Before you go

Your trip to Salta.

Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.

Salta – Salta Destination Salta and Cafayate Capital

How to get there

Aeropuerto Internacional Martín Miguel de Güemes (SLA) 12 km
Terminal de Ómnibus de Salta 2 km

Approximate road distances. Check flights and bus schedules before you travel.

SLA airport serves the city and is about 12 km from the centre. The Terminal de Ómnibus de Salta handles land connections and is next to Parque San Martín.

How many days

Two days allow you to spread the museums and churches across walks in the centre. Add a third for San Lorenzo and more relaxed visits to Cerro San Bernardo. Road travel days to Cafayate and Cachi should be counted separately.

When to go

April to June and September to November usually have milder temperatures for walking. Between December and March, rain is more frequent. From June to August, bring layers for cold mornings and nights, even when afternoons feel warmer.

The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.

Do you need a car?

The area around Plaza 9 de Julio is walkable. For San Lorenzo and to move between neighbourhoods, taxi, bus and private transfers are options. A vehicle becomes more useful for stages to the Valles Calchaquíes.

Suggested itinerary

An order that works

Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.

One day in Salta

Morning
The plaza and the Cabildo
Start at Plaza 9 de Julio, take in the cathedral and visit the Cabildo Histórico. Split your time between the architecture and the museum rooms.
Afternoon
Archaeology and San Francisco
Enter the MAAM and then walk to the Basílica de San Francisco. Confirm whether you can visit the interior of both places.
Late afternoon
The city seen from the hill
Ascend Cerro San Bernardo by your chosen access and visit its viewpoints, with a jacket for the wind.
Evening
Food and music of the north
Dine in the centre or in the Balcarce area. If you choose a peña, check the program before going.

2 days in Salta

Day 1

Morning
The history of Güemes
Set aside the morning for the Museo Güemes and its rooms on independence.
Afternoon
Walk in San Lorenzo
Head to the Quebrada de San Lorenzo and do a route compatible with your available time and energy through the visitor areas.
Late afternoon
Return to the centre
Return to the city and walk the streets around the plaza, without fitting in another road excursion.
Evening
Salteño flavors
Try empanadas, humitas or tamales at a central restaurant.

Day 2

Morning
Cabildo and plaza
Use the second day for the Cabildo and the area around Plaza 9 de Julio.
Afternoon
MAAM and basilica
Split the afternoon between the archaeology at the MAAM and the architecture of San Francisco.
Late afternoon
San Bernardo viewpoints
Climb the hill allowing time for access and return.
Evening
The next stage of the valleys
Have dinner and arrange transport for the following day if you are heading to Cafayate or Cachi.

Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.

Before you go

Frequently asked questions

Is Salta a good base to reach the valleys?

Yes. The airport and the bus terminal make the capital a gateway. Cafayate and Cachi, however, deserve their own stops when you want to visit beyond the stops of a single tour.

Which walks can I do on foot in the centre?

The plaza, the cathedral, the Cabildo, the MAAM, San Francisco and the Museo Güemes are in the central core. Choose the museums according to the time available for each visit.

How do I get up Cerro San Bernardo?

There is a cable car, road access and stairs. The choice changes the effort and duration of the outing; check the operation of the transport before you go.

What changes in San Lorenzo?

The scenery shifts from the urban centre to a quebrada with a river, trees and yungas vegetation. It is a nature outing close to the capital.

Back to Salta