Is Salta Worth Visiting?
Salta is a fantastic city and well worth your time, especially if you love wine, epic road trips and insane landscape.
Here are some reasons why I will recommend a trip to Salta for anyone visiting Argentina:
- The north-west of Argentina is still relatively untouched by tourism compared to Buenos Aires. This means everything is cheaper, there are fewer people, and everything feels more relaxed and authentic.
- The weather is perfect all year round, with warm temperatures and little rain.
- The region is beautiful, and there are some fantastic natural sights such as El Hornocal, Salinas Grandes and the vineyards of the Calachqui valley.
- It’s one of the best wine-producing regions in the country, second only to Mendoza, so if you love wine, then this is the place for you. You can visit multiple bodegas and do tours and tastings.
12 Great Reasons To Visit Salta
1. Enjoy A Free Walking Tour Of The City
The free walking tour in Salta is the perfect introduction to the city.
The tours are run by local guides who will teach you about the city’s history and leave you with a wealth of tips, tricks and recommendations for your stay.
All tours start from the main square at Plaza 9 de Julio, and there’s no need to book in advance.
Your first few sights are in the main plaza, an elegant, cafe-lined square bordered by the neoclassical Salta Cathedral and El Cabildo. And from there on to the gastronomic area and other places of interest.
Head to their website for more information:
2. Ride The 'Train to the Clouds'
Tren a las Nubes or ‘Train to the Clouds’ is one of the worlds highest railways spanning over 400km and reaching an altitude of 4,220m.
The train travels across the beautiful Argentinian countryside, passes through 21 tunnels and crosses 29 bridges and 13 viaducts.
The final stop comes at La Polvorilla viaduct, a huge bridge that spans a massive desert canyon.
This is a day out for train lovers and those who haven’t explored north-west Argentina yet.
The rustic landscapes and pastel-coloured mountains are picturesque, and the region is known for its indigenous crafts, museums, and delicious local gastronomy which you will experience on the journey.
How To Book Tickets For 'Tren a las Nubes'
You can book tickets online but the website is in Spanish which makes things difficult.
The best way to book is to visit the train station in person and book directly at the sales office there.
The sales office is just off Calle Balcarce, a popular street with lots of bars and restaurants and close to the couple of hostels we’ve recommended below.
- Address – (Ameghino y Balcarce) Estación Central de Trenes.
- Tren a las Nubes Official Website
Is 'Tren a las Nubes ' Worth It?
It’s an early start leaving at around 6AM via bus to drive to the train station.
The bus journey is 2-3 hours with multiple stops in the Argentinian Andes for photos, before a 3 hour round trip on the train.
In my opinion, it’s not worth it.
It’s expensive, and it’s a long time spent on transport.
The Argentinian countryside scenery is beautiful, but we had seen it before travelling down from Humahuaca. But definitely book if you love trains and haven’t seen any of the country yet.
3. Museum Of High Altitude Archaeology
The Museum of High Altitude Archaeology (MAAM) may not sound that interesting, but it has one of the most unique and weirdly distributing displays I’ve ever seen.
The museum focuses on the indigenous tribes of the Andes and provides insight into the high-altitude dweller’s ways of living.
However, the museum was also created to house the institute’s most important discovery.
In 1999 they found three perfectly preserved Inca children frozen in ice at Llullaillaco Volcano.
It is thought that the children were sacrificed to be buried with the chief. The Inca believed in the afterlife, and children were often sacrificed as servants to high-ranking members.
The museum displays the children for visitors, and this is one of only two South America places that display a mummified corpse found in the Andes.
The other is the museum in Arequipa, Peru.
The museum is located in the main square (Plaza 9 de Julio).
If you want to combine a trip to Chile alongside Argentina, then there are several ways to do this with a simple border crossing. The three itineraries in the post below can help you cross the borders a 3 different points in Argentina to see Chile:
4. Ride The Cable Car To Cerro San Bernardo
Salta’s Teleferico has been in operation since 1987 and will take you to the top of San Bernardo Hill for the best views over Salta.
