Salta to Cordoba

Salta - 19^th - 22^nd January

Largest town in the North of Argentina apparently famous for its Torrentes grape although we didn't see any. Lots of colonial architecture with some interesting churches as well as a rather splendid pink cathedral. Good to be in some form of civilisation after the El Bano naturale of Bolivia.

An interesting visit to the local museum to see some frozen Inca kids buried as a sacrifice several hundred years ago to ensure health prosperity and a rich harvest, what's wrong with miracle grow i don’t know.

Cable car up to the nearest highpoint for some fairly unexciting views of the city, empenadas and a few beers took up the rest of the time.

Mendoza 23^nd - 27^th

18 hour bus journey from Salta to Mendoza. Surprisingly pleasant with hot meals, wine and snacks.

Although unplanned we happened to arrive at the start of the 3 day Vindimia festival. This was in homage to the local wine harvest and all things Malbec, what this had to do with all the associated beauty queens and opera singers i'm not sure but we enjoyed it never the less.

Took a great winery tour with a fantastic company called Ampora taking in some state of the art vineyards in the Uco Valley followed by some Michelin starred food in their space aged restaurant.

After all that we gave up doing anything constructive and ate a lot of steak and drank far too much red wine.

Stayed an extra night in the strangely named Monkey Hostel which produced the best Asado (BBQ) in town. Also got to meet some great people including Gaston who we hope is surviving his first week as the Aconcagua rescue Doctor..

Potrero De Los Funes - 27^th - 1^st March

A half way stop over before our next planned destination. A lovely 2 days by the pool travelling very un budget like and reading books. Beautiful location in the mountains with a man-made lake and an out of place race track.

Estancia Corralito

1^st - 4^th March

Dai's day started with a lengthy bus delay but finished off rather better with a horse ride in the mountains.

Enjoyable few days with lots of Gaucho impressions and having the pleasure of dining twice a day with Mario. Señor Mario is a retired Argentinian diplomat who knows a great deal about a great deal and loves a bottle or two of wine. Wide ranging subjects were discussed with aide of Malbec and some dodgy whiskey, we managed to avoid the Falklands until the final lunch where he told me he had heard about us getting rid of our aircraft carriers and not so subtly laughed.

Next stop Cordoba.