Thanks much for everyone's advice on Iguazu Falls. Santiagov suggested I explore Salta extensive which is an idea I am now considering. Different topic so thought I would start a new thread.

My husband and I are used to traveling indendently by hiring a car and driving around. Is this possible in Salta? Neither my husband nor I speak Spanish. We both pretty much like to do things on the fly ourselves and am concerned that having a personal guide will be somewhat uncomfortable. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated!

Again, not my area, but I think you shouldn't have any problems. We'll see what santiagov has to say about it.

Hey, santiagov, the lady's been waiting for 28 minutes!!!!!! Are you having dinner or what? You are not supposed to keep ladies waiting!

Santiagov,

Any assistance would be greatly appreciated! I am just concerned if we get a guide that we don't like, it'll ruin our whole vacation!

Salta , as many Argentinian provinces
( states) is perfect for independent travelling and hiring a car is a must to take the most of it as distances from attractions tend to be long . Another obvious advice is try learning some very basic spanish at home.
Its always helpfull.
Try this link on suggested activities in Salta, sorroundings and close provinces.
Agree about a bad guide , but people tend to be extremely nice outside BA and a lack of proffesionalism will be suplanted with a infinity desire to help foreigners .Nice aspect I have also experienced in USA and othe countrys.

http://www.welcomeargentina.com/salta/outings.html

Also after visiting the link I suggest you do some more research on the web.

Hope this helps SuY !!

Think I will brave it then. Husband and I are used to driving around ourselves. I had spoken to a travel agent (Isabel at Buenos Aires Tours) and she seemed to strongly discourage it which got me concerned. The claim was that even locals would get lost. We definitely want to explore and feel that having a guide may be somewhat restrctive.

SuY,

You will like Salta! We spent a week there and loved almost everything. The people were so friendly -- much more so than the other places we were in Argentina.

The only suggestion I have to you is to avoid going to Tucuman (San Miguel de Tucuman), which is a city a few hours to the south, unless things have changed in the last few years.

In 1999, there were three of us in the rental car, my husband (who was driving and is fluent in Spanish), the local tour guide, and me.

We encountered three roadblocks (one to get into Tucuman province, one before the city, and one to get out of the province). We got ticketed at the first stop (for a broken tail light) -- the cop said it would be a $100 fine, but after some chatting it was decided that we could give him $5.

We couldn't get the light fixed so we just ran through the second roadblock...I was so happy when we exited the province and were on our way back to Salta. Our local tour guide told us that Tucuman was a tricky province, and was known to be somewhat "independent" when dealing with travellers and folks from the other provinces. I don't know what we would have done if we didn't have the local tour guide to help us with the situation (and if my husband didn't speak Spanish too).

I could write much more about our adventure in Tucuman, but I'd rather tell you again how much more we really, really liked the Salta area.

SuY, I take it you have gone and come back already?

Please report back!

My boyfriend and I would like to rent a car in Salta and explore independently without a driver and guide.

Are we nuts to do this on our own? If so, what is the cost of hiring a guide to bring along with us?

The Nw of Argentina is great... You will never regret about your choice...You can renta car or get a private service to explore the area. The second chance let you enjoy the scenery, you do not loose time in sutdying maps and reading signs... and there are lots of things independent tourists miss about History and Culture.
And the difference in price is not really relevant.
Warm regards.
Flintstones

It's sad, but I didn't manage to make it out to Salta. However, I am definitely going this April and will let you guys know how it goes. In the meantime, if anyone has any suggestions/trip reports/places to eat, I would greatly appreciate it!

my trip report from November is back up on the current threads, as someone else is planning a trip to the area. I posted it as "the amazing NW of Argentina." this will give you an idea from my trip, and the comments of others. Then, please repay the favor with a trip report when you return!

I`ll be waiting for your trip reports. Do not miss the Salt Flats, Purmmarca and Cafayate. Have fun.
Flintstones.

Author: flintstones ([email protected])
Date: 01/20/2007, 01:05 pm
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.

Flintstone, interesting comment about the Lonely Planet forum being mostly "budget and European travellers trying to visit as many places as possible with a budget" and people on fodors "being informed about everything, people who like to feel comfortable everywhere with a preferencial service"

I refer and post on both forums in order to get a variety of opinions. I really enjoy the variety of travel styles.

I typically find that lonely planet posters are much more adventuresome, visit off the beaten path places and enjoy "doing as the locals do". I also read many posts from travellers who enjoyed a town so much that they stayed and extra week.

I find that many of the people on fodors are looking for American style hotels and having a guide or travel agent plan their trips. Fodorites seem to stick to a set itinerary rather than flying by the seat of their pants.

I tend to lean towards adventure trips with room to change plans as I see fit. My boyfriend, on the other hand, tends to like structure.

We find a good balance when we travel together, thank goodness!

Variety is the spice of life and you are right; two different points of view but neither wrong.

I would not say any of both point of view is wrong! No, different, I like european style, but sometimes I agree with americans who like to have a schedule for each day... Do not missundertand me, please. Just as I told, different points of view.
You are the boss, you choose.
Warm regards
Flintstones.

flintstone, I think you misread my message.

If you read it again you will see I stated "you are right; two different points of view but neither wrong. "

Sorry for the misunderstanding. You often give people very good advice on this forum and I respect your opinion.

cheers!

Thnak you, eurotravel. I survived thanks to european during the crisis in the 90^s, so I have a special feeling to them, if you are from Europe... I have lots of friends in Germany, Holland, Spain, Belgium, Switzerland...everywhere. One day I willtell you some stories anout my friends and me... Only some minutes ago we were talking about how the market changed in the last times...
Warm regards.
Flintstones