Crossing the Catamarca, Tucumán and Salta provinces, Calchaqui Valley is the postcard destination of Argentina’s northern provinces, known for its rust-coloured mountains, deep gorges, winding rivers and expansive valleys. The roads along this prized tourist circuit are dotted with charming old-world villages, sprawling vinelyards and ancient archaeological sites, most notably the Ruins of Quilmes. It’s believed that about 5,000 Quilmes people lived here during the pre-Columbian era, around 850 AD. A number of scenic valleys make up Calchaqui, including the dramatic Quebrada del Toro (Gorge of the Bull), with its rugged mountain scenery and multi-hued rock formations.