Things to do in  Salta

The must-visit attractions in Salta are the candy-pink Cathedral of Salta, a National Historical Monument in Argentina; the mummies of the Museum of High Altitude Archeology (MAAM); Teleferico San Bernardo, a cable car that whisks you to the top of the hill of the same name; and San Francisco Church, with its lovely red-and-yellow facade.

The best local dishes to try in Salta are empanadas salteñas, shortcrust pastry pies filled with local delicacies such as llama or corn and cheese. The hearty locro stew is also a must-try; it’s made with either beef or sausage, squash, and white beans, and goes perfectly with a glass of Malbec red wine.

On a typical tour of Salta, you admire the highlights of the main square, Plaza 9 de Julio, which includes the wedding cake-style Salta Cathedral and the Historical Museum of the North. Other common sights include the 16th-century San Bernardo Convent and an artisanal market selling Andean crafts and fabrics.

The best day trips from Salta include the Salinas Grandes, where you can take perspective-bending photos on seemingly endless white space; the rainbow-colored rocks of Purmamarca; Quebrada de las Conchas (Shell Gorge), where bright orange rocks appear as an array of different shapes; and the multicolored Quebrada de Humahuaca, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The quickest way to get from Buenos Aires to Salta is by plane. Flights depart regularly from Jorge Newbery Aeroparque in Buenos Aires (which is only a 15-minute drive from Palermo) and take around two hours. You can also take an overnight bus; the journey takes around 22 hours.

Yes, there are plenty of recommended wineries to visit near Salta. While Mendoza hogs the limelight when it comes to Argentine wine, the north of the country also produces fine varietals. The best place to sample it is the town of Cafayate, 2.5 hours south of Salta. Here, you’ll find an abundance of vineyards and goat cheese farms.