North Trip

Hey all! On Monday I arrived home in Cinco Saltos from a 19 day trip to the north of Argentina with a group of other Rotary exchange students.
We started by headed about 12 hours north to Córdoba, where our patagonia group of about 25 spent a few days seeing the sights. After that, we met up with another group ef exchange students living in the north, another 25 kids or so, and headed to Medonza.
We stayed in the capital of Mendoza for three nights, and it was great! One of the days, we went to up to see the tallest mountain in the Americas, Mt. Acongagua. It was really cloudy, so we couldn't ever see it, but got to see some other cool stuff, like a abandoned hotsprings spa, being overtaken by the mineral rich and multicolored rocks around it. I also learned while in Mendoza, that I am now an uncle for those of you who dont know, YAY! After hanging out in Mendoza for a while, we started on our way to La Rioja.
In La Rioja, we went to Talampaya national park, which reminded me alot the grand canyon, minus the river. We had a tour through a gigantic canyon that was spectacular! There were some amazing rock formations and animals in there (including llamas). We left La Rioja, and kept heading north after the tour.
Many hours later, we arrived in Cafayate, Salta, and man was it beautiful! It was a really small city, tucked high up in the mountains, with a gorgeous square, and an impresive church. We spent a couple of night there, one of which was a girl from Quebec's birthday, so that was alot of fun. After Cafayate, we drove to the capital of Salta, where we spent three nights as well. During our stay there, we toured the city, which has a few amazing churches, and some cool artisan fairs. Also during our stay, we took a day trip to the province of Jujuy, which was VERY fun. There were tons of cool native things to buy and see, and a never-ending supply of old ladies selling coca leaves and sombreros.
After Salta, we began the 20+ hour journey to Iguazu Falls. It was Incredible! First day, we went to a mine of precious stones such as quarts and amethyst, which are very plentiful there. The second day, we headed to the falls! We went to the Argentinian side, and it was perhaps the most beautiful thing i have ever seen! Not only did we walk around and see them from above, but also took a boat and went under them as well! The third day, the group went to the Brazilian side of the falls, but the Americans and Canadians stayed behind, because in order to enter Brazil, we had to pay about 150 dollars, just for the day! It's because when brazilians go to the US and Canada, they have to pay the same. So we just hang out and saw a bit of the town.
After that, we began our way home. It was by far the best time I have had the entire year, and I made some friends that I will have forever. Wish it could always be that good!