Salta: A Travel Guide

Salta is surrounded by mountains on all sides — it’s a beautiful city in a unique location.

There are about 1.2 million people living in the province, and about 700,000 living in the city of Salta.

The cathedral dominates the city’s main square and is worth exploring. The tiled floor is particularly impressive — creating an effect reminiscent of Escher.

I spoke with Sebastian Simon who works for the local tourism office. He’s a young, gay guy. In his view Salta is quite a conservative place, but that increasing tourism is changing local attitudes and increasing the confidence and visibility of the LGBTI community in Salta.

Maam Salta: Museum of High Altitude Archaeology

The empire of the Incas included the Salta region and the territories of what is now north-western Argentina. Mount Llullaillaco in the province of Salta was the setting of one of the most important ceremonies of the Incas — the Capacocha — in which offerings were made to the gods.

The Museum of High Altitude Archaeology was created to keep, preserve, exhibit, and study the findings from Mount Llullaillaco. At this 6,700 metre-high site, three children were found — almost perfectly preserved. The children were of high-ranking families and had been selected for the honour of being offered to the gods as part of the Capacocha ceremony.

This is one of the must-do things in Salta — even if you’re not normally into museums or history, this is such a fantastic and immediate glimpse into the past and the forces that have shaped this part of the world. You can’t help be moved by the story of these children, left on top of a mountain as offerings to the gods.

Exploring the city

It can sometimes be difficult to know the best way to experience a city beyond the obvious tourist hit-list.

If you feel like being a bit adventurous, and your travel insurance is pretty solid, then a scooter tour is a great way to feel like you’re exploring Salta like a local.

Dask Travel supply the scooters and a guide to lead the way, stopping to admire important monuments and an artisanal craft market.

Where to stay

House of Jasmines

If you’re looking for a bit of luxury, it would be hard to go past the House of Jasmines on the outskirts of Salta. A private home that has been transformed into a luxury retreat — stunning.

Balcon de la Plaza

Balcon de la Plaza is a beautiful boutique hotel, just half a block from the main square of Salta. Run by Marcela Zamar, this was a family home for decades before being converted into a boutique hotel.

Design Hotel

Centrally located, just a short walk from Salta’s main square, the Design Hotel is modern, stylish, and comfortable. This is a great spot to base yourself when exploring all that the city of Salta and its surrounding province has to offer.

Don Numas — San Lorenzo

San Lorenzo is a small village, just a short drive from Salta. Don Numas is a simple hotel with a strong focus on its spa facilities — modern and fully equipped, a good chance to rejuvenate while exploring this fascinating region.