Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
deed seriously ill, the soldier returned to the site and buried the body. His son re-
covered quickly, word spread and a legend was born.
'Gauchito' Gil's last resting place is now the site of numerous chapels and store-
houses holding thousands of votive offerings - including T-shirts, bicycles, pistols,
knives, license plates, photographs, cigarettes, hair clippings and entire racks of
wedding gowns - brought by those who believe in the gaucho's miracles. January
8, the date of Gil's death, attracts the most pilgrims.
Sleeping & Eating
Hotel Sol
HOTEL $
( 420283; San Martín 519; r AR$300; )
Situated two blocks down from the plaza,
this welcoming spot is built around a stunning patio: a riot of plants, birdsong and gleam-
ing chessboard tiles. The high-ceilinged old rooms that open off it are good value for the
price; there are also some very attractive modern rooms (double AR$390) up at the back.
Hotel Horizontes
HOTEL $
( 420489; Gómez 734; s/d AR$182/340; )
A block from the bus terminal, this bare
but very clean hotel offers good value for spare, spotless rooms with compact bathrooms.
Streetside ones suffer from some traffic noise.
Hotel Itá Pucú
HOTEL $
( 421015; Batalla de Salta 645; r per person AR$120; )
This friendly low-roofed
budget hotel has a sort of spaghetti-western feel, and rickety but OK rooms that open
onto a peaceful grassy garden. Breakfast is extra.
Hotel Manantiales Mercedes
HOTEL $$$
(
www.manantialeshoteles.com
; cnr Pujol & Sarmiento)
Not quite open when we passed
through, this brand-new hotel and casino on the square looked like becoming Mercedes'
top option.
Sal y Pimienta
ARGENTINE $
(Gómez 665; mains AR$35-50; lunch & dinner; )
A local favorite, this uncomplicated
place near the bus terminal has a wide-ranging menu and unbeatable prices for its tasty
meats, river fish, pastas and pizzas. The
lengua
(tongue) makes a great starter, and ser-
vice is smart.
