The road is very long and straight. We crossed the bridge into Gran Chaco and Colin was immediately stopped by 2 corrupt policemen. They had machine guns and pistols with crossed belts of bullets. It was all pretty intimidating and despite their unrecognisable Spanish we soon got the gist of what they were saying. Pay $1,000 or be taken back to the local magistrate! We managed to negotiate them down to $500 for going over a red light. Colin was very angry but decided that discretion was the better part of valour!. The lights had been confusing and the road totally empty and I think they were just waiting to trap someone. If he committed an offence, it should have been a regulation penalty, but the money appeared to go into their own pockets and Colin received no receipt!
Wendy drove for about an hour and a half to the end of the Chaco. We arrived at San Salvador de Jujuy with a police escort. There were policemen on every corner - friendly this time. We arrived in the Plaza to a civic welcome and a fireman's band - very jolly. People were very interested in us all and friendly. The Hotel Internacional Jujuy is pleasant but the rooms are not great. However, the view over the Plaza and the Cathedral is lovely. We went for a walk and bought pan-pipes. Bolivia tomorrow!
The Plaza San Salvador, Jujuy.
Procession in Jujuy.
The longest distance so far of the Inca Trail - 540 miles.
