Iruya Village
Head north through the vast Quebrada de Hamuahuaca gorge, which was a UNESCO World Heritage Site for the beauty of its stratified orange-ocher rock, and then strike off across wildly beautiful landscape on a rocky road that crosses several rivers before climbing to a mountain pass, the Abra del Condor, at a breathless 4,000 m. From there, the track slaloms down vast slabs of mountainside. It seems incredible that anyone lives here and finally at the end of the road, Iruya reveal for you. Photo by: Sk-Charlie
However the village live is being changed forever by the arrival of television, modern influences and of course tourism. But Iruya somehow retains its identity. With one main street giving access to provisions stores, a tiny post office, and one phone center, Iruya is cut off the world. The nearest village is three hours walk away. From Iruya there are blissful walks all around but the real pleasure of arriving there is that you will not want to leave. Bring a book, and prepare to slow down the tempo of your lifestyle. The time is going to stop for while. Stay in villagers houses sleeping under heavy Ilama blankets in winter, or in a comfortable room at Hosteria Iruya. Gaze over the night sky filled with stars from the terrace and listen to the exquisite silence. Photo by: mau_tweety
Location: Salta, Argentina. Photo by: Incandenza
