Zambezi

Which of these cities would be better as a base for exploring a small portion of NW Argentina during a five-day stay in March? I must rely on bus transportation to get around (or, join a tour). I am especially interested in a short visit to Tilcara to shop at the women's craft cooperative. ZZ

crellston

Salta is much nicer than Jujuy and would make a great base for seeing the highlights of the region.A self drive car or a car and driver guide will enable you to see much more in the time available. A bus tour would be ok but I feel that trying to DIY in 5 days would be too problematic. There is a lot to see in the region. Some photos and more detail on our blog:

http://blog.travelpod.com/travel-blo...ai/1/tpod.html

Entries 75-81 cover the region.

Also search for Flintstones (aka Angie ) on this forum she is a guide in the area and may be able to help. This part of Argentina was THE highlight for me of 5 months in South America - spend a few more days if you can..

NoFlyZone

Be sure to read crellston's page completely. It was invaluable in my planning for a 9 day trip to that region, coming up in April.

(If I never thanked you, crellston, consider this as it! great job!)

Zambezi

Crellston: NoFlyZone has prompted me to do right now what I had planned to do later: thank you for the detailed blog, complete with photographs, that has valuable information about a number of places in Argentina (and Uruguay) that I either intend to visit or have considered. Right now, my proposed itinerary is in a topsy-turby state because of the latest volcanic eruption near Bariloche. Having bought air tickets Miami - Santiago - Puerto Montt [boat to Bariloche] - Bariloche - BA (to be followed by trip to northwest Argentina), I'm in a quandary. Considering cancelling Puerto Montt and Bariloche and instead taking bus from Santiago to Mendoza, then somehow going north to Salta. ZZ

NoFlyZone

Z, you're doing almost the reverse of our plan. We start in BA, then Iguazu, Salta, Mendoza and Santiago. Leaving Bariloche for the next trip (Patagonia). Between the last three will be by bus, as you.

We ended up selecting Poncho Tours for the Salta area groundwork; good experience so far working with them.

crellston

NFZ - You are very welcome. I am glad you found it useful. I really envy you your trip in April, make sure you report back fully so we can all experience it vicariously!

Zambezi - shame about the volcanic activity. I read somewhere that flights in the vicinity had been grounded but not sure if that is still the case. One of the attractions of travel in south america is the well developed and efficient bus system. We found it to be the best way of getting around. The distances involved seem vast and indeed they are, but most trips can be scheduled overnight and so do not eat into your time too greatly (plus you save on accommodation costs ( I recommend Cama or Ejecutivo seats which are extremely comfortable and ensure a chance of sleep). If you are into wildlife then Peninsula Valdes may be an alternative and is a great place to see whales and penguins. However it is a long way from anywhere on the opposite coast from Bariloche - if considering this do check the times of year that teh whales arrive.