Salta (map) is the capital of the province of Salta, up in the mountains in northern Argentina. Salta is typically visited as a launching point for the nature and small towns in the region, but has its own charms and sights worth seeing too.

Salta was founded on April 16, 1582 by the Spanish conquistador Hernando de Lerma, who intended the settlement to be an outpost between Lima, Peru and Buenos Aires. Salta is probably the most Spanish city in Argentina by physical appearance: so much so that tourists visiting from Spain often find a strong resemblance between Salta and Andalucian cities.

The city centre features a number of buildings dating back to the 18th and 19th and early 20th centuries. Clockwise around the Ninth of July Square (map) are the neoclassical Cathedral Shrine (map), the French style Museum of Contemporary Art (map), the Cabildo (in former times, the city’s town hall, nowadays a historical museum, map) and the neoclassical Museum of High Mountain Archaeology (map), which houses artifacts from the Inca civilization, including the mummies of three Inca children. The Plaza is almost completely surrounded by a gallery.

Cerro San Bernardo (San Bernardo Hill, map), hill just east of the city centre (258m above the city). From Parque San Martin (map), a cable car goes to the summit, offering spectacular views of the city and its surroundings (AR$500 per person return, AR$250 one way; prices as of January 2020). Alternatively you can walk up, taking the 1,070 steps leaving from the statue of Güemes a little bit north of the cable car station.

Tren a las Nubes, Train to the clouds (map). As the name tells, it is a day trip by train up in the mountains to La Povorilla at 4220 m over the sea level. Runs from April to November, two times a week (Wednesday and Saturday) with extra services during the high season (Easter & winter holiday). The dining car on the train and the bar car are a bit expensive but you are allowed to bring your own food. A breakfast and afternoon snack is included. Coca leaf tea helps prevent altitude sickness and coca leaves are provided by the train staff.

Balcarce Arts and Crafts Fair. Each Sunday the main nightclubbing street, Balcarce (map), is closed to traffic all day for a very good arts and crafts fair featuring the work of local artists and craftsmen of all types.

Nightlife is centred on the north end of Balcarce St, in the train station zone.

One of the main activities in Salta is the April Culture Festival (welcomeargentina.com), which lasts the entire month and offers a wide variety of activities such as cultural performances, a handcraft exposition, and live orchestral performances.

San Lorenzo (map). This is a charming town approx 20 minutes outside Salta. It has lots of accommodation, restaurants and its own attractions.

Buses, known as “colectivos” or “micros,” are the primary mode of transportation for both short and long distances within Argentina.

BUS: Empresa Argentina (Destinations & routes) / Andesmar (Destinations & routes) / Flecha Bus (Destinations & routes) / Via Bariloche (Destinations & routes) / El Rapido Internacional (Destinations & routes) / Plusmar (Destinations & routes).

Online ticket: ticketonline.com.ar / plataforma10.com.ar / centraldepasajes.com.ar / voyenbus.com /

TRAIN: One of the major long distance train operators is Trenes Argentinos. Argentina has a limited train network, but it is expanding in some regions. The long-distance train service “Tren a las Nubes” is famous for its scenic journey in the northwestern region of the country. The Tren Patagónico operates in the southern part of Argentina.

AIRPORT: aa2000.com.ar – information about all airports in Argentina.

FERRY: Buquebus (Buenos Aires, Argentina ⇔ Colonia del Sacramento, Montevideo, Uruguay). Colonia Express (Buenos Aires ⇔ Colonia). Seacat Colonia (Buenos Aires ⇔ Colonia). Cacciola / Líneas Delta (Tigre ⇔ Carmelo ⇔ Nueva Palmira, Uruguay). Grimaldi Freighters

Looking for insider tips and expert advice on how to make the most of your trip to Salta and Jujuy? Look no further than my guide to the top travel tips for these two stunning provinces in northwestern Argentina. From the best time to visit and must-see sights to hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path experiences, I’ve got you covered. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-time visitor, my tips and tricks will help you plan the perfect trip to Salta and Jujuy. So pack your bags and get ready to explore the stunning landscapes, rich culture, and fascinating history of this amazing region!

⇒ video source: Nicki Posts Travel Stuff / youtube.com /

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