Husband and I are traveling to Salta in April. We were intending to drive ourselves as we are pretty independent travelers. Is this a bad idea?

Topping,as we are also interested in this area. Has anyone driven to the Salta area from San Pedro de Atacama Chile or from Cordoba? I know it is available by bus route.

Most people on this forum have toured the area with private guides, who do the driving for them. Most places you will go the roads are paved, but apparently the signage is not great, and the distances between gas stations is great (you would really need to know where they are, I think). If you want to go to Cachi, that is a stupendous trip, but the road is a treacherous one -- unpaved, windy, narrow (supposedly two way, but...), and goes along high cliffs with no barriers, often dense fog sets in at the top. You would also have to know about the rainy season, because sometimes the roads are washed out. Taking this route, though, was one of the highlights of our time in the area.

We did meet people in Purmamarca who had traveled everywhere on their own, and they were fine, but I was really happy I had a driver/guide!! I suppose it also depends on how much time you have in the area, because the driving times are great (not always distances, but road conditions), and it is alot more enjoyable to have someone else do the driving especially if you have a limited time.

You are free to choose driving by yourself, but the one who drives does not enjoy the trip and as the roads sometimes have no signs you can miss something in your way. A driver/guide also knows about the time which it takes to drive from point to point, and they can also tell you a lot about the History and the culture of the places. The NW for instance has a lot about traditions, beliefs, religion, History... The difference is not really relevant in price I think and you can enjoy more. Many people take the private tours to be independent and forget about the driving, time...
Relax and enjoy.
Giena

SuY, I posted this same question a month or so ago. Yes, most people on <i>this</i> forum hire a guide and driver.

I posted this same question on the Thorntree forum and almost everyone said to do it independently.

I will look forward to hearing of your experience as I will be in that region in November.

Cheers!

Dear SuY, I understand why you are not sure what to do.. Most of people writing at Lonely Planet are backpackers and european travellers who are interested in visiting ans many places as possible with a budget, most fodorites are americans or canadians who are interested in being onformed about everything, people who like to feel comfortable everywhere with a preferencial service. That is why you have two different points of view, but you can choose and will be welcome anyway.Warm regards.
Flintstones.

No need for you to have a guide. I am in my seventies and rode my small Honda south via Salta on my way to Ushuaia from Mexico .www.simongandolfi.blogspot.com). When in Salta, I joined the Argentine Automobile Club. Though probably not worth while for a short holiday, you get discounts on gas and on hotels, plus rescue. The Club has an office in Salta (easy to find) and they will give you a list of gas stations. I filled my tank regularly and had no trouble. There is a fabulous gorge that you must visit. The tar roads were fine. Dirt roads were ok for a car or a trail bike. I have a road bike with road tyres and hate gravel. Message me if you have a specific enquiry with which I can help. Have fun, simon gandolfi

How is the drive between Cordoba and Salta?

So many routes to chose from - however you can drive all the way on tar. I ride a small Honda 125 so must beware of a surprise pothole! And, where possible, I avoid gravel (ripli). Also agricultural traffic can hold you up. I checked my diary: heading out of Salta you pass through a charming small town, Colonel Moldes, where I ate breakfast on the terrace at the Hospedaje Dona Lada. Would have enjoyed staying a week! The gorge, El Rio de Los Londes, is a must.
The section in my blog begins on 6 October(www.simongandolfi.blogspot.com). Tafi is very touristy, however the road up over the mountains from Morales is spectacular and the road south out of Tafi is lovely. Take care, simon

Thanks for the input. Think we are going to try and do it ourselves and keep our fingers crossed. Will let everyone know how it goes.

An add on question...I'm pregnant..am I being silly/irresponsible going to NW Argentina

No, you are not being silly. Nor even greatly adventurous! Argentina is very civilised. In emergency, you find excelent doctors. Yes, the distances are big - but no bigger than in the Mid West of the US. I had one major problem on my ride - having to have my top plate fixed in BA. Teethless, I walked for hours searching for a restaurant that served anything edible other than steak, steak, steak! Finally I found sweetbreads at the Spanish Club. Beautiful room, excelent food. Try it if in BA.
PS. The dentist did a first class rebuild: $50!!!
www.simongandolfi.blogspot.com

Nice report, Simon, I think you ment Do&ntilde;a Alda. Didn`t you? And about the river... Rio de las Conchas you mean...
Rio de los Londes? Could you tell me, please, where it is?
SuY, take care.
Flintstones

Hi everybody. Found this page while researching return visit to Argentina. When we drove the Bariloche to Mendoza area two years ago, we had no problems at all, except you have to know the distances are great. Don't miss SM de los Andres.
We are returning to Salta and the northwest next year. I have two questions.
We used to stay in cabanas.... 1 or 2 bedroom cabins with kitchens, and it was great for cooking, and they were a moderate price, no need to book in advance. Are these available in Salta and all the northwest?
Also, we want to go thru the mountains to Chile and the Atacama. Any problems we should be aware of.... are there places to stay between Salta and San Pedro? Travel will likely be in April...?
Hope for some help.
Canada Don.

Has anyone here taken the overnight bus to Cordoba to Salta? I didn't see any direct flights, they all went through BA to get to Salta. Can you do a one-way car rental Cordoba to Salta?

There MUST be good Salta to C&oacute;rdoba buses, but I have never used them.

There SHOULD be Salta to C&oacute;rdoba flights, but I'm not sure. Check the Aerol&iacute;neas Argentinas schedule thoroughly.

One-way car rentals, if available, are very expensive in Argentina.

Have a great time in our country.

If you take bus from Cordoba to Salta, I suggest a cama bus calles MERCOBUS... Great service! And do not miss Humahuaca Gorge and the Salt flats and Cafayate and the wineries...
Flintstones