Salta and BA first trip HELP Please
 

We have a proposed itin and would like some feedback- for 14 nights..
Arrive BA and spend 2 nights and leave in the evening on 3rd dy to Salta
Salta- 2 nights- thendrive to Caci- Colome
Colome 2 nights
Cafayate 1 night- wineries ruins ( Killa)
Salta 1 night
Purmamarca- 1 2 or 3 nights? Not sure how many to stay..

Buenos Aires 3 nights then home
We like the outdoors and will be there in July. If we stay 3 nights it means we will drive from the NW directky to the Airport in Salta to leave for BA but our flight is not until 11pm. Alternatively we could spend 2 nights in the NW and the last night in Salta?

Also regarding hotels-- we originally planned to Stay in Colome at the winery- It is very expensive but I wonder what the benefit is rather than spend the days in Cafayate especiall if our interest is local colr rather than resort.
In Purmamrca- the htoel Slinceio is also pricey but are the other hotels there or in Tilcara that are comfortable?


Thanks in advance

Well, Colome worths two night if you can afford it, if not you have other choices, not so fancy, but not bad.
ACA in CAchi is nice, one of the best places to stay and not so expensive. Hosteria de Angastaco is inexpensive and nice, but needs mainteinance. Killa is perfect in Cafayate and you can take some time to visit Amaicha and Quilmes.
In Purmamarca,... There are plenty of new hotels much cheaper to Manantial del Silencio. My favorite is EL CArdòn which is in town and let you be part of the town all the time.
Warm regards.
Flintstones

Thank you
How do I reach El Cardon- cannot seem to find contact information.

Naxos, el cardon has no website yet, but the address is Belgrano St no number, but only 1.5 blocks from the main square. Telephone number 0388-4908672. They do not speak English at all. If you can manage with some spanish try to call in the morning to Mirta, she can help you a little more.
Flintstones

Calling from abroad, that would be:
54-388-4908672

Yes, Rooster You are always right! You are always alert! How do you do it? CD reaching you.
Flintstones.

I guess I have nothing better to do... LOL!!!

Thank you both for the phone number - I will attempt a morning call. Before I call and amke a reservation I would like to clarify..(Currently I reserved 2 nights at Silencio-)
If I have 2 nights to spend in the north and will be driving from Salta- shall I stay both nights in Purmmamarca or one night in Purmmarca and one night in Tilcara?

Flinstones-- I Know you recommended one night in each but do you have a hotel recommendation for Tilcara?

Angie has the answer for any and all questions about our NW, don't you Angie?

And if she doesn't have it, she will find out for us, won't you, Angie?

Of course, Rooster. I like Tilcara, but ir turns windy every day in the afternoon. Purmamarca worths two nights. You will not regret.
You can drive or take a tour to the SAlt Flats from there, so I really like Purmamarca most.
In Tilcara eat at Yacon... They have great dishes, for all tastes. Quinoa, llama and much more.
Flintstones

This is great information! I'm just starting to plan our trip for April 2008.

Alan, take a time for the NW it worths. Do not miss Purmamarca and the SAlt Flats. I ususally recommned people to walk in LOS COLORADOS in the morning, before the massive tourism invade the little town. CAfayate - CAchi the wines, the alfajores and the wine ice-cream! Do not miss it!
F

OK if we stay 2 nights in Purmamarca, do we have time to drive to Tilcara and Humahuaca?

Also how crowded will Purmamarca be with
tourist buses in July?

What is the best driving route from Salat to Purmamarca and Tilcara?

You can base in Purmamarca and visit Humahuaca and Tilcara. I ususally drive in countertime of the buses: I mean I try not to be in a place at the same time all tourist buses arrive. For instance, Tilcara in the afernoon, Purmamarca in the morning between 9 to 11/12... But there are lots of buses in July, specially during the two-week holiday!
Staying two nights, you can visit the Gorge and the SAlt Flats.
Best route, 9 and to come hack take 9- 56 - 34 - 9 ... see in a map, please. Looks longer but easier driving.
Warm regards,
Flintstones
F.

Thanks for the details- I really appreciate your help.

You are welcome!
Flintstones

Just to clarify-- when are the tour buses in Purmamarca and Tilcara?

If I start the day in Salta and leave early in the morning- what should be my first stop?

If you are going to stay in Purmamarca just skip it i your way to the gorge and go directly to Tilcara. You will have less chances too meet all the tourists in Purmamarca because they usually go in the morning... (big buses) and visit the indian ruins and museum before they reach there... you can stay in Purmamarca and early in the morning take the beautiful pics with no tourists... Walk on los Colorados and drive to the salt flats around 10, you will not find lots of tourists. Tell us about your experience when you com back...
Remember to eat at YACON in Tilcara and at LA POSTA in Purmamarca... You will never regret.
At midday all the tourists are in Humahuaca and to be honest the best sceneries are up to Tilcara.
Warm regards,
Flintstones.

Flinstones

Thank you again for all your specific information. Are you suggesting that we skip Humahuaca?

Is there a particular hike to take in Tilcara?

How long a trip to Tilcara from Salta? Should we leave at 7 or 8 am?

I am excited about your restaurant advice also. I will be sure to post when I return.

It is up to you, naxos,if you feel you are more itnerested in what you see in Tilcara... I really skip it when people ere enjoying Tilacara better because if you run just to see more... you do see either... neither... do you understand...? YWhta I want yu to be sure you are missing something great! I mean You should not miss Purmamarca, and the SAlt Flats, for instance, but Humahuaca has only a huge monument. The work of man is nos as God`s!
Wamr regards.
Angie