Choose from 26 Fun Things to Do in Salta
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Pucará
Pucará de Tilcara was a fortification from pre-Inca times that is located outside the village of Tilcara about an hour north of San Salvador de Jujuy, Argentina. Its location on a hill was strategically chosen to be easily defensible and to have good views over a big portion of the gorge called Quebrada de Humahuaca. It is the only publicly accessible archaeological site in Quebrada de Humahuaca, and it was declared a national monument in 2000.
The town was originally built by the Omaguaca tribe who settled the area in the 12th century. The civilization thrived for several centuries. They built living quarters, corrals for animals, and sites for religious ceremonies here. However, in the late 15th century, they were conquered by the Incas. The site was rediscovered in 1908, and today visitors can see the ruins on the hill as well as artifacts in the town's archaeological museum.
Practical Info
The Pucará ruins are located 53 miles north of San Salvador de Jujuy. To get there by car, take route 9 north.
Address: Tilcara, Argentina
From $ 49
San Bernardo Hill
San Bernardo Hill is a mountain that overlooks Salta, Argentina located east of the city center. From the top of the mountain, you can enjoy beautiful panoramic views of the city, including La Merced, San Francisco and San Alfonso Churches and the Cathedral of Salta. You'll also be able to see Plaza 9 de Julio and the Cabildo (Town Hall) as well as the roads to Cafayate and Campo Quijano. San Bernardo Hill is also a religious place that attracts pilgrims on the first Sunday of every May. There are 14 stations of the Way of the Cross on the hill.
The summit can be reached by cable car, driving, or on foot. The footpath up the hill involves climbing 1,070 steps, which takes about 30 minutes. There is a restaurant at the top of the hill serving food and beverages and a shop selling handicrafts.
Practical Info
The cable car to San Bernardo Hill starts in Parque San Martín. The footpath begins nearby at the Güemes monument. Opening hours are daily from 10am to 7:45pm.
Address: San Martín 4400, Salta 4400, Argentina
Hours: 10am-7:45pm
From $ 20
Quebrada del Toro
Quebrada del Toro is a gorge northwest of Salta, Argentina. It is along the famous narrow-gauge railway, Tren a las Nubes (Train to the Clouds) that runs between Salta and San Antonio de los Cobres, a small mining town at the top of the gorge. The gorge is surrounded by dense forest, imposing rock formations, and colorful varieties of cactus that make for some awe-inspiring scenery. The gorge is named after the nearby river, Rio Toro, which is a calm trickle most of the year. But in the spring its waters are often raging.
The train's path, as well as the path that tour buses take, runs through the Valle de Lerma and climbs to higher elevations, eventually reaching Quebrada del Toro and San Antonio de los Cobres at an elevation of 12,300 feet. Along the way, visitors can see the ruins of a pre-Inca village called Santa Rosa de Tastil, as well as several bridges and viaducts.
Practical Info
Quebrada del Toro and San Antonio de los Cobres are located approximately 100 miles northwest of Salta. It is best reached with a tour.
Address: Salta Province, Argentina
From $ 52
Los Cardones National Park
Los Cardones National Park is located in the central part of the Salta Province, and it occupies approximately 160,000 acres. It was established in 1996 to protect the high elevation vegetation located in the colorful sierras and dry gorges of this area. The cardones are column-like cactus plants that thrive in high altitudes and are found throughout the national park, which is where the park got its name. The area also boasts small forests of the leguminous Churqui. Many animals live in the national park, including more than 100 species of birds.
Three different environments are represented in the park. They include the mountainous area of the sierras, the piedmont and low lands, and the basin. Fossils from many extinct animals, including dinosaur tracks, have been found in the park. Other attractions in the park include pre-Inca cave art.
Practical Info
Los Cardones National Park is located 62 miles southwest of Salta. It can be reached by routes 68 and 33.
