Salta Must-Dos: Don’t Leave Without Trying These 5 Things

Visiting Salta should be on everyone’s itinerary when making a trip to Argentina, as this province has a unique culture and is home to some truly breathtaking landscapes. However, if your time here is limited and you aren’t able to see all the sights, make sure you read our five Salta must-dos to discover which activities are unmissable.

1. Take the train to the clouds

This unique attraction takes you up to 4,200 metres above sea level so you are, quite literally, riding through the clouds. The train to the clouds runs for 434km in a fifteen-hour round trip, passing high viaducts and bridges, and some of the most phenomenal natural landscapes in Northern Argentina. By booking the Train to the Clouds Excursion, you will also have the chance to visit San Antonio de los Cobres and La Polvorilla, the highest and westernmost point of the line, where you can purchase authentic Andean handicrafts and other local produce.

[caption id="attachment_6855" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Admire Salta's landscapes from the train to the clouds / source[/caption]

2. Treat yourself to tasty empanadas

For those who are yet to try empanadas, this is your chance! An empanada is a stuffed pastry, usually consisting of meat, cheese or vegetables, which is either baked or fried. Salta is famous for their own version of the empanada, known as empanadas salteñas, which are made with spicy ground beef, potatoes and spring onions, and are arguably the best in the entire country. Our top recommendations for empanadas salteñas are Patio de la Empanada, which contains a variety of specialised stalls, and La Criollita, for an affordable and authentic selection.

[caption id="attachment_6856" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Indulge in these mouthwatering empanadas salteñas / source[/caption]

3. Do a day trip to the salt flats

Although these are actually in the province of Jujuy, the Salinas Grandes (salt flats), are a must-do for anyone visiting Salta, as they are one of the greatest natural wonders of Argentina. This vast desert covers approximately 3,200 square miles and is essentially an area for mining salt, but is also an important tourist attraction. With a Salinas Grandes Day Tour, you will visit various archeological sites and traditional Argentine towns before arriving at the destination, where you’ll have the chance to relax, admire the views and take fun perspective-skewed photos.

[caption id="attachment_2232" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Prepare to be blown away by the salt flats / source[/caption]

4. Sample local music at a peña

Salta’s residents typically come together in the evening at traditional folklore bars known as peñas, which showcase local music and dance. Whether or not you are familiar with their style, you can’t help but tap along to the entertaining gauchos, who put on impromptu performances with singers and guitar players while others dance along.  Amongst the best peñas are La Vieja Estacion, La Peña del Chaqueno, Peña Gauchos de Güemes and La Casona, all of which are enjoyed by locals and tourists alike.

[caption id="attachment_6857" align="aligncenter" width="640"] You can’t help but tap along to the jolly music at peñas / source[/caption]

5. Visit the wineries in Cafayate

[caption id="attachment_6858" align="aligncenter" width="640"] One of the beautiful vineyards in Cafayate / source[/caption]

The town of Cafayate, located 189 kilometres from Salta City, is home to the highest vineyards in the world and so the wines produced here are known as wines of altitude. These include Tannat, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and the popular Torrontés, which has a distinctive floral, fruity taste.  If you’re feeling energetic, you can hire a bike and cycle between the wineries in Cafayate, although it’s certainly more comfortable (and less risky) to book a day tour to Cafayate from Salta and be transported by bus.

Don't miss out on Salta's other must-dos. Visit our website for more ideas on what to do in Salta, or to book Salta tours and activities.

By: Milly Day - English Content Manager For: Argentina4u