Las Conchas Canyon

The most unusual shapes in the reddish mountains 

The nearby part of the road that leads to the iconic Cafayate constitutes one of the most beautiful rides offered by the province of Salta. National Route 68 involves a twisting route in which curious geological formations give way to the impressive Quebrada de las Conchas (Shell Gorge), most of which is located in Guachipas. All very nice except for the dizziness that @tripticity_ feels in these zigzags. Therefore, it is always advisable to take the magic dramamine, a pill that reduces the symptoms of the sickness, or at least an infusion of coca leaf tea before starting the journey.

The names of the capricious forms adopted by nature are amusing, to give the proud locals of Salta the pride of their Calchaquí Valleys.

On the way from Salta to Cafayate, the first stop is the impressive Garganta del Diablo (Devil's Throat). A vertical cut of sedimentary rocks of more than 50 meters high that make you feel small among such immensity. At the entrance, through a narrow pass, the echo of the voice is already amusing, suddenly opening this majestic natural cone.

Then the Amphitheater, another work of erosion of incomparable beauty. There is also an obelisk, tall and presumptuous.

Further on, the Windows. It is astonishing to find an enormous skylight opened in the rock that allows to see -from the other side- the always green valley next to the river that meanders the ravine.

El Fraile, El Sapo, La Yesera and Los Castillos are the last rock formations before reaching the city of wine and sun.

To finish marveling the visitor, a few kilometers from Cafayate, are the Médanos. 

An unexpected spectacle formed by white sand, very fine and soft. High and low, they generate a perfect environment for the recreation of children and adults.

@tripticity_ was tempted to dive, rolling in the sand, so much so that at night when we arrived at Plaza Hotel, in the center of the city, generated a small domestic dune when undressed, because in its pockets and in every corner of its clothes, the immaculate sandstone had been hidden.