Salinas Grandes...Purmamarca

Su 2.3.13

• so after we "settled the bill" with Sumaj Pacha (see previous post) we headed toward Purmamarca and the Salinas Grandes, today's main destination

• the drive there wasn't so pleasant, with a bit of rain and lots of fog:

• so there wasn't much for scenery, but by the time we arrived, the rain had stopped

• and we were able to soak in the spectacular, although cloudy, views

• the recent rain forced us to walk a bit cautiously, trying not to soak our socks

• felt and looks a bit like walking on ice

• this is where Becky broke through the "ice" and still has salt remnants on her tennis shoes today (I was not a happy camper...had just changed into jeans and sneakers to stay warmer...only to soak them in the salt water...oh Becky...)

• although we didn't get to see what this place would be like on a clear day, the cloud reflections were quite amazing

salty roads

• the drive back toward Purmamarca was pretty cool, now that we were able to see a bit more

• FYI...going on this route yesterday and today, we went through what is known as the Quebrada de Humahuaca (Humahuaca Canyon), and leads to several tiny indigenous towns

• when spotting these towns, we often wondered which road people took to get home ^? where do they buy groceries? how long do they have to wait at the random bus stops along the small dirt roads? 

• it felt like a step back in time, but also put things into perspective...I really shouldn't complain so much about how much I miss Trader Joe's...

• we got into the little town or Purmamarca, and found a place to get coffee and medialunas to help us warm up

• we did a little shopping while strolling through the dirt roads
• this town is known for the Cerro de Siete Colores, the hill of seven colors
• so we hiked up a hill, saw this soccer field (players would have a great view during game time)...

• and got a closer view of the infamous colorful hill

shot with Kelly's sunglasses in front of the lens...rose colored glasses?

• we then made the drive back to Salta in time for our flight to BA
• what a trip, family...what a trip!