What to see in Salta and Argentinian Northwest?
Salta, called “La Linda” is an important city in the argentinian northwest, usually a point from where you can enjoy the most important attractions in the area. Of course the Humahuaca Canyon and the incredible rich culture and colorful landscapes, but also the incredible Train to the Clouds, Cachi and the Calchaquies Valleys, and more. Take a look to our list below about what to see in Salta and the argentinian northwest:
Humahuaca Canyon
One of the most incredible excursions you can do in Salta, but located in Jujuy provincde is the Humahuaca Canyon (Quebrada de Humahuaca in spanish). The area encompasses several cordilleras of the Andes Mountains, reaching elevations of 5,000 metres and separated by the eastern portion of a bleak tableland 11,500 feet (3,500 metres) high called the Atacama Platea, that descend on the east to form sub-Andean ranges and valleys. The eastern Andean and sub-Andean ranges are drained by the U-shaped Río Grande–San Francisco river system, which in its northeasternmost extension, below 300 metres, is warm and humid. The Humahuaca Canyon, in the northwestern part of the system, is a scenic canyon running northward 160 km along the Río Grande from San Salvador de Jujuy.
The region was part of the Inca empire in the late 15th and early 16th centuries. The visit includes Purmamarca and the incredible Seven Color hill, Tilcara and the Pucarà, Humahuaca, and incredible unique colorful landscapes. The visit also includes a top in San Salvador de Jujuy, capital of the province of Jujuy in a full day trip. A good idea is to overnight in Purmamarca, to enjoy the local village and the market in the square. Humahuaca Canyon was declared UNESCO World Heritage and it`s an incredible combination of wonderful landscapes and rich ancient culture. Definitely, a highlight in the Argentinian northwest.
Train to the Clouds
No doubt, one of the highlights in the Argentinian northwest, the Train to the Clouds is a must-see during your visit to Salta. Train to the Clouds, in Spanish Tren a las Nubes leaves early in the morning from Salta by bus to arrive to San Antonio de los Cobres Train Station and boards the unique Train to the Clouds and makes a long journey up to the Quebrada del Toro, so high in fact that the train regularly passes through clouds. The railways and ascents are quite a feat of human engineering, and you’ll get to see a lot of the countryside this way.
By the end of the journey, the train reaches a height of 4220m, in Viaducto La Polvorilla. The journey through the mountains reveals beautifully colored rocks, due to the numerous minerals.
Cachi, Molinos and the Calchaquies Valleys
A great idea is to overnight in Cafayate, and continue the route to the southwest, and visit Cachi, Molinos and interesting landscapes in the area. The roads pass through breathtaking, colorful landscapes along the way to the well-preserved colonial village of Cachi, and they’re a must-do for people who love a little driving adventure. The Cuesta del Obispo or “Bishop’s Slope” is a winding road surrounded by naturally sculpted rock formations that ascends to heights of 3,348 meters. From there it’s possible to see wild condors, gorges, and the fairytale landscape of El Valle Encantado or Enchanted Valley. Close to Cachi, is Molinos another beautiful small village that can be visited. Enjoy the local market with some nice handicraft souvenirs and taste some delicious dishes like Empanadas, or the typical humita.
Cafayate Wine Country
A great visit to do from Salta, is the small town of Cafayate. During the visit going south, the landscape includes the scenic Quebrada del Rio de las Conchas. Cafayate is a lovely place, but it`s the heart of the second-largest wine-producing region in the country, with different wineries that can be visited and taste the local wine called Torrontés.
The most popular wineries include Domingo Hermanos, Bodega Nanni and Bodega José L. Mounier. The Salta region has grown in prominence and renown in recent years and is beginning to rival Mendoza, the most famous wine region in Argentina.
Salinas Grandes (Salt Flats)
Salinas Grandes is located in the far northwest of Argentina, at an average altitude of 3 450 meters (11 320 feet) above sea level. Begin the day by passing through Campo Quijano, traveling parallel to the renowned Tren a las Nubes Railway, fondly dubbed the ‘Train to the Clouds’ due to the high altitude at which it runs. Admire the engineering and design of the train and the unique railway, which boasts many arched bridges, charming stations, deep tunnels and intricate viaducts. Cross into the Puna region, awash with lunar landscapes, en-route to the sandy mining town of San Antonio de Los Cobres for a light lunch before joining the famed Route 40 to admire the area’s untamed wildlife, encountering hosts of vicuñas, llamas, zuris, foxes and condors.
The highlight of the adventure lies in the sheer, bright Salinas Grandes, salt flats where stark lines clearly separate the vast blue sky and the silvery-white, fissured ground. The Salinas Grandes, or Great Salt Flats, stands at 3 450 meters (11 320 feet) above sea level, stretching over the Salta and Jujuy provinces, and is said to be the remnants of an ancient spent river, with shimmering salt flats stretching into the background of the Andes Mountains. It`s a great excursion and a different place to be visited in the Argentinian northwest
San Lorenzo Village
San Lorenzo is a small lovely village located close to Salta city. With small houses, tree-lined streets and the mountains around it make this place one of the most visited in Salta.
San Lorenzo is vegetation. In all its surroundings, it is possible to see the incredible yungas jungle with its large trees such as the ceibo, lapachos and walnut trees. Come to know one of the most incredible places in our province. It`s also a paradise of birds. Due to the great diversity of its ecosystems, our province is the one with the largest number of bird species in Argentina. 657 species will be waiting for you to meet them and enjoy everything that nature gave us. Thanks to its jungle and rivers, in San Lorenzo you will find more than 200 species of birds to admire and enjoy.
Close to the city of Salta and the different routes to the most popular tourist destinations, San Lorenzo is an excellent place to stay and relax. With a wide range of services, you can enjoy the pleasure of the outdoors together with the convenience of being close to all services.
Enjoy a local “Peña” for a Folkloric Show & Dinner
The people of Salta is very traditional, so a good idea is to attend to any of the local Peñas, or small restaurants where you can taste local dishes and traditional folklore show. The show includes music and dancing, with spanish guitars, sheepskin drums, violins and gauchos of course. One of the most famous peñas is Peña Balderrama, but there are many options available in Balcarce Street
MAAM: Museo Arqueologico de la Alta Montaña
A great option to enjoy in the city is the Museo Arqueologico de la Alta Montaña (MAAM). Dedicated to anthropology and preserving Andean culture, the MAAM the main attraction of the museum are the mummified Inca children discovered by scientists in 1999 at the Llullaillaco Volcano. These three children were perfectly preserved by the weather conditions at the summit after historians believe that the Incas sacrificed them as an offering to the gods in a fertility ceremony around 1490. Their hair, clothes, and even internal organs remained intact due to the excellent preservation. The museum only displays one mummy at a time (in an airtight glass case), and rotates them every 6 months to keep them well-preserved.
San Bernardo Hill
Also in the city, a great visit is to take the cable car to the top of San Bernardo Hill to enjoy incredible panoramic views of the city and surrounding areas. At the top, as well as the views, there is a landscaped garden to enjoy and a small market, which mostly offers handicraft and souvenirs. The most impressive sight from the top is the surrounding mountains, since it is easy to forget they are there when in the centre of Salta
