"Salta La Linda" Top 5 Page for this destination Salta by GentleSpirit

Salta Travel Guide: 163 reviews and 438 photos

Salta, the capital of the province of the same name, is one of the main cities in Argentina and the gateway to discovering the North of Argentina.

It is rightly known as Salta La Linda (the pretty, the fair) as it is beautiful with a great deal of colonial architecture in a magnificent setting. It is known also for its pleasant weather...fresh in the evenings and dry. Here you are close to many great natural attractions...there are the valleys, vineyards and the cordilleras.

The first thing you will notice is the lack of a hustle and bustle. This is nothing like the constant motion of Buenos Aires. It is a city of about a half a million. You will also notice the greater diversity here, particularly the many native faces. This is a different side of Argentina than what you might expect. The diet is a little different, the music that moves their souls is more likely to be a folkloric ballad played on an acoustic guitar than a tango. Savor the diversity!

Because this is in the mountains (1200 meters above sea level-almost a mile high), be aware that your body will react differently here. Be careful of your level of activity and your diet. This is not high altitude like Peru, but you will notice it, particularly if you are flying in from Buenos Aires or somewhere at sea level.

Exploring Northern Argentina

Use Salta as a base for exploring the northwest of Argentina. Give yourself a couple of days to just enjoy the colonial flavor of the city. You will want to take a tour to the valleys (a day or two) and another trip into the mountains (another day or two). Don't miss the Tren a las Nubes, the famous train to the clouds, or one of the modern variants (safari a las nubes, for example). If possible give yourself at least a week and half, more if you can.

Because of its long history and diversity you will see some of the adaptations that the native culture has made to survive. You will see native traditions blended into the European, particularly in religion. If you get the chance, some of the Feasts of the patron saints are good examples of this phenomenon.

Pros and Cons

Pros:great weather, magnificent setting,

Last visit to Salta: Oct 2006
Intro Updated Oct 7, 2012
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Reviews (13)

Salta at Night Things to Do (8)

Salta is not one of those places where life slows down after the sun sets. You will see locals walking around,... more travel advice

Colonial feel Things to Do (8)

Look around Salta and you will see plenty of reminders of colonial times, with the arches, the patios and pretty homes... more travel advice

Monument to Guemes Things to Do (8)

Martín Miguel de Güemes came from a wealthy family in Salta. He was most famous for being a central figure on the... more travel advice

Catedral de Salta Things to Do (8)

The first thing you will notice about the Cathedral of Salta is its color-basically pink and yellow. It sounds strange... more travel advice

Hotels (1)
Lovely boutique hotel overlooking Salta
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Comments (5)

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lmkluque Nov 3, 2012 at 2:07 PM

You make this sound a charming town to visit! Thanks for the tour. Of course, it's natural that I would be attracted to it, with a name like "Salta La Linda." LOL!
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LoriPori Oct 18, 2012 at 2:59 AM

Interesting page on Salta esp the "train to the clouds". excellent accommodation tip. Hans and I have yet to go anywhere in South America. Perhaps one day.
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  GentleSpirit Oct 18, 2012 at 4:16 AM
  
  other than the outrageous airfare there is a lot to love about South America. particularly Argentina but also several of the other countries
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yooperprof Aug 27, 2012 at 3:13 PM

Call me a heathen barbarian, but Salta looks much more of interest to me than the metropolis of BA!
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kokoryko Jun 29, 2012 at 2:31 PM

I never put feet on South America, but this will happen one day, and the places I dream to visit look more like this small quiet city rather than the big cities or the tourist attractions (even some, I must admit are more than beautiful!)
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hunterV Dec 3, 2011 at 1:39 AM

Hi, GentleSpirit! Thanks for your interesting story about that tranquil place...