SURROUNDINGS

There are a handful of small towns nearby City of Salta, whose characteristics, as well as in the Capital City, are the kindness of its mild climate, the security of a pleasant and quiet life, the combination of fun and relaxation, and the warmth of its people. For all this, Salta has become a unique and unforgettable tourist destination.

THE CIRCUIT OF SAN LORENZO

CERRILLOS
This a historical site, where the Pacto de los Cerrillos Covenant was signed. This picturesque town was founded in 1822. Typified by its low buildings and its Square, in which the principal church is located. The Cerrillos Carnival is well renowned, hosting many local and foreign tourists. Located at 19 kms from Salta City and at 1190 m.a.s.l.

SAN LORENZO AND ITS CASTLES.
At only 14 Km. from Salta on a paved road you reach the beautiful and picturesque town of San Lorenzo, located in a ravine. This is a place elected by the townspeople and travellers alike to enjoy the diverse resources provided by hotels, as well as typical food and sightseeing.

Old manors, standing in harmony among modern houses, give the vista a peaceful touch, allowing for silence and serenity. The exuberant jungle and the sparkling crystal clear stream that follows the ravine, propose a enjoyable option, alternating both nature and city.

This place is to be found in the so called Yungas Territory, very close to the San Lorenzo River, northwest of the Lerma Valley, where you will admire the interesting landscape and colourful "Estancias" Ranches.

Few miles ahead, the area of "Yacones", with its changing colours and wild isolation, makes for a magically dazzling landscape.

San Lorenzo smells of culture tradition, and aristocracy. It cradles the "Tamaleras" (women that make and sell tamales) and the people that make cheese by hand, waiting till late night hours until the serum gets its adequate outward appearance. Among the old manors there are some castles, older still, which have been turned into tea houses. There is a main street, bearing a poet's name, that crosses the town flanked by ceibo trees. San Lorenzo, undeniably, is one of Salta's many well-guarded treasures.

SAN LORENZO RAVINE
This is a Provincial Nature Reserve, which exhibits samples of the phytogeographic environment of The Yungas High Mountain Forest. There are only 250 kms of this kind of jungle, going from the Tucumán Province to the Bolivian border.

Ruled by a fresh and welcoming climate, the ravine's flora includes five arboreal varieties: trees from 10 to 15 ms high, trees with less than 10 ms high, bushes or high grasses, ferns which remain under higher plants' shadows, and moss.

EXCURSIONS
There are four-wheel motorcycle guided excursions starting from San Lorenzo, which pass through gorges full of lively flora, like walnut, alder, and Tipa trees among others. The tour will take you down countless narrow paths that seem as if they were going off in all directions.

The short circuit, just to mention one of the many options, ends in an impressive scenic site, from where it is possible to survey part of the Valle de Lerma Valley. The unique emotions produced by the landscape and the roaring of the engines during the two-hour, half-day or two day excursions, which also include camping, will be proof enough that none of the existing tours will deceive the excursionist.

Horse riding tours start early and the target is to discover shires, paths and roads that are reached only by horse. Short options are perfect if one only wants to cover the town, its surroundings, and the Finca Las Costas Natural Reserve.

Another tempting excursion, this one a full day long and one which includes an asado typical Argentinean meat on the spit barbecue in the countryside, goes towards the Finca Lesser Farm, where you will have excellent views of Valle de Lerma Valley. The visitor can also choose a two day or even a longer excursion. Available to the most dedicated travellers, this tours will take you to such incredible locations as Puerta del Cielo, Incahuasi, and Pascha.

Taking a walk in the whereabouts of San Lorenzo is not meant only to find amazingly beautiful scenarios, but also to walk among huge trees, to sense the exuberant presence of ferns and other epiphytes native to mountain forests, observe birds, listen to their songs, and reach panoramic sites from where you'll be rewarded with a complete view of the Valle de Lerma Valley.

Four-wheel drive safaris are carried out with a particularly modified truck, meant for this kind of journey. Difficult tracks are covered among the mountains to access destinations that include farms where off-road activities and camping sites are organized. Daily programmes consist in taking a 70 kms circuit that permits surveying the ecosystem diversity of The Yungas. The last destiny will be the Finca Puerta del Cielo Farm, where a typical Salta country lunch will await the explorer.

Mountain bike excursions are planned with three difficulty levels to allow everybody to enjoy a special day at San Lorenzo. There are multiple options to choose between, according to the desires of the participants; they go from pedalling under the shadows of the town's trees, to climbing hills or defying the mountain's forest, on a 7 hour trip to the Finca Puerta del Cielo Farm.

VAQUEROS
On the way to Lesser you'll cross the Vaqueros Locality, famous for its greenery and culture. This part of the country is located on the Ruta Nacional No 9 National Route, on the road to Jujuy. It has some interesting gastronomic proposals, and offers the possibility of visiting the many artisans that work there, some of them the creators of real masterpieces.

LA CALDERA AND CAMPO ALEGRE
At the beginning of the cornice road to Jujuy, you will arrive to the La Caldera Town (24 kms) with typical Hispanic architecture from the XIX century. Surrounded by green mountains, it stands out for its beautiful landscape and an 18 ms high image of Christ, seeming to be protecting and watching over the Sianca Valley.

Further on, the Campo Alegre Dam is ideal for nautical sports, sport fishing, camping and horse riding among many other recreational activities. The colourful mountain, the sun and the river will allow the visitor to take overwhelming pictures.

THE FINCA DE CASTAÑARES FARM.
Seven kms north of Salta, by National Route No 9, the traveller will arrive to the historical site of the Finca de Castañares Farm. Its origins go back to 1583, when this land was given to Pedro Marcos by the Spanish Government. Later on, some more land was added to it, forming an important country complex.

It is named after its eighteenth century owner, Martín de Castañares, but the farm, nevertheless, has had several other owners. Its building, constructed on the before said century, has been remodelled many times. The original Hispanic looking gallery, with wooden columns over stone bases, was replaced by an Italian style one, with arcs and columns made out of masonry. A tower with a round staircase has also been added.