To the rest of Argentina it is known as "Salta la Linda" (Salta the Beautiful) and with one visit to this magical
land it is easy to see why. The province of Salta is situated in the northwest of Argentina on the frontiers of Chile, Bolivia and Paraguay at an
average high altitude of 1,200m and is located in the southernmost region of the foregone Inca Empire, whose boundaries are now home to diverse, awe-inspiring natural landscapes such as the Lerma Valley,
El Rey National Park in the Yungas Jungle, Baritu National Park and Los Cardones National Park,
as well as the important Salta wine region Calchaqui Valley located near the town Cafayate.
The capital city of Argentina’s Salta region is also called Salta, a name originating from the word ‘staga’ meaning ‘very beautiful’ in the ancient Indian language, Aymara. It was, however, once known as Lerma, after the Spanish General Hernando de Lerma that conquered and colonized the area during
the 16th century but it is agreed by many historians that Lerma was a disgraceful tyrant, possibly explaining why the name returned to its former Salta after the end of the Spanish rule.
after the end of the Spanish rule.
Salta City: Activities and Highlights
Salta is Argentina's eighth largest city with a population of 464,678 inhabitants. The local population and culture is a blend of Spanish and
gaucho traditions (mestizo, criollo, both indigenous and non indigenous) creating a distinctive identity from the rest of Argentina. The city is
characterized by its old, colonial architecture as well as the surrounding natural scenery, understandably making it a popular tourist destination
for foreigners and locals alike.
Walking the narrow sidewalks of the central urban zone with a Salta city tour offers a wonderful insight into the rich history of the Spanish colonization and
its architectural treasures. The city's museums exhibit a wide range of artifacts and art works from the native civilizations,
the colonial and post-colonial periods, such as the Museo de Arqueologia de Alta Montana a museum which holds a fascinating exhibition of three frozen Inca mummies found at 6,700 meters on the Llullaillaco volcano.
Other Salta tourist attractions include a trip on the cable cars from Parque San Martin until the summit of Cerro San Bernardo to admire the stunning panoramic views of the city, while a Salta train tour
on the "Train to the Clouds" from Salta station will take you far out of the
city, past the surrounding landscapes of indescribable beauty.
But there are more surprises for travelers visiting Salta. At night, Salta city becomes an enchanting twinkling dreamland as hundreds of pretty
lamps light up the most important buildings and streets daring even the most hardened of hearts not to fall in love. The romantic atmosphere is
perfect to share a typical Salteño dinner of a hearty meat stew called Locro or other typical Andean specialties such as Tamales, creamy Humitas
or spicy Empanadas accompanied with a perfectly chilled glass of the famous regional white wine, Torrontes to make of it the perfect Salta
experience.
The Striking Natural Surroundings of Salta
There are a plethora of attractions to choose from in and around the Salta and Jujuy
areas to add to the many qualities of Argentina’s Salta.
Salta city is a perfect central point for visiting the entire provincial area as well as the north-westerly neighbouring Argentinean
province of Jujuy
whose strong Andean culture, deserts and high altitude towns are similar to those found in Salta.
Travelling North of Salta along route 51 and 40 toward the province of Jujuy offers great Salta sightseeing opportunities with distinctive views of colourful jagged mountain profiles of Cerro de los Siete Colores, Andean Humahuaca with its authentic crafts market and pre-hispanic architecture,
the pre-Inca fortification at Pucara de Tilcara, the dusty high deserts of Puna
(situated at the highest point of 3800m above sea level), extraordinary gorges and vast plains of the brilliant white Argentinean Salt Flats, known
as Salinas Grandes, are among Salta’s top attractions and its surroundings.
Back in Salta Province, National roads no. 33 and 40 will lead you through the dense jungle of Lerma Valley, the sculpted rocky walls of the
Calchaqui Valley and the pre-historic National Park of Los Cardones whose hundreds of hills and ravines, beautifully shaping the land, are dotted
with quaint artisan villages such as the small traditional city of Cachi and the laid back paradise of Cayafate town where you can try best of the Salta’s wine, Torrontes.
Cafayate and the Calchaqui Valley are famous for having the highest elevated vineyards in the world, ranging between 2300m and 3100m above sea
level. The altitude combined with the sunny, dry Salta climate creates the ideal conditions to grow the Torrontes grape, giving this particular
Argentinean wine a sheering acidity, a wonderfully aromatic nose and fresh fruity flavours that cannot be replicated in any other part of the wine
world.
Salta surprises you with its diverse landscapes, excellent wine and the plentiful selection of superb travel activities to choose from.
If you are either a backpacker wanting authenticity or a traveler looking for comfort, Salta has the necessary infrastructure to offer a safe and
comfortable vacation while involving yourself with the natural surroundings.
For those adventurers looking for excitement and thrills in Argentina
can get their heart racing while paragliding, skydiving, mountain climbing or river rafting amongst other fantastic activities; while always
enjoying picture perfect views! The slightly faint hearted can take it easy by enjoying Salta's infinitely peaceful space whilst trekking, horse
riding or fishing. This stunning scenery truly offers something for everyone so, it's no wonder everyone falls in love with Salta!
Salta Weather:
The climate of Salta province is influenced by both tropical and temperate weather. There are five main climates in the area: the climate of the
Impenetrable to the east (the Yungas Jungle), the climate of low valleys (Valles Calchaquies, Valle de Lerma), the climate of the Altiplano,
and the climate of the highest peaks.
Impenetrable Climate
- Winters: July to August, dry and pleasant but short, with high temperatures usually between 18°C and 25°C and lows between 7°C and 14°C
- Summers: November - April, very high humidity extreme heat and the severe thunderstorms: 80% of yearly precipitation falls in this season,
and average maximum temperatures reach 37°C with lows of 23°C. During heat waves, over 45°C can be reached
The Low Valleys Climate (including the city of Salta):
- Winters: mild during the day with very low precipitation, average temperatures of 19°C, occasionally reaching over 25°C but sometimes staying
below 5°C Night temperatures ranges from 3°C to below -5°C (23F)
- Summers: rainy and very moderate, with highs of 28°C and lows of 15°C very common thunderstorms and intense solar radiation.
The Altiplato Climate (3,000 m to 4,000 m above sea level, including the Salt Flats):
- Winter: Arid and cold but sunny. Temperatures vary 14°C to -15°C
- Summer: Warm, but cloudy with excessive rain of over 400 mm in total. Temperatures ranges from 21°C to 6°C
The High Peaks Climate (over 6,000 meters above sea level):
- Constantly snow covered, and temperatures rarely reach the 0°C mark, with constant high winds, extreme aridity and high solar radiation
How to arrive to Salta:
- By Bus: There are connections to all major cities in Argentina. From Retiro station in Buenos Aires the bus will take approximately 19
hours in comfortable coaches that go from standard to sleepers. Meals and drinks are served on board, all have toilets and films are also shown
during the trip. Several bus companies cover this route daily: Andesmar, La Veloz del Norte and Flechabus
- By Plane: Salta is located 1251km north of Buenos Aires. The non stop flight time is approximately 2.5 hours.
Two airlines fly this route daily:
Aerolineas Argentinas and LAN Argentina.
To book a transfer from Salta International Airport, Martín Miguel de Güemes, SLA, to your hotel in Salta, click here
