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15 Best Things to Do in Salta (Argentina)

With a pleasant climate all year round and some incredible Andean landscapes nearby, Salta is the biggest spot for tourism in the Northwest of Argentina for good reason. However, this beautiful colonial town still retains a slower paced, rural vibe.

Time stands still in certain parts of the city with its preserved cobblestone streets and Spanish architecture. Founded in 1582, Salta didn’t receive as many European immigrants as some parts of the country, so it’s retained a lot of indigenous traditions and influence.

Commonly referred to as Salta la Linda (or “Salta the Pretty”), this town provides visitors the opportunity to experience Quechan and Andean culture and try regional foods – like the best empanadas in the country (so they say). But if you decide to get out of the city and into the countryside, you’re in for some of the best drives in Argentina, great mountain scenery, and adventure.

Let’s explore the best things to do in Salta :

1. Plaza 9 de Julio

Start your wandering around Salta in the city’s main square, Plaza 9 de Julio, where you’ll find Spanish colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, and cafes along the edge of the palm tree-lined plaza.

You’ll see the magnificent neoclassical Catedral Basílica de Salta which is possibly the most recognizable sight in the city.

The church’s exterior is light pink and the interior is made up of brilliant golds, greens, and blues.

Visitors can venture inside (and attend church services on Sundays if they like) where the ashes of revolutionary war hero General Martin Miguel de Güemes are housed, plus a small museum of religious relics.

You can also explore El Cabildo, the 18th-century colonial town hall in the plaza, where there’s a lovely courtyard filled with flowers and a historical museum with Incan artifacts and information on the war for Argentine independence.

2. Museo Arqueologia de Alta Montana (MAAM)

If you only hit one museum in the city, this should be it for sure.

Dedicated to anthropology and preserving Andean culture, the biggest draw of the MAAM are the mummified Inca children discovered by scientists in 1999 at the Llullaillaco Volcano.

The three children were perfectly preserved by icy conditions at the summit after historians believe that the Incas sacrificed them as an offering to the gods in a fertility ceremony around 1490. Their hair, clothes, and even internal organs remained intact due to the excellent preservation.

The museum only displays one mummy at a time (in an airtight glass case), and rotates them every 6 months to keep them well-preserved.

Though it’s a small museum, there’s lots of artifacts and insight into Incan culture and mountain archaeology with excellent English and Spanish descriptions.

3. Museo Pajcha Arte Etnico

Okay, so if you’re going to visit two museums in Salta, this should be the second one.

It’s a bit off the beaten path and it’s not your average museum.

Museo Pajcha is actually a private collection with limited hours – you have to ring the doorbell to enter! – but it’s got an outstanding exhibition of indigenous art, artifacts, and interesting information.

There are a lot of historical pieces showing how the pre-Columbian world and Andean culture has influenced contemporary life and art.

You’ll see textiles, masks, pottery, musical instruments, and photographs, and if you’re lucky you’ll get to meet the owner and curator for a personal and enthusiastic tour.

This museum is a bit of a hidden gem located about a 10-minute walk from the center, but well worth it if you can spare the time!

4. Cerro San Bernardo

You’ve got to get to the top of this hill for fabulous panoramic views of the city.

It’s a great place to have a picnic on a sunny day or watch the sunset in the evenings.

Take advantage of the food vendors up top where you can buy packets of chips and a beer or two, and sometimes you’ll even find a guy selling bottles of wine.

There’s a cable car – the teleférico – that goes up and down from the top of the hill, but you should definitely walk at least one way.

The path up the hill begins behind Güemes Monument in the city, and the cable car leaves from Parque San Martín, which is also worth a gander.

At the top of Cerro San Bernardo you’ll find lots of lookout points, a few terraced gardens, and a monument to the Battle of Salta.

5. Shop at the Artisan Markets

Buy all the traditional Argentine souvenirs you could ever need at the two artisan markets in the city.

We’re talking textiles, leather, indigenous handicrafts, and ceramics.

The Mercado Artesanal is located a little outside the city center in a restored colonial millhouse.

Here you can buy lots of Andean-style products like ponchos, sweaters, hats, and scarves made from llama or alpaca wool, as well as silver, ironwork, weavings, and mate gourds.

Have a drink while sitting outside at the cafe here before heading back.

On Sundays, check out the Feria Artesanal on Calle Balcarce near Avenida Entre Rios where you can find locally-made goods like clothes, jewelry, woodworkings, artwork, and even homemade sweets like jams and honeys.

6. Visit the Wine Town of Cafayate

If you’re going to Salta, you should definitely head out to the small, wine-centric town of Cafayate.

There are buses to take you there, but the drive is gorgeous and very laid back, so it’s nicer to rent a car.

You could plan your route south to include the scenic Quebrada de Cafayate or Quebrada de Humahuaca, some of the best drives in Argentina.

When you get to the heart of the second-largest wine producing region in the country, the Calchaquíes Valley, you’ll find lots of bodegas where the white wine of the Torrontés grape rules.

Cafayate has a lovely main square, a peaceful attitude, and some excellent restaurants and guesthouses.

There’s a wine museum and tons of vineyards just next to the town that are reachable by car, bike, and a few of them even on foot.

7. Drive the Cuesta del Obispo to visit Cachi

This is another outing you could tack onto a trip to Cafayate, because the drives along Ruta 68 and Ruta 33 are gorgeous.

The roads pass through breathtaking, colorful landscapes along the way to the well-preserved colonial village of Cachi, and they’re a must-do for people who love a little driving adventure.

The Cuesta del Obispo or “Bishop’s Slope” is a winding road surrounded by naturally sculpted rock formations that ascends to heights of 10,984 feet (3,348 meters). From there it’s possible to see wild condors, gorges, and the fairytale landscape of El Valle Encantado (the “Enchanted Valley”) below.

