From the colonial city center to the dramatic landscapes that surround it, these are the experiences worth building your Salta trip around. Save the ones that appeal to you and slot them into your own itinerary.
The Best Things to Do in Salta
1Must visit
Museum4.8
MAAM - Museo de Arqueologia de Alta Montana
The MAAM and its 500-year-old Inca mummies recovered from a 6,739m volcano, one of South America's most extraordinary museums.
Centro
2Must visit
Viewpoint4.5
Cerro San Bernardo
Ride the teleferico to the summit for panoramic views over the city and the Lerma Valley.
Centro
3Must visit
Scenic Spot4.6
Cafayate
The high-altitude wine town in the Calchaqui Valley, Argentina's home of floral Torrontes white wine.
Cafayate
4
Outdoor
Salinas Grandes Salt Flats
The vast white salt flats at 3,450m, a surreal day trip into the high Andes.
Salinas Grandes, Jujuy/Salta border (3,450m altitude)Full day from Salta
5
Memorial4.5
Iglesia San Francisco
Salta's most photographed building, a striking terracotta church with the tallest bell tower in South America.
Centro
6Must visit
Restaurant4.4
Patio de Empanadas
A covered patio where empanada stands compete for the title of best empanada saltena, Salta's signature dish.
Centro
7
Experience
Tren a las Nubes (Train to the Clouds)
The seasonal Train to the Clouds, one of the highest railways on earth, climbing to 4,220m through the Quebrada del Toro.
Salta to Viaducto La Polvorilla (4,220m altitude)Full day (15 hours)
8
Cultural
Pena Folklorica Night on Balcarce Street
A night of live folklore music, dancing, and regional wine on Calle Balcarce, the soul of Salta after dark.
Calle Balcarce, Salta city3-4 hours (evening)
9
Park4.4
Plaza 9 de Julio
The beautiful, tree-shaded main square at the heart of the colonial city.
Centro
10
Museum4.3
Cabildo Historico de Salta
The best-preserved colonial cabildo in Argentina, now a history museum facing the plaza.
Centro
11
Food
Empanada Saltena Cooking Class
Learn to make and crimp the distinctive empanada saltena in a hands-on class.
Salta city2-3 hours
12
Outdoor
Quebrada de las Conchas Drive
A half-day drive through a surreal red rock canyon of wind-carved formations on RN 68.
Between Salta and Cafayate on RN 68Half day (3-4 hours with stops)
FAQ
- What is the one thing not to miss in Salta?
- The MAAM, the Museo de Arqueologia de Alta Montana. Its trio of perfectly preserved 500-year-old Inca mummies, found high on Volcan Llullaillaco, is unique in the world and deeply moving.
- What can you do in Salta without a car?
- Plenty. The entire historic center, including Plaza 9 de Julio, the MAAM, the cathedral, the Cabildo, and Iglesia San Francisco, is walkable, and the Cerro San Bernardo teleferico is a short hop away. For the landscapes beyond the city, join an organized day tour with hotel pickup.
Make it your trip
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