Argentina - Quebrada de Cafayate (sandstone formations)

Leaving Cafayate, we took a tour through the Quebrada de Cafayate to see the well known sandstone formations. Our backpacks came with as we'd catch a bus from the last formation to our next destination.

We drove about 20 km leaving Cafayate's vineyards and the Sierra de Carahuasi mountains started. Our first stop was for a short walk into a section of mountains where we could see the weathered effect of rain, rivers and the wind on the sandstone rocks. Non-descript features were smoothly carved out. The rocks contain different minerals that bring out various shades of red. The whole range is a protected area, so no climbing to get pride rock photos like on the Salt Flats tour.

Every few kilometres we'd stop at a recognisable formation. First the Los Castillos (The Castles), then the El Obelisco (The Obelisk) and on to do another walk, this time for an hour.

Although clouds were out they would pass over highlighting the bright minerals as they let the sun through. Reds, greens, creams, browns, blacks and yellows shone out across the vast landscape. Here we climbed up onto hills for impressive views.

Further on the tour passed El Sapo (The Toad) to a mirador at the Three Crosses. the last two stops were the most impressive...
El Amfiteatro (The Amphitheatre) is a natural carved out by water. It must be twenty stories high. You walk through a narrow opening to a circular room that throws any sounds off against the walls. It reminded me of the TV series, Airwolf, from the 80's where the helicopter takes off vertically from it's top secret location. A man played on a wooden flute to promote his CD, so we could get a taste of what concerts in here could be like - they do actually host musical events in this amphitheater. It must be quite a sight and sound. This was definitely my favourite.

Finally it was the turn of Garganta del Diablo (Devil's Throat). This was the same height as the amphitheatre, but curved around a corner. This we could scale the rocks up different levels until we could go no further. After all of our climbing experience on this holiday, we are scrambling over obstacles like mountain goats, compared to others.

After the tour we waited 2 hours under the shade of a cool tree while the sun beat down around us. 3 hardened looking backpackers also took in the shade - they looked like they'd been travelling for years before their halfhearted attempt to catch a bus going in the opposite direction resulted in them missing it and deciding to start walking the 50 km's to Cafayate.

On the road again to pass through Salta before the heading to Argentina's wine and rugby capital, Mandoza.