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An update from Evaneos
Salta

Salta (Argentina)

Practical information about Salta

  • Place or Religious Monument
  • Music
  • Museums
  • Handicraft
  • Place or Historical Monument
  • Essential
4 / 5 - 3 reviews
How to get there
Two hours from Buenos Aires by plane or an 18 to 22-hour journey by bus
When to go
From April to November, during the southern winter
Minimum stay
One day

Reviews of Salta

Fanny Dumond Travel writer
58 travel articles

Salta is the capital of the province bearing the same name, which is in the north-west of Argentina. It is nicknamed "Salta la linda" (beautiful Salta) and it is a very pretty town whose centre still has lots of buildings from its colonial past.

My suggestion:
If you want to experience a proper "folkloric" peña with really talented musicians and singers then you should spend the evening at Casona del Molino. One of my favourite spots in the whole of Argentina.
Summary:

The town of Salta has a history going back to the 16th century, unlike Patagonia where the towns were built during the 20th century. Its colonial architecture, churches, handicrafts, music, and Andean influenced food, are evidence of long-standing and still current traditions and culture. 

I loved the sunny climate, the main square which was bordered with arcades, the magnificent cathedral, the enormous palm trees which loomed over the roofs, and the shops full of multi-coloured fabrics. In fact the whole region is a paradise for crafts lovers.

During your visit to Salta in Argentina, don't forget to visit MAAM (The Alta Montania Archaeological Museum) . It's an amazing place which, amongst other things, has some Incan mummies!

Salta catherdral, Argentina
michael mamane Travel writer
53 travel articles

Salta is the largest city in northwest Argentina and definitely an interesting place to include on the itinerary when touring Argentina.

My suggestion:
I recommend spending two full days visiting Salta and using the city as a base from which to explore the beautiful surrounding area, from Cafayate to the south to Quebrada de Humahuaca and Iruya, which lie to the north.
Summary:

Salta was the first city I stayed at in Argentina after arriving in the country from Bolivia, and I really enjoyed the time I spent here. It is a lively but not overwhelmingly large city, which makes it something of a contrast to Buenos Aires.

Salta is laid out around a central square overlooked by a beautiful cathedral and can easily be explored on foot. The city has many shops and bars, plenty of accommodation, and some very good Argentinian restaurants, where red meat lovers will be in their element.

Be sure to visit the Museo de Arqueología de Alta Montaña (Museum of High Mountain Archaeology, or MAAM), where there are some impressive and perfectly preserved mummified remains of Inca children to be seen (those of a sensitive disposition should give it a miss!). I found the museum visit an interesting and educational experience.

There are many other places in the local region you can visit from Salta. I'm thinking in particular of the wine-growing region of Cafayate as well as Jujuy Province, further to the north. Whether you choose to hire a car or take an organised tour, Salta is in my opinion the best place from which to tour Argentina's northwest region.

Virginie Bigeni Travel writer
49 travel articles

Salta la Linda is a town in north Argentina, at an altitude of 1,200 metres in the Lerma valley. It really is very pretty, having managed to keep its colonial architecture, and its typically colourful surroundings are worth exploring!

My suggestion:
The atmosphere is very relaxed, the locals are very open and love talking to you. If you go to the market around lunchtime you are certain to meet someone!
Summary:

Salta la Linda (the beautiful) is well named. The whole place is very attractive. The roads are colourful, the churches are very delicate, Plaza 9 de Julio (the central square) is a delicious memorial to colonial days.

Salta is a nice place to be. Even though the town has become a very developed tourist place, thanks to its beautiful surroundings and easy connections to Chile and Bolivia, Salta has managed to retain its soul. The tourists seem to disappear into the background. It's very lively. A must-do during your trip toArgentina.

In my opinion Salta is the country's most authentic town. The markets are heaving with people, the locals are very friendly and love telling you all about the charms of their town - it's a real pleasure to hear! During the Fiesta del Milagro (the Miracle Festival) in September, everyone comes out into the street to join in the parade of the statue of the Virgin Mary. It's an enormous spectacle.

I went to see the MAAM museum where there are three Inca mummies that were found frozen at the top of an Andean mountain. They were sacrificed 5 centuries ago and are very well preserved.