Driving the Quebrada

It was a full on assault as I got thrown into "driving Argentina 101" on our extended 6 hr / 350km drive northwards back past Salta to Maimara in Nthn Argentina.

The first hour or two after leaving Cafayate were quiet and broken by some stunning red sandstone scenery. In the early morning light the hills literally looked like they were on fire. Rock formation names included The Frog, The Amphitheatre, The Devils Canyon and more - the Cafayate - Salta drive is surely of the prettiest you'll do anywhere in the world

As the miles rolled by the quiet traffic soon gave way to hordes of tourist buses and traffic escaping Salta for the Easter weekend.

I soon learnt that double yellow lines mean nothing in Argentina as cars constantly overtook at high speed on narrow roads. Not that you could keep pace as every now and again you'd drive through a wash away dip that threatened to launch you airborne if not careful !

After the scenery came busy Salta which we eventually navigated around finding ourselves for the first time on some form of super highway where you could actually drive safely at 110+ kms / hr.

Heading now north towards Bolivia the hills soon became towering monoliths. They were seriously high !

We commenced climbing following the dry Rio Grande river bed and in the afternoon sun the distinct coloured rocks that make this region famous came into view !

We finally found our basic apartment accommodation (right on the corner of the main highway) in Maimara ideally situated for exploring the Andean villages and nearby high altitude towns.

For the moment though it was time to make a meal out of our Cafayate bought supplies and relax after a pretty tiring but spectacular days drive !
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