Yastaah

From that bridge (please see previous post) we started hiking the mountain. There are a number of paths. At some point all of them gathered in just one. But when we had to cross the top of the mountain we realized that the path was interrupted. We started going around to try to bypass the top but it took time and it was getting dark. Surprisingly we saw a person walking close to a rural house. We asked for the direction to Maragua. The man didn't speak Spanish. But now it was too late to go anyway. He took us at his house where we met his wife and his daughter. The Quechua family offered us the dinner (mais and then a super tasty hot soup of mais) and went to sleep. No electricity, so no way to see anything. We slept in the room with the old couple while the daughter slept in another room. They woke up with the sunrise. We had breakfast with fried bread and hot water with some sugar. Then we left. On the way we met another Quechua family. Here they...

Just 10 hours by bus from Salta, San Pedro de Atacama, north of Chile, hosts the "desert more desertic" of the world. I rented a bike twice to go to Valle de la Luna, Pukara del Quitor and to the Quebrada del diablo. They are located just few km away from San Pedro. Despite there is not a lot to do apart walking or cycling, These places are very suggestive. I've enjoyed so much the nature, watching the sunset or the Inca ruins, or in the distance the Andes with their tops still covered by snow. More than once you will find yourself completely alone. The feeling of peace and quiet will envelope your soul till you are one thing with the surrounding. I also went to the Las Lagunas Escondidas. It takes more than a hour by car. It's possible to have a swim in the lagoon. The water is crystal clear. The contrast between the water and the desert around looks unreal. This place is just magic. It's possible also to go to termas, or the geysers, or climb the Vulcans,...

How to organise a trip to the paradise? Just start driving from Salta to Cafayate and you will be in the good direction. Arrange a group of travelers, 3 ladies from Argentina, France and USA, rent a car and start driving along the ruta 68. About 1 hour and you will be at Cabra Corral (spoke about it in the last post). From there, there won't be any place to reach. The destination will be the road itself. Just be careful to not stop too often. There are few spots you don't want to miss, such as the Devil's throat, the Amphitheatre, the big frog and the castels (Garganta del Diablo, Anfiteatro, el sapo and castillos). But again, the beauty of this province consists of the landscape made of huge mountain chain. You are constantly surrounded by green, grey, purple, brown massive rocks and mountains, while driving through the desert. Yes, actually it's a desertic panorama. Few trees, many cactus and uncountable good feelings. Then if you end your day drinking a lo...