Argentina travel blog by Mark Berman -
April 2014
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View Photoset (13 Photos)
From Salta to Cafayate is 197kms, takes 3 and a half hours by bus and costs around $100 pesos. It's a great journey, especially the last 90 minutes through
the Quebrada de las Conchas (ravine). The Drive from Salta
The trip through the Lerma Valley (Valle de Lerma) south of Salta passes firstly through open green pastures, crop
fields and cow grazing land with mountain ranges in the distance around the towns of Cerrillos and La Merced before crossing the Rio Rosario (river). We
crossed another river with a train bridge also running over it along beside before passing through El Carril at 1170masl (meters above sea level). Much
farmland and overgrown bush up until we passed through the town of Coronel Moldes. Shortly afterwards out on the left I could see the lake - Lago Embalse
Cabra Corral before we passed through El Carmen and La Vina at 1190masl.
Food Stop in Talapampa
We now came to Talapampa where the bus stopped for about 20mins for food etc.
There were many birds in the pampas waters across the road and nice views of the mountains which were now a little less in the distance. From Talapampa to
Cafayate takes 1hr 30mins and in this time the bus travels up to 1660masl. Beside the river the road cuts it's way through the rocky terrain as we slowly
ascend. This is the beginning of cactus and ceramics country. The mountains are becoming red and jagged. There is still much greenery down in the valley
beside the river. We pass a small vineyard. The mountains in places have many colors, some of the views from the front seat on the top deck of the bus were
incredible! The terrain makes you feel as if you are on the moon with it's many shapes and colors in a panoramic view. This is the Quebrada de las Conchas
and this is the area where the tour groups bring people to visit the various sights of
Cafayate.
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