Address: Salta Province, Argentina
From $ 36
Quebrada de las Conchas
The first 30 miles (50 km) of the road from Cafayate to Salta in northwestern Argentina has become a tourist destination in its own right, in large part due to the spectacular scenery of Quebrada de Las Conchas (Canyon of the Shells). The site comprises a series of red rock formations eroded into various shapes that have earned each their own nickname.
The most famous of the formations include Garganta del Diablo (Devil’s Throat), El Anfiteatro (the Ampitheater) and Los Castillos (the Castles), but many of the other fancifully named formations are just as photo-worthy.
Practical Info
The best way to see Quebrada de las Conchas is by hired car. The scenic drive along RN 68 can be done in as little as a few hours, including time to hop out for pictures.
Address: Quebrada de las Conchas, Salta, Argentina
Hours: Daily
From $ 39
Bodega Domingo Hermanos
Bodega Domingo Hermanos began producing wines in the 1960s, taking advantage of the high-altitude conditions of Salta. Today, the winery has a tank capacity of 1.6 million gallons (6 million
liters). The altitude — about 5,500 feet (1,700 meters) — creates excellent conditions for growing Torrontés grapes, a varietal for which Bodega Domingo Hermanos is famous.
Tours of the production facilities give visitors an insight into a more traditional method of wine making, and the table wines available for purchase at the bodega are among the best in the
region.
Practical Info
Bodega Domingo Hermanos is located at the intersection of Av. Gral. Güemes and 25 de Mayo near the plaza in Cafayate.
Address: Nuestra Sra del Rosario s/n, Cafayate, Salta 4427, Argentina
Hours: Opening hours: Monday-Friday 9am - 12:30pm and 3pm - 7pm; Saturday 9am - 12:30pm and 3pm - 6pm; Sundays and holidays 10:30am - 1pm
From $ 43
Purmamarca
Considered one of Argentina’s most postcard-worthy towns, Purmamarca lies in the province of Jujuy just north of Salta, beneath the shadows of the spectacular Cerro de los Siete Colores (Hill of Seven Colors). The area's collection of adobe houses and 17th-century Spanish colonial church are pretty in their own right, but the backdrop of jagged hills displaying layers of red, purple, yellow and orange makes for a particularly vivid sight in the early hours when the rising sun illuminates the natural tapestry.
Within the town itself sits one of Argentina’s oldest and prettiest churches, the centuries-old Iglesia de Santa Rosa de Lima, constructed from adobe and thistle wood and dating back to 1648. The sleepy pueblo serves as a favored base from which to explore some of the region's other natural attractions, including the equally spectacular Salinas Grandes and Quebrada. Spending a night in the pueblo also means you can take advantage of the dry air and high altitude by doing some stargazing.
Practical Info
If you’re already planning a trip to Salinas Grandes from Salta, do yourself a favor and stay the night in Purmamarca on the way there or back.
Address: Purmamarca, Salta, Argentina
Hours: Daily
From $ 49
Cathedral of Salta
The Cathedral of Salta was declared a National Historical Monument on July 14, 1941. The current church is actually the fourth church built in its location in Salta, Argentina. It was completed in the late 1800s by Italian architects Soldati, Giorgi and Righetti. The towers and the facade were designed in an Italian style with Corinthian columns, balustrades and cornices. The two towers and the central body of the church emerge on top of the balustrades. The building has a nave and a cross vault, above which there is a dome with a lantern.
Inside the church is an image of Christ on the crucifix. Legend has it that this image saved the town from being destroyed by an earthquake on Sept. 16, 1692. The priest José Carrión had a revelation that taking this image of Christ out on a procession would end the earthquake. From that day on, the Fiesta del Milagro (Festival of the Miracle) has taken place every second week of September.
Practical Info
The Cathedral of Salta is located at Calle España 596, facing the Plaza 9 de Julio.
Address: España 558 - Belgrano 567, Salta 4400, Argentina
From $ 20
Cachi
Cachi, a tiny pueblo of only 5,000 people in northwestern Argentina, offers visitors a blissfully quiet base for exploring the Calchaquí Valley and surrounding archaeological sites, many of which exist well off Salta’s usual tourist path.
