Argentina: 1st stop: Salta!

The bus ride from La Quiaca to Salta is not only breathtakingly scenic - we wind our way past colorful rocks and green valleys - but the road back to a somewhat more civilized world is paved by the well-built road. There is radiant new street lighting and the gas stations have real buildings with roofs instead of just a fuel pump in the ground. We arrive in Salta in the evening, but unfortunately our chosen Airbnb accommodation is not available until tomorrow. So once again we have to settle for a hostel. It looked nice on the internet too... well, reality is unfortunately different, as we end up in a stuffy 6-bed dormitory with beds from Urururomma and a rattling fan that is at least as old. We have a small overpriced dinner at the vegan restaurant and then try to go to sleep early.

The next morning, after the sparse breakfast, we head to the Airbnb house. And behold: it's just as beautiful as on the internet! And the very young couple who live here is very nice and very welcoming. But that's not all: a friend of our host will soon be opening his own 'horse riding business' and would like to go riding and take some photos with a few people. Pick up and drop off at home with the car is included. And the ride through the beautiful countryside in San Lorenzo is of course free of charge. Would we like to do it? A horse ride in northern Argentina with a shuttle service for free? Absolutely not.

So together with two other guests, a nice couple from Holland, we are picked up in the early afternoon and driven to the stable in San Lorenzo. Four pretty horses are saddled for us and there is an introduction to horse handling. Lisa gets Santiago, the calmest animal, after the wild ride through Colombia, that suits her just fine. A photographer is of course also there, so we ride and get snapped away. Maybe horse riding isn't that bad after all...

In the evening, we have a glass of wine to celebrate the beautiful ride and eat in the garden. Feels like a summer vacation.

In the following days, we explore the city, eat delicious ice cream, and do the popular Free Walking Tour. But we also enjoy spending time in 'our' house, because after so many different accommodations, it finally feels somewhat familiar here. After the exciting and very active time in Bolivia, a few relaxed days with good food (without fear of food poisoning) and delicious wine were urgently needed!

Ps: Photos of Salta will be added later...