We will be in Salta for app. 3 days We don't like traveling in groups and are thinking
of renting a vehicle but I can only drive automatic. Has anyone used a car rental
agency that has automatics. Otherwise, the next best thing could be to hire a driver
although we'd rather not. If anyone does have any names of auto rental agencies and
also drivers...that would be great!! Thanks.

If any automatics are available in Salta, they will certainly be rather expensive.

I suggest you use TA's search feature http://www.tripadvisor.com/SearchFor...ub-search.y=14
to research "Angie", a top independent Salta guide with her own transportation.

If you like what you read, contact her.

Try the car rental agencies on line or, better yet, contact the hotel you are staying in in Salta - they will likely help you find a car rental that has an automatic drive car (though you will pay more for that). To go to Cafayate is so easy on your own.

For another good guide, try David Salta on this Forum.

~Marnie

I agree with Marnie -- try to find an automatic car via the internet or thru the place u stay in Salta. It will be much less expensive to drive on your own. Where are u planning on going? It's an easy drive to and from Cafayate or to the North to Tilcara/Purmaraca. U can find lots of info on what to see on this forum as well as TA or in a guide book. Good luck!

There must be a few automatic cars available for rent but I think those are really expensive. But, 4holdings, I do notunderstand your fist post, you said..."we could hire a driveralthough we would rather not. If anyone does have any names of auto rental agencies and also drivers..."
If you rent a car YOU have to drive it. You can not take someone else to drive... the insurance is in your name and if something happens you will not be covered. It is less complicated, to get a private tour. All the risks (fuel expenses, breaking a tyre,driver expenses are all covered and you do not have to pay more if it happems and at the end it is cheaper) I MEAN... when you hire a car and hire a driver separatelly it is all more expensive becasue you have to pay his fees plus expenses.
Many people do not want to hire a driver/guide because they think they will lose independence and thta is not true. People are picked up, driven around, given teh info they need and theyare free to choose all the options the guide gave them for the time they are by themselves. You do not see the guide at the end of the day until the next morning.

And if you want to dirve yourself remember at 93 Buenos Aires St in Salta you can get free maps of the circuits,of the town and also valuable information.

Flintstones

Flintstones, I believe the OP asked about automatic rental cars AND about drivers with their own transportation, in order to have an overview of BOTH options, not in order to find a driver for the rental car.

We are waiting for 4holding's acknowledgement of the advice received so far...

Avrooster - You are definitely right. I am interested first
in getting around on my own if I can find an automatic car.
If I cannot find one then I have no choice but to get a driver
to take us around. Thanks everyone for their feedback.

Oh... Sorry,... I understand now.
If you need any info, whatever to help you about itineraries and advices, pls, do not hesitate in making the questions you feel are convenient.
Flintstones

Most rental agencies (local and international)in Salta are located in couple of streets in the centre. We used Hertz and the manager there was particularly helpful and beat the deal we saw online.

3 days is not a lot of time for teh area so you could be better engaging a guide/driver to make the most of your time there.

Hi, crellston!

When is the opening of your B&B and am I invited?

Just kidding....

Don't count on my presence unless the buffet features an abundant egg salad............ LOL!!!

Of course, AVRooster....
Empanadas diet and good BBQ
LOL!

avrooster - the good news is that we are now actively searching for a property to use as a B&B. The "bad" news that it will be here in England rather than Salta. With the current weakness in sterling, now is not the time to buy property abroad. That said, our intention is to run the B&B during our summer and travel during the winter which ties in nicely with the summer in Argentina. We may even buy or rent a small place in avrooster's country!!

You are do of course, have a standing invitation to visit at anytime and, in order to avoid guest disappointment, I promise that egg salad will definitely not feature on the menu! Indeed, as flintstones suggests, I intend seeking your good counsel and design input on building an asado in the garden... flintsones, you too are of course more than welcome and if you do come, then I should be happy to introduce you to the wonders of the Cornish Pasty which is like a giant empanada i.e. 10 times the size!

I clearly indicated I would NOT attend "unless the buffet features an abundant egg salad............ LOL!!!"

I thought I had posted this before.....

I will take this invitation seriously and promise to bring one of my dishes to share. And, of course, a great wine! Avroostercan get his salad... LOL! but I feel you will make a ore interesting menu
Flintstones.

Our local Salta expert Flintstones in England, tasting "the wonders of the Cornish Pasty"!

That should be something to see! I may even give up on that egg salad I was demanding, in favor of that Cornish Pasty!

My apologies avrooster, I really must learn to read posts properly before responding! It must be all those Spanish lessons in Argentina that have confused me - my brain clearly only has room for one language at a time! Of course the needs and desires of all of our guests will be paramount and if you demand egg salad then we will do our best to oblige. As it is Carolyn's intention to keep Chickens when we find our new place, are you happy with a DIY egg salad - i.e. collecting the eggs yourself? As I recall there weren't many other ingredients in the salad at Fervour!

As for that Cornish pasty, we will use my grandmother's recipe andI am confident you will enjoy it. Think empanadas on steroids!

Flintstones- A nice Torrontes would go very well!

Great! I'm very much looking forward to this B&B opening!

Let me know and I'll RSVP!

However, considering my screen name and my last name, I feel my stature would not allow me to collect the eggs myself....LOL!!

This might be a dumb idea - but what if you learn to drive a stick before your trip - it isnt that hard

not enuf vaca

Not a dumb idea at all, I considered it but don't have a lot of time because I leave in two weeks.