Share Salta, Argentina
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After our 27 hour bus from Puerto Iguazu, that was as close as I ever want to get to hell, we were absolutely shattered. We were only supposed to change bus once, so when we got turfed off for a second time we were starting to think if we would get to Salta at all. Due to our lack of Spanish and not understanding a word of why we were getting off this bus and where we should go we were looking around and asking if we were actually in Salta already. We were not, it was another 45KM away.
Eventually got there at 2AM (2 hours late) and got a taxi to our hostel, El Argentino. I haggled the taxi driver up which was nice of me, he said 18, then quick as anything I said 20. “Brain no function beer well without” – Homer Simpson. Getting into our dorm at 2AM was also a pleasure, the tin door to the 4 bed room made a whole host of noises and we 100% woke up both people who had been fast asleep.
Next day we had a little walk about the town, very overcast and a lot cooler to walk about in. Lots of shops for Brogan to drag me into was fun, naaaat. We booked our tour for the next day and went to the supermarket to get some dinner. We found 3 beautiful steaks that cost us about £2.40. Made the steaks rare with a pasta, onion and cauliflower with a cheese sauce though it. The steak was pretty good.
Up at 6:15AM the next day for our trip to the Andes. Bus was late and after being asked if we wanted the English or Spanish tour when we booked we were happy to find everyone on our bus spoke Spanish. Luckily our guide knew enough English to get us through the tour. Funniest part of which was where he was testing the speakers in the van by repeating “Hola” into the microphone. “Hola, hola, hola, hola, hola, hola, hola, hola, hola, hola… hola, hola, hola, hola, hola, hola, hola, hola…”. We could not help ourselves but burst out laughing, everyone else wondering what we found so funny.
We left the overcast city of Salta and began climbing into the Andes, ears popping and onto dirt roads following a similar route to the train to the clouds (El Tren de Las Nubes). Made our way past the highest point of the tour at around 4,500 meters above sea level.
Half way point of the day and we had lunch at San Antonio de Los Cobres, I had 3 kinds of Llama with rice, potatoes and carrots washed down with a homemade flat and cloudy lemonade. The Llama was so nice, tender and juicy. On the way back down we chased 3 Llamas for a photo, I imagine they ran after what we did to their cousin. Ate some Coca leaves at the top, supposedly for altitude sickness, I think altitude just makes me hungry.
Last day in Salta and made the 30 minute walk to the bus station. Really nice day, not a cloud in the sky. Booked our tickets to Mendoza and then jumped on the cable car to get an overhead view of the city. Beautiful views with the Andes providing the backdrop. Had a walk round the shops and chilled out.
9PM and another night bus rolls round, a tame 19 hours this time.