Devil’s Throat (Garganta del Diablo)

The basics

The dramatic Calchaquí Valley’s vast system of gorges has caught the attention of UNESCO as a possible World Heritage Site. Travelers journeying through the valley will understand why as they admire the exceptional red rock formations of Devil’s Throat, millions of years old and reminiscent of the United States Southwest.

Local operators in Salta offer full-day tours sightseeing and wine-tasting tours of the Calchaquí Valley and Cafayate, typically including a stop at Devil’s Throat.

Things to know before you go

• Protect yourself from the intense sun at Devil’s Throat: wear sunglasses and sunscreen

• Take care when walking into the canyon, especially after rain, as the rocks can be slippery. Wear appropriate footwear

• There are no facilities except for a few vendors selling handicrafts

How to get there

Devil’s Throat is located 4 miles (7 kilometers) west of Tilcara. It is around a 3.5-hour drive north of Salta and a 45-minute drive northeast of Cafayate along National Route 68. The walk to Devil’s Throat is just a few minutes from the parking area on the main road.

When to get there

You can access Devil’s Throat any time, any day of the week. The canyon’s colors are at their boldest and most impressive around midday. The site can get busy when tour buses arrive, but if you’re traveling independently, you can wait 5-10 minutes for them to leave, and you’ll have the place practically to yourself.

The Amphitheatre

Just a short stroll from Devil’s Throat, El Amfiteatro, (The Amphitheatre) is another stunning red rock canyon that beckons travelers with its 65-foot-high (20-meter) walls and natural auditorium. The site is known for its excellent acoustics, which you can test out by singing a tune.