Friday 24th January 2025: Cafayate to Salta

 


The Patios de Cafayate is a truly beautiful hotel and the food was very nice. It was a good place to treat ourselves after the previous accommodation.







However we would not be on holiday if there wasn't some upset.  The previous day we had received an email and we assumed it was just Iberia telling us to check in online.  Joan started the check in process and it became clear we were flying on a budget carrier linked to Iberia, and that we were expected to pay extra for meals, luggage etc.  We had already paid for that with our original ticket.

Joan emailed the travel company we booked with and British Airways who had changed our flight.  We'd had no response.

She also WhatsApped the car hire company to say we would be arriving in Salta early.


On the way back north we passed again though the Quebrada de las conchas with its bright red sandstone formations.   Unlike last time was passed through, there were lots of sightseers and tour buses.  Clearly morning is the best time to see the gorge.






We stopped a few times to take pictures.  The countryside then turned to countryside with vines, corn and tobacco plants.   We were glad of Google maps as when you reach any settlement, there is no signage to help you find your way through.

It also helped us find our hotel in Salta, the Solar de la Plaza, a beautiful 1950s building.





We still had not received any response to our emails.  We also WhatsApped the hire company to collect the car.  He said he would organise collection.  So we waited and waited and finally four hours later, without any apology, he turned up.  He checked the car over and agreed there was no damage.  This is always a relief as we have had car hire companies trying to say the vehicle was damaged, and charging is daft amounts which we then have to challenge with our credit card company.


Car returned, we headed out to dinner to an organic restaurant, Chakaruna, that did veggie food.  Kevin had a corn souffle with goats cheese, an artesan beer and Joan had a vegan burrito that had never seen any spice.  Still it was welcome, and we sat outside in a small courtyard with a canvas cover from the sun.

We headed home, checked in for our flights and went to sleep.






















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