Explore Salta: The Heart of Northern Argentina’s Beauty and Tradition

Located in the far northwest of Argentina, Salta is one of the country’s most captivating regions — a magical blend of Andean landscapes, colonial architecture, indigenous traditions, and world-class vineyards.
 

Nicknamed “Salta la Linda” (Salta the Beautiful), this city and province offer a sensory experience that mixes historical richness with jaw-dropping geography. From its picturesque capital city to the colorful hills of the Calchaquí Valleys and the legendary Train to the Clouds, Salta is a destination that enchants every kind of traveler.

🧭 Quick Facts

📍 Province & capital city: Salta

🏔️ Elevation: 1,152 meters (3,780 ft)

🛫 Airport: Martín Miguel de Güemes International Airport (SLA)

🌎 Region: Northwestern Argentina (bordering Bolivia and Chile)

🏛️ Founded: 1582 (one of the best-preserved colonial cities in Argentina)

📅 Best time to visit: April to November (dry season)

🌟 Why Visit Salta?

🏛️ Remarkable Spanish colonial architecture

🏜️ Gateway to Argentina’s most colorful landscapes

🍷 Home to some of the highest-altitude vineyards in the world

🚂 Base for the Train to the Clouds (Tren a las Nubes)

🦙 Rich in indigenous Andean culture

🗺️ Top Things to Do in Salta, Argentina

1. 🏛️ Explore Salta’s Historic City Center

The city of Salta is a charming mix of old-world elegance and modern energy.

📍 Plaza 9 de Julio – The heart of the city, surrounded by cafés, museums, and colonial buildings

⛪ Salta Cathedral – Glorious pink-hued church from the 19th century

🏛️ Cabildo Histórico – An old government building and museum

🖼️ MAAM (Museo de Arqueología de Alta Montaña) – Famous for its preserved Inca child mummies

🚶 Take a self-guided walking tour to soak up the architecture and lively atmosphere

2. ⛰️ Ride the Train to the Clouds (Tren a las Nubes)

This iconic train ride climbs into the Andes at altitudes over 4,200 meters (13,780 ft).

🚂 Begins in Salta and ends in San Antonio de los Cobres

🏞️ Crosses over bridges, valleys, and deserts with surreal views

📸 One of the highest railways in the world

🕐 Full-day experience; available from April to November

🌬️ Bring warm clothing — temperatures drop dramatically at high altitude.

3. 🌄 Day Trip to Cafayate and the Calchaquí Valleys

Cafayate is a beautiful town famous for high-altitude wine production, especially Torrontés.

🍇 Visit local vineyards for tastings and tours

🏞️ Drive along Quebrada de las Conchas to see surreal rock formations like:

Garganta del Diablo (Devil’s Throat)

El Anfiteatro (The Amphitheater)

📷 This is one of the most scenic drives in Argentina

4. 🌈 Discover the Quebrada de Humahuaca

A UNESCO World Heritage Site located north of Salta in Jujuy Province.

🏘️ Visit Andean towns like Purmamarca, Tilcara, and Humahuaca

🌈 See the Cerro de los Siete Colores (Hill of Seven Colors)

🧵 Shop for local crafts and textiles

🦙 Immerse yourself in indigenous culture, festivals, and traditional food

🚗 Easily accessible via a day tour or self-drive from Salta

5. 🚠 Take the Teleférico to Cerro San Bernardo

Enjoy panoramic views of Salta city and the surrounding mountains.

📍 Located just a short walk from the city center

🏔️ A scenic cable car ride to the summit of Cerro San Bernardo

🌄 Ideal for sunsets and photography

🚶 Option to hike up (1,000+ steps) and take the cable car down

6. 🍽️ Try Northern Argentine Cuisine

Salta’s food scene is deeply influenced by Andean and Spanish flavors.

Must-Try Dishes:

🥟 Empanadas Salteñas – Smaller, juicier, spiced with cumin

🥘 Locro – Hearty Andean stew with corn, beans, and meat

🌽 Humitas & Tamales – Corn-based parcels steamed in husks

🍷 Torrontés wine – Salta’s flagship white varietal

🧉 Don’t forget to try mate (Argentina’s herbal tea) with locals in the plaza.

🏨 Where to Stay in Salta

💎 Luxury

Legado Mítico Salta – Boutique hotel in a restored colonial mansion

Alejandro 1º Hotel – Modern amenities, pool, near Plaza 9 de Julio

🛏️ Mid-Range

Hotel Almería – Great views, traditional decor

Villa Vicuña Salta – Cozy, charming rooms in the historic center

💼 Budget

Prisamata Hostel – Popular with backpackers, central location

Hostal Yatasto – Basic but comfortable, walkable to everything

🗓️ Best Time to Visit Salta

🚗 How to Get to Salta

✈️ By Air

Direct flights from Buenos Aires, Córdoba, Iguazú, and Santa Cruz (Bolivia)

Airport is 15 minutes from downtown Salta

🚌 By Bus

Long-distance buses available from most Argentine cities

Very scenic if coming from Cafayate or Jujuy

🚘 Self-Drive

Renting a car is ideal for exploring Valles Calchaquíes and Humahuaca

📌 Suggested 3-Day Itinerary

🗓️ Day 1: Explore the City

Morning: Walk around Plaza 9 de Julio

Visit: MAAM Museum and Salta Cathedral

Afternoon: Cable car to Cerro San Bernardo

Evening: Dinner at a peña folklórica (live music and dance)

🗓️ Day 2: Cafayate & Quebrada de las Conchas

Early morning departure

Stop at: Devil’s Throat, Amphitheater rock formations

Afternoon: Wine tastings in Cafayate

Evening: Return to Salta

🗓️ Day 3: Train to the Clouds OR Humahuaca

Option 1: Take the Tren a las Nubes

Option 2: Full-day tour to Quebrada de Humahuaca

Stop at: Purmamarca, Tilcara, artisan markets

🌍 Salta vs Mendoza vs Patagonia

🎯 If you're seeking culture, history, AND nature, Salta offers all three in one unforgettable destination.

✅ Final Thoughts: Why Salta Should Be on Your Argentina Itinerary

Salta is a hidden gem that offers a unique blend of history, heritage, Andean beauty, and authentic Argentine experiences. It’s a region that speaks to the soul of Argentina, where colonial towns, indigenous traditions, and majestic landscapes coexist harmoniously.

From sipping Torrontés in high-altitude vineyards to standing beneath rainbow-colored mountains, Salta will surprise, inspire, and stay with you long after you’ve returned home.