Home & Away with Robert Walshe
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Holiday Hotspot – Salta - Argentina
The 11-hour journey from San Pedro de Atacama, Chile, across the Andes to Salta, Argentina, winds through some truly incredible scenery and spins along some of the most dangerous roads in the world. This route while long is still one of the easiest ways to cross from one country into the other. On arrival you realise quickly that Salta is the most stunning city filled with historic colonial architecture, year-round sunshine and a thriving outdoor café culture. One of the most popular at-
tractions is the Cathedral – the burial ground of General Martin Miguel de Güemes, a local hero in the struggle for Argentinian independence. Built in 1796 Saint Francis Church nearby combines Baroque with Italian neoclassical style and is one of the finest of its kind in the country. Saint Bernard Convent is another interesting building: its wooden gate was sculpted by the natives of the region. Mount Saint Bernard offers the best panoramic view of the city and the cable car experience worth considering. The handcraft market at an old 18th century house offers some of the finest handcrafts
■ Calchaqui Valley Salta Argentina.
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of the region including alpaca wool, wood or leather, paintings, clothes and ceramics. Design Suites Hotel have well appointed guestrooms that are minimalist but luxurious, with hardwood floors, comfortable bedding and perfect views of the cities historical buildings. www.designsuites. com. Ma Cuisine restaurant near the city centre offers dinner inside or in a small courtyard: Both dining options have a simple elegance and a really pleasant atmosphere. The menu based on traditional Argentinean products with a French influence offers an outstanding experience. The proud staff’s enthusiasm is infectious. I particularly loved the personal welcome from the head chef Roberto ! www.macuisineresto.com.ar Salta province is also home to amazing natural landscapes with deep gorges, colourful valleys and
high plains making hiking and horse riding popular year-round activities. Most tourists visit the Calchaqui valleys which lie between Cachi and Cafayate. If you are able to hire a car or join an organised tour you will be able to discover some of the beautiful and unique detours off road which take you to places like Seclantas, El Colte and Co■ Salta Cathedra lome or some of the l. small archaeological sites which are close to Cachi & Los Molinos. Just like Mal- com Air France operate a bec has drawn attention to daily service from Paris to Mendoza Province so has Buenos Aires via Dublin with Torrontés for Cafayate. The numerous airlines providing town has developed around onward connections to Salta Nuevo wineries so you don’t have to www.airfrance.ie travel far to see them. Nearly Mundo an Irish based travel all welcome visitors and offer agent specialising in South tours where you can taste a America provide a personal generous amount of excellent service and organise every wines without any compul- element of your trip includsion to buy. The wine museum ing all internal flights. The and the regions oldest win- experience includes private ery www.vasijasecreta.com airport transfers in each desis impressive and for a newer tination, airport assistance experience with good food and guides who can accomgo to www.piattellivineyards. pany you to your check-in
to ensure you get on board your flight with the minimum of hassle. Having travelled all over the world for more than 20 years, I must say this was the best organised trip I have been on and I felt spoilt! www.nuevomundo.ie Robert Walshe is a travel broadcaster with Q Radio Network and Travel Editor for River Media newspaper titles across the island of Ireland. www.robertwalshe.com