It took us 2 days to drive from Mendoza to Cafatate. Once again the drive was spectacular. On Wednesday we were driving through flat steppeland, much like the scenery driving down to Puerto Madryn from Buenos Aires. By the end of the day, we were back to accacia forests and in fact rough-camped in one of them on Thursday night, by the side of the road. The ground was very dry, sandy soil but the rough camp was fun - also warmer than our last camping experiences. You just had to be careful not to get the accacia branches stuck in your pants as the leaves have sharp thorns on them!
On Thursday, the scenery changed not just once but about 3 times. We went from arid steppe to lush, sub tropical forest, flat plains and valleys, sheer mountain rock and back to arid steppe in Cafayate. We climbed up a mountain pass and on the way stopped to admire the spectacular scenery. I had just walked over to the cliff edge, when I heard a shout that someone had fallen off the Truck and turned to see our driver Tony and leader, Diana running back to it. The steps off the Truck are fold away metal steps and unfortunately John, one of the new people who joined us in Santiago had slipped off the top step and landed on the ground. He must have hit a rock because he was definitely knocked out for a few seconds, and there was blood pouring down his face. Ray was right in front of him and tried to stop him, but just wasn´t quick enough. Tony and Diana administered first aid to John, and after he had started to come to, we set off again. He was definitely dis-oriented and when we arrived in Cafayate we drove straight to the Drs. where we left him with Di while we drove to the campsite to check in. John arrived back in the camp later after having been to the hospital for an x-ray on the wrist. He was very lucky. Apart from a mild concussion, severe bruising on the forehead and eye, and sore wrists, there was nothing seriously damaged.
Cafayate is a small town, about 12,000 people situated in the Valles Calchquies, in the Province of Salta. It is very laid back, colonial in atmosphere, and is known for its wine cellars and as a tourist centre to explore the surrounding valleys. It is 1683 metres above sea level and I think was founded in 1840 - or thereabouts. We spent the day investigating the town centre, lazing in the cafes, and visiting some of the old colonial buildings. The main activity while we were there was the Salta Rally - a 500 mile rally in Salta Province of what appeared to be classic cars - including mercedes, bmws, austin mini, 1956 Corvette, Austin Healey, E-type Jag - etc. We met the owner of the 1956 Corvette in Salta on Sunday and apparently he bought the car from Canada. Small world!
In my last post I praised the medical facilities in Argentina. Maybe I should take that back! Robin and Duncan ended up going to the hospital in Cafayate to visit an orthopaedic specialist. Apparently he was so rude, brutal, and incompetent, that our tour leader is going to report him. However, Duncan then went to the Dr. in Salta, and had a very positive experience. So, go figure!
On the whole we enjoyed Cafayate, but are noticing quite a change in the people, who we are not finding as friendly as in orther parts of Argentina.
On Saturday, its up early and a four hour drive to Salta Rafting.
On Thursday, the scenery changed not just once but about 3 times. We went from arid steppe to lush, sub tropical forest, flat plains and valleys, sheer mountain rock and back to arid steppe in Cafayate. We climbed up a mountain pass and on the way stopped to admire the spectacular scenery. I had just walked over to the cliff edge, when I heard a shout that someone had fallen off the Truck and turned to see our driver Tony and leader, Diana running back to it. The steps off the Truck are fold away metal steps and unfortunately John, one of the new people who joined us in Santiago had slipped off the top step and landed on the ground. He must have hit a rock because he was definitely knocked out for a few seconds, and there was blood pouring down his face. Ray was right in front of him and tried to stop him, but just wasn´t quick enough. Tony and Diana administered first aid to John, and after he had started to come to, we set off again. He was definitely dis-oriented and when we arrived in Cafayate we drove straight to the Drs. where we left him with Di while we drove to the campsite to check in. John arrived back in the camp later after having been to the hospital for an x-ray on the wrist. He was very lucky. Apart from a mild concussion, severe bruising on the forehead and eye, and sore wrists, there was nothing seriously damaged.
Cafayate is a small town, about 12,000 people situated in the Valles Calchquies, in the Province of Salta. It is very laid back, colonial in atmosphere, and is known for its wine cellars and as a tourist centre to explore the surrounding valleys. It is 1683 metres above sea level and I think was founded in 1840 - or thereabouts. We spent the day investigating the town centre, lazing in the cafes, and visiting some of the old colonial buildings. The main activity while we were there was the Salta Rally - a 500 mile rally in Salta Province of what appeared to be classic cars - including mercedes, bmws, austin mini, 1956 Corvette, Austin Healey, E-type Jag - etc. We met the owner of the 1956 Corvette in Salta on Sunday and apparently he bought the car from Canada. Small world!
In my last post I praised the medical facilities in Argentina. Maybe I should take that back! Robin and Duncan ended up going to the hospital in Cafayate to visit an orthopaedic specialist. Apparently he was so rude, brutal, and incompetent, that our tour leader is going to report him. However, Duncan then went to the Dr. in Salta, and had a very positive experience. So, go figure!
On the whole we enjoyed Cafayate, but are noticing quite a change in the people, who we are not finding as friendly as in orther parts of Argentina.
On Saturday, its up early and a four hour drive to Salta Rafting.
Pictures Added May 7th.
Museum Flowers in courtyard
Car Rally - Regional Museum
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