If you’re into adrenaline, you can even arrange to mountain bike down the Cuesta del Obispo.

Wander the town of Cachi for a little history, architecture, and handicraft shopping before heading back to Salta.

8. Ride the Tren a las Nubes

This is Argentina’s most famous train trip.

Though the “Train to the Clouds” is a bit overpriced and touristy and only runs from April to mid-December, it’s a must for any train enthusiast.

The railways and ascents are quite a feat of human engineering, and you’ll get to see a lot of the countryside this way.

You’ll be in for a long day, leaving Salta early in the morning and returning at night.

The train descends from the city into the Lerma Valley and up into the Quebrada del Toro, past ruins and the town of San Antonio de los Cobres, one of the highest villages in Argentina.

The train then reaches the famed La Polvorilla Viaduct that spans an immense desert canyon.

Be aware that service is notoriously unreliable and off-schedule, you may have to get on a bus for portions of the journey, and you might want to bring your own snacks!

9. Visit Las Salinas Grandes

If you’re not heading to the famous salt flats in Bolivia, this is a great day trip from Salta to see what these vast expanses of salt actually look like.

See where salt is mined from a dried lake while you take those obligatory perspective photos on gleaming, high-altitude flats.

And it’s not just the stop at Las Salinas Grandes that makes this excursion great.

Whether you DIY it or take a tour, you’ll drive through the foothills of the Andes on your route, passing villages like Tumbaya and Volcan where you can get a glimpse of true rural life.

Purmamarca, located next to the Cerro de los Siete Colores (the Hill of Seven Colors), is a vibrant town along the way that you can visit for its handicrafts market and a local lunch.

Make sure to stop at the Humahuaca Gorge and all of the dramatic mountain passes along the way for photos.

10. Eat Empanadas

Salta claims to be the birthplace of empanadas in Argentina, or at the very least, it’s rumored to have the best ones! Either way, you should definitely go on a quest to eat as many empanadas salteñas as possible while you’re here! So how are they different from typical empanadas? Salteñas are usually baked in a clay oven, they’re a bit smaller than others, and they’re usually filled with carne – sliced beef (rather than minced) – that’s mixed with things like onions, potatoes, and egg.

You can also find them filled with stewed chicken or cheese and onions.

And they’re accompanied by a spicy tomato and pepper dip, a rarity in Argentina! To try a few, head to El Patio de la Empanada for an open-air, family-run experience or La Criollita, a fave of both tourists and locals.

11. Attend a Local Peña

The people of Salta – known as Salteños – hold fast to tradition, so while you’re here don’t miss spending an evening at a peña (folk concert) where you can eat local food while watching performances of folkloric music and dancing.

There will likely be Spanish guitars, sheepskin drums, violins, and gauchos (Argentine cowboys and folk heroes). You can clap, stomp, shout, and dance along with the criolla music, a mix of Spanish and indigenous styles resulting from their blended ancestry.

It’s an integral part of rural life here, rather than just merely entertainment for tourists.

One of Salta’s most famous peñas is Peña Balderrama, where lots of Argentine bands are known to meet up.

And located on a hilltop on the outskirts of town, La Casona del Molino is another good one where gauchos and locals head to hear jam sessions of Salta’s musicians.

After sunset, you can also check out the peñas along Calle Balcarce.

12. Try the Regional Cuisine

After you’ve tasted Salta’s famous empanadas, venture out to try more regional cuisine.

That includes locro (a hearty stew of meat, corn, and potatoes), humita (steamed husks filled with corn and cheese), and tamales (steamed leaves filled with corn flour, meat, and potatoes). You can find these dishes at traditional family-run restaurants, street vendors, and markets around the city.

We recommend Paseo de la Familia for a simple, delicious street food experience where you can order tamales, lomitos (steak sandwiches), pizzas, and grilled chicken to eat while sitting at plastic tables.

Visit the Mercado San Miguel for an authentic local experience where you can wander amongst the produce and meat vendors, buy artisan cheeses, nuts, and regional sweets, and visit the “food court” area for cheap meals.

If you prefer a restaurant setting, La Vieja Estación is great for traditional Salteño cuisine and live music.

13. Visit La Quebrada de San Lorenzo

An easy day trip from Salta, you can make it to this nature reserve in the popular little Villa San Lorenzo by bus (number 7) within 30 minutes.

Cooler and more humid, it’s where the high altitude forests (las yungas) begin.

The village is also popular place for Argentine summer homes.

Enjoy the natural surroundings by hiking along the paths to viewpoints, going horseback riding, or simply enjoying mate alongside the river and waterfall.

There are plenty of tours you can take if you want to go mountain biking or birdwatching in the reserve, or you can easily do it yourself.

There are grills for those who want to bring along meat and have an asado (Argentine barbecue) or you can stop at El Castillo de San Lorenzo, a lovely historic hotel and restaurant, for a regional meal amidst the lush surroundings.

14. Hit Calle Balcarce on a Friday or Saturday Night

This lively street in Salta is filled with shops, bars, and restaurants, and it’s a great place to start your evening.

While Salta’s nightlife is much more laid back than say, the intensity of Buenos Aires, it’s still a fun place to have a great dinner, drinks at a bar or two, and then make your way to a discotheque for some dancing… but not until around 2 AM of course.

You’ll find lots of stores and street vendors, but also live music and traditional peñas.

And if you’re lucky you might catch some of the excitement and dancing that spills out onto the street at night.

