Arriving in Salta

Got the public bus from Encarnacion over the border to Posadas which are very regular and the buses dont wait for you. Made sure you get your ticket from the driver so they let you back on again without paying.

1-Interesting note in the bus toilet!

On the Paraguayan side the border official was more interested in looking at our passports and all the stamps and forgot to stamp out one of them (fortunately we noticed!) and he was v apologetic!

At Posadas bus station we found 2 companies that did the Posada to Salta route changing once. We were v relieved that is was quite simple and we would get there overnight! Got some money out from the nearby ATM . We then decided to go with Novella Estrela (forgive spelling) that left at 13.15 and changed at about 18.00 at Resistencia. Arrived in Salta at about 7am next morning. Bus was good - reclining seats, meal included, not too cold (!), video in English so can´t complain. Bus cost about 120 pesos each.

2-Toffee Apple Anyone (5 for 16p)

Slept ok on the bus and arrived in the dark in Salta. Is quite a big newish city actually and different from what I imagined. We traipsed around for ages to find somewhere to stay (thanks to still not having a guide book!) and saw the sun rise over the mountains and the lovely churches. Eventually found somewhere clean and cheap! Hostal Le Linda on Buenos Aires for 50 Pesos a night inc breakfast (6 peso to the pound).

Had a couple of hours sleep before going out to explore the city. Walked straight down our street into town about 10 mins walk past loads of tourist agencies and shops and found out about various options of tours. We originally came here after being told about the Tren a las nubes (train in the clouds) which goes north very high into the fabulous mountain scenery. Unfortunately it is currently not running but found about bus tours doing the same route. Spoke to loads of agencies and the Argentinian tourist board who said they were all pretty much the same just the price different. Also found out that bus to San Pedro de Atacama (Chile - our next stop!) only go 3 times a week and not every day as we thought - on Sunday, Tuesday and THurs or Fri (cant remember) and we wanted to go on Monday! Eventually decided to spend extra time here as it is nice and we are quite tired and run down.

3-Church of the Wine!

Had a nice lunch on the main square - salad for a change! Was v cheap and relaxed. About 6 quid for both of us and good food. Think we will like it here!

Went to bus station and booked ticket with cheapest company - Geminis (are two at exactly same times and this included lunch!). Leaving Tuesday at 7am - nice! Then booked two excursions from the cheapest agency to San Antonio de las Cobres and Cafayete. Tried and failed to send a package home as have siesta hours here and post office was shut by time we got there (1900).

Went wandering for a restaurant which were all empty as we were too early I think (about 2000) so had a drink on the main square and then found a busyish one with lots of locals. Had a good value meal - Menu Turistico for 14 pesos inc main course, desert and a drink. Daves steak a bit disappointing though which was surprising. Home to bed up early again tomorrow and are shattered!

4-San Francisco Church at night