Our Ralley

... is coming to an end. After 2 weeks and 2,000 km, we have to return the car in Tucumán in 2 days.

South of Cafayate, RN 40 is now perfectly built. Tourists from the south should be able to travel comfortably, while only a few adventurous budget travelers are expected from the north. Our fear of finding a rough road again on Ruta Provincial 307, which we had to turn onto towards Tucumán, did not come true. Even this provincial road is in excellent condition. Between Cafayate and Tafí del Valle, also a major tourist destination, it winds through picturesque valleys and lush green mountain slopes, sometimes in tight serpentine turns, up to 3,042 m (Abra El Infernillo), and of course back down again.

The next day, we had to return the car in Tucumán at 12:00 noon and wanted to have at most 2 more hours of driving ahead of us. So we decided to spend the night in El Mollar, a few kilometers closer to Tucumán, behind Tafí.

That was a very bad decision.

El Mollar turned out to be a completely run-down town, and the reservoir is more of an algae-infested puddle where only swarms of mosquitoes, which attacked us during the night, seem to feel at ease. In the booked Airbnb, I felt so uncomfortable that we moved to a 'hotel' instead - in quotation marks because this accommodation has nothing in common with what is commonly understood as a hotel. It made a completely abandoned, closed impression, but the entrance door was open. In the foyer, I met a half-naked, fat old man who turned out to be the owner later. He sat reading a newspaper next to the open door, only wearing shorts, with his fat belly bulging over the waistband. I was not deterred and asked him if he had a free room. He confirmed and showed me two of the rooms upon request. There is no breakfast, price Ar$ 700. I said I would come back with my husband. A few minutes later, I returned with Norbert. In the meantime, the guy had put on a shirt - inside out. We decided on the room overlooking the courtyard, with a 'lake view'. The room was clean, the bathroom as well, the window could be opened, and there was also parking space for our car.

We hardly slept all night. With the fresh air, swarms of mosquitoes also arrived, showing great interest in tourist blood. In addition, some people chattered in the lobby all night, and we were simply too lazy to get up.

Completely exhausted, we set off at 8:00 am in pouring rain. In the first YPF (gas station), we had a good coffee (available almost everywhere) and two Medialunas (which were freshly baked here!). Unfortunately, the rain had not been enough to free our car even halfway from the dirt and mud of the mountains. So we took the opportunity to attack the crust with water, a sponge, and a watering can (lent by the friendly gas station attendant). Finally, our only towel had to be used, but the success was visible. The car was taken back without any problems at Alamo.

The booked hotel (Calos V) in Tucumán, not far from the car rental, was wonderful. Welcome drink plus Empanada in the hotel restaurant, super friendly staff, a huge comfortable bed, everything clean, and a really, by Argentine standards, rich breakfast buffet. Ar$ 1300.

Flying back to Córdoba early in the morning with Aerolineas.