15. Head to Cabra Corral Dam for Adventure Sports

A weekend favorite of local Salteños, head out about 80 kilometers from the city to the Cabra Corral Dam where there’s a reservoir created by several rivers in the Calchaquí Valley.

It’s a sort of adventure destination, which probably has something to do with all the bungee jumping you can do from the dam.

You can also go white water rafting down the Juramento River through steep canyons and class II and III rapids.

If it’s a nice day, try hiking down the trails surrounding the reservoir to look for dinosaur footprints and ancient rock paintings, or arrange to do some horseback riding.

You can also take a boat out for some fishing (there are rainbow trout in the area) or just relaxing on the water.

If you don’t feel like heading back to Salta at the end of the day, there are a few cabins you can rent to spend the night at Cabra Corral.

15 Best Things to Do in Salta (Argentina):

• Plaza 9 de Julio
• Museo Arqueologia de Alta Montana (MAAM)
• Museo Pajcha Arte Etnico
• Cerro San Bernardo
• Shop at the Artisan Markets
• Visit the Wine Town of Cafayate
• Drive the Cuesta del Obispo to visit Cachi
• Ride the Tren a las Nubes
• Visit Las Salinas Grandes
• Eat Empanadas
• Attend a Local Peña
• Try the Regional Cuisine
• Visit La Quebrada de San Lorenzo
• Hit Calle Balcarce on a Friday or Saturday Night
• Head to Cabra Corral Dam for Adventure Sports

¿Qué incluye mi pasaje?

A continuación verás los servicios incluídos (y los NO incluídos) en el recorrido más emocionante de todos, donde vas a poder disfrutar con seguridad, libertad y confort del Tren a las Nubes.

Servicios incluidos en la excursión

• Recepción del pasajero.
• Entrega del programa de viaje.
• Guiado a cargo de anfitriones en carretera.
• Traslado a San Antonio de los Cobres ( SAC ) en bus.
• Desayuno campestre que consta de infusiones y aperitivos regionales (Colegio Alfarcito).
• Guiado a bordo del Tren a las Nubes a cargo de anfitriones.
• Ceremonia a la bandera en el Viaducto La Polvorilla.
• Traslado desde Estación SAC a los puntos de encuentro en el centro del pueblo.
• Traslado desde SAC a la Ciudad de Salta.
• Servicio de limpieza a bordo del Tren.
• Seguridad a bordo del Tren.
• Bus de respaldo.
• Asistencia médica en carretera y a bordo del Tren a cargo de personal del SAMEC.
• Seguimiento vía carretera de camionetas 4×4.
• La empresa posee un plan de contingencias con participación del sector público y privado.
• Cada pasajero cuenta con una cobertura médica en caso de imprevistos.

Servicios NO incluídos

• Comidas o bebidas de cualquier tipo no especificadas arriba.

Tu viaje hacia las nubes

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13 best things to do in salta, argentina (+ top 7 travel tips).

Located in the north of Argentina, the province of Salta is one of the most wonderful areas to explore in this country.

Not only is that down to the incredible landscapes, the strong cultural traditions and beautiful wine of the region, but also to the fact that this part of Argentina is still considered off the beaten track… for foreign tourists at least!

Although well known to the Argentinians themselves, they’ve been keeping this remote region, which borders Bolivia, a secret for ages, but thankfully (or perhaps unthankfully) it’s now creeping more onto the traveller radar!

I actually spent most of my time in Argentina in the Salta province after I fell in love with its desert colours, hot dry altitude views, relaxed pace of life and vast array of places to explore.

So if you’re up for bucking the trend in Argentina (ta trend which seems most travellers scurrying south to Bariloche and Patagonia), then why not consider visiting the north of the country instead.

And to wet your wanderlust whistle a little more, here’s my list of the 13 top things to do in Salta Argentina, as well my 7 top tips for travel in this region…

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• 55 Best Things to Do in South America
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A Quick Word About Salta, Argentina

To save any confusion later on, I thought it might be worth a quick note at the beginning of this article to point out that Salta refers to both the name of the Argentinian province, as well as this province’s capital.

As such, Salta is both a region and a city.

For the purposes of this article, I’m going to discuss the best 13 things to do in the province of Salta because, for me, it’s actually outside of its capital city that the greatest treasures lie.

And, if you’re looking to include the Salta region as part of a wider Argentina trip, which you definitely should (!) then check out this itinerary I put together for some top planning tips.

Tip #1 Where To Base Yourself in Salta?

And it’s for exactly that reason that I actually recommend bucking the trend and basing yourself outside of the city when you explore the Salta region.

There’s no question most travellers don’t realise how amazing this province is, or how much there is to do around, so they tend to base themselves in the city of Salta and simply, day trip from there.

But in my opinion, if you do this, you are doing the region a serious injustice!

Salta is huge and, as I said before, most of its top attractions lie in the surrounding countryside.

For that reason, I really recommend basing yourself in destinations beyond its main city.

If you’re travelling independently and want to have a base, then the towns of Humahuaca and Cafayate make lovely spots from which to explore their respective surrounds and both are chock full of things to do.

If you’re travelling with a vehicle, so able to road trip and move more freely, then I suggest changing your base location every night / couple of nights so you get to see as much of Salta as possible.

Other good base towns include Tilcara, Purmamarca and Cachi.

Check out top accommodation options in this region below…

Tip #2 How Long to Visit For?

Which leads me on nicely to my next Salta travel tip, which is about how long should you spend in this region.

The answer, of course, depends on your overall trip length, but the one thing you shouldn’t do is underestimate distances and the amount of things to explore in this part of Argentina.

At a minimum, I’d allow for a stay of 3 nights in Humahuaca and 2 nights in Cafayate.

