Day 1 - San Pedro to Salta

The bus picked us up on time in the morning and we spent the next 10.5 hours on it.The only highlight was crossing over the Andes and at one point, going down from the top (around 4000 metres high) along the windy roads and ending up in what used to be the river floor.Then we got lots of cactus and some amazing coloured mountains.

When we arrived at Salta, we had to walk to the hostel, which was 2.5kms away with the bags because the cash point wouldn't accept English cards.It was great to turn up and find the hostel to be a complete dump.We headed out pretty quick, to get out of the hostel and to find an ATM and were pleasantly surprised when we got to the main plaza and all the side streets.It had a really nice atmosphere and feeling about the place.After getting cash and walking round, we had a beer and decided that may be we'd stay for a night or two more but only if we could find another hostel, so we headed home to do a bit of searching on the web.On the way home, Marie managed to pick herself up a dog.Oh, sorry, he was heading home and we were just helping him to cross the road, as Marie explains that dogs will walk across the roads with humans as they don't know when to go themselves.He was definitely on his way home, as he stopped at the same empanadas shop as we did (git didn't even like the empanadas we gave him) and then sat outside our hostel when we went in…he did alright though as the hostel took pity on him and gave him some food.

Day 2 Salta

Having found a potential hostel on the web, we got up and having had a sparse breakfast provided by the hostel, we walked over to it.They were fully booked which was a great shame but not surprising (as so many were) with it being the Easter weekend.The lady recommended some other hostels, so off we went again.We went to 3, with 2 being full and one being a dump before being told of another one, which thankfully was nice and available.We then went to the bus station quickly to book up tickets to Mendoza (another 20 hour bus ride!!!) before heading back to get our bags and take them to the new hostel.It was only 12 and we'd both had had enough of walking.

In the afternoon we went up to the top of the Salta mountain via the cable car, as it seemed did half the town as we had to wait ages to get on it.At the top, with the weather so warm, it was pleasant to walk round and look over the town, which was so much bigger than we ever imagined.We spent a bit of time up there before coming back down and coming back to the hostel so that baby Marie could have an afternoon nap (she was wandering round with her eyes closed).

In the evening, we went out to the La Posta restaurant that was just off the main square.The meal was lovely, Marie had stuffed ravioli and Martin had half a cow (as Marie told him), along with a bottle of a local Salta Malbec.Our round the world wine tour has brought us to Argentina and the famous Malbec wine - hopefully Mendoza will provide some more good Malbecs.It was a lovely evening and a nice treat.

Day 3 - Salta

Having explored loads of the town the day before, it was going to be a chilled day.We only got up at 10 and then headed into town to get a few bits and have a look in a few shops.It was busy as people were off for the Easter weekend. When we got to the main plaza we realised we must have just missed a parade as there was a band and horses with riders dressed in traditional Argentinian gear leaving in different directions. Such a shame. Anyway, we went into a museum which wasn't amazing as we couldn't understand any of the signs. In the evening we cooked dinner and watched a film. The girl working at the hostel made Marie watch her little wild bird (a bit weird). She also let Marie try Mate which is a tea that everyone in Argentina drinks.

Day 4 - Salta

Today we were leaving for Mendoza and another long bus trip. We got up and checked out of the room and were greeted with some traditional Easter cake for breakfast. It was delicious and reminded us of the Italian Christmas cake.

We made some skype calls and then had lunch before walking down to the bus station. We boarded the bus and took our seats right at the back of the bus. They were the only seats we had managed to book as it was so busy with Easter.

We drove for about an hour before we stopped and were commanded off the bus. After a couple of seconds we realised we were changing bus. When we got on the other bus it was packed and a couple were already sat in our seats. We asked them to move and took our seats. When the bus went thought the first roundabout it was apparent why they had taken our seats. Water was pouring thought the ceiling from the air con unit, nearly hitting their seats. When the bus moved sharply the other way it was our turn to get the water but not as bad. The joy of going on a bus.