I met a nice couple from the States recently and I tried they had all teh informations to spend a great time in the NW. And they did except for their experience renting a car:
This is part of his letter,...

Just wanted to thank you again for your help in planning our trip to Salta.Overall, we had a wonderful time. We especially enjoyed Purmamarca and ElCardon. We did have one major problem. The first night, while we were staying inSalta, we parked the rental car 100 feet away from the hotel on the street.The next morning, the window was broken and the stereo stolen. Thatmorning, we went to the airport and Hertz gave us a new car and said it wasnot a problem. Yesterday, when we returned the car to the airport, Hertzcharged us $1290 pesos for the damage to the car. We had insurance, butthey told us that it did not cover the car being broken into. We werefurious, but could do nothing about it because we had to catch our plane. Itwas a terrible way to end an otherwise great trip. Please, please, please,advise all of your customers NOT to use Hertz.

I think this is something to know.
* The car should be parked in the parking place.
* Try not to give the car back at the airport... as you are in a hurry they know you have no time to argue.
Flintstones.

One interesting alternative is to tour Salta with Angie, who is a top independent Salta guide with her own car.

[email protected]

LOL!!!!

The problem you had with Hertz is actually not a problem with that special agency. It's something quite absurd that works in argentina with most of car rental agencies. Even though you pay for insurance when you rent a car you should also sign some kind of voucher called franchising which is some amount of money that will respond for the car damages .....absurd because you are also paying the insurance which makes you wonder "what's the insurance for". It's definitely something the car agencies should change.

Kentallo, I would not generalise... but you are partly right. When I worked in the car rental agency, in the '90, one day a nice german customer confessed me that the card limit was less than the "franquicia" ( I do not remember at this moment how much ti was) and he offered to pay the difference cash... I prefered not to mention this to my boss and told him Iwas sure he would do the correct if he caused any damage to the car, but I was not quite sure to have the monwy to give him back in case he didn`t...
the person who rented Hertz will get a refund from his card I hope.
THanks AVRooster!!!
Flintstones

Oh my!

I forgot to say Flintstones and Angie are one and the same person!

LOL!

Let me explain...
I have just transcribed a mail from someone who met me throughone of the forums, He rented a car in Hertz, and that is what happened.
This is just for you to be careful and avoid parking the car at the street. The car rentals` insurance do not cover the stolen things from the car. Some credit cards cover those items also.
The remarkable thing is that they really enjoyed the NW...
Warm regards.
Flintstones.