yestravel

We have about 2 weeks to spend in Argentina and are trying to decide how much time to spend in the NW. We've been to BA b4, but would still like to spend 3-4 days in BA also on this trip. I've read the trip reports on this Board and TA, but still am having difficulty figuring out if 1 week in the NW is enough time. We would like to visit Salta, Purmamarca and Tilcara (possibly as a day trip from Purmamarca?)Cafayate and Cachi. Any other places we should visit? Thanks for your comments.

skatedancer

one week would be enough. We had only five nights (so not even five full days...), and managed to pack alot in. We went to Purmamarca, TIlcara, Salta, Cachi, Colome and Cafayate. We did not get to the Salt Flats. We did have a private guide, so we were very efficient in our travel. (no getting lost,for example!)

flintstones

Five or six days at least would be great. Skatedancer would have wanted to stay more time, I am sure, but not many people can stay long. Two days for the Humahuaca Gorge and the SAlt Flats staying in Purmamarca and two days for the CAlcahquies Valleys or Three! and one day for the town. Not less than four days...
Flintstones

yestravel

Thanks for your responses! Sounds like we'll be fine with 7 days.

flintstones

Yes, it is great. Have a nice time, and do ot hesitate in making any question, anytime.
Warm regards.
Flintstones

siberia_ba

Yestravel,
If you are considering a guide in the NW area, keep Giena/Flintstones in mind. As you could see, she is very responsive and knowledgeable.

yestravel

Thank you -- we are just in the very early stages of planning our trips for 2008. I'm sure I will be back at a later date with lots more questions about the NW and appreciate your willingness to provide answers, Flintstones.
siberia_ba, thanks for your recommendation for a guide. At this point not sure if we'll do it independently or use a guide for some of the NW portion.

eurotraveller

We are heading to Argentina at the end of October and we will be spending 7-8 nights in the NW region. Here is our rough itinerary but we are not booking anything ahead so our plans may change as we go. We are traveling independently so I will be sure to report back.

Arrive in the morning in Salta from bA.

Rent a car and drive directly to Cachi.

2 nights Cachi exploring the surrounding area and doing some hiking. We will also go to Colome to taste wine.

Drive to Cafayate.

2 nights Cafayate with one day wine tasting and another with a day trip to Quilmes and exploring the area by car.

Drive to Tilcara or Purmamarca.

Stay 2 nights in one of these towns exploring the area and visiting the salt flats.

Drive to Salta.

1 night in Salta before flying to Iguazu via BA.

We may still add a night to this region. Since we will be there on the shoulder season I don't think we will have a problem finding accommodations in the towns. We will have a list of a few possible choices to stay for each location but be open to other places.

Having a car affords us the freedom we enjoy for changing our minds along the way. If we end up loving an area we will stay another night there. We have done this in many countries and it works for us although it may not be everyones cup of mate, so to speak.

Through our research we have found that we can rent a car with unlimited kilometers for about $45 a day.

I will report back when we return.

Cheers!

Hypnosis

One word of caution. I arrived in Salta 2 nights ago and fell victim to an attack of altitude sickness. I didn´t expect this, though I knew the Tren a las Nubes would not be an option for me. So alas, I´m leaving without having seen Humahuaca or Cafayate, both of which were high on my list. I got some medicine from the pharmacy that took care of the worst of the symptoms, but mostly all I can do is sleep! Tonight I´m heading to Cordoba and will spend a couple of days there. Salta is a lovely city and deserves its sobriquet of "Salta la linda." So enjoy your travels, but be aware of the possibilities if you are at all sensitive to altitude.

flintstones

I am very sorry to hear this... Normally people are not so sensitive until 6000 ft. CAFAYATE is much less than this, but if you felt badly in Salta... It does not happen too often only to a few people.
Flintstones

yestravel

eurotraveller-- I would love to be able to wing it without having to make advance reservations. Will look forward to hearing about your trip. I think I saw one of your posts on possible places to stay. Hope you have a great trip.

eurotraveller

Yes, I did post a thread a while back with a list of very cool looking boutique style affordable accommodations. I searched for months before I put this lisst together.

I will let you know how are "winging it" trip was when we return.

Cheers!

yestravel

I'll have to dig that post up that u did on places to stay. Always looking for small, boutique style places to stay. It'll be great to have another first hand report from the NW especially one doing it on their own.