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  Karina Jozami |
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| The leafy paths of San Lorenzo acquire other shades plenty of excitement and adventure when you are riding along them on quad bikes. |
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The afternoon we met Tita, from the travel agency, the San Lorenzo village had already impressed us with its beauty. The intense green of the exuberant flora representative of the yunga, the humid forest spreading on the mountain slopes, hid beautiful estates and houses belonging to all those who wish to get far from the noise of the capital city of Salta.
The idea of riding a quad bike across part of the provincial reserve located in San Lorenzo, 10 kilometers to the West of the City of Salta, was tempting, especially for the ones who like to add a little bit of adventure to the pleasant afternoons in Salta. In this occasion, the proposal was a safari to Puerta del Cielo, an estate in the Eastern mountain range that remains beyond the passing of time. We coordinated our outing for the following morning, which was rather cloudy. Although rain had been announced by the weather forecast, the summer village continued showing off its greenness. |
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We met at the agency bar to arrange the last details of our excursion. Horacio Cornejo, who is in charge of the San Lorenzo Tourist Office, told us that we were going to visit the Las Costas estate, the 10,000-hectare provincial reserve that preserves the Potrero River basin.
Adventure in the Salta Yunga Forest Equipped with helmets and waterproof jackets, we set off in with our guides. We went along several streets, wide and shady, with their weekend residencies. We bordered the fields and entered the area protected by horseshoe roads that became narrower and more winding as they got into the mountain range surrounding the village. |
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Specially prepared for this kind of soil, the quad bikes advanced without any inconvenience along fords and slopes that granted the ride its dose of adrenaline. As we went up, a cold wind and a slight but persistent drizzle, began to challenge us. In fact, we did not feel worried at all. We were protected, advancing along paths crowded with ferns, begonias, wild strawberries and other species in the abundant vegetation.
We passed by the Arteaga ravine and Potrero Grande to take the road leading to Potrero de Uriburu and finally arrive in the Puerta del Cielo estate. In every turn, we discovered modest sun-dried brick buildings, which inhabitants used to grow onions and corn, among other regional products which they later traded in the town, just like their ancestors would. |
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Other dwellers of the ravine are the shepherds of the plain and the puna, who also live on agriculture, like Vicente Sarapura’s family, well-known among the locals.
We tested our skill to wade across the Potrero River and continue to clearing of the Portezuelo, reaching 1,900 meters high. |
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It took us almost two hours of an exciting tour to arrive in the Puerta del Cielo estate, which gave us the present of a spectacular panoramic view of the ravine. Pleased with the trip, we enjoyed the picnic and then started our way back. The warm quietness of San Lorenzo awaited us once more.
To Take into Account How to Get There: Ten kilometers separate the village of San Lorenzo from the center of the city of Salta. It takes 12 minutes to cover this distance along a highway: Provincial Route 28. Timetable: everyday at 10. Duration: 4 hours. Level of Difficulty: high. Recommendations: Even if the agency provides helmets, raincoats and goggles, do not forget to bring warm clothes. And if it is a sunny day, bring sun protection. |
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See also: Hotels in Salta and other accommodation venues |
| Contact: Turismo San Lorenzo J. C. Dávalos 960 - San Lorenzo (4400) Salta - Salta Tel/Fax: +54 (387) 49-21757 Cel: +54 (387) 15-6840400 |
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