (India – 380, China – 150, New Zealand – 15).
The north west of Argentina stretching from the Bolivian border in the north to the fringes of Patagonia in the south, is characterized by the high Andes mountains and fantastic geological formations. This region, like much of the rest of South America, was pan flat roughly 30 million years ago. During the millions of years that followed, tectonic activity forced up the land mass to form the Andes mountains. Everything about this mountain range is BIG. This range stretches for about 7,000km along the spine of South America cutting across numerous countries. The width of the mountain range varies between 200km and 700km and several peaks exceed 6,000m above sea level. The result of the formation of this mountain range was a dramatic change of climate on either side of the mountain range.
Having crossed into Argentina from Bolivia at Yacuiba, we traveled through lush tropical forest. It was early Spring and many trees were carrying blossoms, mainly red, yellow and purple. We were heading to the north western part of Argentina, which includes the Andes mountain range. As usual, we tried to find lesser used roads and tracks that would take us to remote areas. We found a little used track that took us due west from Oran via San Andres across a 4,200m pass to Humahuaca. There were only a few locals in tiny hamlets along the way. The track was extremely steep in sections and was only one vehicle width for much of its way. The scenery was beautiful and the valleys very deep. We enjoyed the solitude and camping overnight high up on the mountains. We saw numerous exotic birds along the way, including the massive Condor. This vulture is found all along the length of the Andes and is apparently the largest flying bird weighing in at more than 10kg and has a wingspan of more than 3m.
Once you top the crest of the first mountain range, you can see the dramatic effect of the mountains on the climate. The western side receives very little rainfall and the area is for the most part dry and barren, whilst the eastern side, at lower levels, is tropical. The arid areas, essentially void of dense vegetation, shows off the impressive and stunning landscapes. The numerous bands of limestone of varying colours have been folded and turned on its side by the tectonic activity that formed the Andes mountains. Erosion over millions of years have exposed these rock formations. The Serranía de Hornocal is a mountain range that cuts across Argentina, Bolivia and Peru and has these fantastic landscapes. We drove over several mountain ranges, mostly topping out at about 4,000m, to see different landscapes and geological spectacles.
The Salinas Grandes (Great Salt lake) is located close to the Chile border at about 3,500m. The drive over high mountain passes makes for interesting travel. The salt lake is contained between two high mountain ranges and studies have shown that deposits are hundreds of metres thick. Salt has been mined in the area since ancient times by local tribes, Incas and Spanish in more recent times. It was a very harsh environment to work in and the ever suffering donkey was used to do all the transport of salt. There may be new wealth to be found here in the form of lithium, according to recent exploration.
The column type cactus with its one to three fingers pointing to the sky, is found in the arid mountain areas at about 2,000m to 3,000m. They grow 5m to 7m in height and can live for a couple of hundred years. This area is also home to the cute looking Guanacos, an animal that looks much like the Lama. They live in herds composed of females, their young, and a dominant male and one often sees them roaming wild on the mountainside or river valleys.
On the way south to Salta down the valley from the high mountains one passes through small villages where life passes at a leisurely pace. This area is know for weaving. The loom used in the villages is rudimentary and typically they produce ponchos. They now also produce colourful products to capture the tourist dollar.
Salta, further south, is Argentina’s well known white wine growing area, the best being in the Cafayate region. Vines have been established in the high mountain valleys ranging from 1,600m to nearly 3,000m above sea level. The Jesuits planted the first vines during colonial times in the 1600s, and the industry has flourished. There are numerous wine farms that can be visited for wine tasting and a relaxing lunch.
