Cachi, Salta Province, Argentina, February 2021

In February 2021, I travelled to Argentina for the second time, this time combining work and a short holiday. The trip took me from the bustling streets of Buenos Aires to the remote and breathtaking landscapes of Salta and the Andean northwest, offering a mix of humanitarian efforts, cultural immersion, and natural beauty.

Buenos Aires – Disaster Preparedness in the Capital

The trip began in Buenos Aires, where I met with partner organisations and the EU Delegation to Argentina. We visited several urban disaster preparedness projects in José León Suárez, a district vulnerable to flooding and other environmental risks. These projects aimed to strengthen community resilience, ensuring that low-income neighbourhoods had the tools and infrastructure to withstand future disasters.

Even though the focus was on work, Buenos Aires was as captivating as ever. The city’s architecture, rich culture, and endless energy never fail to impress.

Salta – Disaster Preparedness for Indigenous Communities

After Buenos Aires, I flew to Salta with my Slovene colleague from the EU Delegation, where we officially began our field visits. This time, the focus was on disaster preparedness for floods and droughts, particularly in indigenous communities in the north.

Our itinerary took us through:
• Tartagal – A city that has repeatedly suffered from floods and landslides, where we assessed efforts to improve early warning systems and evacuation plans.
• General José de San Martín – A region where communities are developing sustainable farming techniques to combat prolonged droughts.
• Angostura – A small but important community where traditional knowledge and modern preparedness strategies were being combined to strengthen resilience.
• General Ballivián – A town focusing on water conservation projects to ensure access to clean water in times of crisis.
• San Ramón de la Nueva Orán and Orán Department – Areas where deforestation and climate change have increased the risk of extreme weather events, making disaster preparedness even more critical.

A Holiday in the Andean Northwest

After the intense work mission, we returned to Salta to start a short but incredible holiday. Salta itself was a delight to explore—a city filled with colonial charm, stunning plazas, and fantastic cuisine.

We then ventured into some of the most spectacular regions of northwest Argentina:
• Chicoana Department – A place of rolling green hills and traditional estancias, where the landscape looked almost untouched by time.
• Cachi Department and Cachi Town – A destination that truly felt magical. Cobblestone streets, whitewashed colonial buildings, and breathtaking Andean landscapes made it one of the most picturesque places I had ever visited.

A Return to Buenos Aires and a Special Reunion

Before flying back, I returned to Buenos Aires, where I had the chance to reconnect with Sebastian, my Argentinian friend of Polish origin, and his family. Spending time with them was the perfect way to end this journey, filled with meaningful conversations, shared meals, and warm hospitality.

A Journey of Purpose and Beauty

This second visit to Argentina was both fulfilling and inspiring—a balance of important humanitarian work and the joy of rediscovering an extraordinary country. From the urban resilience projects in Buenos Aires to the remote Andean villages of Salta, every part of this trip reinforced the importance of preparedness, adaptation, and community strength.

Argentina had once again left its mark on me, and I knew it wouldn’t be my last time here.

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