The cathedral in Salta

The biggest city in northern Argentina, Salta was my first real taste of the country when I arrived from neighbouring Bolivia last year. With decent nightlife, some beautifully preserved colonial architecture and a young population, this is a good place to spend a couple of lively days when you’re in Argentina. Here are my picks for things to do when you’re in Salta.

Things to Do in Salta: The Main Sights

Most of Salta’s sights are within a few blocks of the main plaza, 9 de Julio. On the plaza itself lies the Museo Histórico del Norte, a museum displaying both religious and modern art, historical furniture and coins, and an old postal wagon and hearse! The museum itself is housed in an impressive 18th-century edifice, and the balcony provides a nice backdrop overlooking the square.

Salta’s Museo de Bellas Artes (fine-arts museum) resides in a two-storey colonial mansion on Calle Florida, two blocks west of Plaza 9 de Julio. Modern painting and sculpture are both featured, and a sculpted garden dominates the cute interior patio.

If ecclesiastical buildings interest you, pay a visit to the 19th-century cathedral (Iglesia Catedral) on the north side of 9 de Julio. The ashes of General Martín Miguel de Güemes, a salteño and hero of the independence movement, are stored here, together with those of other important historical figures.

Tour the highlands of Argentina…

For the best views of the city and its surroundings, take a decent trail up the hill Cerro San Bernardo, located at the south side of Parque San Martín, to the southwest of the main plaza. You could take the teleférico from the park to the top and back (roundtrip US$3), although personally I found the walk itself to be quite refreshing. On the lower slopes of Cerro San Bernardo lies the anthropological museum of Juan Leguizamón, which features a decent display of local ceramics, especially those from the pre-Inca town of Tastil. The bizarre exhibition of the cave of the Shamans will also be of interest.

…on a day trip from Salta

A more creative way of experiencing Salta might be to undertake one of the many tours on offer around the town. You can book a tour the northern highlands around Salta over on the Viator site.

There are also local travel agencies on Calle Buenos Aires (just south of 9 de Julio) that offer Salta city tours. For sunny days, consider a guided bicycle tour, as they normally take in all the major sights and include bike rental. A full-day tour to Parque Nacional El Rey should also be considered, as if offers a fantastic opportunity for bird-watching, with knowledgeable guides offering great insights into the abundant wildlife in this forest.

Salta: Food & Entertainment

The Mercado Central, on the corner of Calle Florida and San Martín, is a lively market that is well worth a visit, especially as it is also one of the cheapest places to eat in town. Pizza, empanadas (stuffed pasties) and humitas (stuffed corn dough) are sold here, along with the usual fresh fruit and vegetables. The best place for souvenirs is Mercado Artesanal, which features native handicrafts such as hammocks, ceramics, leather items and the distinctive ponchos from the surrounding region. Take bus No 2, 3 or 7 to get here.

To while away the evenings, sample the delights of the numerous cafés that adorn the plaza. Van Gogh and New Time Café are particularly recommended, featuring live music late at night during weekends. Further out of town, about 20 blocks west of Plaza 9 de Julio, lies La Casona del Molino, which features improvised entertainment in a former mansion, and provides a real local experience in which it can be almost impossible to distinguish the audience from the performers! Expect to pay around US$10-17 admission. My personal favourite is La Vieja Estación, on Calle Balcarce, which features great live folk music each night in a warm, cozy atmosphere. A dinner and show will cost around US$8.

–Anthony Lye

Planning a trip? Browse Viator’s tours in Argentina, including a tour from Salta to Argentina’s northern highlands. Or maybe you’d rather take a hot-air balloon tour over Buenos Aires; we’ve got you covered there, too.

This entry was posted on Monday, November 19th, 2007 at 11:54 am and is filed under Destinations, S. & Central America, Suggested Itineraries, Travel Inspiration. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

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