It is a pleasant ride up that takes around 8 minutes. There is a set of gardens, artificial waterfalls, and a panoramic city view at the top.
You can also climb to the top on foot if you are looking for a short but strenuous hike (45 minutes) or take a cab if you are feeling lazy.
The cable car is in the San Martín Park, around an 8 block walk (20 minutes) from the main square or you can hop in a taxi.
Travelling through the north-west is one of the highlights of a trip to Argentina. But there’s so much more to see in this incredible country. To see how to combine the north-west into a one-month itinerary that also covers the entire country, head to the post below:
6. Visit Argentina's Rainbow Mountain
El Hornocal or the 14 Coloured Mountain, is just outside the town of Humahuaca, a 4-hour journey from Salta.
It’s a great little day trip. You can either organise a tour from Salta or travel to Humahuaca yourself on public transport.
There’s no hiking involved but you’ll be up high at around 4200m.
The views of this mountain range are so impressive, and much better than the one in Peru in my opinion!
PATAGONIA...
is a must visit for travelers visiting Argentina. Check out these posts to help you plan a hassle-free trip:
7. Visit A Second Rainbow Mountain In Purmamarca
Known as Cerro de los Siete Colores which means the Hill of 7 Colours. This is the second Rainbow Mountain in the region is just as colourful and just as easy to visit.
The Hill of 7 Colours surrounds the town or Purmamarca, so all you need to do is get here.
Hiking the trails around the town will lead you to climb between 20m to 1,000m . The Paseo de los Colorados is a popular 3km loop that takes you around the mountain. It takes an hour and is considered an easy route.
You can take the local bus from Salta or book a tour.
Most tours will combine Purmamarca with a trip to Salinas Grandes too.
8. Visit Argentina's Salt Flat - Salinas Grandes
Salinas Grandes is Argentina’s very own salt flat and well worth a visit if you can’t make it to Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia.
And don’t worry, you’ll still be able to take the perspective and reflection shots here too.
At an average altitude of 3,450 meters above sea level, the salt flat is well-known for its vast white desert. It’s the third-largest salt flat in the world and one of Argentina’s most impressive natural landscapes.
The simple way to visit is to book a tour. Most tours stop at the Hill of Seven Colors in Purmamarca.
The tour below is highly rated on Get Your Guide:
9. Visit Tilcara & Climb To The 'Devils Throat'
Route 9 in Argentina runs from the border of Bolivia south to Salta and eventually to Buenos Aires.
Tilcara is the next town along Route 9 from Humahuaca.
It has the same laidback vibe of Humahuaca and is filled with artisan cafes, restaurants and shops. In the summer it is busy with Argentinian tourists escaping the big cities.
If you visit for the day, you can trek to El Garganta Del Diablos (The Devil’s Throat Waterfall) or the historical site of Pucara Del Tilcara.
10. Go Wine Tasting In Cafayate
Mendoza is known for producing some of the country’s best wines, but Cafayate is a close second.
Cafayate is located within the Calchaqui Valley – one of the world’s highest suitable locations for growing grapes.
The combination of high-elevation, great year-round weather and fertile soil produce incredible malbecs and torrontés. Cafayate is a must for wine lovers.
There are three bodegas in town that are easy to visit – Nani, Domingo Hermanos and El Transito – and you can do tastings at all of them for between $5-10.
The journey takes 3-4 hours by bus, but you can also rent a car or take a tour to visit. Again, it’s much better to either stay the night or just visit for 2-3 days if you have the time.
This is another beautiful Argentinian town that’s off the beaten tourist track.
11. Road Trip Along Route 33 To Cachi
The road from Salta to Cachi will take you along Route 33 and to two popular stops – Cuesta Del Obispo and the Tin Tin Straight Line.
