Have you ever heard of Salta, a hidden gem in northwest Argentina? It’s a place full of natural beauty, rich culture, and unforgettable moments. What makes Salta a top spot in Argentina?
Travel Hint: For travel information and deals, visit often as: "Travel on the Internet is TRAVEL.COM" ™
Salta sits in the Calchaquí Valleys, offering stunning landscapes and historic towns. The main city is great to visit, but the real treasures are in the countryside. Here, you’ll find towns like Humahuaca, Cafayate, Tilcara, Purmamarca, and Cachi, each with its own charm.
Salta is perfect for those who love folk traditions, natural wonders, or just relaxing. This guide will show you the best things to do in Salta. You’ll learn about historic sites, remote villages, and exciting outdoor activities.
Key Takeaways
- Salta, Argentina is a hidden gem in the northwest of the country, offering a blend of stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and authentic experiences.
- The province of Salta is vast and diverse, with most of the top attractions located in the surrounding countryside beyond the main city.
- Recommended base towns include Humahuaca, Cafayate, Tilcara, Purmamarca, and Cachi, with a suggested stay of 7-10 days to fully explore the region.
- Salta is known for its Andean culture, Gaucho traditions, and some of the most breathtaking natural wonders in Argentina, such as the Quebrada de Humahuaca and Salinas Grandes salt flats.
- The province offers a range of outdoor adventures, from hiking to the Devil’s Throat waterfall to taking the iconic Train to the Clouds.
Exploring the City of Salta
The city of Salta is a vibrant place, the capital of the Salta province. It’s a great spot to start exploring the area’s beauty. At its heart is the lively Plaza 9 de Julio. This plaza is surrounded by historic landmarks that tell stories of Salta’s past.
Plaza 9 de Julio and Its Attractions
The Plaza 9 de Julio is Salta’s main meeting spot. It’s filled with colonial-era buildings. Here, you’ll find the Cabildo (city hall), the grand Cathedral of Salta, and the beautiful Iglesia San Francisco church. Visitors can enjoy the architecture and the lively vibe by taking a stroll through the plaza.
Museo Arqueológico de Alta Montaña (MAAM)
A must-see in Salta is the Museo Arqueológico de Alta Montaña (MAAM). It showcases the mummified Inca children found in 1999. These mummies give us a peek into the Inca world before the Spanish arrived. The museum is open from Tuesdays to Sundays, from 10:30 am to 6:30 pm, and closed on Mondays.
Salta’s Cabildo and Cathedral
The Cabildo, or city hall, is one of the oldest buildings in the area. It has colorful patios that remind you of Spain. Inside, you can visit a museum and see the Plaza 9 de Julio from the second floor. The Cathedral of Salta, also on the plaza, dates back to the 16th century. It offers free tours on Fridays to Sundays, sharing stories of the city’s history.
Iglesia San Francisco
The Iglesia San Francisco is Salta’s iconic church. Its Baroque design and bright façade make it a favorite spot for photos. Near Cerro San Bernardo, it’s a place you shouldn’t miss.
Cerro San Bernardo and the Funicular
Cerro San Bernardo stands tall over Salta and can be reached by a funicular railway. This ride offers stunning city views from the top. Visitors can either take the funicular up and walk down, or vice versa. At the top, there are cafes, markets, and a playground for everyone to enjoy.
Experience Salta’s Folkloric Culture
Dive into the lively Andean music and dance of Salta, Argentina. A peña folclórica, or folkloric music and dance show, is a top activity for visitors. It’s a way to connect with the city’s soul.
Attend a Peña Folclórica
Peñas are events that showcase Salta’s music, dance, and food. You can find them on Calle Balcarce, the heart of Salta’s nightlife, or at places like La Casona del Molino. These spots offer a cozy setting for enjoying local tunes.
Explore Calle Balcarce’s Nightlife
Calle Balcarce is the hub of Salta’s peña folclórica scene. It’s a two-block stretch where you can hop from peña to peña. Each spot offers dinner and a show with traditional music and dance. Favorites include La Vieja Estación, Los Cardones, and Nora Julia.