While locals call it “the city,” Cachi is little more than a smattering of houses, a 17th-century Spanish colonial church, an impressive archaeological museum, the Centro Artesanal (a great place to buy hand-woven ponchos) and a couple of restaurants and hotels, all surrounded by the arid mountains of the province.
The reason people come to Cachi isn’t the town, per se, but the archaeological sites that lie just outside. La Paya, about six miles (10 km) to the south, and Potrero de Payogasta to the north are considered the most important. The cactus-laden landscape surrounding Cachi, particularly through the Calchaquí Valley, is perfect for exploring on horseback.
Practical Info
The journey between Salta and Cachi is served by only a single bus company and takes just over four hours. There’s also a fixed-price taxi service.
Address: Cachi, Salta, Argentina
Hours: Daily
From $ 36
San Antonio de los Cobres
San Antonio de los Cobres, 104 miles (168 km) west of Salta, got its start as a mining town, thanks to the copper-rich mountains that surround it. The mining industry has faded, and today, the town’s livelihood comes mainly from the tourist industry, as it’s a stop on the famous Tren a las Nubes (Train of the Clouds).
The 16-hour train ride arguably northern Argentina’s most popular attraction — pulls to a stop along the way in San Antonio de los Cobres, allowing passengers to disembark and breathe in the thin high-altitude air or shop for souvenirs at the small artisanal market at the side of the tracks. At 12,385 feet (3,775 m) above sea level, it’s one of the country’s highest towns.
Practical Info
Even if you’re just hopping off the train for a stretch in San Antonio de los Cobres, sunscreen is essential. It’s also a good idea to bring a light jacket, as it can get cold, particularly in the evenings, and medication for altitude sickness if you anticipate it being a problem.
Address: San Antonio de los Cobres, Salta, Argentina
Hours: Daily
From $ 52
Cafayate
The town of Cafayate and the region that surrounds it have earned the nickname “Tuscany of Argentina” for its position as the nation’s second major wine producer after Mendoza. While much of Salta is dominated by arid landscapes, the microclimate surrounding Cafayate is home to some of the planet’s highest altitude vineyards — considered by some to be the most spectacular as well.
While Mendoza is known for its malbec, Cafayate is famous for its Torrontés, a wholly Argentine white grape that produces crisp, dry and citrus-y whites with a distinct floral nose. The bodegas scattered around town all pour this Argentine white, but the area also produces excellent Chardonnay, Syrah and Cabernet sauvignon.
While it’s safe to say that life in Cafayate revolves around wine, the non-wine drinker will find plenty of appeal as well, whether in the excellent restaurants and artisanías surrounding the central plaza or in the scenic surrounding landscape, dominated by green vineyards backed by arid peaks.
Practical Info
Cafayate can be reached via a 3.5-hour bus ride from Salta, which departs three to four times daily. While it’s possible to see Cafayate on a day trip from Salta, the range of accommodations and variety of activities make it worthwhile to spend a night or two.
Address: Cafayate, Salta, Argentina
Hours: Daily
From $ 43
Cuesta del Obispo (Bishop's Slope)
Cuesta del Obispo, or Bishop’s Slope, is a hill southwest of Salta, Argentina along the way to the village of Cachí. Its name derives from the 1600s when a bishop was traveling through the area. He was so mesmerized by the sky that he decided he had to stop and sleep under the stars that night. The locals started calling the hill the Slope Where the Bishop Slept, and eventually it was shortened to Bishop's Slope.
The hill is in the Calchaquí Valley, which was once much more populated, but the natives were conquered by the Incas who were later conquered by the Spaniards. The hill offers a perfect viewpoint over the Enchanted Valley. The slope itself is a long dirt road that leads up the hill and ends at La Piedra del Molino (the Millstone) at an elevation of nearly 11,000 feet above sea level.
