Explore Salta: An Ultimate Guide To Argentina’s Colonial Gem

View of Church of Nuestra Señora del Perpetuo Socorro and San Alfonso in Salta, Argentina.

Salta is the capital city and the largest city in the Argentina province. This place is known for its beautiful nature along with its various old Argentinian rituals, traditions and customs. It is also famous for its beautiful landscape that is surrounded by mountain regions, French-style contemporary art galleries and many more. These offer an amazing experience of exploring the culture, history and nature. There are also many activities to do at these places, rendering a memorable experience. This place has many theatres and museums with various shows, festivals and cultural events happening throughout the year.

Location

A view of the streets of Salta at one of the Plaza mornings in Argentina.

Photo: Fulviusbsas / Wikimedia Commons

Salta is located in the western part of Argentina that is bounded by Chile in the south western part, Bolivia in the northern part, Formosa in the east and Paraguay in the northeastern part. It is located near the Andes Mountains Valley of Lerma and on a headstream of the Salado River.

How To Reach

A view of the entrance area of the Salta International Airport that is located in the city.

Photo: Laura Fiorucci / Wikimedia Commons

By Air: The Salta International Airport is the major one in the city. You can also travel through Martín Miguel de Güemes International Airport, located 7 km away from the city.

By Rail: The nearest railway station to reach here is the Salta railway station, a key hub for various tourist train services that travel from Argentina and Chile.

By Road: The nearest bus station to reach here is the Salta terminal de omnibus that passes through various destinations like Argentina and other neighbouring countries.

Things To Do

Here are a few things to do in Salta to have an amazing time during the trip:

1. Take A Cable Car Ride On San Bernardo’s Hill

A cable car ride on San Bernardo’s Hill, one of the best things to do here.

Photo: diametrik / Wikimedia Commons

The San Bernardos Hill is a beautiful place to visit that has an amazing view of the entire city. One of the best things to do here, especially at this hill, is to take a ride up the cable car. It offers panoramic views of the entire city and the surrounding landscapes. It is a 10 minute to 3 hour ride that offers a stunning view of the entire city.

2. Explore The Calchaqui Valley Vineyards

A beautiful view of the lush green surroundings of the Calchaqui Valley vineyards

Photo: Jlla00 / Wikimedia Commons

Calchaquí Valley, located in Argentina, is one of the most famous places in the city. It has unique high-altitude vineyards and terroirs that produce distinctive wines like Malbec and Torrontés. These vineyards are located at an altitude of 2000 m above sea level. There are guided tours available around the world’s highest vineyards along with various activities. These include knowing about the production of wine, taking a walk around the vineyards, wine taste testing and many more.

3. Take A Tren A Las Nubes Ride

A view of the beautiful Tren a las Nubes ride, which is a famous thing to do in Salta

Photo: Véronique Debord-Lazaro / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Tres a las Nubes is a tourist train service in Argentina that runs along the eastern part of the city. It connects with the border in the Andes Mountain range that is nearly 4220 meters above sea level. This is known to be the fifth highest railway in the world that was originally built for various economic and social reasons. It has now become a tourist interest that has become a heritage railway service. This railway line has 29 bridges and 21 tunnels and two zigzags. It is an 8-hour one-way trip, which is an unforgettable experience.

Places To Visit In And Around Salta

Here are a few places to visit in and around the city of Salta for elevated experiences during the amazing trip:

1. Museum Of High Altitude Archaeology

A view of the entire building of the Museum of High Altitude Archaeology, located in Salta

Photo: Aldo Fernández Villalba / Wikimedia Commons

The Museum of High Altitude Archaeology is an archaeological museum that is located in the historical centre. This place conserves and exhibits various collections that are related to the Capacocha child sacrifice ceremonies. This place also has various mummies that were discovered in 1999. It is a unique exhibition system that displays and preserves the mummies. This place is one of the most important cultural and tourist destinations that is famous among the locals and foreigners.

Location: Bartolomé Mitre 77, A4400
Timings: 11 AM – 6:30 PM, closed on Mondays

2. Catedral Basílica De Salta

A view of the complete structure of the Cathedral Basilica de Salta, located in Argentina

Photo: Beaudroit / Wikimedia Commons

Catedral Basílica de Salta is a Roman Catholic cathedral that is dedicated to Jesus Christ. It is believed that this cathedral was built in 1856 after an earthquake destroyed the old building. This is one of the most famous places to visit in the city. It is known for its historical significance and cultural activities.

Location: España 558, A4400
Timings: 6:30 AM – 12 PM, 5 PM – 8 PM

3. July 9th Square

A view of the pathways at the July 9th square that is located in Salta, Argentina

Photo: Niels Elgaard Larsen / Wikimedia Commons

July 9th Square, popularly known as Plaza de 9 Julio, is located in the heart of the city. It is known for its historic and cultural significance. This square is surrounded by various important colonial buildings, especially the Salta Cathedral, the Museum of High Altitude Archaeology, and many more. This square is known for its vibrant gathering place for many locals and tourists. It offers various picture-perfect scenery of fountains, statues and greenery, a centre for many public events and festivals.

Location: July 9th Square, Caseros 500, A4400
Timings: 24*7

Where To Stay

A view of one of the famous hotels to stay in that is located in Argentina .

Photo: Paikan06 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

There are many hotels available that provide all the necessary facilities to the visitors. Some of these facilities provided in these hotels are free Wi-Fi, hot tub, AC, children’s rooms, laundry service, free breakfast, fitness center, spa, outdoor pool, dining options and many more. All these facilities are provided at budget-friendly prices with safety and security. Some of these famous hotels to stay at are Hostal El Relax, Hotel Tradicion De, Sheraton Hotel and many more.

Where To Eat

A view of one of the food courts in Salta, Argentina, with great ambience at night

Photo: jikatu / Wikimedia Commons

There are many restaurants available in the Salt area that are famous for their amazing local cuisine. It is provided with some of the best delicious food served in the entire country. There are also restaurants with various other international cuisines available at budget-friendly prices with great ambience and hygienic surroundings. Some of these most famous restaurants, which are a must – try are Dona, Aires Caseros, La Casona del Molino, Cafe del Tiempo, Trattoria Mamma Mia and many more.

Salta in Argentina is one of the best places to visit that is known for its natural beauty, traditional customs, mountain regions and museums. The best time to visit is during the month of April to November, which is considered to be the dry season. There are many festivals and cultural events happening throughout the year too. Plan with TripXL for the best experiences.

Cover Photo: Bernard Gagnon / Wikimedia Commons

Frequently Asked Questions

The best time to visit is between the months of April to November, which is ideal for various outdoor activities.
It is located in the western part of Argentina that is bounded by Chile in the southwestern part.
Yes, accommodation is available here with all the necessary facilities provided for the visitors.
Some activities to try here are taking a cable car ride, exploring the vineyards, going on the famous train ride and many more.
Some of the most famous places to visit here are the Museum of High Altitude Archaeology, the Cathedral, July 9th Square and many more.

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