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Polaroid of the Week: Conquering a Mountain in Argentina's Stunning Quebrada de las Conchas

Polaroid of the Week: Conquering a Mountain in Argentina s Stunning Quebrada de las ConchasAfter a few days exploring Salta, Argentina's second-largest city in the northwest, we drove four hours south to Cafayate, a picturesque village famed for its wineries and vineyards. Nestled in a verdant valley ringed by dramatic red mountains, Cafayate enchanted us with its serene charm, even as many visitors venture out for adventures.

We relished what we consider Argentina's best empanadas—including unique quinoa-filled ones—wandered quiet, tree-shaded streets, sampled the intriguing Torrontés white wine ice cream, and cycled through nearby vineyards amid gorgeous scenery.

The star attraction was Quebrada de Cafayate (Quebrada de las Conchas), the mesmerizing range between Salta and Cafayate. Our bus journey through its winding roads, flanked by vivid red rocks evoking Sedona and the Grand Canyon, was breathtaking yet dizzying. A guided tour revealed lunar landscapes for climbing, awe-inspiring rock formations and gorges, and chills from a heartfelt love song in a natural amphitheater with impeccable acoustics.

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