Practical Info
Bishop's Slope is located approximately 64 miles southwest of Salta, Argentina. To get there, take routes 68 and 33, or join a tour of the region.
Address: Argentina
From $ 36
Salado River (Rio Juramento)
The Salado River (Rio Juramento) flows some 715 miles (1,150 km) from its source in Salta Province to where it dumps into the Paraná in Santa Fe Province. The portion of the river that runs through Salta has become famous among outdoor adventurers for its rapids, perfect for rafting and kayaking.
Most rafting trips along the Salado River in Salta begin 62 miles (100 km) outside of Salta City near the Cabra Corral Dam. Depending on recent rainfall and whether the dam is planning a dump, the stretch of raft-able river comprises some 15 class II and III rapids, making it challenging enough for intermediate kayakers yet easy enough for beginners on a tour from Salta.
It’s also possible to get a bird’s-eye view of the river by signing up for a zip-lining canopy tour, which takes participants on a high-flying adventure from one platform to another above the Juramento Canyon. With cables as high as 460 feet (140 m) above the ground and speeds of up to 20 miles per hour, it’s certainly not for those with a fear of heights.
Practical Info
It takes about two hours to get from Salta City to the base of the Salado River for rafting and zip-lining tours, making it an ideal day trip option.
Address: Salado River (Rio Juramento), Salta, Argentina
Hours: Daily
From $ 101
Bodega El Tránsito
In the late nineteenth century, an Italian immigrant left his home in Rosciolo and began making wine in Cafayate. Bodega El Tránsito moved to a new location in 1952 but remained in the family. Today the fourth generation of the Nanni family carries on the family’s winemaking heritage.
The boutique winery in the center of town produces Torrontés, Cabernet sauvignon and Malbec, along with several blends. Unlike many wineries in Cafayate, Bodega El Tránsito offers both free tours and tastings. The tour is short — typically around 15 minutes — followed by a chance to sample four different wines.
Practical Info
It’s location near the center of Cafayate makes Bodega El Tránsito a good option for travelers who are without a car or pressed for time.
Address: Belgrano 102, Cafayate, Salta, Argentina 4472, Argentina
From $ 43
Andes Mountains
The Andes Mountains, which form Argentina’s backbone, are to the far west of the country, and separate this nation from bordering Chile. They extend most of the length of South America (some 4,300 miles), stretching down from Venezuela through Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile and finally, Argentina. At their widest, the Andes are about 430 miles wide and measure an average of 13,000 feet high, which means they are visible from many miles away.
Most visitors to Argentina’s closest connection with the Andes will be from near Mendoza, one of the main wine-growing regions in the country, with its popular Malbec (red) wine. Mendoza is just east of the Andes, and from here, it is possible to visit a lookout point with a good view of Aconcagua, the tallest mountain on the continent, as a day trip. The 22,841 foot mountain is a favorite among mountain climbers, but it an intensive trip that requires planning, training and high-mountain gear. Most visitors will content themselves with seeing, rather than climbing the Andes.
Practical Info
Though parts of the Andes may look barren, there is often abundant wildlife, including guanacos, slim-necked relatives of the llama, and it is fairly common to see Andean condors, with a wingspan measuring as much as 10.5 feet in width, coasting on thermal updrafts.
Address: Argentina
From $ 156
Quebrada de Humahuaca
Following the Rio Grande Valley through northern Argentina and all the way to Bolivia is the beautiful Quebrada de Humahuaca, a colorful, craggy gorge with walls striped in shades of pink, red, lavender and gray. The multi-hued landscape is so unique that it earned a spot on the UNESCO World Heritage list, but its natural beauty isn't the only reason to visit.
This river valley cutting through an otherwise arid landscape has likely been used as a major trade route for some 10,000 years. Remnants of various area inhabitants can be seen in the hundreds of archaeological sites dotting the valley, alongside a series of tiny, dusty pueblos with old adobe churches at their centers. Unlike some of the more developed tourist centers, like Salta and Purmamarca, these picturesque villages offer a more authentic glimpse of a typical Andean town, complete with local restaurants serving locro and llama.
