The Salta province of Argentina’s Northwest corner is one of the most spectacular regions in the country. The diversity in the magnificent landscape is striking; here you can find giant striated red rock formations, sweeping river valleys, wild jungle, and peaceful dusty deserts. It’s no wonder that the name Salta originates from the word ‘staga’, which means ‘very beautiful’ in the ancient Indian language Aymara, and is nicknamed 'Salta la Linda' -'Salta the Beautiful'. Below you can read all about things you should know about Salta.

Salta: The City

Many excursions leave from the city of Salta, most famously El Tren a las Nubes (Train to the Clouds) which, at a stunning altitude of 4,200 meters above sea level, is one of the highest train journeys in the world. However, there are many more things to bear in mind when visiting Salta city.

[caption id="attachment_6995" align="aligncenter" width="610"]The Train to the Clouds travelling over a bridge El Tren a las Nubes: One of the highest train journeys in the world / Source[/caption]

Surprisingly modern, Salta city hosts several state-of-the-art museums with high-quality exhibits. An added bonus is that most have English translations. Your first priority should be the Museo de Arqueologia de Alta Montana, which features a rotating exhibit of three mummified children who were sacrificed by the Incas to the gods of the Andes mountains. These children, aged 6 to 15, were found buried at 6,700 meters on the Llullaillaco volcano.

[caption id="attachment_7002" align="aligncenter" width="610"]The red and gold church in Salta Salta's architecture and culture is sure to impress you / Source[/caption]

Other museums to visit include Museo del Arte Contemporaneo and Museo Histórico del Norte, among many others. The beautiful pink Salta Cathedral houses the remains of General Martín de Guemes. La Iglesia de San Francisco is a stunning structure with vibrant maroon and gold colouring. And in the centre of all these attractions is the pleasant Plaza 9 de Julio, where one can rest on green-painted benches and admire the fountains and orange trees.

Another of the fun things to do in Salta is riding up to the summit of Cerro San Bernardo via cable car to enjoy panoramic views of the city and surrounding area.

[caption id="attachment_6996" align="aligncenter" width="610"]The pink Salta Cathedral The beautiful pink Salta Cathedral / Source[/caption]

The people of Salta

The Salta region is home to pockets of indigenous Wichi-speaking and Chiriguano-speaking people who live in rural areas largely unaffected by the European immigration in Buenos Aires. In Salta you will see authentic gauchos riding horses through the countryside and people of all ages wearing traditional colourful sweaters woven from the wool of llamas or alpacas. For more information on these indigenous communities, read our guide to the people of Salta.

[caption id="attachment_6997" align="aligncenter" width="610"]Gauchos on horseback in Salta Spot real life gauchos in Salta / Source[/caption]

The sounds of Salta

Salta is the birthplace of folklore music, a cheerful sound made with flute, drum, and ukulele. The music’s accompanying dance style is infinitely fun to watch, as it is characterized by swirling skirts and jig-type footwork. In the city of Salta, you should experience this for yourself with by visiting a Peña for dinner. The traditional Peña gathering is an informal jam session with friends, but you can also easily find restaurants that have scheduled performances during dinner.

[caption id="attachment_7000" align="aligncenter" width="610"]Traditional dance and music at a Peña A visit to a Peña for some folk music and dance is a must / Source[/caption]

The food of Salta

This region of the country favours goat and llama over beef and pork, and quinoa over pasta; a welcome change in pace from the favourites of Buenos Aires! Additionally, one can order a traditional stew called locro, made from beans, squash, meat, and more. The most popular regional wine is a white wine called Torrontés, grown in the southern area around Cafayate. Wine tours are one of the most popular things to do when visiting Salta; book your tour now to learn about and taste the unique wines of this region!

[caption id="attachment_6998" align="aligncenter" width="610"]Locro Enjoy a hearty meal of locro in Salta / Source[/caption]

More foods to try include humita, which is a corn-based snack that can be made sweet or salty, tamales, which are cornmeal wrapped in corn husk with a beef filling, and quinoa-and-goat-cheese empanadas — a delicious twist on the Argentine staple!

For more information or to book tours and activities in Salta, visit Argentina4u.

By: Caroline Leland