Hello, I intend to travel in northwest of Argentina in december. According to tourist guides the road Cafayate - Cachi - Salta is one of the most beautiful in Argentina. Is that true? The road conditions are not so good (rough ripio?), do I need a 4WD ? Thaks in advance.
Reply to this I travelled the Cachi to Salta section which was very beautiful. We went by bus from Salta - if you do go it alone I'd recommend a 4x4 as in one section a bridge had disappeared and we had to go across a smallish river! This was around October last year so I imagine December will be similar. The road was paved but it's narrow and winding so travel time is slow.
We tried to move on to Cafayate from Cachi but there were no buses, unfortunately. But ordinary taxis were doing the route so it's certainly passable, but I've no idea of the conditions.
Reply to this Hi,
I did not do it personally but some fellow travellers did and they say it is pretty spectacular. Unfortunately there is no direct bus from Cafayate to Cachi, so if you don't want to take your 4x4 you have to take the bus to Salta, get off at the first stop (can't remember the name) and then either hitch hike - which is quite common and relatively safe here - or hire a taxi. From Cachi there are buses to Salta.
One recommendation if you are staying overnight in Cafayate and are planning to go to a hostel - Hostal Rusti-K. It is easily the best hostel I have ever been to. People are incredibly nice and warm and make you feel like you are part of the family.
And I also suggest you rent a bike there to visit Las Quebradas de Cafayate - absolutely wonderful. You can also do it on an organised tour but by bike is much better. I hope you are going to love Northwest of Argentina as much as I do.
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