Depending on your transport connections, you may need to spend a night in the city of Salta too and if you want to get off the beaten track, to say the town of Iruya, then allow a couple of extra nights as well.

Don’t forget it also takes time to get around here.

Travelling from Humahuaca to Cafayate will take you a full day, especially if you’re on public transport, so you may want to allow extra days for journeys or for stops in between too.

All in all, 7-10 days is a great amount of time to spend in the area of Salta.

Anything less than 4 and you’re likely to leave feeling more frustrated about the amount you didn’t see compared to the amount you did!

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Things to Do in Salta, Argentina

And on that note, it’s now time to get on with exactly that list of what you can see and do here –  the 13 best things to do in the Argentinian province of Salta.

Once they’ve convinced you to visit the area, scroll down to the bottom of this article to read the other top 5 Salta travel tips I’ve got to share.

#1 Marvel at the Quebrada de Humahuaca

Have you heard of Rainbow Mountain in Peru?

The one that has 7 colours?

Well, move aside crowded and expensive Rainbow Mountain, because there’s a new kid in town!

Yup, the Quebrada de Humahuaca, located in the province of Salta, is a 14 coloured mountain with hardly any tourists and sits at a much more manageable altitude!

Formed by minerals in the rock, this spectacle is absolutely huge, cheap to enter and UNESCO-listed.

It’s situated just a short drive from the town of Humahuaca (meaning you can visit in a few hours as opposed to a whole day) and is absolutely one of this country greatest marvels.

It’s best to visit in the afternoon when the sun shows the colours at their best and a return 4×4 drive from the town costs 500 pesos for 4 people.

Don’t forget your camera!

#2 Explore the Historic City of Salta

The provincial capital, Salta, is worth 1 night of your itinerary in this region and the top thing to enjoy here is wandering the historic centre of this charming city.

The central square is thronged by stately buildings and statues, as well as leafy squares and benches with great people-watching opps.

San Lorenzo Church is worth a visit too, as are the parklands you will find between the city’s bus station and central square – Plaza 9 de Julio.

Chiromoyo Vegetarian Restaurant and Greeners were my choice for top cafes in Salta!

It’s also useful to know that there’s left luggage at Salta Bus Station, so if you have a few hours between bus connections you can wander in and enjoy the city without having to spend the night.

#3 Sip Wine in Cafayate

And one of the places you’re likely to connect through Salta for is the amazing town of Cafayate, famous for its wine-growing.

Heading to this cute-as-a-button ,small town is absolutely one of the best things to do in Salta, Argentina because, even if you’re not into the wine, the gorgeous scenery and chilled vibes here are hard to beat.

Wander the town in the morning before hitting up the bodegas to enjoy tastings of the local tipple in the afternoon.

Alternatively, you can hire a bike (easily arranged from the travel agent in the central square) and cycle Route 40 to discover more vineyards and views.

There’s also some ruins just outside the town you can head to, otherwise the semi-alternative vibes of Cafayate mean there’s plenty of cute shops, yoga studios, local markets and health food stores to get lost in!

There’s also a lovely waterfall you can cycle as well, but sadly, at the time of my visit, it was closed due to a community issue.

The bus station for Cafayate is set just out of the town (it’s walkable) and bus tickets for transport to neighbouring cities need to be booked a day in advance.

#4 Head Up to Cerro San Bernardo

Now we head back to the city for number 4 on this list of the best things to do in Salta.

The Cerro San Bernado is the hill that dominates the province’s capital and you can’t miss it!

Getting to the top to admire the view is a must – I suggest catching the teleferico up there and then walking down, especially if you’re visiting during the midday sun like I did!

#5 Snap Salinas Grandes

When you head north of out Salta, towards the city of San Salvador de Jujuy, the first town you’ll reach after Jujuy is Purmamarca.

This is where most day-trippers from Salta head, and while it can become overcrowded as a result, there’s still a couple of the great things to see here.

One of these is the Salinas Grandes, essentially some giant Salt Lakes.

If you’ve been to Uyuni in Bolivia, you’ll have some idea about what to expect, but personally, these giant white flats situated at altitude amidst a dry desert never fail to amaze me!

#6 Take the Cloud Train

Not a cheap option on this list of the best things to do in Salta, but certainly very novel all the less, this is one of the best train journeys to enjoy in South America.

El Tren a Las Nubes is the 5 th highest railway in the world and is now considered a heritage line as it runs for primarily for tourists.

Departing from Salta, the unique zigzag formation allows the train to climb the necessary heights, making it quite the experience.

#7 Go Remote in Iruya

And now for something totally different, it’s time to get off the beaten track in Salta, far away from tourist trains and head to Iruya.

Right in the north of the province, this remote destination is accessed from Humahuaca, but still takes around 3 hours from there as you travel deep into the mountainous desert.

Known to Argentinian travellers but not really to foreign ones, Iruya is a treat to find if you want to stop, chill and hang for a few days amidst some pretty stunning surrounds.

The nearby village of San Isidro is another hotspot to check out while you are here.

#8 Hike to Gargantia Del Diablo

Now back down south we go to the town of Tilcara.

Many people base themselves here instead of Humahuaca, but personally I found it a bit more commercialised.

Nevertheless, the fabulous waterfall at Gargantia Del Diablo here (the Devil’s Throat) and the famous pre-Inca ruins of Pucara de Tilcara dating back 10,000 years are certainly worth a visit.

Hiking to both is possible from the centre of town (about 15 minutes for the ruins) where the bus will drop you off and there’s plenty of photo opps on the way.

It’s good to know that you can day trip to Tilcara from Humhuaca if you don’t want to stay here – this would certainly be my suggestion.