- Cuesta del Obispo, or Bishop’s Slope, is a long winding road ending at the top of a hill at La Piedra del Molino (the Millstone). The mountain offers a perfect viewpoint overlooking the Enchanted Valley, and some great shots of the road carved out of the mountainside.
- The Tin Tin Straight Line is a 20km almost perfectly straight road that follows an ancient route built by the Inca. Unfortunately, Tin-Tin’s name comes from a nearby river and mountain and has nothing to do with the Belgian detective comic.
Check out this tour if you prefer but again, rent a car! These roads are perfect for road tripping!
To see how Cafayate and Route 33 fit into a wider north Argentina itinerary, check out our post below:
12. Indulge In Steak, Wine And Salteñas
You must experience three things whilst in Argentina: steak, wine, and empanadas (better known as salteñas in Salta).
- Steak – Finding a great steakhouse in Salta is easy, and you know you will be getting grass-fed, pasture-raised beef. One of the best places in town is ‘El Viejo Jacks’, most popular among Salta locals so you know it’s going to be good. Each restaurant has a selection of wines from the Salta region and the rest of the country. Just ask the waiter for recommendations as they usually know what’s best.
- Empanadas – If you haven’t tried one already, a salteña is Salta’s version of an empanada. They are savoury pastries filled with beef, pork or chicken mixed in a sweet, slightly spicy sauce. They are perfect for an afternoon snack if you are feeling peckish. Try Dona Salta or Patio de la Empanada.
12. Party On Calle Balcarce
If you make it to Salta for the weekend, then a night out with Argentinians is a must.
Calle Balcare is the best place for nightlife in the city. The long street is lined with bars, pubs and restaurants open until the early hours of the morning.
Here are two great places I went to:
- Try Café del Tiempo for a good bar and live music on busier nights and if you are staying out until the early hours
- Try Amnesia for a lively club on Balcarce. Just remember, Argentinians don’t hit the clubs until late, so pace yourself and move on to dance somewhere at around 12 – 1AM.
See how Salta can fit into a wider South America backpacking trip, check out the expertly planned itinerary in the post below:
Did you know Argentina has its very own Salt Flat and Rainbow Mountain. These are two of the best sights in the country, hidden away in the north and well worth a visit. Check out these posts for more:
“Joe turned our fragmented ideas into a seamless itinerary. His expert advice saved us time, money, and stress – making our time in Argentina unforgettable”
Sam & Amy – 1 Month In Argentina
Planning a trip to Argentina?
Are you struggling with any of this?
✔ Unsure how to pick the best route
✔ Spent hours researching… and still feeling lost
✔ Want freedom, not a rigid tour
✔ Don’t want to spend $5,000+ on a travel agent
You don’t have to figure it out solo!
I help travellers like you plan custom Argentina trips that are efficient, affordable, and totally personalised.
How Many Days Do You Need In Salta?
2-3 days in Salta is more than enough to see the city, but if you want to explore the north-west (using Salta as a base) then I would recommend 5-7 days.
Here’s my recommendations:
- 3 days in Salta – this is the perfect amount of time to explore the city and enjoy a day trip or two into the countryside. You can spend a day in the city on a walking tour, visit San Bernardo Hill and then pick a day tour that takes your fancy.
- 5 days in Salta – extend your stay by 2 days if you want to explore north along route 9 (where you can find Argentina’s Rainbow Mountain) or south along route 33 to visit El Cafayate.
- 7 Days in Salta – this is he perfect amount of time to if you want to rent a car and explore the region fully. You can take road trips outside of the city or stay overnight in the smaller towns recommended.
Exploring the northwest of Argentina also works well if you visit Bolivia. It’s easy to travel across the border to Humahuaca from Uyuni or Tupiza.
See how to plan an extended trip to South America here with my multi-country guides:
Renting A Car In Salta
Most of the thing I’ve recommend you do on this list are outside of Salta and require transport or tours to reach them.
Car rental is popular in the north of Argentina, as it’s set up perfectly for road trips and you actually end up saving money.
