So, we ended up hiring a car with 3 other guys. Alex (English) who we had sort of organised this with in Mendoza, Daniel (Swiss) who is the experienced car renter and Lars (Sweedish).
We hired a car for 2 days and were heading north. It all started badly with Daniel crashing into a cab within the first 10 minutes while leaving the city. Crashing in the city is notoriously easy as there appears to be no rules, no give way signs and very few traffic lights. Luckily, the cabbie didn´t car. Rather then let it ruin our trip, we headed off.
The scenery is again amazing and so varied. We headed off into the desert landscapes. With amazing changes in soil colour and yes, cactuses. Another first.
We found a really cool little town called Purnamarca. A cross between a local village and a growing tourism town. A very beautiful spot. We ended up spending the night in another town called Tilcara. Again, small and set at the bottom of the surrounding mountains. Very cool place to wake up.
From the streets of Purnamarca
Tilcara down below.
The two days ended up very worthwhile. The only way to get out and see the scenery. Much better than a tour due to the freedom allowed and no two hour stopover at random places. Daniel ended up claiming responsibility for the crash (he was only turning the wrong way up a one way street) and he paid for the damage himself (which wasn't that much). He did hire the car in his name and leave his credit card details, so he didn't have much choice.
Next step, to Bolivia.