#9 Explore Quebrada De Las Conchas

And talking of photo opps, it’s hard to beat the second Quebrada (ravine) in this region, which sits outside the town of Cafayate.

Also known as Quebrada de Las Conchas (ravine of the shells), it’s hard to believe how closely this insane desert landscape is situated next to fertile vineyards.

Taking an afternoon trip to visit the spectacular natural features of this landscape is the best option if you don’t have a car and costs roughly 800 pesos per person.

Group tours run daily and are operated by the tourist agency in Cafayate’s central square, beginning at 2:30pm and dropping you back in town at 7:30pm.

Make sure to take sunscreen, sunhat, water, camera and walking shoes.

If you’re looking for somewhere to stay in Cafayate, I highly recommend Casa De Huesped as a great choice for budget travellers.

I loved the homely feel, cute garden and sense of tranquility there.

#10 Day Trip to the 7 Coloured Mountain

We touched on Purmamarca when we discussed #5 on this list of the best places to visit in Salta – Salinas Grandes.

But Purmamarca is also famous for another attraction outside the salt lakes, and that is the 7 coloured mountain.

Personally, I don’t think it’s a patch on the 14-coloured bad boy in Humahuaca, but if you only have a short time to visit the region from Salta, you may have to settle for this guy!

Sorry, I’m being facetious, but I was spoilt on coloured mountains by this point after Peru’s version too!

If you haven’t seen one before you’ll be delighted, just as I would have been!

#11 Don’t Miss Cachi

Sorry, we’re skipping around all over the place here, but sometimes that’s just how it goes!

Because, for number 11 on this list, we hop back towards Cafayate and the nearby town of Cachi – again a wonderful town full of wine tasting possibilities and magnificent desert scenery, Cachi is a great option for those with their own transport

That’s because it’s hard to get here on public transport and also difficult to get around, which you’ll want to when you learn about all its amazing vineyards and the area’s snow-topped mountain backdrop!

#12 Experience the Local Vibes in Humahuaca

And now we skip back to Humahuaca as the list draws to a close, just because it was probs my favourite place in the whole Salta region.

I’m not sure why, but I just fell in love with the feels and views in this wild west, dry desert, cowboy cobbled town.

Humahuaca has the strongest sense of traditional culture this part of Argentina is known for too and, despite the tourists, it still feels delightful authentic and quaint.

That’s why I recommend this town as a base in Salta and when it comes to great places to stay on a budget, you can’t overlook the delightful Hostel Le Humahuaca with its top location and friendly staff.

Stroll the central town in the morning, visiting the church, the central plaza, the market and the memorial, before hitting up the nearby village of Uquia in the afternoon where some great hikes await, including to La Quebrada De Las S eñoritas .

And part of the unique culture found in this part of Argentina is the food!

Yes Salta is famous for its food the country over, and sampling the best of it right here should not be missed.

Whether that’s hitting up a local restaurant for dinner, browsing a local market for lunch or picking up a hot steaming Tortilla Relleno off a street grill for 50 pesos as a snack, the choice is yours.

Although personally, I suggest doing all 3!

And now it’s time to get back to my Salta travel tips!

Tip #3 How To Get From Buenos Aires to Salta?

Salta is a heck of a long way from Buenos Aires because, if you weren’t already aware, Argentina is a massive country.

I actually reached Salta after travelling over the border from Bolivia, which is actually a shorter journey that coming from Argentina’s capital.

From the border town, it took me just 2.5 hours to reach Humahuaca.

Learn more about how I made this border crossing independently in this post I wrote about travelling from Uyuni in Bolivia to Salta .

If you are coming from Buenos Aires to Salta however, it’s likely you’re going to take a domestic flight.

Regular flights leave Buenos Aires (just always double-check which airport, because this city has 2) and arrive into both the city of Salta and the province’s second city of San Salvador de Jujuy.

If you’re heading to Cafayate and Cachi first, then the city of Salta is closest.

If you’re heading north to Purmamarca, Tilcara or Humahuaca, then Jujuy may be the better option for you.

As always, I recommend checking Skyscanner for the best deals on flights, because these guys also include low-cost carriers in their flight comparison and this is definitely key in Argentina.

Salta also makes a good stop enroute to the Argentinian wine region of Mendoza or the famous Atacama Desert in Chile.

If you’re watching your carbon footprint, like I was, then you may be prepared to catch the bus to Salta.

But do be prepared this will take a LONG time!

To break up the journey, I suggest stopping in the fun student city of Cordoba enroute.

You can get night buses here and it makes getting from Buenos Aires to Salta much more manageable.

Always book your buses in Argentina using Platforma 10 – the greatest tip a local ever gave me!

Tip #4 How to Get Around Salta?

Once you’re in the province of Salta, you’ve got 2 main options to get around.

First up is taking local buses, the second is renting a car and organising a self-drive.

The third is hitchhiking, but I’m not going to go into that here!

If you’re travelling alone or on a budget, then local buses will work well for you.

There are central stations in both the cities of Salta and Jujuy, which you can use to connect to all the regional towns in the area you may want to visit or base yourself.

Buses in Argentina are very organised – you need to buy a ticket at the counter, head to the relevant platform and then pay to store any luggage in the hold.

Generally buses run on time, and are pretty frequent Mon-Sat during the day.

As an example of distance, it will take you around 4 hours to get from Salta to Cafayate (at a cost of 435 pesos) on a bus and around 5 hours to get from Salta to Humahuaca on a bus.

For those short on time, travelling in a couple or group, or with a bit more cash, hiring a car is a great option when it comes to exploring the Salta region.

Doing this will give you a lot more independence, flexibility and the chance to get off the beaten track, which is what this part of Argentina is all about!

