San Lucas (Argentina)

Nothing beats a trip to the Argentinian northwest, where you can explore arid landscapes that look just like something out of a spaghetti western. If you take the road leading from San Salvador to Jujuy, you may well come across San Lucas, a tiny hamlet with a population of around one hundred.

Tip: the village has nothing of interest to offer so don't bother stopping here. At a pinch, you can make a stop at Valle Grande, a tiny town with a population of 700 located at the foot of the Cerro Overejeria mountain. The verdant patches contrasting with the red and ochre rock of the general landscape in this area are due to the presence of sugar cane crops. Jujuy's subtropical climate is perfect for growing this kind of plant. In fact most of the region's inhabitants are involved in its cultivation.

The mountains and forests of San Lucas are good places to go camping and hiking. The best way to explore the local villages, however, is by going on a horse trek. The main attraction in the province is Quebrada de Huamahuaca, which runs along the Rio Grande just a few kilometres from here.