Salta's historic center revolves around the Plaza 9 de Julio, the city's main square, where immense palm trees and magnolias have been planted to create what is now thought as the most beautiful square of all Northwestern cities of Argentina. As you walk around the square, and perhaps even stop at one of its little cafes, you will see the city's famous pink and golden cathedral. Do not hesitate to take a peek at the richly decorated interior, which is opened every day from 6h30 to 12h30 and 16h30 to 20h30. Another important sight in Salta, is the Iglesia San Francisco. This red, white and golden church also has a museum opened Tuesday to Friday from 10h30 to 12h30 and 16h30 to 18h30. Near the church is also the Convento San Bernardo, which is one of the oldest building of the city, worth stopping by if you have time. Only the church allows visitors inside, from 6h30 to 8h30 on Monday to Saturday. Many travellers come to Salta to climb up (40 min to 1 hour walk), or simply take the cable car (every day from 10h to 19h, USD$6.50) up to the Cerro San Bernardo, which has been converted into a small natural reserve with a cafeteria. This legendary sight is on a hill of about 250 m that dominates the city and offers a stunning panoramic view on Salta. You can also access the sight by car. At the foot of the Cerro San Bernardo is the Monumento al general Martin Miguel de Guemes, which celebrates this icone of Salta during the Independence Wars. His army of gauchos wore black and red ponchos and also became a symbol of the city.
In terms of activities, Salta is mostly known for its many museums. You will find the Museo Historico del Norte, which explains the cultural and historical evolution of the province.
The Museo de Arqueologia de Alta Montana recounts the story of the expedition led in 1999 that permitted the discovery of three mummified children on the Volcano Llullaillaco at 6 739m of altitude. As its name explains, The Museo de la Ciudad, is a museum about the city of Salta. It was set in the Casa de Hernandez, a fabulous neo-colonial house built in the 1870. The Museo Folklorico Pajarito Velarde is a sort of house-museum, with only one room, owned by an art amateur and sponsor. The fascinating explanations and commentaries made around the pieces of art, music, paintings, literature, singing,... compensate with the place's modesty. The Museo Uriburu, dedicated to the colonial era, bears the name of two Argentine presidents born in Salta, Jose Felix Uriburu and Jose Evaristo Uriburu. The XIX century house and its beautiful corbelled balcony holds a fantastic collection of furniture, paintings, religious and other objects of the colonial era.
The Museo de Bellas Artes is placed in a french-style house of the XIX century and presents the art of Argentinean and European artists by time periods, pre-hispanic, revolutionary, XIX and XX century. Finally the Museo de Arte etnico Americano Pajcha holds six little rooms and a space for exhibitions about the Indian traditions since the pre-columbian era until today. If you are spending a few days around Salta, you can also leave on an excursion on the Tren de Las Nubes (Cloud Train). Be prepared for a 434 km trip (about 15h to 16h hours) from Salta to La Polvorilla viaduct. After crossing 29 bridges, 13 viaducts, 21 tunnels, and numerous quebradas (ravine), you will literally have the heads in the clouds! If you are travelling with children or if you have a more restricted budget, you can also do half of the trip by train and the other half by bus, which is a quicker option, or a major part of the journey can also be discovered by car.
A nice way to explore destinations in Salta is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Exclusive day-long private tour of Cafayate vineyards for $282 details
- 4 Day Tour to Cafayat Cachi Salinas and Humahuaca for $119 details
- Full-Day Tour to Humahuaca Gorge from Salta for $31 details
Listed below are some typical prices for attractions, activities, and entry fees in Salta, sourced from actual travelers. These costs give you an idea of how much you might spend. However, your personal expenses will depend on the activities you choose, the museums or landmarks you visit, and how frequently you opt for free or low-cost options.
Salta, Argentina
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.