Practical Info
Quebrada de Humahuaca is located 37 miles (60 km) north of San Salvador de Jujuy and 56 miles (90 km) north of Salta, near the Bolivian border.
Address: Quebrada de Humahuaca, Humahuaca, Salta, Argentina
Hours: Daily
From $ 49
Cultural Center of the Americas (Centro Cultural America)
The Cultural Center of the Americas is a building and organization dedicated to celebrating and promoting cultural events in Salta, Argentina. Events held here include concerts, art exhibits, educational workshops, and cultural, social and business groups. The building was designed by renowned architect and engineer Arturo Prins, and it was built in a French Neo-Baroque style in the early 1900s. Its original intent was to house the 20th of February Club, but the building was expropriated by Ricardo Durán, the governor of Salta at the time. It was a government building for about 40 years after that.
In 1987 the building underwent renovations and became the cultural center it is today. Artists from around the world come here to present their work in art shows, musicians perform here, political and economic conventions are held here, and many other organizations use the cultural center as an entertainment venue.
Practical Info
The Cultural Center of the Americas is located at Bartolomé Mitre 23.
Address: Bartolomé Mitre 23, Salta, Argentina
From $ 20
Salinas Grandes
One of the most otherworldly sights to see in the Salta area is Salinas Grandes, a giant salt plain that seems to glisten in the sunlight and spread out as far as the eye can see. The flat expanse of almost blindingly white salt crust and the (usually) clear blue sky together create a vista similar to the more famous salt flats of Bolivia.
The natural landscape is stunning as-is, but also interesting are the square basins cut from the crust of salt that create glassy pools of water and newly formed salt crystals. You’ll also find a building made entirely of salt bricks and decorated with salt furniture, and local artisans sell small carvings made from salt, which make unique and inexpensive gifts or souvenirs to carry home with you.
Practical Info
It’s possible to visit Salinas Grandes on a day trip from Salta City, but be prepared for a long day. It’s easier to visit from Purmamarca in Jujuy Province.
Address: Salinas Grandes, Salta, Argentina
Hours: Daily
From $ 69
San Bernardo Convent
San Bernardo Convent, built in the 16th century, is one of the oldest buildings in Salta, Argentina and was declared a National Historical Monument in 1941. It was originally built when San Bernardo was chosen as the patron saint of the city, and it was used as the city's main church while the Salta Cathedral was being built. Aside from the church, it also operated a hospital on and off for about 200 years, but by the mid-1800s, hospital operations ceased and it became a convent.
Over the centuries, San Bernardo Convent has been reconstructed and renovated several times, both for aesthetic reasons and as a result of an earthquake. The door dates from 1762 and was carved from carob tree wood by aboriginals. It once belonged to the Bernardo de la Cámara family and is considered a treasured piece of colonial art in Salta.
Practical Info
San Bernardo Convent is located at the corner of Calle Caseros and Santa Fe.
Address: Caseros, Salta, Argentina
From $ 20
Calchaqui Valley
The Calchaqui Valley in northwestern Argentina is one of the country’s most spectacular natural wonders—an often overlooked gem replete with picturesque vistas, ancient ruins, friendly locals and good local wine to wash it all down at the end of the day.
Perhaps the most famous attraction in the Calchaqui Valley is Cafayate, an up-and-coming wine region famous for growing Argentina’s native grape, torrontés. Cachi, a small village on Ruta 40, serves as a popular base for exploring the archaeological sites and smaller valleys within the northern portion of the Calchaqui Valley. In the Tucumán segment of the valley, you’ll find the Ruins of Quilmes, the archaeological remains of one of Argentina’s largest pre-Colombian settlements.
Practical Info
The best roads for exploring the Calchaqui Valley are Provincial Route 33 and National Routes 40 and 68.
Address: Calchaqui Valley, Argentina
From $ 36