Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Getting There & Away
Two to three daily buses run between Salta (AR$67, 4 hours) and Cachi: a spectacular
ride up to the Cuesta del Obispo pass, then through cactus-studded Parque Nacional Los
Cardones. Seclantás is serviced daily (AR$19) and Molinos four times weekly (AR$28),
while three buses Monday through Saturday run to Cachi Adentro (AR$6.50, 30
minutes).
Buses run north to La Poma, an old hacienda town that, as far as public transport goes,
is the end of the line. The road beyond, to San Antonio de los Cobres, is an arduous,
spectacular ascent criss-crossing a river via lonely goat farms to a 4895m pass. It's only
passable in a non-4WD at certain times (normally September to December); phone the
police
(
0387-490-9051)
for advice. Otherwise, approach San Antonio the long way
round.
For Cafayate, you can get as far as Molinos, from where you can hitch or get a remise
to Angastaco, which has bus service to Cafayate. A tour from Cachi is another option.
Seclantás
03868 / POP 300 / ELEV 2100M
Charmingly peaceful Seclantás is the spiritual home of the Salta poncho. There are many
weavers' workshops in town, and north of here, along the eastern branch of the road to
Cachi, artisans' homes invite you to drop in and peruse their wares: the stretch of road
has been dubbed the
Ruta de los Artesanos
. One of them, Señor Tero, wove a poncho
worn by Pope John Paul II.
Places to stay in Seclantás cluster around the plaza.
Hostería La Rueda
( 498041;
cnr Cornejo & Ferreyra; s/d with bathroom AR$130/180, without bathroom AR$100/150)
is hospit-
able and spotless, featuring comfortable, pretty, common areas and decent rooms. The
campground is just behind the church, and has a public pool as well as cabins.
There's a daily bus from Cachi to Seclantás; it continues to Molinos on some days.
Molinos
03868 / POP 900 / ELEV 2020M
If you thought Cachi was laid-back, wait until you see Molinos, a lovely backwater with
a collection of striking colonial buildings and beautiful adobe houses; a stroll through the
streets will reveal some real gems. Molinos takes its name from the still-operational flour
mill on the Río Calchaquí; its picturesque appeal is augmented by shady streets and good
accommodations. There's an ATM on the plaza.
