We decided to hire another car, just for three nights this time to explore Tafi Del Valle and Amaicha del Valle, west of Tucuman, between the mountains.  It wasn't  exactly on route, but we figured we had enough time to just have a quick look.

We weren't disappointed.  Huge rainforest looking hills gave way to desserts and canyon-like plains, that made the Grand Canyon look like a child's sandcastle.  

The drive was slow and undulating, following the course of the river through mountains and valleys.  

We arrived at a working estancia turned hotel where we would spend two nights while exploring the area.  The car this time round was cheap, and with cheap came no air con.  The weather was stifling hot, even with the windows all down.  We found a beautiful river behind the estancia and quickly headed down to play in the water and cool down.  Axel didn't even complain when he mistakenly stepped down into a deep pool that came up to his chest, and we had a much appreciated soaking in the fresh, clear water. 

The following day wasn't much cooler, but we had read about some Calchaqui tribe ruins, built around 800AD and lived in until 1666 when the Spanish finally conquered them and led them off to be slaves.  The village or town was built into the mountain side and there still remained a web of walls stretching from the ground, up to the top of the mountain.  

It was an amazing drive there, an amazing site to visit and amazing views to behold, once we had made the climb up.  The kids had a little wobble when they first saw how far they were being asked to climb, but once they were within the ruins and running down the alleyways, finding doorways and new paths to get further up the hill, became one of the best games ever.  The higher we walked, the stronger the desert wind was too, so we were relieved to be receiving some of that. 

Cactuses as high as normal trees grew in between the ruins and throughout the vast plain below us and we found a small tree that provided us with some shelter from the sun, so we could sit and admire the view. 

It's having the time and the ability to be able to go off course a little bit that really allows us to find the hidden gems this country has to offer and not for the first time, we were overwhelmed by the beauty that was on offer. 

The following day was spent returning the car and getting ourselves to the bus station for our next leg to Salta.  I was absolutely not disappointed that Lorne had suggested we stop off at Tucuman, and we left the area feeling truly blessed we had had the privilege of visiting it, if only for a few days.