'''Salta''' is the capital of the Salta province in Argentina.

Get in

  • '''Plane''': the airport is 5 km south of the city centre. Bus "8A" runs between the airport and the bus terminal. The Aerolineas Argentinas office is located at Caseros 475, tel. (0387) 431 0258.
  • '''Bus''': there are connections to all mayor cities in Argentina. The bus station is just one block from Parque San Martin, or 8 blocks from the main plaza.
  • :Buenos Aires 19 hours - 210 pesos. :La Quiaca 7 hours - 57 pesos (company: Balut (6 each day) , Flecha and Andesmar) :Tucuman 4 hours - 30 pesos :Cafayate 4 hours - 35 pesos (company: El Indio) :Cordoba 13 hours - 145 pesos (semi-cama/cama)

  • From Jujuy it's possible to take a ''combi'' (shared taxi) for Ar$10. - Take Care "Combis" are not legal transportation -
  • Get around

    Taxi Fare Around town costs 5 pesos, Remis are not cheaper. Buses cost 1 Peso.

    See

  • '''Cabildo''', the old town hall, of 1783, on the Plaza 9 de Julio. Now houses the '''Museo Historico del Norte''',
  • The incredible '''MAAM museum'''.
  • '''Iglesia San Francisco''', on the corner of Caseros and Cordoba, of 1796, beautiful church with remarkable tower.
  • '''Cerro San Bernardo''', 1458 m hill just east of the city centre. From Parque San Martin, a cable car goes to the summit, offering spectacular views of the city and its surroundings.
  • '''Museo Antropologico''' [http://www.antropologico.gov.ar], Avenida Ejercito del Norte. Offers a very interesting insight into various indigenous cultures, which have flourished throughout the centuries in this part of Argentina
  • Pajcha. 0 de Febrero 838 4400 Salta Argentina. 0 blocks north of the main plaza.. - Tel. 0387 4229417 - . ttp://www.museodearteetnico.com.ar/. 0 pesos. A fantastic museum in Salta and definitely worth a look.It is called "Pajcha" and is a collection of traditional art, textiles, icons and jewlery from all over South and Central America. It is facinating. For only 10 pesos you get entry to the private museum and for an additional 15 pesos you get a personalised guided tour from one of the directors. The enthusiasm was palpable and fantastic learning from such a knowledgeable source. They new everything because they had personally collected everything in the museum. The owner has been collecting for most of her life. The tour was in fluent English.

    Do

  • There are several travel agencies that can help you with your trip. They are located about 4 to 5 blocks south of the main square, around Buenos Aires road.
  • The information below seems to come from one agency, and could serve as example.

  • '''Mystical Cachi:'''
  • This tour begins in the Lerma Valley, then going through the dense mountain jungle in Los Laureles and reaching the Escoipe Gorge and La Cuesta del Obispo (Bishop_fs Slope), which is a mountain path that leads to Piedra del Molino, at 3348 m.a.s.l. After this, we reach Los Cardones National Park for several photo stops. Then, we go to the picturesque town of Cachi where we visit the Archaeological Museum (it houses vestiges of several native cultures of the region, since its first inhabitants) and the Church Then, we have lunch and in the afternoon we come back to Salta. Departure: 7.30 a.m. Return: 7.30 p.m.

  • '''Cafayate Colors:'''
  • First, we go to the Lerma Valley (where Saltenian Tobacco is grown) until we reach the rail station of _gAlemania_h; then, we go to the unique Las Conchas Gorge which has several geological formations created by wind and rain erosion and which received different names such as La Garganta del Diablo (The Devil_fs Throat), El Anfiteatro (The Amphitheatre), El Sapo (The Frog), El Fraile (The Friar), Los Castillos (The Castles), Las Ventanas (The Windows) and other. When we reach Cafayate, we visit some wine cellars, where you will learn about how grapevines are grown, the making of wines and you will be able to taste excellent wines. Then we have lunch, take a stroll around the town and, in the afternoon, we come back to Salta, doing several photo stops. Departure: 7.30 a.m. Return: 7.30 p.m.

  • '''Puna and Salt Flats:'''
  • In our way, we pass the traditional town of Quijano and then, we reach to the impressive Toro Gorge. We stop and take a stroll in the pre-Incan city of Tastil. Then, we continue our trip to San Antonio de los Cobres, which is a small mining town, to have lunch. In the afternoon, we take the famous 40 national route, which takes us to the Salt Flats, Where you will see the magnificence of the Puna. Then, we go down the impressive Lipan Slope till we reach the picturesque Purmamarca town (Province of Jujuy), with its famous Seven Colour Hill. Then, we come back to Salta. Departure: 7.00 a.m. Return: 21.30 p.m.

