What is best to do in Salta? Is there any sightseeing in Bariloche or just skiing?

The best thing to do in Salta is to rent a car and drive a circuit of the area, Tilcara, Purmamarca, Cachi, Chiocana and Salineras Grande etc. The scenery is amazing and some great food and wine along the way. If you are not happy driving, then you could hire a driver guide like Angelica Valdez who often posts here under the name "Flintstones".

In Bariloche there is hiking. The town itself isn't particularly beautiful, but the region surrounding it is very nice. Not sure what the situation would be that time of the year in relation to any of the boat trips one can take.

Agree with crellston re Salta -- renting a car is the way to go. It is very easy to drive and the roads are easy to get around on. U can book everything online

I've done some more research and I think the area around Salta does require 4 days and I like the idea of renting a car. Do you recommend a rental agency? Is it safe for 2 females to do this alone?
Since I am eliminating Bariloche now, I'm thinking of the following itinerary: 3-4 days Buenos Aires
1- San Antonio de Areco
2- Iguazu Falls
4- Salta and area
2-3 Mendoza
1-Buenos Aires

Since it's either a 9 hour flight costing $500 or a 19 hour bus ride for $100, is Mendoza worth all the trouble? Maybe I should stay an extra day in cafayate.

For that amount of money and/or time Mendoza would have to be really something special. I have not visited Mendoza because from what I have read and heard, its really just like any other wine region in the world and I've done enough of those that 1 more didn't interest us. I really liked Cafayate so staying another day would be delightful. There is a lot to see in the Salta region and an extra day there would be easy to fill.

"is Mendoza worth all the trouble? " IMHO no! Spend the extra time in the Salta region - plenty of decent vineyards around - Torrontes is a unique wine well worth seeking out. 5 or 5 days for Salta is and ideal amount of time . An extra day in Cafayate for the vineyards or maybe Cachi - Finca La Paya is a great place to stay about 8 kms outside of town. Great hospitality and amazing food..

I would have to disagree with crellston. In my opinion Mendoza is defintely worth the trouble! Mendoza is an amazing wine region, boasting a wide range of world famous wineries. I went to a variety of Amazing restaurants as well while I was there! If you are still interested in coming to Mendoza let me know and I would be happy to pass along more information!!