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Empanadas, locro and Torrontés: eating in the Northwest

The dishes, drinks and food traditions to look for on a trip to Northwest Argentina.

By Visit NOA Editors ·

Two golden empanadas with lemon wedges on a woven tablecloth in Tafí del Valle

Photo: César Pérez, CC BY-SA 4.0

Food in the Northwest draws on Andean ingredients — corn, potatoes, quinoa, squash — as much as on Spanish tradition.

Empanadas

Every province claims the best. In Salta they are small and juicy, often with potato and egg; in Tucumán, beef is cut by hand. Order a dozen and argue about it.

Locro and humita

Locro, a thick stew of corn, beans, squash and meat, is the dish of national holidays. Humita and tamales, steamed in corn husks, are everyday staples.

Wine and cheese

The high vineyards around Cafayate produce aromatic Torrontés, a white that pairs naturally with empanadas. In Tafí del Valle, look for farm-made cheese.

Experiences

Tours for this trip

  • 2-Day Calchaquí Valley Tour to Cachi and Cafayate
    Likely to sell out
    Viator

    Nature

    2-Day Calchaquí Valley Tour to Cachi and Cafayate

    Experience the incredible Calchaquí Valley on this activity-filled overnight tour from Salta that combines stunning natural scenery with Argentine wine. You’ll enjoy a scenic round-trip drive to the towns of Cachi and…

    Full day · 48 h · Salta, Cafayate, Cachi

    From US$461

    5.0 out of 5 (1)

  • Tafí del Valle
    Free cancellation
    Viator

    Culture

    Discover Tafí del Valle and Quilmes Ruins in a Day Tour

    The Diaguita Indians called Tafí del Valle “the town of the magnificent entrance” and they were right: Tafí del Valle is one of the most heavenly destinations in Tucumán. Once people get to this summertime villa, the…

    Full day · 10 h · Tafí del Valle

    From US$125

    4.9 out of 5 (10)

  • Quebrada de Humahuaca From Salta with Purmamarca
    Free cancellation
    Viator

    Culture

    Quebrada de Humahuaca From Salta with Purmamarca

    Discover the beautiful landscapes offered by the Quebrada de Humahuaca, with its picturesque villages, culture and ancestral history. The various colors, mountains and hills. The native fauna, the warmth of its people,…

    Full day · 12 h · Salta, Humahuaca, Purmamarca

    From US$56

    4.9 out of 5 (129)