The biggest hub for renting a car is from Salta, but you will also be able to find companies in Jujuy.
I always use Discover Cars to find the best rental prices when travelling Argentina:
Where To Eat In Salta
- El Viejo Jack – one of the best places in town for steak and wine. Highly recommended and the place where all the locals go.
- Viracocha – Andean fusion food with a great selection of dishes. They also have their own craft brewery on site with some fantastic craft beers on tap.
Where To Stay In Salta
Prisamata is set in a beautiful historic mansion dressed with colourful paintings, quirky photographs, floor pillows and woven hammocks – the perfect place for kicking back and relaxing.
It includes breakfast, and a bar for ice-cold beers.
It’s a 15-minute walk from Calle Balcarce, so there’s loads of bars, restaurants and nightlife close by.
I stayed here and would recommend it. The big dorms are spacious, with a fan and curtain on each bed for extra privacy and ample storage space for your bags. The fans were needed in the summer.
How To Get To Salta
Salta is the biggest city in Salta province in the north-west of Argentina.
It’s a great city to use as a base for exploring the rest of Salta and Jujuy province.
Salta’s bus terminal, southeast of downtown, has frequent services to all parts of the country.
The address of Terminal De Omnibus is Av. Hipólito Yrigoyen 2-77 Salta Argentina
How To Get To Salta From Humahuaca / Tilcara / Purmamarca
Check Busbud as they display the most up to date buses from big cities such as Salta and Jujuy.
To reach Salta from the towns along Route 9, you need to travel to Jujuy and change bus. The Jujuy bus station is massive, and we found a bus company within minutes to take us.
The bus journeys are as follows:
- Humahuaca – 3-4 Hours
- Tilcara – 3 hours
- Purmamarca – 2 hours 45 minute.
How To Get To Salta From Buenos Aires
Most adventures in the north west of Argentina will start from Buenos Aires.
The best way to get there is to fly but you can also overnight bus it:
- Bus – This journey will be an overnight bus taking between 20-24 hours. Check Busbud for the prices and times.
- Flight – a flight from Salta to BA takes 2 hours. I use Way Away Plus to book my flights whilst travelling as they give me cashback everytime! Martín Miguel de Güemes International Airport is around 30 minutes by taxi to the city centre.
Argentina Itineraries
How many days do you need in Argentina? Whether it’s 7 days, 3 weeks or 1 month, I’ve created pre-made itineraries to suit every schedule and traveler.
Check out these posts to help you plan a hassle-free trip:
“We ended up with a better itinerary than anything a travel agent suggested – and without the expensive price tag!
Maeve & Martin – 3 Weeks In Argentina
Planning a trip to Argentina?
Are you struggling with any of this?
✔ Unsure how to pick the best route
✔ Spent hours researching… and still feeling lost
✔ Want freedom, not a rigid tour
✔ Don’t want to spend $5,000+ on a travel agent
You don’t have to figure it out solo!
I help travellers like you plan custom Argentina trips that are efficient, affordable, and totally personalised.
Argentina FAQ's
Here’s a list of frequently asked questions about Argentina:
Do I Need Travel Insurance For Argentina?
Yes, you 100% need travel insurance when visiting Argentina or anywhere in South America.
You need to protect yourself against any potential medical issues that could occur whilst away.
SafetyWing is my go to company when looking for travel medical insurance. They focus on long-term travelers, digital nomads, and remote workers.
SafetyWing covers medical emergencies, travel delays, and lost baggage, but it’s geared towards those who travel for extended periods or live abroad.
What's The Best SIM card for Argentina?
I don’t recommend buying a physical SIM card for Argentina. It’s much easier to download an e-SIM instead.
An e-SIM is a digital SIM card that can be downloaded to your phone via an app. All you do is download the app, pay for the data and you’ll have data in no time.
My preferred e-SIM company is Airalo
How Do You Get Around Argentina?
Buses will be the cheapest way of getting around, but due to the large distances needed to travel, many of these will be overnight buses.