La Casona del Molino
For a quieter peña folclórica vibe, head to La Casona del Molino. It’s a bit outside Calle Balcarce but worth the trip. Here, local musicians play in a cozy setting. You can enjoy the traditional music and even join in, making it a memorable cultural experience.
“The peña folclórica is where the heart of Salta’s cultural identity beats. It’s a place to experience the true essence of Andean music and dance.”
Top Day Trips from Salta
Salta is in the Andes mountains of northern Argentina. It’s a great place to start exploring the area’s varied landscapes. You can visit the charming town of Purmamarca and the beautiful Salinas Grandes salt flats. Or go to the town of Cafayate and see the stunning Quebrada de las Conchas.
Purmamarca and Salinas Grandes Salt Flats
Purmamarca is just an hour from Salta in Jujuy province. It’s famous for the “Hill of Seven Colors,” a mountain range with bright colors. Near it, the Salinas Grandes salt flats are huge and look like the famous Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia. This trip lets you see the area’s culture and natural beauty.
Cafayate and Quebrada de las Conchas
Going to Cafayate is another great day trip from Salta. It’s in the heart of Argentina’s second-biggest wine area. You’ll pass through the beautiful Quebrada de las Conchas, with its amazing rocks and colors. In Cafayate, you can check out the town and try the famous Torrontés wine at a winery.
These trips from Salta show you the area’s diverse landscapes, culture, and wines. Whether you like the salt flats or wine country, these trips will impress you.
Salta, Argentina: Best Things to Do – Top Picks
Salta, Argentina, is a place full of activities and experiences. You can explore the historic city center or go on scenic day trips. There’s something for everyone in this northwestern region.
Don’t miss the High Altitude Archaeological Museum (MAAM). It shows three mummified children found in 1999. This museum gives a peek into the area’s rich culture.
Salta is also home to the Cabildo, an old colonial building. And the Cathedral of Salta, which dates back to the 16th century. For amazing architecture, visit the Iglesia San Francisco in the city center.
For a great view of Salta, try the Cerro San Bernardo Funicular or hike up the mountain. You’ll see the city and the beautiful landscapes from up there.
Experience Salta’s lively folkloric culture at a Peña Folklorica. Enjoy traditional music, dance, food, and wine. Then, head to Calle Balcarce for the city’s vibrant nightlife.
Leave Salta to see its natural beauty. Purmamarca and the Salinas Grandes Salt Flats are great for their unique landscapes. Cafayate and the Quebrada de las Conchas are famous for their wine and stunning rock formations.
Salta, Argentina, offers culture, adventure, and food. This guide shows you the best spots and things to do. It helps you plan an amazing trip to this beautiful area.
Embark on a Salta Road Trip
Embarking on a scenic road trip in Salta, Argentina, is a great way to see stunning landscapes. You’ll travel from the charming town of Cachi to the vibrant wine region of Cafayate. This journey takes you through some of the most breathtaking places in the country.
Salta to Cachi via Ruta 33
Start your trip by heading northwest on Ruta 33. This route winds through the Escoipe Gorge and up the Cuesta del Obispo, a famous scenic drive. You’ll see the green Los Cardones National Park and end up in Cachi, a town with beautiful colonial architecture.
Cachi to Cafayate via Ruta 40
Next, drive from Cachi to Cafayate on Ruta 40. This part of the trip is known for its beauty. You’ll go through the Quebrada de la Flecha, with its amazing rock formations and canyons. It’s a deep dive into the area’s stunning nature.
Cafayate to Salta via Ruta 68
The last part of the trip takes you from Cafayate to Salta on Ruta 68. This road goes through the Quebrada de la Concha, showing off more of the area’s unique geology and views. It’s a beautiful end to your road trip.
A Salta road trip offers stunning mountains, charming towns, and a chance to dive into the northwest’s rich culture. It’s the perfect way to see this amazing region.
Explore the Quebrada de Humahuaca
Located just north of Salta in the Jujuy province, the Quebrada de Humahuaca is a must-see. This UNESCO World Heritage site has a stunning landscape of colorful, layered mountains. They are as beautiful as Peru’s famous Rainbow Mountain. It’s a place to dive into the indigenous Andean culture and see unique geological formations.