Renting cars is possible in the city of Salta and driving around is quite straightforward due to the rural and relaxed nature of life here. Get a great deal here .

Tip #5 Top Salta Tours

Of course, if you don’t fancy buses or renting a car, you can also take a Salta tour.

Tours from the city of Salta include both multi-day excursions that take you to many different sights and towns, as well as day trips to some of the attractions nearer the city.

If you want to take a day trip from the city of Salta, check out these 4 great options:

Salinas Grandes, Purmamarca & Los Colorados Hike

Full-Day Tour to Cafayate with Wine Tasting

Full-Day Tour to Humahuaca

Full-Day Scenic Tour to Cachi

Otherwise, if you’re not totally comfortable with travelling this region independently, then a mulit-day tour is a great option that will have you seeing the best of Salta safely, securely and easily.

Check out these top picks for some super ideas and prices.

Tip #6 Safety in Salta

I travelled in Salta as a solo female backpacker and felt incredibly safe the whole time.

The rural and small-town feel of much of this province added to the sense of ease and comfort I felt.

Public transport was easy and night buses seemed very secure.

Alternatively, if you’re a long-term traveller, digital nomad or frequent remote worker seeking travel health cover, check out Safetywing’s Nomad Insurance policies.

To further help feeling safe when travelling in Argentina, I highly recommend picking up a local SIM card when you arrive.

That way, you can always communicate with people, check maps and book accommodation when you’re on the move or if plans suddenly change.

Tip #7 Essential Packing Items for Salta

Another area of feeling safe when travelling in Argentina is ensuring you have the right gear with you, so here’s 5 packing essentials I recommend if you’re heading to Salta.

#1 LifeStraw Go Water Filter Bottle – An absolute must on my travel packing list, my LifeStraw Go Water Filter Bottle safely removes 99.9% of bacteria found in tap water and, as such, allows me to drink tap water around the world knowing it’s safe. Great for your health, but also for the planet, as it massively reduces your plastic bottle usage –  this item is a double winner!

#2 Good Walking Shoes – Getting out in nature is what time in Salta is all about, so definitely ensure you have some good walking shoes so you can enjoy the incredible landscapes here to the fullest. I highly recommend these New Balance Cross Trainers which are perfect for city strolling and canyon clambering.

#3 High-Sided Travel Pillow – Whichever you look at it, there’s a lot of travel time involved in adventuring in a country like Argentina, so make sure you’re prepared with a good high-sided travel pillow that will save you on night buses and flights alike.

#4 Argentina Lonely Planet – My go-to when it comes to travel guidebook, the Argentina Lonely Planet is still a great source of information including tons of useful information on where to visit in this country and how to get there.

#5 Reliable Camera – There’s no doubt you’ll want to capture your Argentina memories and ensuring you have a reliable camera to do just that is super important. I love my Sony A6000 , which I used throughout my time in Argentina, as well as my GoPro which was ideal for snapping during those wilder adventure days!

PIN IT TO PINTEREST!

Well, well, well, there they are, my list of the 13 best things to do in Salta Argentina, as well as my top 7 travel tips for visiting the region.

I hope they’ve been helpful for you.

If you have any questions about travelling in this gorgeous part of South America, then just drop them into the comments box below and I’ll do my best to answer them…

Creator of Big World Small Pockets, Stephanie Parker is a travel addict! Originally from Jersey in the Channel Islands, Stephanie adventures the world collecting tips, advice and stories, to share with a smile

18 thoughts on “ 13 Best Things To Do in Salta, Argentina (+ Top 7 Travel Tips) ”

Hello, Let me tell you with all the respect, that HALF of the things you put here are not in Salta. They are in Jujuy, which is another province of Argentina. If you are going to write a blog post about it, at least it would be nice to do some research. Even the cover of you post is in the most famous tourist spot in Jujuy, Quebrada de Humahuaca. Kind regards, A local

Thanks Lucia, really appreciate your local advice and you are, of course, totally right. This post, however, is aimed at foreign visitors to Argentina and for them (as it was for me), the easiest way to reference the whole region is Salta – this is how it’s referred to in travelling circles and it’s therefore what people look for when researching the entire area. In this vein, I wanted to make sure the article appealed to, and helped, the intended audience. Hope that makes sense and apologies for any offence caused to those who are familiar with the Salta region and its neighbour Jujuy. Best wishes, Steph 🙂

Great write up! I’ll be traveling to Salta from BA and then planning to trip to Bolivia from Salta. Did you get to do salt flats around Salta or would you just recommend touring the Bolivian Salt flats in Uyuni if you’re short on time?

Hi Spencer, thanks for the great question and glad you enjoyed the article. Honestly, if you’re short on time, I’d just head to Uyuni in Bolivia for the salt flats – they are much bigger and more impressive. Loads on the blog about my time in Bolivia, including Uyuni and a whole post about how to cross the land border into Uyuni from the Salta region – enjoy! Safe travels, steph 🙂

Thanks so much for your detailed write up! I am planning on visiting in Mid-July. Probably flying from iguazu to Salta. So.. Cafayate, Purmamarca, Tilcara, Humahuaca, Iruya? I am trying to work out a vague itinerary and how to travel via bus haha. Suggestions? flexible with the order of all the things, and the amount of time.. maybe will have around 5-6 days in the region (yet to decide)

Hi Mel, thanks for your message. We’ve spoken on Instagram now, so hopefully you’ve got all the info to have an amazing trip in Salta – enjoy! Steph 🙂

great article really helped me to plan the trip. We will be traveling by car for 6 full days (not including our arrival and departure) in the end of Sep beginning of Oct. Thought to stay one day in Cafayate, go for one day in cachi and then one day in Salta. Then drive to Pumamarca for one day , two days in Humahuaca, and drive back to Salta. Do you think the plan is good. What is your Instagram account

