Discover Salta through its striking contrast: the province encompasses landscapes ranging from the arid Puna desert to lush green jungle. This variety shapes the experiences on offer—from nature and trails through the highlands to regional cuisine and cultural traditions. When looking for accommodation, you can first consider what you want your trip to focus on: landscapes, music, wine or festive traditions.

Landscapes and national parks in Salta

Baritú National Park is one of the three national parks in Salta Province. Los Cardones National Park offers a more specific range of possible nature activities: there you can take photographs, hike, and observe flora and fauna among the cardones and amancay flowers. The park’s Andean wildlife includes condors, vicuñas and tarucas. These offer two distinct perspectives: Baritú is one of the province’s national parks, while Los Cardones is associated with specific plants, animals and activities.

Highland routes and remarkable natural formations

The Tren a las Nubes climbs from San Antonio de los Cobres to the La Polvorilla Viaduct. In Salta’s Puna region, the train reaches 4,220 metres above sea level. Its elevation gives the journey a clear connection to the highland landscape. If the train ride is part of your travel plans, check the current schedule in advance.

The Ruta del Vino de Altura passes through the Quebrada de las Flechas. The wineries along the route offer guided tours and wine tastings tailored to individual preferences; check dates in advance. Another route offers a different perspective: Ruta 40 passes through the Angastaco Natural Monument in the Calchaquí Valleys.

Individual natural formations also have their own distinctive features. The Amphitheatre in the Quebrada de las Conchas is a natural formation with almost perfect acoustics, requiring no amplification. At the Puente del Diablo, a different feature takes centre stage: it is a section of the Río Calchaquí that flows underground. In Salta, you can thus encounter both a natural feature noted for its sound and a stretch of river that runs beneath the earth.

Music, history and festive traditions

The Museum of High Mountain Archaeology preserves and studies the Children of Llullaillaco using a modern cryopreservation system. Music is one of Salta’s most important forms of cultural expression. Folklore peñas are recommended as a way to experience local music—another way to engage with the culture beyond its landscapes and natural formations.

El Milagro also marks specific dates on the cultural calendar in September. The festivities begin every year on 1 September with pilgrimages. The solemn triduum takes place on 13, 14 and 15 September and ends with a procession on 15 September. If you would like El Milagro to be part of your trip, these dates provide a specific point of reference.

A taste of Salta

Regional cuisine includes spices from the Calchaquí Valleys, such as paprika and cumin, which are used in Salta’s cooking. One recurring culinary event is Día de la Empanada, held every year on 4 April with a provincial competition featuring the winners from each municipality. Ingredients and the event calendar offer two different ways to get to know the province’s food culture.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Santa Carlos, Departamento Capital, Departamento Los Andes, Departamento Humahuaca, San Ramón De La Nueva Orán, Cafayate, General Güemes, Cachí, El Chañar, Chicoana, San Juan De Dios, Antilla, El Molino, Departamento Rosario De La Frontera, Departamento Molinos, Departamento Cachi, El Encón, Departamento Rosario De Lerma, Gral. Martín Miguel De Güemes, Departamento La Caldera, Departamento Orán, Departamento Tafí Del Valle, Rosario De Lerma Department, Cerrillos Department, Departamento General José De San Martín, Departamento Libertador General San Martín, Departamento Rivadavia, La Viña, Anta Department.

For the broader travel overview: Argentina.