The Quebrada de Humahuaca stretches for 155km in the Jujuy province. It reaches an altitude of 6,793 meters (22,287 feet), making it the highest archaeological site in the world. It was once part of the Camino Inca, the ancient Inca trail that linked the Andes to the Pacific coast.
Today, the Quebrada de Humahuaca shows off a vibrant mix of polychrome landscapes. You’ll see lush valleys, cactus forests, windswept steppe, and deep gorges. The Cerro de los Siete Colores (Hill of Seven Colors) in Purmamarca is a highlight. It has seven different types of rock, creating a stunning range of colors.
| Key Facts about the Quebrada de Humahuaca | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Northern Argentina, in the Jujuy province |
| UNESCO Site | Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2003 |
| Length | 155 km (96 miles) |
| Elevation | Reaches up to 6,793 m (22,287 ft) |
| Geological Features | Colorful layered mountains, cactus forests, gorges |
| Historical Significance | Once part of the Inca Empire’s Camino Inca trail |
If you’re interested in culture, nature, or adventure, the Quebrada de Humahuaca is a place you must visit. It’s a UNESCO-listed wonder waiting to be explored.
Visit the Historic Towns of the Region
The Salta region in northern Argentina is full of historic towns to explore. Places like Humahuaca show off Andean culture. Cachi, with its colonial architecture, lets you see the area’s rich past.
Humahuaca and Its Colorful Hills
Humahuaca is famous for its “Hill of Seven Colors,” a mountain with many colors. People come from all over to see this natural beauty. The town’s colonial center is full of history, with beautiful plazas and historic buildings.
Cachi, a Colonial Gem
Cachi is a hidden treasure with its untouched colonial architecture. You can walk through streets with white-washed buildings and see the Iglesia San Jose church. Its beautiful setting among mountains makes it a top spot for history lovers.
Iruya, the Remote Mountain Village
Iruya is a hidden spot for those wanting to dive into Andean culture. It’s a remote village you can reach from Humahuaca. Here, you’ll find stunning views and a peaceful atmosphere that lets you experience life as the locals do.
Outdoor Adventures in Salta
Beyond Salta’s rich culture and beautiful city views, there’s a lot to do outside. One top activity is the hike to Garganta del Diablo, or the Devil’s Throat, near Tilcara. This hike is tough but worth it, offering stunning views and a chance to see nature up close.
For a unique Salta adventure, try the Tren a las Nubes, or “Cloud Train.” This historic train goes high up, showing off mountains and valleys. It’s a bit pricey but is one of South America’s best train trips, letting you see Salta’s beauty from a new angle.
| Activity | Description | Duration | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hike to Garganta del Diablo | Challenging trek to a dramatic waterfall near Tilcara | 4-6 hours | Strenuous |
| Tren a las Nubes | Scenic train journey through the Salta mountains | 1 day | Easy |
Salta’s outdoor adventures are perfect for those who love excitement or just want to see beautiful views. With the Garganta del Diablo and the Tren a las Nubes, you can dive into the best of Salta’s outdoor activities and Salta rail tours.
Conclusion
Salta, Argentina, is a place that shows off the beauty and traditions of northwestern Argentina. This guide has shown you the top spots and experiences for an amazing trip. You can explore the historic city center, dive into the folkloric culture, go on scenic trips, and enjoy outdoor adventures.
Salta has many things to see, like the Niños de Llullaillaco mummies at the Museo de Arqueología de Alta Montaña. You can also enjoy the stunning views from the Tren a las Nubes or walk through the colorful hills of Humahuaca. This city in northwestern Argentina is known for its colonial architecture, lively plazas, and great food.
When planning your trip to Salta, make sure to explore its history, culture, and beautiful landscapes. From the Plaza 9 de Julio to the Salinas Grandes salt flats, there’s a lot to see and do. Salta, Argentina, promises a trip you’ll always remember.
FAQ
What are the top attractions in the city of Salta?
What is the Museo Arqueológico de Alta Montaña (MAAM) and what does it showcase?
What is a peña folclórica and where can I experience one in Salta?
What are some of the top day trips from Salta?
What are the highlights of taking a road trip through the Salta region?
What other historic towns and outdoor adventures can I experience in the Salta region?
The above is subject to change.
Check back often to TRAVEL.COM for the latest travel tips and deals.
