Argentina Travel - What To Do In Salta

A lovely colonial city, Salta is one of the most charismatic destinations in Argentina, filled with charming shaded plazas and crumbling 17th century buildings lining its streets. The fascinating and colorful past of the city, well related in its multitude of excellent museums, makes it worth at least a day or two on your Argentina vacation. It is also the gateway to the picturesque Calchaqui Valley, filled countless attractions, among which some oasis villages and gorgeous wineries, the famous train to the clouds which takes travelers at over 4,000m above sea level, and the spectacular archeological site of Santa Rosa de Tastil.

Salta itself is a charming and buzzing city, filled with history and boasting a lively nightlife. It is easily accessible from Buenos Aires, with daily flights connecting the city, as well as by bus, with a new terminal located just a few blocks from Salta’s main square. Once you are in Salta, the best way to get around is actually on foot. Here you don’t have to waste time finding a taxi and negotiating the right fare, as the city’s center is small enough for you to explore on foot.

Salta’s museums are really worth a visit if you want to learn about the region’s incredible past. Around Plaza 9 de Julio, secluded behind the beautiful arches of a Cabildo, the Museo Historico del Arte features a series of rooms distributed around two open courtyards, recounting the history of the region from pre-Hispanic times. The Museo de Arqueologia de Alta Montaña houses the Niños de Llullaillaco, a sacred burial unearthed by a National Geographic expedition in 1999. The Museo Antropologico, east of the plaza, offers a great introduction to the pre-Hispanic cultures of the region.

After a long day of sightseeing and learning about history, you will probably want to unwind, sipping on a cocktail as you mingle with the locals. Salta has a pretty busy nightlife and you are sure to find a place where you can soak up the atmosphere and listen to some live music. Try some empanadas as you rock to the sound of folklore musicians in Salta’s peñas or in the streets. Most are located in the north of Cerro Balcarce. There are also many jazz and rock bars, if you get tired of the traditional music, as well as nice restaurants and raging nightclubs.

Argentina travel: What to do in Salta