Downhill but not always easy riding.

Started out at 2500m/8400ft still in a region with cactus. The first 30km was a continuation of easy cycling, an easy descent and not much in the way of wind. The route crossed a few small villages where a set of raised markers were placed between opposing traffic lanes to keep them separated. This also meant vehicles were more reluctant to pass me, but fortunately mostly well behaved.

A good example of the valley I followed.

At 30km, it mostly leveled off and a headwind kicked up. The next 15km were tougher riding as there wasn’t much descent and even a climb of ~100m/350ft as the wind increased. It got somewhat overcast. After this a 6km steeper descent back to the river valley and less wind for rest of the ride.

I’m not sure who “Watson” is, but nice to see a bike sign. The road didn’t have a paved shoulder and gradually traffic was increasing. The “RN 9” is ruta 9 at 1716 kilometers north of Buenos Aries.

In the little town of Yala, the road became four lanes.

I saw two touring cyclists on the opposite lanes, but it was a divided highway and so not possible to talk further.

The last bits of the ride brought me into Jujuy, also known as San Salvador de Jujuy. This is a town of 300,000 people and hence largest place I’ve been in Argentina so far.

There is a central square with a large church.

Also fountains and a nice government building.

I was surprised to see palm trees again on the main square, particularly since I just left the tropics with cactus and not palms.

There are oranges on the trees in the square.

Typical shop hours for many places in town. The afternoon siesta from 1pm to 5pm is longer than other places I’ve been (Colombia might have two or three hours) and takes some planning.