Things to Know Before You Go: Tilcara, Argentina

This is my personal advice and tourist experience in Tilcara, Argentina. I lived there for two months. This article features six essential tips on what to pack and orientation from the bus station. The air is fresh, the silence is intense and the panoramic view is spectacular. Best empanadas ever!

Clothes: Because of its high altitude and mountainous location, the weather in Tilcara, Argentina is warm during the day and cool at night; even in the winter. I was there in June and July and I wore a winter jacket at night with a hat, but not gloves, and was not cold. During the day I wore layers (tank top, long sleeve and a sweater) because the temperature warms considerably between 8 a.m. and noon. Sunglasses are a must have.

Shoes: Comfortable walking shoes are essential to having a good time on your trip to Tilcara, Argentina. The streets are made of cobblestones, the curbs are steep and the sidewalks are uneven. You will be walking because everything is within walking distance from your lodging.

Lodging: There is plenty of lodging in Tilcara, Argentina. From luxury to hostel dormitory Tilcara, Argentina offers visitors plenty of places to stay. Tilcara, Argentina sits on a hill. In the warm weather, lodging at the bottom of the hill will be cooler (especially important for non-air-conditioned hostels), which is great for the hot summer months. For a warmer stay in the autumn and winter, pick something uphill.

Nightlife: A considerable amount of live local Andean music serves as the entertainment in Tilcara, Argentina. The pan-flute is king. Expect things to get hopping around midnight. The best way to find things to do in Tilcara, Argentina is look at all the flyers posted around town and take any piece of paper handed to you by a hippie.

From the Bus Station: Tilcara, Argentina is a small town and the taxis are cheap. You can easily wander in search of your hostel schlepping your multiple backpacks from the bus station or treat yourself to a 5 to 10 peso cab ride.

When you step off the bus the nose of the bus is pointing away from the center of town. The rear of the bus is pointed toward the central plaza. There are hostels in both directions. Use the street on the side of the bus that does not have the door to walk into town or grab a taxi. The hostel closest to the bus station is good and has only private rooms, 50 pesos for 2 people. On your way into El Centro walk a couple of blocks and take a left or right to find more lodging.

Tips for Chicks: Bring moisturizer and sun screen. Unless you come for the rainy season, the climate in Tilcara, Argentina is bone dry and the sun is intense. Your hair and skin will not perform as usual. I do not have sensitive skin and I am a wash and go woman when it comes to my hair. In Tilcara, Argentina my hair lost all life and broke, while my skin dried up like a reptile. *To read more about Tilcara and Buenos Aires, click on my name Tesl Goddess at the top of the page. Feel free to place a link to this article in your blog or on your favorite social networking site.