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DESTINATION GUIDE SALTA & ARGENTINE NORTHWEST
Bariloche

The beautifully preserved colonial city of Salta is a perfect base from which to see the varied landscapes of the area, or to take the magical 'Train to the Clouds,' which climbs in switchbacks and spirals to the Chilean frontier high in the Andes. North of Salta, the high, windswept altiplano is punctuated by stark volcanic peaks and saline lakes. A bird watcher's paradise, the waters of the altiplano are often tinged pink by huge flocks of flamingos, whilst condors, ibises and many other species of birds also make the arid expanses their home. The south-west of the region basks in a gentle climate ideal for wine production and is easily visited from the many estancias near Salta.

 
 
Weather Restaurants, Bars & Clubs
When to come? Museums
How long? Tour descriptions
How to get there?  
 
 
Weather

Weather is warm and dry with few rains during the summer months. Even in the winter months June through September, temperatures are pleasant and make Salta a nice destination to visit during that time of the year. When traveling to Salta, keep in mind that the temperatures drop significantly at night throughout the year so some warm clothing is recommended in the evenings.


When to come?

The best months to visit Salta and Argentine northwest are June to September as these are the dry months and the perfect blue sky just sometimes features clouds. Summer months can be quite hot during the day.


How long?

We recommend staying in Salta for at least three nights, that time will be enough to visit the main attractions in the northern extreme of the area. If you are planning to visit the Northwest region of Argentina from Tucuman to Humahuaca we highly recommend that you spend seven nights.


How to get there?

Salta can be accessed by plane from Buenos Aires (2h) or flying to Jujuy from Buenos Aires (2h) and then taking a bus or transfer to Salta. By bus, you can get to Salta from Buenos Aires (21h), Iguazu (24h), Mendoza (18h), Tucuman (5h), Cordoba (14h) and San Pedro de Atacama (13h).


Restaurants, Bars & Clubs

La Vieja Estacion

Local Food. Balcarce 885. Tel: 421-7727.
El Solar del Convento Local Food. Caseros 444. Tel: 439-3666.
Jose Balcarce Local Food. Mitre & Necochea. Tel: 421-1628.
Santana

International. Mendoza 208. Tel: 432-0941.

Viejo Jack II Parrilla. Av. Reyes Católicos 1465. Tel: 439-2802.

Museums

- Historical Northwest Museum.
- Fine Arts Museum.


Tour descriptions


Salta
City Tour

Departures: Everyday.
Length: 3 hours.
Difficulty: Easy.
Lunch:

Not included.


Salta was founded in 1582 and it still keeps the distinguish Hispanic character of other Argentine capitals.The tour will take you to the most important churches and museums. You will continue to Cerro San Bernard to get a panoramic view of the city. Then, you will head to the summer village of San Lorenzo, located just 10km from Salta and finally, a brief visit to the Mercado Artesanal (handicrafts).

Road to the Clouds Tour

Departures:

Everyday, 8am.

Length: 12 hours.
Difficulty: Easy.
Lunch: Not included.


Departure from the hostel at 07:00 hs, crossing through Campo Quijano and the amazing Quebrada del Toro. At Santa Rosa del Tastil, a pre Inca City , we do a short archeological trek to know this XVIII century ruins.
Then we continuo to San Antonio de Los Cobres, a traditional miner town, where the Train to the Clouds stops. There you have time for lunch (not included). In the afternoon you continuo to Purmamarca, a sympathy and small colonial village in Jujuy Province . During the trip you will appreciate Salinas Grandes (long extensions of Salts flats only inhabited by autochthon Fauna).
Another natural and spectaculars attractions are the Cuesta del Lipan and the 7 Colors Hill.
By the end, returning to Salta , you will know Jujuy city.
The total trip lasts 15 hours.

Humahuaca Gorge Tour

Departures:

Everyday, 8am.

Length: 12 hours.
Difficulty: Easy.
Lunch: Not included.


Departure from Salta to Jujuy province visiting the small towns of León, Tumbaya, Purmamarca, and the Seven Colors Hill (Cerro de los Siete Colores, where, the multicolored sediments from the Mesozoic have been folded and eroded into strange shapes), Tilcara with its Pucará (old Indian fortress), where you will stop for a walk around the ruins and the Archaeological Museum, the old church of Uquia. In Humahuaca, you will find the handicraft market and the monument to Belgrano. On your way back to your hotel, there’s a visit schedule to Jujuy’s capital.

Calchaquies Valley Tour

Departures:

Everyday, 8am.

Length:

12 hours.

Difficulty: Easy.
Lunch: Not included.


Drive from Salta through the spectacular Calchaqui Valleys, crossing Quebrada de las Flechas, up to the village of Cafayate, famous for its wine cellars, which produce the "torrontés", a typical argentine white fruity wine. Visit of this picturesque village surrounded by mountains and vineyards. Continue to visit Quilmes ruins, an impressive fortified city, located on a natural formation, carefully chosen by its builders, the Quilmes tribe. Then on to Amaicha del Valle, where local traditions says that the sun shines 360 days a year. On the way back to Salta, you will be crossing Quebrada del Río Las Conchas or Quebrada de Cafayate, with spectacular and natural formations like the amphitheater, famous for its particular acoustics. Continuing along  the road, you will be arriving into the Dique Cabra Corral, an impressive "water mirrow", and closing the trip, the tobacco plantations to the right and to the left  before arriving in Salta again.

 
 
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