Northern Argentina... Siete Colores, Quebrada de Humahuaca, Posta and Coctaca

From Salta, I continued north along the highway.

I passed by the Cerro de los Siete Colores (Hill of Seven Colors).

To me, the hill seemed to have more than seven colors.

I could count at least 10, maybe more. But who is really keeping track. It's just one of those wonders to ponder. How does that happen?

I rode on and passed an area known as the Quebrada de Humahuaca (Ravine of Humahuaca). There were mountains with crazy rock formations. I don't know if these mountains were formed from erosion or tectonic plates colliding... amazing either way.

I checked out the Posta de Hornillos.

The fort was built in 1772.

Supposedly the fort and others like it were instrumental in the war for independence for Argentina.

Ever see a llama up close and personal?

How about a giant llama?

I reached the small town of Humahuaca.

I left my bags in the hostel and decided to do a little exploring in the outskirts. I headed down a dirt road to an area called Coctaca.

I found the village which contained about 5 houses and this small iglesia (church).

Not much out there, except some thistles and some ruins.

Actually, Coctaca is supposedly some of the largest pre-Colombian ruins in South America covering some 40 hectares.

However, many of the ruins were not excavated and could not be distinguished from a pile of rocks. But there were quite a few of them. There was no information center, no landmarks, no signs... just rocks. I walked amongst the ruins freely.

There was absolutely nobody around.

Just me, Emi and a few cacti.

Actually, there were more that a few... the valley was covered in cacti.

Up close, the cacti were quite exquisite.

Oh... and there were a few burros amongst the rocks and cacti.

I headed back toward town along the dirt road.

Closer to civilization there were more burros.

And a few sheep going about their business.

I ran into this old lady and her dog. She looked like an interesting person.

I asked her if I could take her photo... and she said yes. An austere lady in a rugged landscape.

The next day I would push on towards the north. I passed hills, rivers, canyons...

chasms, bridges and mountains.

I stopped along the way... just to take a deep breath... and look. Northern Argentina had some of the most amazing scenery.

Further down the road, I reached the frontier town of La Quiaca. I crossed from Argentina into Boliva. Bolivia requires a visa for US citizens. I was able to get it at the border. It set me back US$135. 

Ciao Argentina, you have been an amazing travel partner.