Salta Attractions

Salta is undoubtedly one of Argentina's most attractive cities and there are plenty of fun and exciting things to do there. Kick off at our top pick, the city's central plaza, the Plaza 9 de Julio, where you will find the city folk passing through or lingering over a coffee or a cool drink. Around the square are several of the most important sights: the majestic Cathedral, the colonial Cabildo (home to an interesting museum) and the city's main museum of modern art. There is also a theatre (which hosts Salta's excellent classical orchestra) and an amazing museum containing three naturally mummified Incan children brought down from the heights of the Andes - this qualifies on its own as our number two pick. Nearby is the number three pick - the startling red and white church of San Francisco, whose bell tower is said to be the tallest in the Americas. Salta is not all about churches and museums though - it has a fabulous natural hinterland where you can indulge in adventure sports like rafting and horse riding, hence our fifth pick. A more gentle but equally rewarding activity is birdwatching, something you can do only a few miles from the city center at the marvellous Reserva del Huaico, in the foothills of neighboring San Lorenzo. If you care to venture a little farther afield, into the highland valleys to the southwest of the city, then you can visit some of the world's highest wineries, around Cafayate. Back in Salta itself, the best way of obtaining an overview of this beautiful city and its beautiful setting is by taking the Teleferico, or cable-car (tram), up to the heights of Cerro Bernardo. You can get a little exercise by walking down rather than taking a return trip.

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