Hi Iris, so glad you found the article helpful and your itinerary sounds really good! My Instagram account is http://www.instagram.com/bigworldsmallpockets – come and join the adventure there 🙂

My sister and I are going to Argentina after a lifetime in US, we were kids when Mom and Dad migrated to California. We have 10 days in Argentina and we would like to go to Salta. We would fly from BA we have 3 days to stay. What would you suggest to see the most favorites and I am a Chef and want to taste the local regional cuisine. Humahuaca sound great where shall we fly to from BA. Thank you

Hi Hector, great to learn about your trip to Argentina. If you’re flying from BA, then you’re most likely to fly into Martin Miguel De Guemes International Airport in the city of Salta itself. With only 3 days in the region, I’d then stick to the destinations around here (i.e. in the south of the region), otherwise you’ll waste a lot of time travelling rather than seeing and enjoying stuff. The journey to Humahuaca from the city of Salta, for example, is 3-4 hours and travelling there and back will significantly eat into your time. Hope that helps and happy travels. Best Steph 🙂

Hi Steph, really enjoyed reading your thoughts and are planing our trip around them. Spending 11 days doing as many of the things you mention. The question I have is… we also want to spend a couple of nights at Iguazu but all flight sites tell me fly time of up to 20+ hours?? Are you able to shed any light on this for me? Thanks again for your insights. Regards David

Hi David, it’s likely you’re getting these long flight times due to a layover, probably in Buenos Aires. Can you confirm? The flight time certainly isn’t that long, so I think it’s probably the connection that is extending it. Why not visit Buenos Aires in between these 2 destinations to make the best use of your time? Happy travels, Steph 🙂

Hi Steph / David Really interesting article about the Salta region. My wife and I are visiting the region for 5 days in September after Iguazu and Ibera. With a car, it sounds as if we will have plenty of opportunities to see fabulous landscapes.

David, re your query on flights to/from Iguazu, I fell into the same trap (possibly). Iguazu is served by two airports, one on the Argentinian side (IGR) and the other on the Brazilian side (IGU). If you are exiting Iguazu from Brazil, you may be connecting via Sao Paulo or Rio to Salta. From IGR, direct flight time is around 2hrs, Hope this helps. Andy

Thanks so much for your helpful addition to the flight discussion Andy – I hadn’t thought of that! What a great point! I travelled across the Salta region without a car and had a ball. Hope you and your wife will too. Best wishes and happy travels, Steph 🙂

Thanks so much for your informative blog!

We don’t speak much Spanish (survival level), so wondered how you think it would be to travel around independently via car without knowing too much of the language ? Thanks !

Hi Guy, great question! In general, it pays to have a bit of Spanish under your belt to get around Argentina, but I don’t think language should be a barrier to you renting a car more than it is for any of your adventures in this country. Hope that helps. Best, Steph 🙂

HI Steph , I enjoyed all your tips and wonder about the order of travelling around Salta area.We like hiking and scenery especially unique parts , and avoiding the very touristy bits if possible. My husband and I are flying in from south in late Feb and then have 4 full days in and around Salta before flying out again on the 5th day. We could do a car hire but would rather not . for this amount of time , what linear itinerary would you suggest .( starting in Salta city then ending up in Salta at the end .

With just 4 days Li, I’d only visit Salta and Humahuaca and do day trips form there. You can get a bus between these 2 destinations (check times and book in advance) and there’s plenty to do in and around both these towns / cities. Sometimes doing less is more… especially given the distances in Argentina. Best wishes and happy travels, Steph 🙂

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Ultimate 1-Week Itinerary in Salta, Argentina

Salta is known as Salta “la Linda,” something like Salta the beautiful or Salta the cute. It is one of the most beautiful provinces in Argentina.

It is located in the northwest of Argentina and has wonderful landscapes that will leave you amazed!

During these 7 days, you’ll enjoy many of its attractions, among them

• the Calchaquíes Valleys (3-day road trip)
• the Train to the Clouds (1-day tour)
• the Capital of Salta with its colonial style that characterizes it.

So, in this post, I’ll tell you about the itinerary and how to plan your trip to Salta, Argentina . Shall we?

• Don’t forget your travel insurance. (5% OFF)

Salta Road Trip Itinerary in a Map

Best Things To Do in Salta? 1-week Itinerary

Day 1. arrival in salta.

On the first day in Salta, it was pretty quiet. I arrived by bus from San Salvador de Jujuy, which is about two hours away, and I took the bus early to arrive at a good time. The best visit in Jujuy is Quebrada de Humahuaca ; you can’t miss it.

You can arrive in Salta by plane from Buenos Aires, another Argentinian airport, or from neighboring countries.

I first went to the Premier Hotel , where I had my accommodation for the days I stayed in Salta.

This hotel is pretty old but renewed. You can check Booking.com for more modern and centric accommodations.

Once I checked in, I went downtown to get something to eat. I found a nice place to eat in the main square.

I walked for a while until the sky turned to an intimidatingly blackish-gray color, and it started thundering.

That’s when I started my way to the hotel and remained there until dinnertime. It was good for me because I had to get up early the next day.

• Check Out: Best things to do in the city of Salta

Day 2. Train to The Clouds (Tren a las Nubes)

Taking the Train to the Clouds is a must for everyone who visits Salta. It’s really awesome; the landscapes are breathtaking. Absolutely recommended; you’ll fall in love for sure.

Ideally, you want to book it in advance, as there are only departures on Tuesdays and Saturdays, and if you go in high season, you run the risk of them selling out of tickets!

