Catamarca Province is really not very well-known compared to the other provinces of northwest Argentina, yet it's a region of high mountains and has plenty to offer the visitor.
As a big fan of wild birds, I enjoyed my trip to Laguna Grande. What's unusual about this lake, which lies at an altitude of 4,200 metres, is its incredible population of Andean flamingos, which are also known locally as "parina grande". They're impossible to miss, with their pink plumage contrasting strongly with the brown of the surrounding mountains.
You have to be as quiet as possible when observing them. It's like watching a scene from a BBC wildlife documentary! Interestingly, this area has been designated a Ramsar Site (a wetland of international importance) by UNESCO, which has enabled the authorities to better protect the Laguna Grande's natural heritage.