6. Andes near Salta

Leaving Salta, we drive up to San Antonio de los Cobres in the Andes for a snack lunch, following the route of the 'Train of the Clouds' (currently closed for maintenance). From there, we drive over to the Salinas Grandes, before making our way to the Quebrada de Humahuaca and the town of Purmamarca. The photos below were taken along the way.

The Quebrada del Toro valley.

One of the viaducts used by the 'Train of the Clouds'.

Cardón cacti on the hillside. The Cardón cactus is closely related to the saguaro cactus of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, but the Cardón cactus is not frost-tolerant.

A pretty view of clouds and mountains!

A herd of Guanaco.

The quiet mining town of San Antonio de los Cobres.

Guanaco, vicuña and llamas grazing on the altiplano (puna).

A llama.

The Salinas Grandes (above and below).

View from the highpoint in the mountains between the Salinas Grandes and the Quebrada de Humahuaca.

The Quebrada de Humahuaca (above and below).