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Salta

Sophisticated Salta is a favorite, engaging active minds with its outstanding museums and lighting romantic candles with its plazaside cafes and the live música folklórica of its vibrant peñas (folk-music clubs). It offers the facilities of a larger city, and aside from the morning gridlock, retains the comfortable pace of a smaller town.

Salta now the most touristed spot in northwest Argentina, and it offers numerous accommodations options. The center bristles with tour agents: this is the place to get things organized for onward travel. A popular option is to hire a car here, hit the road and explore the northwest.

Explore Salta

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Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Salta.

  • Museum

    Museo de Arqueología de Alta Montaña

    One of northern Argentina's premier museums, MAAM has a serious and informative exhibition focusing on Inca culture and, in particular, the child…

  • Church

    Iglesia San Francisco

    This magenta-and-yellow church is Salta’s most striking. The exuberant facade is topped by a slender tower; inside are several venerated images, including…

  • Architecture

    Centro Cultural América

    A former church built in French academia style between 1721 and 1732, in 1913 it became Salta’s most important social club until the government took it…

  • Cathedral

    Catedral Basilica de Salta

    Salta’s pink cathedral was consecrated in 1878 and harbors the ashes of (among other notables) General Martín Miguel de Güemes, a salteño (resident of…

  • Convent

    Convento de San Bernardo

    Only Carmelite nuns may enter this 16th-century convent, the oldest building in Salta (though it was rebuilt into its current form in the 1840s after…

  • Hill

    Cerro San Bernardo

    For outstanding views of Salta, take the teleférico from Parque San Martín to the top of this hill, a 1km ride that takes eight minutes. Alternatively,…

  • Museum

    Museo Antropológico

    Has good representations of local ceramics, especially from the Tastil ruins (Argentina’s largest pre-Inca town), and some well-designed displays in its…

  • Museum

    Museo Histórico del Norte

    Set on the plaza in the lovely cabildo (town hall), this collection ranges from pre-Columbian ceramics through to colonial-era religious art (admire the…

  • Gallery

    Museo de Arte Contemporáneo

    Displays the work of contemporary artists from Salta and further afield. The space is well lit and usually exhibits high-quality canvases, multimedia…

  • Monument

    Güemes Monument

    This monument at the foot of Cerro San Bernardo marks the start of the path up the hill.

Top experiences

Whether it’s a guided tour of a historic landmark, private tasting of local delicacies, or an off-road adventure — explore the best experiences in Salta.

  • Activities