Salta

My blog entry on Salta will most likely be disappointing as Jed and I used Salta as our place to go out and then recuperate... not really exploring much of the city beyond the artisan´s market, teleferico up the hill, a kinda shady government clinic, and a delicious (and I mean, INCREDIBLE, steak house). So I´ll tell you about the things I do know:

1. Salta itself: A city with colonial architecture and a great base for exploring the surrounding valleys such as Quebrada, Jujuy, Cafayate, etc. Large selection of restaurants, great nightlife. Some beautiful plazas.
2. Hostel 7 Duendes: Not a super nice place, but good enough to rest for a couple days. They definitely made an effort to try and keep the place clean, and it was in a pretty central location of the city.
3. Artisan´s Market: An indoor shopping area where you can buy anything from alpaca sweaters, jewelry, and rugs to homemade jams and postcards. About 20 blocks outside of the city.
4. Teleferico - Gondola ride up the hill for views of the city and surrounding area. Runs until about 8pm, and the cost is 15 pesos one way, or 20RT. You can also walk up and down the hill if you´re looking to get some exercise.
5. Viejo Jacks - An unbelievable steak house that offers massive portions (each dish can serve 2-3 people) at very good prices. Its pretty hidden with no large ign outside, so make sure you take the address down before heading out. Also beware that it doesnt open until 7 or 8 pm. Its located on Virrey Toledo 145.
6. At the last minute, I realized I needed a yellow fever shot and proof of it with the yellow card to enter Bolivia. Though I had read account of paying a small fine (100 Bolivianos), I thought it would be safer to just get in in Salta. After a ton of online research, I found a large government health clinic located at 125 Guemes (the large building on the corner) , where on Tuesdays and Thurdays from 9am -12pm you can get the shot and card for free. Just make sure to bring your passport with you.

From other travelers, I have heard that the white water rafting is a lot of fun, but the bungee jumping a complete bust (they advertise it at 40m, but its only 20)