Andean landscapes and colonial architecture
Salta
Salta · Colonial charm in the colorful northwest
Salta la Linda ("the beautiful") is the best-preserved colonial city of Argentina’s northwest, ringed by dramatic multicolored mountains, high-altitude vineyards and vast salt flats. Andean culture runs deep here, far from Buenos Aires.
Top sightsSights
Plaza 9 de Julio
A palm-filled colonial square with a rose cathedral.
Train to the Clouds
A railway climbing to 4,200m across a viaduct.
Cafayate
A high-altitude wine town known for Torrontes.
Quebrada de Humahuaca
A UNESCO valley of vividly striped rock.
Salinas Grandes
A blinding white salt flat on the altiplano.
What to eatFood
Empanadas salteñas
Juicy northwestern-style beef empanadas.
Locro
A hearty corn, bean and meat stew.
Torrontes
An aromatic white wine from Cafayate.
Good to know
- Rent a car to explore the multicolored valleys and salt flats.
- Cafayate makes a great overnight wine stop.
- The northwest is high — acclimatize before the altiplano.
Getting there
Salta Airport (SLA) links to Buenos Aires; the colonial center is 20 minutes away.
Next city
Buenos Aires