Salta is the capital of the province of Salta, up in the mountains in northern Argentina. Salta is typically visited as a launching point for the nature and small towns in the region, but has its own charms and sights worth seeing too.
Photos: Wikimedia Commons contributors.
Salta enjoys 4 distinct seasons and is known for having very pleasant weather. Summers are warm with frequent thunderstorms and cloudy weather. Daytime highs are around 26 to 28°C (79 to 82°F) with mild, pleasant nights at around 15 or 16°C (59 or 61°F). Fall brings pleasant weather during the day with cool nights. In winter, conditions are dry with mild days followed by cold nights. Frosts are common although snowfall is rare. Salta Travel website The tourist information office at Caseros 711 is helpful, it's only a block or two from the main plaza. There is a book shop on Buenos Aires street in the block south of the plaza that sells maps.
Taxis are available. Remis are not cheaper. SAETA offers bus service; fares vary slightly by time of day. A transit card is required for the buses, but if you don't have one, you can just get on and ask another passenger if you can give them the cash and swipe their card. This is common in Salta and the driver and passengers will be unfazed. Unlike many cities in Argentina, SUBE cards do not work here.
1 Cabildo Histórico de Salta (on Plaza 9 de Julio). The old town hall of 1783 with its beautiful colonnaded exterior is one of the colonial buildings which helps make the main plaza one of the finest in Argentina. It is now one of three buildings housing the Museo Histórico del Norte. The capitulary room with its linked timber chairs where the Governor's advisors sat has had an outsized place in Argentinian history. Other exhibits showcase the history of the region from prehistoric times to the mid-20th century. Spanish text only. (updated Apr 2026) 2 Cerro San Bernardo (San Bernardo Hill) (just east of the city centre). 1,458 m above sea level (258 m above the city) hill.
Horse Riding: It can last from a couple of hours to several days. There are several options which include snacks, accommodation in country houses or camps, and typical foods. This service was created to show you the real “Gaucho” life. Cycling: Bicycle rides around the city or through a mountain track, perfectly designed for adventurers. Motorcycling: Motorcycle rides with several option according to each particular need, always in the company of a qualified guide for each ride.
El Buen Gusto Empanadas, O'Higgins St 575, ☏ +54 387-4214861. Go very local with this hidden gem for empanadas. A very traditional small, simple restaurant, that offers the best empanadas in Salta. You should call in advance to order the food (before 21:00) since they cook a limited number of empanadas. La Céfira, 481 Cordoba. They serve very nice pastas and sauces. Good value for the price. By Doña Lola. Traditional Salteñan food in a very nicely restored old house which also contains a small museum of local artifacts. 1 Doña Salta, Córdoba 46 (2 min walk from Plaza 9 de Julio), ☏ +54 387 432-1921. The restaurant is in an old building with lots of exposed brick and an open kitchen.
Nightlife is centred on the north end of Balcarce St, in the train station zone. The local beer "Salta" is comparable in quality to other Argentine beers and is similarly priced. A 1-L bottle at a restaurant on Plaza 9 de Julio will come with a small serving of chips and or peanuts. A bottle of local whisky at a supermarket is inexpensive and is equal to reasonable Scotch whisky. All Scotch whisky is cheap at the supermercado. Torrontes, Caseros 68 (Across the street from the San Bernado Convent). This place is really a restaurant but they don't mind if you sit in the back garden on a sunny day and drink a couple of bottles of wine (which is good). (updated Apr 2026)
Guide content from Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA) — abridged; the full article has much more.
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In Jul, Salta typically sees ~17°C daytime highs and 5 rainy days.
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