With a long day ahead of us, we managed to get an early start and on the road by 8:30am.  Half an hour later however, we had to stop to take photos and enjoy the blissful morning just outside of Cafayate.

This day of our road trip the road was unsealed, or dirt, or gravel.  Whatever you want to call it, it was pretty rough, especially for our kind designated driver, Eddie, who unfortunately wasn’t feeling so well.  We think it might have been the rare steak he had the day before just outside of Cafayate.  Needless to say, a deserted rough, winding road, combined with some serious stomach ailments made for a long day.  Unfortunately, Marieke and I can only drive automatics (learning standard or manual has been added to our bucket lists!).

Taking a break from the car

We thought we found respite in the form of an estancia promising cold drinks and sustenance, but apparently they were open only to charge 5 pesos for a bathroom (worth it of course).  We did get some much needed relaxation and incredible views, until the attendant kicked us out, because, well, siesta.  She must have needed a rest after collecting 5 pesos from one person….

Moving on we managed to find a restaurant open in the pretty little town of Molinos, where we checked out a gorgeous hotel we couldn’t afford, and a fairly creepy church that apparently contained yet another mummified child.  Unfortunately, we couldn’t find it.  We did find a really creepy painting though…

Just missing a cold drink

Moving on, we finally made it to Cochi, found ourselves a lovely little hostal, and sent Eddie straight to bed.  The drive almost killed him.

Marieke, Rita and I went in to explore town and discovered a gorgeous central square, full of life, shops, pubs and great architecture.  We sampled the port-like ice cream (keeping in theme of ice cream and alcohol), walked around town and grabbed some wine to go.  We enjoyed the wine back at the hostel while Eddie remained confined to bed.  We ended the night chatting incessantly to a Canadian couple traveling through.

Lovely town of Cochi