Salta and excursions
Trip Start
Mar 09, 2009
1
Trip End
Mar 12, 2009
Salta, Northern Argentina, Argentina
Monday, March 9, 2009
Once in Salta took a cab (about ARG35) to the hotel www.hotelrefugiodelinca.com.ar. The hotel is well situated, about 4 blocks from the main town square, and 3 from a big supermarket (Carrefour). Staff is accommodating, rooms quite big and clean and cable TV with foreign channels. There is also a PC with internet for guest to use free of charge. Breakfast was coffee/tea/mate and various pastries.
It was pouring the whole day, so we confirmed our excursion with www.evolutiontravel.com.ar, bought water and snacks for the trip and walk around. For dinner we went to www.donasalta.com.ar very good and inexpensive local specialties.
Next day we were picked up at 7am and we started our trip to the Quebrada de Humahuaca. The day was a mix of drizzle, sun and wind, with temperatures varying wildly. The scenery is spectacular if you like arid mountains full of colors. Once in Humahuaca we tour the village and had one of our most memorable meals in an unnoticeable restaurant: different preparations of Llama that were delicious. Also we bought some knits and were impressed by the quality of the vicuņa wool.
On our way back we stop at the Pucara of Tilcara (ancient ruins that were one of the highlights of the day).
For the night we stopped at Purmamarca, diminutive village home of the Cerro de los 7 Colores. But the real treat was El Camino de los Colorados, a 1 hour hike behind the Cerro with amazing colors and scenery.
We stayed at www.postadepurmamarca.com.ar simple but very nice hotel just underneath the Cerro. Big rooms and bathroom, clean, no TV, friendly staff and adequate breakfast. (IMHO better than Los Colorados, which is similar but further away). For dinner we went to Posta de Purmamarca (same name but different from the hotel) and the place was nice, but average food.
Next day we took the Cuesta de Lipan,an uphill route up to almost 4,200 meters, and then to the Salinas Grandes. Beautiful place highly recommended. Sunglasses are a must, sunscreen and hat recommended and even that you'll start to burn in 30'. Afterwards we drove to San Antonio de los Cobres. The road is uneven gravel and hard, but the scenery and the constant herds of llamas, vicuņas and donkeys made it enjoyable.
San Antonio is a poor and un-interesting village, but we had to have lunch and a pit stop.
In the afternoon we drove along the Tren de las Nubes route back to Salta.
Once in Salta we went for dinner to http://www.viejaestacion-salta.com.ar in the trendy area of Balcarcel. Good and inexpensive food, and the later folk show was supposed to be good, but we were to tired.
