Anno neuvo or new year in Cafayate

Bus through thick forrest up mountain side to Tafi then gassy hills to 3000mts. Descending it is dry with lots of cacti. Cafayate nice town but we book into El Balcon hostel. The music in the street will stop at 11pm says the manager and it does. It is replaced by a disco around the corner which booms all night and building works in the hostel and mosquitos nightmare.

Cafayate, Argentina

Move to Hotel Amacen next day. Same price and perfect. We are well looked after by Jorge and friends the next three nights and are so happy.
Walk to 4 wineries almost in Cafayate. We see the Don David winery but it is  closed. Others great. Buy a bottle of local speciality Torrentes.

One very hot day catch local packed bus to near Qulimes ruins. Walk last 5kms up hot dirt track through cacti. About 20 young argentines also walking up to appreciate their history. Ruins not too dramatic. Get a lift back down track then walk on road hitching without success for an hour. The bus the rescues us and two argentine students for new years in Cafyate.

After a roasting day it pours down with thunders. Most restaurants shut. Run to buy a roast chicken in the street and have this with bread and Don David for new years eve. A few people in square at 12 and kids setting off fireworks.

New years day all shut. Walk to cascades through more cacti and wineries.indian people living in area. See rock paintings. Last night at hotel enjoying all comforts.

A bus to salta through huge gorge to cafayate then on to Jujuy.