- What can you see on Route 68 and why is it the most beautiful?
Although the National road 40 It is famous for its views of the mountain landscapes and lakes of Patagonia. There is another street that is considered the most beautiful of all. There is nothing to envy and there are also vineyards and very picturesque towns.
The National Route 68located in the province Jumpis a 183 km long route that connects the capital Salta with Cafayate. Along the way, travelers can enjoy a variety of attractions: historical monuments, lagoons, vineyards, dozens of towns and spectacular views of the Calchaquíes valleys.
What can you see on Route 68 and why is it the most beautiful?
There are less than 200 kilometers of road beautiful places that everyone should visit once when traveling through northern Argentina. Some of the most notable destinations include:
Salta capital
In the city of Salta it is possible to enjoy a full day of attractions without having to drive too far. Everything starts in the July 9th Squarethe historic heart of the city, where true jewels of cultural heritage are concentrated: the imposing Cathedral basilica and the old chapternow converted into a museum and the perfect starting point for a free guided tour.
You can admire them while walking along Caseros Street Colonial architecture better preserved, with highlights like this Church of San Francisco – famous for its red and gold bell tower – and the tranquility St. Bernard Monastery. To end with an unforgettable view, take the cable car or stairs up to Cerro San Bernardo: from above, the city unfolds at sunset with craft stalls and a breathtaking viewpoint.
This is essential Museum of High Mountain Archeology (MAAM)which houses the best preserved Inca mummies in the world – the Children of Llullaillaco – a shocking experience. Other rooms such as the Güemes Museum or the Museum of Contemporary Art complete the historical and cultural panorama.
And of course that Have a good meal is the protagonist: empanadas from Salta fresh from the oven (one of the tastiest in the country), with tamales, humitas and Torrontés wines. As night falls, Balcarce Street transforms into the epicenter of folklore, with Peñas where zambas and chacareras are played, steaming locro is served, and one can experience the authentic spirit of northern Argentina.
Goat Corral Dam
Route 68 also runs here Goat Corral Damwhich is only 60 km from the capital Salta. It’s that reservoir largest in the Argentine northwest and a very popular place for Salteños to spend the day.
Here You can go kayaking, windsurfing, silver fishing or simply enjoy the man-made beach and turquoise waters surrounded by hills.. Those looking for adrenaline must check out two classics: bungee jumping from the top of the bridge (one of the highest in South America) and rafting on the Juramento River with thrilling rapids between reddish gorges.
For those who prefer to stay nearby, the experience gets even better at sunset: on the shores of the lake there are complexes of comfortable cabins, well-equipped campsites and glamping sites, perfect for waking up to enjoy the reflection of the mountains on the water and the songs of the birds.
Wild Tales Bridge
If you saw it wild storiesSurely you have imprinted in your memory the scene of the brutal “accident” in the middle of a reddish desert and a lonely bridge. Well, this place exists and it’s right here on Route 68.
The bridge that crosses the Las Conchas River (also known as the Cafayate River) is now an attractive point for film lovers. Travelers stop, take photos and have even posted homemade signs that say “Wild Tales was filmed here.”
You have to see it to be believed: it suddenly appears after a straight line. So be attentive or enter the location into the GPS to brake right there and take your own shot worthy of Damián Szifron.
Viewpoints in the mountain
There are several along Route 68 Mandatory stops which are only a few minutes apart and make the ride a natural open-air gallery:
- Devil’s Throat: About 70 km from Cafayate, it is a very narrow gorge of red rock that seems to swallow the light. You enter the room by walking through a narrow hallway for about 100 meters until you reach an impressive open chamber. Bring shoes with good grip as the ground consists of sand and loose stone.
- The amphitheater: Just a few minutes later, this huge semicircular hole with smooth walls acts as a natural sound box. When you clap or sing, the echo bounces back perfectly. It’s best to visit in the early or late afternoon, when the sun turns the walls gold and there are fewer people around.
- Tres Cruces viewpoint: A short detour along an easy path takes you to the top of a natural balcony from which you can see the meandering Las Conchas River amidst red, ocher and green hills. Ideal for panoramic photos.
- The Yesera: a 2km flat walk between pastel colored hills where you can still see marine fossils embedded in the rock (millions of years ago this was the seabed). You pass formations such as El Sapo, El Fraile and El Obelisco; Perfect to go with children or without a rush.
- The castles: Near Cafayate, these reddish stone towers and walls appear, looking like ruins of an abandoned medieval city. There are several spots with wide shoulders where you can stop, get out and take photos with the hills as an epic backdrop.
Cafayate
Cafayate is the capital of Torrontes and the hearts of vineyards the most famous in Argentina. This quiet town breathes wine everywhere, but also has a strong artisanal identity, delicious cuisine and breathtaking landscapes.
The best thing about the city is getting lost in it Wineries (many family-friendly and with guided tours that end with lavish tastings), sit in the Main Plaza at sunset while a duo plays live zambas and sample the local goat cheese, cayote candies, or the unforgettable torrontés and cabernet ice creams.
Other recommended places are: Wine and wine museum (To understand why such unique wines are created at 1,700 meters above sea level), walk or bike through the vineyards at sunset and take home some souvenirs from the workshops of artisans who work with clay, leather and silver as they did centuries ago.
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