According to tourists who visited Salta Province, the must-do activities on a first visit are: 1. Visit the City of Salta, the provincial capital known as 'La Linda', with its colonial historic center and vibrant nightlife. It is accessible on foot and located at 1,187 meters above sea level. 2. Take the Train to the Clouds, an iconic train journey that crosses the Andes Mountains, reaching altitudes over 4,200 meters. 3. Explore Cafayate, famous for its Torrontés wine wineries and desert landscapes, perfect for tasting high-altitude wines. It is accessed via National Route 68. 4. Tour the Los Cardones National Park, a vast park with rock formations and ancient cardón cacti, accessible via Provincial Route 33.
The top-rated activities by tourists in Salta Province are: 1. Wine tasting in Cafayate, visiting renowned wineries located over 1,700 meters above sea level. 2. Trekking in the Quebrada de San Lorenzo, hiking along trails surrounded by lush vegetation in the humid yungas forest. 3. Visit the San Miguel Market, a historic building with iron architecture, to try regional foods and buy handicrafts. 4. Climb San Bernardo Hill for a panoramic view of the City of Salta and the Lerma Valley from 1,187 meters in altitude. 5. Explore Cachi, a picturesque village with colonial adobe and stone architecture at 2,280 meters in altitude.
From Salta Province, the following day trips can be made: 1. Cafayate: 189 km (approximately 3 hours by car), known as the 'National Capital of Torrontés', ideal for wine lovers and the landscapes of the Quebrada de las Conchas. 2. Cachi: 157 km (approximately 3.5 hours by car via scenic route), a village with adobe and stone architecture, perfect for culture and mountain landscapes. 3. Quebrada de Humahuaca: 290 km (approximately 4 hours by car), a UNESCO World Heritage site, ideal for geological landscapes and pre-Columbian culture. 4. Salinas Grandes: 220 km (approximately 3.5 hours by car), one of the largest salt flats in South America, ideal for unique landscapes and photography.
To visit the main attractions of Salta Province, it is recommended to spend between 4 and 5 days. A minimum visit of 3 days allows you to see the essentials of the city and a nearby excursion. 4-5 days are ideal to include Cafayate or Cachi. A week allows for a deeper exploration, including Quebrada de Humahuaca and Salinas Grandes. The suggested itinerary is: Day 1: City of Salta. Day 2: Cafayate (Wine Route). Day 3: Cachi or Train to the Clouds. Additional days: Salinas Grandes, Quebrada de Humahuaca, rural tourism. Factors to consider include the size of the province, travel time between destinations, and the desired pace of travel.
The high season is December–February, with warm summer weather and heavy rains, temperatures ranging from 15°C to 35°C, and high prices. The low season is June–August, with cold winter weather in the highlands and dry in the valleys, temperatures ranging from 0°C to 20°C, and medium prices. The ideal season is from March to May and from September to November, with pleasant weather, mild days, and clear skies, temperatures ranging from 10°C to 25°C, and moderate prices. These months offer the best price-climate ratio for enjoying outdoor activities.
Traveling to Salta Province has a moderate cost level. The estimated daily budget is: backpacker between USD 30 and USD 50; mid-range between USD 70 and USD 120; and comfort between USD 150 and USD 250. Reference costs are: average restaurant meal between USD 17 and USD 28; budget meal between USD 8 and USD 13; public transport between USD 1 and USD 2 per trip; average attraction entry between USD 10 and USD 30; budget accommodation per night between USD 17 and USD 33; and mid-range accommodation per night between USD 55 and USD 111. An example budget for 5 days ranges from USD 350 to USD 600. Generally, it is more economical than Buenos Aires.
Plaza 9 de Julio and surrounding areas, walking through the historic center of Salta, and the viewpoint at San Bernardo Hill (without the cable car) are free attractions. The Free Walking Tour Salta operates on a voluntary tip basis. For guided tours, Tur.com highlights: City Tour Salta La Linda from USD 22, Excursión a Cafayate (compartido) from USD 44, Tour de día completo a Cachi (compartido) from USD 50, Visita a Bodega (sin tour completo) from USD 11.
