The capital of the province, with over four centuries of history, San Miguel of Tucuman is an extremely lively city. On top of being the cultural and economic centre of the Argentinean northwest, this active city has acquired a cosmopolitan character which still distils the light of previous times. The range of options is very wide: from a simple tour around its foundation square, which bears testimony of four centuries of history, to choosing any of the options it offers as regards art and entertainment. Naturally, there is always the option of enjoying its nightlife by going to any of the pubs, bars, or clubs or to the casino. Important historical events took place in this city. The most relevant one may have been the declaration of Independence in 1816. Among the historic buildings which still exist, the House of Independence survived time and restorations. This is the case because, in spite of the constant changes brought about by modernity, many houses and churches still remain, living witnesses of its history and an invitation to all those who wish to discover it. Among the most important tourist places, we can mention the Independencia Square, with its traditional orange trees, the Merced Church, where Belgrano´s gold walking stick is kept; the Cathedral, blessed by Fray Mamerto Esquiú; the peculiar Padilla House, and the huge 9 de Julio Park, ideal to rest, walk or play in the open air.

Two rivers, the Xibi Xibi and the Grande, cross San Salvador de Jujuy, capital of the Province. The Quebrada de Humahuaca starts there, the way of ascent to the Puna, offering a landscape of changing shades of colours. Built on an uneven terrain, it is a nice calm place which follows the tranquil rhythm of local life. The city still looks colonial. It is an administrative, financial and cultural centre with sugar-making industries and railway industries, good communications to Bolivia by railway, Pan-American route and airport. Its climate is influenced by many factors, mainly, the presence of mountain ranges which do not allow eastern humid winds to come through and therefore make the weather very dry. The high –sometimes stifling- temperatures are due to its latitude (the Tropic of Capricorn goes through it). The fauna is adapted to weather conditions, mainly guanacos, llamas, alpacas, red foxes, condors, etc.

Almost 1,200 metres above sea level, at the bottom of Cerro San Bernardo, stands Salta, the capital of the province which bears the same name, and the second most important city of the region after San Miguel de Tucuman. It is a picturesque city, rich in many ways, and with very kind people. It is an aristocratic city, too. Founded in 1852, its inhabitants are proud of their ancestry. Salta is the heart of a province with an unusual natural diversity. Due to its location, from east to west, it is crossed by several ecosystems, from the Puna to the jungle, which makes it the source of very varied tourist activities. The region is also attractive due to the remnants of colonial times it displays, especially in churches and chapels, and also prehispanic remnants, due to the aboriginal presence in the area over thousands of years. In spite of its relevance, Salta still preserves its quiet appeal. Like in the rest of the provinces, people are not in a hurry. Siesta is a tradition everybody respects. Like in old times, the life of salteños goes around the 9 de Julio Square, although new alternatives are arising. shopping centres, country clubs, etc. This city of low houses and narrow sidewalks, surrounded by mountains, can be seen on foot, owing to the proximity of its historic monuments. This is extremely advantageous to the tourist, who can devote only one day to this trail, and explore the outskirts later.

The city is located on the desert plains that characterise the whole province. The need to administer water and control nature has enabled Mendoza to become a mirage of great beauty and fertility in the middle of the desert. People from Mendoza are extremely aware of the importance of water and trees in their lives. They take water from defrosted snows from the nearby Andes mountain range, and lead it into the city by means of “acequias� (water canals). Sidewalks in Mendoza are famous for these canals, the trees besides them and their always neatly polished tiles. The most admirable thing about this city is that it was reborn from mere rubble. Even before the economic growth of Mendoza began, an earthquake almost completely destroyed the old city, to the extent that once redesigned and rebuilt, it was called “The New Mendoza� for many years. Wine making is the main economic activity of the province, through extensive vineyards. Wines from Mendoza enjoy great international prestige and are exported all over the world. Some time ago, a winemaking company from Mendoza won the award to the best wine in the world in a French exhibition. Mendoza is known as the “land of great sun and great wine�, but also as being the land of tidy, kind people, who really care about protecting the place where they live.