For example, a bus from Buenos Aires to Mendoza takes around 15 hours with prices starting at around $50.
Here are some average bus times:
- Buenos Aires > Iguazu – 17h
- Buenos Aires > Mendoza – 15h
- Buenos Aires > Salta – 21h
- Buenos Aires > Bariloche – 22h
Due to the price and time, I always recommend looking at flights first. If you book early enough, you’ll be able to find return flights for roughIy the same price as the bus and save yourself a lot of time.
For shorter journeys (1-6 hours), the bus will be the better option. For example, if you are travelling around the northwest (Salta region), buses are super cheap.
I always use Busbud to check times and find the best prices:
Are Flights Cheap In Argentina?
Flying is one of the easiest ways to travel around Argentina. Return flights can be cheap if booked in advance, and they will save you a lot of time.
Here are some average flight times:
- Buenos Aires > Iguazu – 1h 50m
- Buenos Aires > Mendoza – 1h 55m
- Buenos Aires > Bariloche – 2h 15m
- Buenos Aires > El Calafate – 3h 20m
- Buenos Aires > Ushuaia – 3h 30m
I always use Way Away Plus to find the cheapest flights and you get cashback every time you book!
What's The Best Backpack For Argentina?
I would recommend taking between 50-70L for your big backpack and 30-40L for a day pack when travelling Argentina.
The extra space in your big backpack will be for your hiking boots and other warm weather gear when you aren’t wearing it. Your day pack will be for your tech such as a laptop and other important items you want to keep safe such as a camera, passport, money etc.
Here are my current backpacks that I use to travel Argentina:
Best Beginner Backpack For Argentina
Osprey are the best brand when it comes to backpacks.
In my opinion, the best beginner backpack is the Osprey Farpoint 50-70L.
It’s reasonably priced, comfortable and has a good amount of space. It’s perfect for first time backpackers visiting Argentina.
It also comes with a 15L detachable day pack which saves you having to buy a separate one.
If you want a wheeled hybrid, then the Sojourn is a great option. They have three different size options from 60-80L.
Best Daypack For Argentina
My go-to daypack is the North Face Router.
It has a 40-liter capacity, is water-repellent, and can fit laptops up to 17”.
For a 40L backpack with loads of compartments and storage, this is such a great price.
If you want something cheaper, you will have to go a bit smaller. The North Face Borealis is 30L and has a similar layout.
What Should I Pack For Argentina?
You need to pack warm and cold weather clothes for Argentina.
In the summer (Dec-March), Buenos Aires and the north will reach averages of 30°C (86°F). I was walking around Buenos Aires in a vest, shorts and sandals!
When you travel to Patagonia, it will get colder as you are so far south. So even if it’s summer, it will still get cold at night. Also, the weather is erratic and it can rain at any moment.
Therefore, you’ll need warm layers and a windbreaker. You’ll also need hiking boots if you want to complete any of the popular treks.
Here’s are some of my key clothing items to recently took to Argentina:
Warm Midlayer Fleece
This is an essential piece of kit for hiking but also for keeping you warm in the evenings.
Invest wisely in one of these as the more efficient it is, the warmer you will be.
I go with R1 Zip-Neck from Patagonia.
Top tip: this is last seasons item now so you should be able to pick this up cheaper in the sales at places like REI
Waterproof Windbreaker
A waterproof is essential when trekking in the Andes to deal with the biting winds and rapidly changing weather.
I like to use the Patagonia TorrentShell 3L.
Its lightweight, warm and packable. The jacket self-stuffs into one of the handwarmer pockets with carabiner clip-in loop.
Waterproof Hiking Boots
Hiking boots are a must if you want to do any trekking in Argentina.
And fully waterproof and ankle high are essential for trekking in the Andes.
I wore a pair of these hiking some of the best trails in the world in Patagonia and they didn’t let me down!
I went into my local Mountain Warehouse and picked up a pair of these and they haven’t let me down since.
