Exploring Salta

Today is dedicated to exploring Salta and its surroundings.

St Bernard Hill

We start at the top of one of the surrounding hills for a fantastic view over the city. The viewpoint can be reached by cable or road, and we drove up – with Gastón as the driver, of course.

There is still a fair amount of morning mist hanging around, so we take a coffee while we wait for the clouds to clear.

And they do, revealing Salta in all its glory below. After so many days in the wilderness, it seems strange to see such a built-up area.

It's got to be done, right? Another Instragrammable sign.

It's a hard life being a dog

Yep, the time is correct!

We return to the lower part of Salta to take in some of the main sights of the city.

Monument to Martín Miguel de Güemes

Considered a national hero, he was a military leader who defended northwestern Argentina from the Spanish royalist army during the Argentine War of Independence. He died in 1821.

Salta Cathedral

This beautiful Neo-Colonial building was finished in 1882, and has a rectangular plan with three naves, as well as an amazing Carrera Marble Floor with a fascinating 3D-effect pattern that plays havoc with your eyes.

As there is a service this morning, I am not permitted to take photos inside the church.

Archbishop's Palace

Next door is the Archbishop's Palace

Gastón leads us on a walking tour of the main sights in the city – something I would not have had the energy to do just a couple of days ago, so hopefully the antibiotics are working their magic. It feels good to be able to move a little again without being totally out of breath.

Town Hall

San Francisco Church

Doria Salta

Salta is Gastón's home city, and he takes us to a traditional restaurant he knows well, for lunch.

The place has a real gaucho feel, with exposed brickwork on the walls, and lots of leather (including on the staff clothing). When we arrive, the place is empty, but by the time we leave, it has completely filled out.

As usual, we let Gastóon choose for us, or at least suggest what would be the best option for some traditional local food.

A selection of empanadas: chicken, beef, cheese, jerky

Tamale: corn pastry with beef, eggs, potatoes, and vegetables.

Chill time

We go back to the room and chill for the rest of the day. This afternoon it is David's turn to not feel well, with a nasty bout of sickness and diarrhea - he was feeling nauseous before the lunch stop, so it is unlikely to be the food we ate then. he spends most of the rest of the day in bed.

Thank you to Undiscovered Destinations for arranging this amazing trip, and also re-arranging the itinerary after I became ill with a chest infection.