Founded in 1582, Salta is the capital of Salta Province and a favorite tourist spot in northwest Argentina. The city is renowned for its colonial architecture and folk music clubs. It is surrounded by superb natural areas, such as the cloud forests of Reserva del Huaico.
This day trip involves a stunning journey by rail into the La Polvorilla Mountains.
Sample the Gaucho lifestyle with trips including camping and outdoor dining.
Museums like the Museo de Arqueología de Alta Montaña and the Museum of Fine arts in Salta hold some excellent collections.
Free walking tours will help you understand the historic center of Salta. Just remember to tip the guide.
Salta is famous for outdoor activities and extreme sports such as rafting, climbing, trekking, rappel, and paragliding.
Salta is nearly 4,000 feet above sea level and has a subtropical highland climate with warm, sunny spring, fall, and summer seasons. Winters are mild and wet, with 80% of rainfall occurring between December and March.
Salta Airport (SLA) is just three miles to the south of the city with connections to major Argentinian cities such as Buenos Aires, Cordoba, and Rosario. There are also regular flights from Rio de Janiero. A taxi into town costs AR$35 or you can take the 8A bus for AR$5.35.
There are no long distance trains to Salta, only a commuter service from the nearby town of General Güemes.
Salta is connected to Buenos Aires by the RN34 and RN9. The RN9 and RN157 connects with Cordoba and Mendoza is connected by the RN38.
Salta has good bus connections with all major Argentinian cities. The 20-hour trip from Buenos Aires will cost around AR$1,324.
Hotel Colonial is conveniently located on Zuviría in the city center, while the Altalaluna Boutique Hotel & Spa is located just outside the city, close to the vineyards.
Centro - this is the historic center of Salta, with many fine colonial buildings and lots of bars, clubs, and restaurants.
San Martín - west of downtown, this area has a more modern feel. There are many local restaurants and some good shopping.
Cerro San Bernardo - this is to the east of the city and is reached by a cable car. It has great views of Salta and pleasant streets around the base.
Local bus services are frequent, with fares from AR$3.25.
Taxis cost AR$25 for the meter drop and AR$30 per mile
Salta has good paved roads and few traffic problems. If you are venturing into the mountains, however, you may want to rent a 4x4. Car rental is available from AR$900.
The area around Plaza 9 de Julio has many craft shops and fashion boutiques, while the city's main shopping mall is Alto Noa on Avenida Virrey Toledo.
A quart of milk in Salta costs AR$16, while a loaf of bread is AR$20.
El Patio de la Empanada on Av. San Martin esquina Esteco is a good place to try authentic local food like empanadas and humitas. Mains are around AR$100. Doña Salta on Cordoba by Plaza 9 de Julio has good steak and wine, and dinner for two will cost around AR$320.