Showing 1-14 of 14 results
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Catedral
Salta's pink catedral was consecrated in 1878 and harbors the ashes of (among other notables) General Martín Miguel de Güemes, a salteño (resident of Salta) and independence hero; even today, the gauchos of Salta province proudly flaunt their red-striped ponchos de güemes (traditional Salta ponchos). The high baroque altarpiece is the other central feature.
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Cerro San Bernardo Teleférico
For outstanding views of Salta and its surroundings, take the Cerro San Bernardo Teleférico (gondola cablecar) from Parque San Martín to the top of Cerro San Bernardo. A trail that takes you up the hill begins at the Güemes monument at the top of Paseo Güemes. Atop is a confitería (café offering light meals), whose terrace has the best views, a watercourse and artesanía shops.
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Convento de San Bernardo
Only Carmelite nuns may enter the 16th-century Convento de San Bernardo, but visitors can approach the blindingly whitewashed adobe building (consider sunglasses) to admire the carved, 18th-century algarrobo door. The nuns sell pastries through a traditional revolving cupboard that avoids their having direct contact with the outside world.
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Iglesia Catedral
Salta's 19th-century cathedral harbors the ashes of General Martín Miguel de Güemes, a Salteño and independence hero, as well as those of other important historical figures; even today, the gauchos of the Salta province proudly flaunt their red-striped ponchos de güemes .
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Iglesia San Francisco
The magenta-and-yellow Iglesia San Francisco is Salta's most striking landmark. The exuberant facade is topped by a slender tower; inside, the single nave is ornately painted to resemble stucco-work. There are several much-venerated images here, including the Niño Jesús de Aracoeli, a rather spooky crowned figure. There's a lovely garden cloister, accessed via guided tour (runs on demand in Spanish; donation appropriate) that takes in a mediocre museum of religious art and treasures.
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Museo Antropológico
Just above the Güemes monument, on the lower slopes of Cerro San Bernardo is the friendly Museo Antropológico. It has good representations of local ceramics, especially from the Tastil ruins (Argentina's largest pre-Inca town), and some well-designed displays in its attractive, purpose-built spaces.
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Museo de Arqueología de Alta Montaña
Perhaps the premier museum in Northern Argentina, Museo de Arqueología de Alta Montaña has a serious and informative exhibition focusing on Inca culture and, in particular, the child sacrifices the Inca left on some of the Andes' most imposing peaks.
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Museo De Arte Contemporáneo
The Museo De Arte Contemporáneo has on display the work of contemporary artists from Salta, as well as other parts of Argentina and the wider world. The space itself is well lit and expertly curated. Exhibitions change regularly and are usually of high quality.
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Museo de Bellas Artes
Salta's fine art museum is lodged in the Arias Rengel family's two-story colonial mansion, with its 2m (6.6ft) thick adobe walls. It displays both modern painting and sculpture, and has far more interesting work than the contemporary arts museum. The interior patio features a sculpture garden and a wooden staircase that leads to a hanging balcony.
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Museo Histórico del Norte
Set on the square in the cabildo , this Museo Histórico del Norte has a collection that ranges from pre-Columbian ceramics through colonial-era religious painting and sculpture (admire the fine pulpit from Salta's Jesuit church), and displays on Salta in the 19th and 20th centuries.
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Parque Nacional Finca El Rey
Confined to a narrow strip no wider than about 50km (31mi), Argentina's subtropical humid forests extend from the Bolivian frontier south of Tarija almost to the border of Tucumán and Catamarca provinces. Comprising 44,000 hectares (108,726 acres), Parque Nacional Finca El Rey is the southernmost Argentine park protecting this unusual habitat, the most biologically diverse in the country.
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Reserva del Huaico
This 60-hectare cloud forest reserve is in San Lorenzo, 7km west of Salta, and run by a not-for-profit nature foundation. Entry is by prior appointment and includes a four-hour guided walk along the reserve's 15km of trails. Despite Salta's proximity, the bird watching is extraordinarily good; more than 205 species have been recorded, with 100 of those - including guans, tanagers, parrots, hummingbirds and woodpeckers - all common.
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Tren a las Nubes
From Salta, the Tren a las Nubes (Train to the Clouds) ascends the multicolored Quebrada del Toro, continuing past the important ruins of Tastil. The track makes countless switchbacks and even spirals, passing through 21 tunnels more than 3000m (9842ft) in total length, and crossing 31 iron bridges and 13 viaducts.
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Valles Calchaquíes
Definitely one of Argentina's most appealing off-the-beaten-track areas, the Valles Calchaquíes combines striking natural landscapes with unique cultural and historical resources. The vernacular architecture here merits special attention - even modest adobe houses might have Neoclassical columns and/or Moorish arches. The town of Cachi is the most accessible and pleasant to wander around, and the bus trip isn't bad either.
Showing 1-14 of 14 results
