Nicknamed Salta la Linda, or Salta the beautiful, this city at the foothills of the Andes is the most popular tourist destination in Northwest Argentina. Salta is known for its beautiful colonial architecture, mountainous surroundings and…. wait for it…. empanadas! This is an excellent place to get a glimpse into Andean and Quechuan culture. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, foodie, history lover or bar hopper you will find something to do. The city was founded in 1582 by Hernando de Lerma of Tucumán. Today it is commonly called Salta la Linda (Salta the Pretty). In the original language of the Aymara indigenous people the name of the city comes from the word sagta, which translates as beautiful, thus the present name. Salta is different. It feels different from other regions of Argentina. With a mixture of the Argentinean, Andean and Bolivian cultures, cuisine influence and traditions, Salta will show you distinctive images of Argentina.
Salta is known for the excellent Torrontes wine, the cultivation of tobacco and the agri-culture that employs the typical Argentine gauchos and many more workers in the province. Salta also offers first class food: asado (grilled meat), humitas (corn wrapped in corn leaves), tamales (meat wrapped in leaves) or locro (hearty stew).
It is a rather popular place amongst tourists and a lot cheaper than other regions of the country.
Lovers of architecture will appreciate San Francisco's yellow and red church and can admire the Cabildo, an impressive structure that houses various museums that trace the city's past and the history of its buildings. If you want to explore the origins of South America, we recommend visiting the Museum of High Altitude Archaeology. You can observe the mummies of children discovered on the summits of the province, which bear witness to Incan burial rituals. The city's folklore is also reflected in the peñas, the traditional folk dances where you can have a drink with the people of Salta and enjoy local dishes. If you want to discover Salta la Linda from another angle, ride the cable car to the top of Cerro San Bernardo. The breathtaking view of the city and its white buildings is especially beautiful, both by day and by night.
