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Salta
A colonial city in Argentina’s north-west, the base for the Tren a las Nubes, Cafayate’s vineyards and the Andean valleys
A colonial city in Argentina’s north-west, the base for the Tren a las Nubes, Cafayate’s vineyards and the Andean valleys
The main square is lined with arcades, cafés and the pink-and-cream cathedral, completed in the 19th century. The archaeology museum and the colonial Cabildo face the square.
Photo: fabulousfabs, CC BY 2.0
With its deep red and gold façade and tall bell tower, this church a few blocks from the square is Salta’s most photographed building.
Photo: Bernard Gagnon, CC BY-SA 4.0
A cable car or a footpath of about 1,000 steps leads up the hill east of the centre for views over the city and the valley.
Photo: MIKEMDP, CC BY-SA 4.0
The ‘Train to the Clouds’ excursion travels by bus from Salta to San Antonio de los Cobres, then by train to the La Polvorilla viaduct, 224m long and 63m high, at 4,220m.
Altitude sickness is common; go slowly and drink water.
Photo: kevin.j, CC BY 2.0
About 190km south through the red rock formations of the Quebrada de las Conchas, this small town is the centre of a high-altitude wine region known for Torrontés white wine.
Photo: Bernard Gagnon, CC BY-SA 4.0
The north-west has its own cuisine: try empanadas salteñas, humita and tamales made with corn, locro stew and llama meat.
Peñas, venues with folk music, dancing and food, are popular in the evenings, especially on Balcarce Street.
Salta’s airport has flights from Buenos Aires in about 2 hours. Long-distance buses connect with Jujuy, Tucumán, Córdoba and Buenos Aires.
Most trips into the mountains are by tour or rental car, as distances are long. Citizens of the EU, the UK, the US, Canada, Australia and many other countries can visit Argentina without a visa for up to 90 days. Travel insurance is strongly recommended. Check current rules before you travel.
Argentina uses the peso (ARS), which has been very volatile, so prices here are given in US dollars as a guide. Foreign cards are widely accepted and usually get a market-based exchange rate; carry some cash for small purchases.
Prices change quickly with inflation and the exchange rate.
City, canyons, vineyards and the high Andes.
Visit the cathedral, the archaeology museum and San Francisco church, then take the cable car up Cerro San Bernardo.
Drive through the Quebrada de las Conchas to Cafayate for wine tasting.
Take a day trip north into Jujuy to the UNESCO-listed Quebrada de Humahuaca and the Hill of Seven Colours at Purmamarca.
Join the Tren a las Nubes excursion, or visit the Salinas Grandes salt flats.
Trips to the Puna reach over 4,000m; rest the day before.
Heavy rains from December to March can close mountain roads.
Folk music nights start late.
The sun is strong at altitude; use sunscreen.
Quick answers for planning time in Salta.
An excursion by bus and train to the La Polvorilla viaduct at 4,220m.
About 190km, 3 to 4 hours by road.
Yes, on a long day trip or by staying in Jujuy province.
About 1,150m above sea level.
April to November, the dry season.
Spanish is the main language; English is less common outside tourist areas.
Free
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