Wine barrels at Barbita Abdala's 'Bodega El Recreo' in Cafayate - Salta Province - 1973

Argentina has a road network which in many provinces is in good condition. It allows for relatively fast travel, which is particularly appreciated as the distances between cities are enormous. Some roads extend as far as the southern regions. Others cross the pampas. Still others run along the Andes or set out to conquer the formidable mountain range. One of the latter links Buenos Aires to Santiago de Chile, via passes at an altitude of over 4,000 metres. Very often these roads are not asphalted. Terrible natural obstacles hamper their maintenance. The National Road No. 40 follows the eastern flank of the Andes mountain range. It is the busiest road between Río Gallegos (province of Santa Cruz) and La Quiaca (province of Jujuy). It covers a distance of almost 4,500 kilometres. Avalanches and landslides interrupt this road. The landscape in the Calchaquies valley is desert-like. The rocks are reminiscent of backwash, hence the name of Corte el Ventisquero, given to this area of Salta. - 1973

A mine train brings the ore to the smelting plant in San Antonio de los Cobres - Province of Salta - 1975

The landscape between Cachi and Molinos (province of Salta) is characteristic. There is a plain where vegetation is scarce. The famous candelabra cactus (Saguaro) are among the best-represented species in the area. - 1975

The landscape between Cachi and Molinos (province of Salta) is characteristic. There is a plain where vegetation is scarce. The famous candelabra cactus (Saguaro) are among the best-represented species in the area. - 1973

A gaucho from the Campo Alegre estancia approaches us. He crosses the grassy plain of the province of Salta. The lasso and the guardamontes are made of leather. These last pieces protect the rider's legs from the thorny bushes that grow in this desert region of Argentina. His red woollen poncho shows a black band that was added by the weavers as a sign of mourning at the death of the caudillo Martin Miguel de Güemes, a native of the province of Salta. The bolas are hardly used today because of the accidents they caused, but they are present in the gaucho's saddle. - 1973

The landscape between Cachi and Molinos (province of Salta) is characteristic. There is a plain where vegetation is scarce. The famous candelabra cactus (Saguaro) are among the best-represented species in the area. - 1973

View of the small village of Catua in the province of Jujuy on the way over the Huaitiquina Pass to Antofagasta. - 1975

The object shown here is a polished, red clay vase with black decorations and a vertical handle. Its diameter is 13 centimetres. It belongs to the Inca Paya culture (Museo arqueológico de Cachi, province of Salta). - 1973

Many pre-Columbian objects have been discovered in tombs, hence their religious character. This ritual bronze bell, decorated with anthropomorphic figures, is from the Santa Maria culture (Catamarca). The object is 22.5 centimetres high (Museo de Cachi, Province of Salta). - 1973

The looms of pre-Columbian times consisted of four stakes planted in the ground. The Spaniards introduced the voluminous pedal loom, which was immediately adopted by the natives. It was mainly used to make fabrics of certain dimensions and a single colour. Beautiful red wool ponchos are woven in Molinos (Salta). They are worn by the locals or sold to tourists. - 1973

The folk music of the north-western provinces of Argentina is of remarkable diversity. Its origins date back to pre-Columbian times, but the influences of Western music are also clearly visible. This folklore has its followers among the foreigners as well as the natives. This Indian beats a small drum and sings, surrounded by colleagues and spectators. It is the eve of the Salta city festival in memory of the hero of the wars of independence, Martin Miguel de Güemes, a famous son of this province. - 1973

The city of Salta was founded by the Spanish in 1582. It lies at an altitude of 1187 m above sea level. The Church of San Francisco shows Spanish colonial style. - 1973

June 17th is a big day in the city of Salta. A popular festival celebrates the memory of an almost legendary figure, the popular leader Martin Miguel de Güemes, who died in 1821. Thousands of gauchos parade through the streets of the provincial capital. - 1973

The gauchos of Salta wear a flat hat reminiscent of the headgear of the Andalusians. - 1973

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