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Calchaquies Valley
The Calchaquies Valley makes up 530 km (331 mi) of surface area, and is located in the Salta province. In the valley we can appreciate beautiful places such as the majestic Obispo(Bishop) Hill, the lovely Valle Encantado (Enchanted Valley), and the Erizados(spiny plants) of Cardonez National Park.
The region belongs to the "prepuna" environment, an expansive semi-desert characterized by the presence of valleys and gorges that are sprinkled with thistle and cactus plants several feet high. One of the most interesting areas is near the population of Cachi, where Los Cardones National Park was recently created.
Another element that distinguishes these valleys is the rich animal life that inhabits this region: chinchillas, red fox, cactus hummingbird, mountain parakeet, cuises (species of guinea pig), guanacos (llama guinacoe), trout, black-chested buzzard eagle, and condor.
Red pepper is laid to dry in large expanses of land within this region. It is later grinded to make paprika.
Also distinguishable in the Calchaquíes Valleys is the folkloric and historic richness that is manifested in the numerous archaeological fields and ancient ruins from periods of splendor. 
You should not miss the place known as Cerrillos, famous for its carnivals; el Carril (the rail), situated amongst tobacco plantations; Chicoana, known for its indigenous architecture and for the nearby Ruins of Loma Chata; the Escolpe Gorge, with its unusual subtropical vegetation; and the spectacular Valle Encantado (Enchanted Valley), possessing a rare and beautiful combination of shapes and colors.