Just eight blocks east of the city centre is Cerro San Bernado, a tree covered hill with a couple of great running routes to the top. If you're feeling lazy then head to the end of Avenue San Martin and take the teleferico to the top. There is also a quiet road winding up to the top, with very little traffic, but I took the fun running option.
Head out of town on General Guemes, to a semicircular park with a statue of the general and horse atop a massive pile of boulders - you can't miss it. Note this route up is not near the base of the teleferico - don't head there if you want to run up the steps.
Did I mention the steps? Keep going directly behind the statue, cross the road and after a few more steps you should see this sign.
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Only 1,070 steps... |
The path is well built, with flat stone steps in good condition, but the step length keeps changing which really breaks your stride, requiring plenty of concentration. I couldn't quite run this one all the way, slowing to a walk a few times to prevent my heart from exploding.
The trees were full of colourful and noisy birds, distracting me from the effort, and there were plenty of other runners and walkers about, showing varying degrees of exhaustion.
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Steps |
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Iguazu Falls in miniature |
Running back down was fast and fun, but requiring full concentration for the ever changing steps and twists and turns.
I am staying at the lovely Hostel Las Rejas in Salta, which I highly recommend. They were very welcoming, friendly and helpful.
No more running here as I'll be taking the train to the clouds up to 4,200 metres next.