Written by David Garcia, Keith Roberts, Maria Gaulto
05/08/2025
Gabii Fernandez, Pexels
Salta, often referred to as 'Salta la Linda' (Salta the Beautiful), provides visitors with a rich tapestry of well-preserved colonial architecture, deeply rooted indigenous culture, and breathtaking natural landscapes. It acts as an ideal starting point for journeys into Northwest Argentina's diverse terrain, encompassing vibrant mountains, vast salt flats, and renowned high-altitude vineyards.
The city's central Plaza 9 de Julio serves as a lively gathering spot, offering a chance to observe local life amidst cafes and historic buildings. For immersive cultural experiences and a social atmosphere, explore Salta's famous 'peñas,' traditional folk music venues, particularly found along Calle Balcarce, where locals and tourists alike enjoy live performances. Hostels also frequently foster connections among solo travelers.
Top 6 Things to do in Salta
Activities in Salta range from exploring historical city sites and vibrant cultural venues to undertaking scenic day trips into breathtaking natural and wine-producing regions.
1. Explore Plaza 9 de Julio and its Surroundings
At the heart of Salta, Plaza 9 de Julio is a lively central square surrounded by significant colonial buildings. Visitors can observe local life, admire the neoclassical Salta Cathedral, and visit the historic Cabildo. A free walking tour of the city often begins here, providing insights into Salta's history and architecture. The area is perfect for a leisurely stroll, people-watching, and enjoying the cafe culture.
Cost: Free (walking tours may operate on a tip-basis).
Transport: Within walking distance of most central accommodations.
2. Visit the Museum of High-Altitude Archaeology (MAAM)
The MAAM is home to the 'Children of Llullaillaco,' three remarkably preserved Inca mummies discovered on a high-altitude volcano, offering profound insights into pre-Incan and Incan cultures and their rituals. The museum provides a unique and respectful presentation of this significant archaeological find.
Cost: Approximately $12,000 ARS for foreign visitors, $6,000 ARS for Argentine nationals. (Based on November 2024 information).
Transport: Located at Mitre 77, near Plaza 9 de Julio, accessible by walking from the city center.
3. Ride the Teleférico to Cerro San Bernardo
Ascending Cerro San Bernardo via cable car offers panoramic views of Salta and the surrounding Lerma Valley, set against the backdrop of the Andes mountains. At the summit, visitors can enjoy gardens, artificial waterfalls, a cafe, and souvenir shops. It is possible to hike up the hill (approximately 45 minutes) for those seeking an active experience.
Cost: Approximately $10 USD for a round trip cable car ticket, $5 USD for one-way (as of May 2024). Hiking is free.
Transport: The cable car base station is in San Martín Park, about an 8-block (20-minute) walk from Plaza 9 de Julio, or a short taxi ride.
4. Experience a Peña Folklórica on Calle Balcarce
Calle Balcarce is Salta’s hub for traditional folk music venues, known as 'peñas.' These establishments offer an immersive cultural experience with live performances of local music and dance, accompanied by regional cuisine and drinks. It is a vibrant spot, especially on weekends, for experiencing the authentic Salteño nightlife.
Cost: Varies by venue; typically includes a cover charge or minimum consumption for live music, plus food and drinks.
Transport: Located within the city, easily accessible by walking or a short taxi ride from the main square.
5. Day Trip to Cafayate and Quebrada de las Conchas
Journey through the stunning Quebrada de las Conchas (Shells’ Gorge), a national reserve known for its dramatic red rock formations sculpted by wind and water, including 'The Devil's Throat' and 'The Amphitheater.' The trip culminates in Cafayate, Argentina's second-largest wine region, famous for its high-altitude Torrontés white wine. Visitors can enjoy wine tastings at local bodegas.
Cost: Organized full-day tours start from approximately $32-33 USD per person. Public bus tickets from Salta to Cafayate are around $12-14 USD one-way.
Transport: Full-day tours (11-12 hours) typically include hotel pickup from central Salta. Alternatively, public buses operate from Salta's bus terminal (approximately 3-4 hours one-way), or a rental car is recommended for flexibility in exploring the gorge and wineries.
6. Day Trip to Humahuaca Gorge (Purmamarca, Tilcara, Hornocal)
Explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Humahuaca Gorge, a valley rich in natural beauty and indigenous culture. Highlights include Purmamarca, known for its Cerro de los Siete Colores (Hill of Seven Colors), Tilcara with its pre-Inca Pucará de Tilcara ruins, and the stunning Serranía del Hornocal (14 Colors Mountain) near Humahuaca town. This is a long but rewarding day trip.
Cost: Organized full-day tours typically start from approximately $39-50 USD per person. Public bus tickets to individual towns like Tilcara or Humahuaca are less than $15 USD one-way.
Transport: Full-day tours (13-15 hours) usually include hotel pickup. While possible by public bus, a tour or rental car is advised for visiting multiple sites and especially Hornocal due to the remote location and long travel times.
At TFA Travel we believe in travel for all. Our mission is to enable people to explore the world as easily as possible without having to pay a travel agent a huge commission.
Our typical audience are those that want to see something new and get involved with authentic experiences of a country. Whether you are a backpacker, solo traveller, solo female traveller, straight or LGBTQ+ couple, family, you will find local and authentic experiences here.