In this post, I will tell you all about the Train to the Clouds of Salta . But, for now, I will tell you that the first section of the tour is by bus with a guide, where you can go down several times to visit different villages and take pictures.

Then you take the train , it goes slowly, and it is quite an experience, and the return is also done by bus. Definitely essential.

As a recommendation, if you are not yet adapted to the height, take a few days of adaptation, and do not forget your coca tea!

• Shop :  Tickets to the Train to the Clouds.

Day 3. Visit The City of Salta

On this day, I visited the Archaeological Museum of the High Mountain (MAAM), a must-visit in the city of Salta.

When I walked through the city, I used the cable car and visited a nearby town called San Lorenzo. In another post, I’ll tell you a little more about what to see in Salta .

Day 4. Departure for Cachi and start a 3-Day Road Trip

We left early for Cachi this day, and we began to see the different landscapes that left us surprised by this Argentine province.

Before arriving at the Cuesta del Obispo, we had already stopped a few times to take photos; we continued towards the Mill Stone and the Tin Tin straight in Los Cardones National Park.

We had lunch at the Sala Payogasta. A restaurant, hotel, and spa with its own artisan wine cellar is ideal for disconnecting a weekend and turning off your mobile.

We checked in and toured the village a bit when we arrived in Cachi. We also visited a UFO expert. He’ll tell you everything!!!

Day 5. From Cachi to Cafayate

After breakfast, we started our journey to Cafayate ; here, we made a lot of stops again; the landscapes were spectacular.

Actually, every time we got in the car, we made a lot of stops because the landscapes were wonderful, and I wanted to immortalize them with my camera.

On this road, we visited the “Quebrada de las Flechas artisans,” and we were welcomed to Cafayate with rain.

We had planned to visit a community tourism network, but we couldn’t because of the rain, so it was left pending the next time we went.

We had dinner and stayed at this beautiful Tolombon hotel called Alta Laluna, a few miles from Cafayate, with dinner included in its restaurant. Everything was Great!

• Check Out: the Calchaquies Valley road trip

Day 6. From Cafayate to Salta

On our last day on the road through the Calchaquí valleys, we visited the Cafayate Vine and Wine Museum, where we learned a little more about the world of cultivated wines at such a high altitude.

We toured Cafayate and its artisan markets. And once on the road, we passed the Quebrada de las Conchas, a reddish landscape that will make you make hundreds of stops!!!

The highlights are the Devil’s Throat, the Amphitheatre, and the Three Crosses.

Day 7. Departure to Buenos Aires

This day was to prepare our luggage and go back to the airport.

It was a great few days touring the province of Salta. Unfortunately, I’ve missed many things to see, so I will have to go back in the future!

I want to thank Magui and Juan de Turismo de Salta for making this trip unforgettable!

This was my itinerary in Salta; I hope it will help you organize your trip to the Argentine northwest and enjoy its landscapes, people, gastronomy, and wines!

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Plan your trip to argentina.

• Planning your trip to Argentina
• How to Prevent Altitude Sickness
• Best Travel Insurance for your trips
• Itinerary 1 week in Salta province
• What to see in 2 days in the city of Salta
• 4 days road trip to “Valles Calchaquíes”
• 1-Day in Cafayate, the land of wines

Are you going to Salta?

Last Updated on 9 October, 2023 by Veronica

Disclosure: Some of the links on this post are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase.

Author: Veronica

Vero, a seasoned traveler, has explored 25 countries and lived in five, gaining a rich perspective and fostering an infectious passion for travel. With a heart full of wanderlust, Vero uncovers the world’s hidden gems and shares insights, tips, and planning advice to inspire and assist fellow adventurers. Join Vero and let the shared passion for travel create unforgettable memories.

Soy Verónica, una apasionada de los viajes, me gusta compartir mis experiencias viajeras en mi blog. He estudiado Empresas y actividades turísticas y ando metida en el mundo del Marketing Digital. Me gusta aprender algo nuevo cada día, conocer nuevos lugares y culturas diferentes.

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Sophisticated Salta is a favorite, engaging active minds with its outstanding museums and lighting romantic candles with its plazaside cafes and the live música folklórica of its vibrant peñas (folk-music clubs). It offers the facilities of a larger city, and aside from the morning gridlock, retains the comfortable pace of a smaller town.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Museo de Arqueología de Alta Montaña

One of northern Argentina's premier museums, MAAM has a serious and informative exhibition focusing on Inca culture and, in particular, the child…

Centro Cultural América

A former church built in French academia style between 1721 and 1732, in 1913 it became Salta’s most important social club until the government took it…

Iglesia San Francisco

This magenta-and-yellow church is Salta’s most striking. The exuberant facade is topped by a slender tower; inside are several venerated images, including…

Catedral Basilica de Salta

Salta’s pink cathedral was consecrated in 1878 and harbors the ashes of (among other notables) General Martín Miguel de Güemes, a salteño (resident of…

Pajcha – Museo de Arte Étnico Americano

This eye-opening private museum is worth seeing if you’re interested in indigenous art and culture. Juxtaposing archaeological finds with contemporary and…

Convento de San Bernardo

Only Carmelite nuns may enter this 16th-century convent, the oldest building in Salta (though it was rebuilt into its current form in the 1840s after…

Cerro San Bernardo

For outstanding views of Salta, take the teleférico from Parque San Martín to the top of this hill, a 1km ride that takes eight minutes. Alternatively,…

Iglesia Nuestra Señora de la Candeleria de la Viña

Closed for renovations at research time, this gorgeous, pastel-blue and peach domed sanctuary was built in 1854 and became a shelter during Salta's civil…

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Oct 11, 2019 • 2 min read

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