Cafayate

On our way to Cafayate we drive through the Quebrada de Las Conchas - the Gorge of Shells. Once seabed, this area was subjected to cataclysmic tectonic and geological changes around 250 million years ago. The multitude of different minerals present gave the gorge its many hues as they oxidized in the earth's nascent atmosphere. Among the rich colours are thin veins of white - these are fossilised shells from the gorge's prior submarine position, and the source of its name.

Exiting the gorge we arrive in Cafayate. It's hot and dry, the perfect location for high altitude wine production. As we approach the town we're surrounded by rows and rows of grapevines. This area is famous for the sweet, dry white wine torrontés. We taste two varieties at a local vineyard, as well as a local malbec. Previously the area only produced white wine; however, through technology and refinement, the famous Argentinian malbec is now also produced here.

We eat lunch outside in the main square, enjoying the shade and some pleasant wisps of breeze. We try locro, a specialty of the Andes with corn, beans and potatoes, and a goat stew.

Walking the streets radiating out from the plaza, we catch glimpses of the surrounding mountains.

In the late afternoon on our drive back through the gorge, the light brings out the vivid colours of the rocks. We stop several times to admire the varied formations. Using our imaginations there are many shapes to see - a frog, a priest, an obelisk, miniature Andes, the sinking Titanic...

Walking into the formation known as The Amphitheatre, we passed through a narrow entrance. The space then opens out into a cylinder, funneling up through the rocks to the sky.