The journey from Montevideo to Salta is certainly a long road, however it is not by any means impossible. There are a few options that run from expensive yet rewarding to cheap and easy with a good view.
1. Renting a car can be a headache if you're a foreigner due to local swindlers who will charge you the gringo-rate for the rental as well as at the gas stations. The trip should be done in two days with a stop-over in Rafaela (800 km from Montevideo with 1000 km still to go) or with a few drivers to share the driving shifts. This is the recommended route :
Montevideo (R1)-(R3)-San Jose - Trinidad - Young- Paysandu (Frontier) to the right on R14 and left on R130 - Villa Elisa - Villaguay - left on R18 - Parana -Tunnel- Santa Fe ( R19), right on R34 - Rafaela - Sunchales - Ceres - La Banda - Pozo Hondo - R130- R303- circ. Tucumán. R9
2. The next option is to fly. This is the easiest mode of transportation and is also time-saving, but the view is lame and it's very expensive. You can use the
flight comparison Tool to check on flight costs.
3. The final option gives travelers the best of both worlds- the view without the hassle. From Montevideo go back to
Buenos Aires by a ferry called Buquebus and then hop a bus to Salta. Andesmar is a great bus line that is generally the most fun and comfortable. The ride is about 20 hours and includes snacks and movies.