Adventure in the Andes: Exploring beyond Buenos Aires During Study Abroad

After two months of acclimating to Buenos Aires and Argentinian culture, IFSA took us on a three-day, two-night trip to the Salta Province. Over those three days, we had the opportunity to explore the cities of Salta and Jujuy, as well as Cafayate, one of many towns in Argentina dedicated to winemaking. 

The beauty of IFSA excursions  

The trip was packed from start to finish, beginning with a 2 am meetup at Ezezia International Airport and ending with a beautiful sunset descent into Jorge Newberry International Airport. We hiked, went wine-tasting, ate our weight in empanadas, and napped on the bus between stops. It was exhilarating and exhausting and everything you could want from an excursion. 

Argentine’s rugged beauty  

The stop at El Hoyo del Diablo (the Devil’s Throat) stuck with me most. This natural area has huge red rock formations—perfect for climbing. As a Virginian who attends college in California, it reminded me of a mix of Joshua Tree and the Blue Ridge. Joshua Tree elements included cacti, rocks, sand, and teenagers with a bit too much confidence in their climbing ability. But everywhere you looked, you could also see incredible mountains. From our distance, the mountain range was so blue it nearly looked purple. Of course, the Blue Ridge looks like hills in comparison to this impressive Argentine range, but it was a small taste of home. 

“Even small things—like the differences in dialect between the Spanish spoken in the city and the outside provinces—was incredibly interesting.” 

Why exploring matters 

I came to Argentina to fully immerse myself in the culture and dedicate myself to learning Spanish. Getting outside of the city and learning about the traditions of locals was an experience I treasure. Even small things—like the differences in dialect between the Spanish spoken in the city and the outside provinces—was incredibly interesting. This excursion made me excited to plan trips to rural areas of Argentina and gave me confidence that the Spanish I had been practicing could carry me through anywhere I needed it. ¡Buenos viajes para otros estudiantes y viva Argentina! 

Naomi R. | Soka University of America | IFSA Argentine Universities Program, Argentina | Fall 2025 

Photo Credit: www.naomiruzekphotography.com