  • '''Andean Humahuaca:'''
  • This tour offers the possibility of knowing the wonders of the Humahuaca Gorge, in the Province of Jujuy, which was declared Humanity_fs Patrimony. You will also visit small towns such as Purmamarca, with its distinctive architecture and its Seven Colour Hill, Tilcara, where we visit El Pucara (Pre-Incan city) and the Archaeological Museum, Uquia, well-known for its Church which houses paintings from the Cuzco School. We have lunch in Humahuaca, famous for its Gorge, and in the afternoon we come back to Salta. Departure: 7.00 a.m. Return: 20.30 p.m.

  • '''Active or Adventure Activities'''
  • ? Horse Riding: It can last from a couple of hours to several days. There are several options which include snacks, accommodation in country houses or camps, and typical foods. This service was created to show you the real _gGaucho_h life.

    ? Paragliding: This is an activity with great popularity among tourists, specially in mountainous regions all over the world.

    ? Tandem jumps (double harness) with experts who guarantee safety and excitement. You will be able to fly up in the northern sky and feel the _gSpirit of the Condor_h; something you will never forget.

    ? Cycling: Bicycle rides around the city or through a mountain track, perfectly designed for adventurers.

    This activity includes several options with three degrees of difficulty (low, moderate, high) specially programmed to meet your expectations.

    ? Motorcycling: Motorcycle rides with several option according to each particular need, always in the company of a qualified guide for each ride. It is a international high-quality product that brings together two passions: motorcycling and sightseeing.

    ? Trekking: There are several options: short strolls around our bordering mountains or several days in the region, with different degrees of difficulty.

    It is a perfect way of being in touch with nature and living each moment as an unique experience.

    ? Mountain climbing: The region offers a great variety of mountains and volcanoes of between 3500 and 6740 m.a.s.l (meters above sea level). This expeditions require previous experience, equipment and special logistics.

    Thus, previous planning and preparation are needed, according to each mountain. Some options are:

    ? Medium Mountain: Golgota Hill of 3500 m.a.s.l, Pacuy Hill of 4200 m.a.s.l., San Geronimo Crater of 4950 m.a.s.l.

    ? High Mountain: Nevado de Cachi of 6380 m.a.s.l., Llullaillaco Volcano of 6740 m.a.s.l., Quewar Volcano of 6180 m.a.s.l., Socompa Volcano of 6031 m.a.s.l., Tuzale Volcano of 5560 m.a.s.l, Nevado del Acay of 5950 m.a.s.l.

    ? Rafting: Any person can take part in this two-hour activity along the impressive Juramento River. Uncontrollable emotions, an excellent barbecue and a personal attention will make this trip something to remember.

    ? Canopy: New in Salta! _gThe Flight of the Condor_h is a name suitable for the incredible experience of flying over the Juramento River.

    ? Rappel: Falls from up to 60 meters with equipment and guides included. This experience will make you feel alive and exceeding your own limits.

    ? Fishing: There are several options: fishing trout in a quiet mountain stream, _gPejerreyes_h in the huge Cabra Corral Dam, Dorado or Surubi in the fast-flowing Bemejo or Pilcomayo Rivers.

  • San Lorenzo. us 7E. .25 peso. This is a charming town approx 20 minutes outside Salta. It has lots of accomodation, restaurants and its own attractions. Well worth a look if you only have a day, or even better, stay there and enjoy the wonderful hospitality only a small town can offer. san Lorenzo Argentina

    Buy

  • '''Balcarce Arts and Crafts Fair''', [http://bcf.saltainfo.com], Each Sunday the main nightclubbing street, Balcarce, is closed to traffic all day long for a very good arts and crafts fair featuring the work of local artists and craftsmen of all types.
  • Eat

  • '''Dona Lola''', [http://saltainfo.com/lola.htm], Traditional Saltenan food in a very nicely restored old house which also contains a small museum of local artifacts.
  • '''El Solar del Convento''', Half a block east of the main square, Caseros 444. Serve free champange while you choose from the menu. Inexpensive yet elegant dining with excellent steaks and wines.
  • Drink

    Nightlife is centered on the north end of Balcarce street, in the train station zone.

