This is part three of my posts on Argentina from my three week backpacking trip in December 2012.

I was in the NW state of Salta from Dec 21-25. I stayed at a house belonging to a friend for free! Well actually I took a day trip to Cafayate and a day trip to Humahuaca, but it is all in the province of Salta. I went to my first wine tasting in Cafayate and had wine icecream. Most memorably I stayed with a local family for Christmas Eve and they let me share in their celebrations. Drinks at midnight, fireworks, dinner at 12:15, and then going to the bar street for a while. I went to bed at about 3:30 on Christmas day and took a 17 hour bus ride in the afternoon to Mendoza.

This was probably my favorite part of my trip because the people I met were so warm and welcoming. I was so shocked that this family of strangers who I only had a tenuous connect via a friend of a friend would let me stay with them for the Christmas celebration!

Even if you don’t meet a wonderful family to take you in, you should see this majestic place for all of the incredible scenery!

Welcomed by my friend’s mother and her family friend with parilla

My friend’s house that I was able to sleep in for three days very comfortably- and for free!

The canyons on the way to Cafayate

We stopped to feed the llamas!

The owner of the parilla place wanted me to take a picture with him.

Wine ice cream!!

Working clock in Humahuaca from the 1600’s

Wonderful hosts who are friends of a friend (they are making tiny sandwiches for Christmas Eve)

At midnight on Christmas Eve everyone in the city of Salta seems to light fireworkds

The family who so nicely took me in to celebrate Christmas Eve with them

At about 2AM on Christmas Day all the young people go out to party in the streets!

Things are just getting started at 2AM on Christmas Day!

The 17 hour bus ride on Christmas Day from Salta to Mendoza was probably the best bus ride I have ever been on!

They even give you food on the buses!