The northwest province of Salta, Argentina is famous for its lovely weather, colonial architecture and stunning natural landscape.

But what to do if you only have a day or two to spend there? Don’t worry—there are plenty of distinctly fun ways to enjoy a day trip in Salta.

One of the best parts about Salta is the teleférico (cable car/gondola), beginning in San Martin Park and extending to the very top of the San Bernando Mountain. From the top, you’ll get an impressive view of the entire city and the mountains that surround it.

If you’re interested in something a little (or a lot) more thrilling during your day trip in Salta, check out some of the great outdoor activities nearby.  You can enjoy Salta’s natural landscape in a number of exciting ways, including white-water rafting or kayaking on the Río Juramento, mountain biking, zip-lining, horse-back riding and of course, hiking / trekking.

The Río Juramento is considered Class III, meaning it’s safest for intermediate-level rafters. A two-hour rafting session, led by professional guides and including the required equipment and lunch, runs at about 200 Argentine pesos (or $50 USD) per person.

Zip-lining is another outdoor activity that will be perfect for that dose of adventure you’re looking for during your day trip in Salta. A popular zip line is locally called the, Vuelo de Condor (Flight of the Condor), and flies high above the Río Juramento. Thrill-seekers can zoom above the canyon for 200 Argentine pesos a pop.

Another popular outdoor activity for a day trip in Salta: 4-x-4 safaris! Although there are various options for adventurers who wish to spend an entire day exploring Salta’s diverse terrain atop a heavy-duty 4-x-4 truck, one and two-hour long excursions are available as well. The distinct safaris that Salta Rafting provide range in difficulty from low to high, which means there’s something for everyone.

If you want to experience Salta’s terrain firsthand but are looking for something a bit milder than zip-lining or white-water rafting, there are plenty of low-difficulty trails and hikes just begging to be explored. The Los Cardones National Park is home to gorgeous scenery, hundreds of cactuses and dinosaur fossils.

Another delightful natural wonder is the Quebrada de San Lorenzo (San Lorenzo Gorge), located in the small town of San Lorenzo, just a few minutes outside of Salta City. The mountains surrounding this beautiful gorge are covered by the Montana Forest, where sparkling-clear streams of water wind in and out of the trees. The natural beauty that surrounds this charming town makes it any explorer’s dream come true.

Of course, if you’re really pressed for time and prefer an urban atmosphere during = your day trip in Salta, you’ll be more than satisfied with what the city of Salta itself has to offer. The colonial Hispanic architecture that lines the city streets gives off an authentic vibe that will make you question whether you’re in Argentina or Spain. Two gorgeous historical monuments especially worth visiting: the Salta Cathedral and the Baroque San Francisco Church.

Don’t pass up the chance to visit Salta, even if you don’t have an eternity of free time to spend there. It’ll be a decision you won’t regret.  In fact, most people who plan to spend just a day or two in Salta, decide to extend their trip to Salta so that they can also visit nearby Jujuy and it´s enormous salt flats, Humahuaca Canyon and the traditional village of Purmamarca.

For further information about day trips in Salta, tours to Jujuy, and tailor-made Argentina tours or tours in Patagonia, contact Argentina travel experts, Say Hueque – Tours in Argentina www.sayhueque.com.