Salta Northwest Argentina, Argentina Travel Guide
Explore these accessible locations to fully appreciate the region's beauty and culture. Cafayate, south of Salta, is famed for its vineyards and the unique Torrontés white wine. Cachi, southwest of Salta, a colonial town, rests in the Calchaquí Valleys amid towering mountains and vast cardón forests. San Antonio de los Cobres, west of Salta, is a high-altitude mining town, a main starting point for the Tren a las Nubes train journey. Humahuaca Gorge (Quebrada de Humahuaca), north of Salta in Jujuy province, has unique cultural and geological sights.
The journey itself forms part of the experience. Driving through Quebrada de Cafayate, stopping at viewpoints, and visiting wineries in Cafayate for tastings is a memorable way to spend a day. A trip to Cachi includes a drive through the scenic Cuesta del Obispo, exploration of Parque Nacional Los Cardones, and time in charming Cachi town. The high Puna region offers expansive salt flats and a profound sense of scale.
Each approach has its own set of considerations for your journey.
Organized tours come with a fixed price per person, which typically includes transport and a guide. They present a set itinerary with limited stops and can feel rushed at times.
Independent travel with a rental car or public bus allows complete freedom to explore at your own pace. This approach requires more planning and navigation, specifically on challenging roads.
Salta province has many opportunities to connect with nature, from protected areas to stunning scenic drives.
Protecting a vast cardón cactus forest, unique to high-altitude arid regions. A stunning high-desert ecosystem.
Just outside Salta city, this reserve offers cloud forest trails with a lush, humid environment and diverse flora and fauna.
A large reservoir with water-based activities and scenic settings for relaxation or picnicking.
Every turn has a new, striking view, from mountain passes to vast high-altitude deserts.
Salta is an inland region with mountain ranges and rural areas for diverse experiences.
Beyond the city, Salta's surrounding region has a mosaic of historical towns and cultural experiences.
Explore well-preserved colonial towns and significant pre-Inca archaeological sites.
Discover traditional crafts, agricultural practices, and regional flavors in the valleys.
Experience local spiritual life at a significant pilgrimage site.
Extend your trip beyond Salta city to explore more of Northwest Argentina, combining destinations for a richer experience.
Consider other regions of Argentina, readily connected from Salta, for further exploration.
South of Salta for colonial history and Quilmes Ruins.
Argentina's main wine region, with world-class Malbec. Direct flights from Salta.
Spectacular natural wonder on the northeastern border. Direct flights from Salta.
Plan your extended regional travel with these route suggestions.
Start in Salta, visit Cachi, Molinos, Seclantás, then Cafayate before returning to Salta. This trip allows for relaxed exploration of charming villages, wineries, and stunning landscapes.
Travel from Salta to Jujuy, explore Purmamarca, Tilcara, and Humahuaca. Staying overnight in Tilcara or Purmamarca lets you fully experience the Quebrada de Humahuaca, including changing light on the mountains and local evenings.
Combine Salta, Jujuy, and potentially Catamarca or Tucumán for a comprehensive journey through Argentina's Northwest. This trip has a full picture of the region's varied appeal.
Exploring the remote Puna region (Tolar Grande, Cono de Arita) needs a 4x4 vehicle.
A specialized tour is recommended due to extreme remoteness and challenging conditions.
Discover off-the-beaten-path travel with spectacular desert landscapes.
