Venture to Salta (Day 45)

Today is a travel day. I'm leaving Iguazu (seems like a short stay compared to how long it took me to get here) and heading to Salta, in the northwest of the country. Salta had not been on my original trip plan, but I've only heard great things about it and every time I tell someone that I didn't think I would make it to Salta this trip, I got a incredulous look that made me rethink my plans. Besides, it's only a 23hr bus ride - piece of cake, right?!

As I leave Iguazu, I've listened to countless people tell me that Niagara Falls has nothing on Iguazu and I have to admit, Iguazu probably has the upper hand. But, both are so different that I think they can't really be compared. Niagara Falls in one huge wall of rushing water and the shear magnitude of this continuous torrent is mind-boggling. Iguazu on the other hand, although much bigger a gorge, is a series of different falls all ending into the same gorge. Each quadrant in Iguazu has a slightly different look and a slightly different feel. And the sub-tropical climate also lends a magical taste to it.

But Niagara Falls is still pretty phenomenal- don't let them tell you different!

My bus ride to Salta took me through the night (of great bus sleep!) and I arrived just before lunch. After getting the lowdown from the tourist booth, I made my way around the nearby plazas and through the streets of Salta.

I have the luxury of being in this city on Easter Sunday. It's a luxury because it's a pretty big city and I think it would have a much different taste to me in a bustle of people. But, today it's quiet and only the artesan fairs are open. I made my way to the biggest one near the train station. I love artesan fairs! Here in Salta, it seems that silverwork in the popular art- jewellery, silverware, beautiful boxes, picture frames- all in crafted silver. There's also lots of the knitted ponchos and shawls, leather items and more mate gourds than you can shake a finger at. And, since it's Easter, LOTS of yummy treats!

With most Argentines enjoying family time and feasting, the fair was quite quiet and really pleasant to walk through. And with a slightly overcast sky, it's warm but not nearly as hot as it was in Mendoza or Iguazu. I wandered back along some of the sidestreets and came upon the crowds letting out from a futbol game. Everyone had on a Salta jersey of some sort, and people had flags, drums and were chanting away. It was all pretty harmless (thankfully), but pretty cool to see how many people were out- futbol is serious business here!

As I kept wandering, I also had a chance to see some of the awesome architecture and funky store fronts that Salta is known for.


I have also read that there are a lot of complex adobe houses, which I'm curious to see after working on the adobe houses at the farm. But, I haven't really seen any yet, other than the ultra-modern neighbourhoods on the fringe of the city from the bus ride. I've got a ticket to go to the nearby mountain town of Cachi tomorrow, where there is supposed to be a lot of adobe infrastructure and some fantastic mountain hikes. Should be great!