The Hornocal mountains in Argentina. (Kevin Zaouali/Caters News)

Are these colorful landscapes photos or paintings? It’s hard to tell, but they are in fact images photographer Kevin Zaouali captured of the Hornocal Mountains in northern Argentina, near the Bolivian border.

“The mountains are magical places,” Zaouali told Caters News. “They are a range of wonderful colors and sometimes don’t look real.”

Zaouali, who is from the Jujuy province of Argentina and studies biology, says the light in the mountains helps contribute to the surreal images.

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“I like to take advantage of the storms, sunrises and full moon nights. The light there is very variable and each moment can be unique.”

The Hornocal mountains, or Serrania del Hornocal, are part of the Quebrada de Humahuaca valley, which is a UNESCO world heritage site. The valley is a major cultural route—it has been populated for 10,000 years, since the settlement of the first hunter-gatherers, which is evidenced by substantial prehistoric remains.

The vibrant colors are part of the limestone formation called Yacoraite that extends from Peru to Salta, through Bolivia and the Quebrada de Humahuaca, according to Argentinian newspaper, Pagina 12. Thought beautiful, the mountains retain an air of mystery. Not many tourists visit the Hornocal mountains because the narrow, gravel road that leads to the area is inaccessible by bus. Visitors, however, can travel by car, reports Pagina 12.

To see more of Zaouali’s work visit his website or Facebook page.