After breakfast, meet our local guide for an easy trek to the Las Pailas archaeological site. A rare find in Argentina, this site preserves stone tools and relics of the Diaguita people, the first dwellers of the area who developed important metal and artistic techniques. Vestiges of their work are spread in sites of La Paya, Las Pailas, Los Graneros, Peñas Blancas and Tolombón. We then continue south, traveling via the artisan’s road towards Molinos. On the way, we stop and talk with local weavers who produce the heavy burgundy and black ponchos worn by Salteño gauchos. Interestingly, the ponchos are produced on heavy looms and are only made by men because of the strength required to operate the loom. Shrines to Gauchito Gil (a Robin Hood figure) and the Pachamama (Mother Earth) dot the roadside, ancient cemeteries beckon us to enter and fields of red chile peppers dry in the sun. Late afternoon check-in at Hacienda los Molinos in the sleepy town by the same name. Our charming accommodations was the seat of the last Spanish viceroy to Salta and has been around since the 18th century. Dinner this evening is in the central courtyard, beneath the pepper tree. Overnight in superior rooms at Hacienda Molinos.