    Sleep

  • '''Hostel Siete Duendes''' [http://www.hostelsieteduendes.com.ar/index.php], San Juan 189, (54-387) 4214522. 25 ARS per night per person, nice and helpful staff with free internet and a basic breakfast. Cosy backgarden and a friendly atmosphere will welcome you right next to Parque San Martin, close to the center and the bus terminal.
  • '''Hotel Colonial''' [http://www.hotelcolonialsalta.com.ar], Zuviria 6, (54-387) 4310805 / 4211740. Located at the heart of the city, in front of "9 de Julio" square, is one of Salta's most traditional hotels. The best option for travellers looking for a pleasant stay in the best location of the city at a good price. Breakfast and Wi-Fi access included.
  • '''Terra Oculta''' [http://www.terraoculta.com], Cordoba 361, (0387)421 8769 (terraoculta@ciudad.com.ar). Popular backpackers spot and a good place to meet fellow travellers. It has all the usually services and there is a weekly barbeque and a bar. Dorm Ar$40 / Double Ar$40.
  • '''Corre caminos''' dormis available. kitchen, free pool table, nice people around.
  • '''Marilian Hostal''' [http://www.hotelmarilian.com.ar]. Buenos Aires 160 (A4400FDD). Tel. 54-387-4370531. Email: Reservas@hotelmarilian.com. As of July, 2004, prices were: Single $55 pesos, Double $65 pesos, Triple $85, Quad $105 pesos. Clean hostal, on the main drag (Buenos Aires street), 24hr hot water, heating, 18 cabanas, English spoken, and continental breakfast is included in the price.
  • '''Las Rejas B&B''' [http://www.lasrejashostel.com.ar]. General Guemes 569. Tel.(54-387)421-5971 (info@lasrejashostel.com.ar) Very central, 2 blocks from the main square and the cathedral. Offers hostel accommodation as well as B&B. Very friendly, many amenities including travel desk. FREE internet and much more.
  • '''BackPackers Home''' [http://www.backpackerssalta.com]. Buenos Aires 930. A Few blocks from main square. Old Dorms. Big, but Old Quitchen. Free Internet. Very Friendly Staff. BBQ Wednesday and Saturdays.
  • '''Los Cardones Youth Hostel''' [http://www.loscardones.todowebsalta.com.ar] Avda. Entre Rios 454, 4400 Salta, Email: los.cardones.salta@gmail.com. Nice Hostel run by its owners, situated in the heart of Salta. Prices as of June 2007, Dorm: $17 Pesos, Triple $19 Pesos, Private double $44 Pesos, Private double ensuite $60 Pesos. Complete breakfast included in all categories
  • '''Billy's Apartments''' Los Yuchanes 51 - Tres Cerritos, 4400 Salta, Email: guillegerchin@hotmail.com / Tel. +54-387-4396845 or cel: +54-9-387-4 494 634 (from Argentina: 0387-4396845 or cel: 0387-154 494 634). Apartments for rent, very comfortable, TV, Internet-ready, Tel line for receiving calls and dialling through Calling Cards. Prices per day as of July 2007, 1 Dorm Apartment (up to 4 pax / apartment): 1 pax: $40, 2 pax:$70, 3 pax:$90, 4 pax:$100, (Pesos always, to have an idea: 1 USD=3 Pesos aprox.). Private bathrooms, kitchen, 24 hs hot water, very private.
  • Hostal Del Centro. ordoba 83. entrally located on Cordoba, three minutes walk from the main plaza.. 0387)4217426. ttp://www.hoteles.com.ar/LinkExternoHotel.action?url=http://www.hostaldelcentroensalta.com&idAnuncianteModuloSucursal=351817. 1AM. 1AM. A great friendly spot run by a British Expat. Offers outsanding value for money with a 24h manned reception, a cosy patio with a barbeque every Friday and clean rooms with shared or private toilets. The hostel is partnered with a tourist agency and so offers very good deals on all expeditions in and around Salta. Dorm with shared/private bathrooms are priced at $25/$35 Pesos. Doubles with private bathroom are $90 and a triple with private bathroom is $40 Pesos per person. The hostel offers free internet access and open kitchen. Everybody gets free breakfast of coffee and medialunas as well as a towel and soap. There is cable television in all rooms too.

    Get out

    Salta is the base for many great trips throughout the province. There are plenty tour agencies offering excursions in the region. (REMEMBER: Taxi drivers or nice people from your hotel ARE NOT legally authorized and qualified for the performing of such activities). Especially good are the 4WD trips to the beautiful Valles Calchaquies, as well as rafting trips to the Rio Juramento.