Our first trip to Argentina will start in BA on May 1st, via Delta from Atlanta. Our plan was to continue on to Salta for 5 days, then go back to BA to meet with some friends in Lujan, then go to Yacutinga Lodge near Iguazu. We have the flights already booked for Iguazu with Areolinas Argentina. BUT, is it possible to travel cama coche to Salta and then return by air ? I have looked up web site for La Velos de Norte, the bus line, and I don't see a price for one-way. The bus trip sounds interesting. Anybody with experience ?? Thought it would be a nice way to get over our jet lag, while seeing a bit of the pampas, but would rather fly back. Do you just go to the bus station? Do they really serve meals ?

If the bus from Iguazu to Salta on La Veloz del Norte works the same as the one from BA, you need to pretty much book in advance - not necessarily a long time ahead, but probably go by the bus station a day or two before to make sure you get seats - all depends on how busy it happens to be. La Veloz runs very comfortable, clean, well-maintained buses, they show enroute movies, and they usually have coffee and tea available on the bus. I think they have some higher end trips where food is served directly on the bus, but all the trips I've taken with them, they stop at waystations along the highway that are setup specifically for the bus companies, and offer usually a quick 2-course meal with maybe a couple of options, or a cafeteria style meal with more options. Not particularly good food, but at least edible. I definitely recommend bringing a couple of bottles of water with you, you'll want the hydration, especially as you head into the mountains near Salta. Expect the possibility of some altitude sickness as you get there - if you start getting headaches or have a little shortness of breath, just ask when you get off the bus where you can get some coca leaf tea or coca leaves to chew - common and legal here (you might even be able to pick up some of the tea in Iguazu and bring it with you). The scenery in Salta certainly is beautiful and worth the bus trip - I'd guess crossing the other parts of northern Argentina are equally worthwhile.

BUENOS AIRES - SALTA
COCHE CAMA
CO. CHEVALLIER
$ 160 ARG.
TOO LONG RIDE.

BREAK IT IN CORDOBA CITY AND STAY THERE FOR 1 NIGHT / 2 DAYS. FROM THERE YOU CAN GO TO SALTA TOO WITH THE SAME CO.NIGHT BUS.

good luck.
milla

is your luggage fairly safe on the night buses? any experiences,,,good or bad

Vintage: good election to come to SAlta, do not miss Cafayate and its wines, goat cheese tasting, if you have to overnight, just choos Killa in downtown. It is a tiny, beautiful hotel!Do not miss Purmamarca and the Salt Flats, I suggest you to overnight in Purmamarca. There are tiny unexpensive hotels in town. Just unforgettable!
Flintstones

Whilte Vintage will find this too late, others may benefit. The Salta area is well worth exploring. Cafayate has wonderful wines and the fascinating nearby Ruinas de Quilmes, Salta has the fantastic MAAM Museum, Purmamarca has the colorful mountains, Tilcara has delicious goat dishes, and interesting local markets in every city. The prices are even lower than in BA! It has a totally different feel than Buenos Aires, but presents a relaxed, beautiful and historically interesting part of Argentina. Can't wait to return!