8 best things to do in Salta

Looking for the best things to do in Salta? You’re in the right part of Argentina – Salta la Linda (“Salta the Fair”) lives up to the hype. Set between rippling mountains and framed by colonial architecture, this highland city mixes Inca history, folk music, and Andean adventure with surprising style.

Just over 1,100m above sea level, it stays warm when the rest of the Northwest cools down. Within a short drive, you’ve got vineyards, valleys, red rock canyons, and high-altitude deserts – plus some of the country’s best archaeological museums right in the center. Salta isn’t just a stopover – it’s a full-on base for exploring Argentina’s Northwest at its most vivid.

1. Wander the colonial heart of Salta

Plaza 9 de Julio is Salta’s showpiece – shaded arcades, cafés for people-watching, jacarandas in bloom, and a quiet sense of grandeur. It’s surrounded by some of the city’s finest architecture, including the Neoclassical cathedral, the whitewashed Cabildo, and the handsome Teatro Provincial.

Take your time wandering the streets nearby – the city’s well-preserved colonial buildings and Neocolonial mansions give it a rare architectural consistency. A few blocks away, Iglesia San Francisco stands out – an over-the-top mix of ivory columns, oxblood-red walls, and gold trim. It’s one of Argentina’s most striking churches, especially when its 54m tower catches the late light.

You don’t need a map. Just drift through the recovas, browse a museum, or settle in for an empanada and a glass of Torrontés. For most people, this relaxed center is the perfect start to discovering the best things to do in Salta – and sets the pace for the adventures beyond.

2. Visit MAAM – Salta’s most powerful museum

The Museo de Arqueología de Alta Montaña (MAAM) isn’t just Salta’s best museum – it’s one of the most affecting in Argentina. The stars of the collection are three Inca children, mummified by freezing temperatures on the summit of Volcán Llullaillaco, more than 6,700m above sea level. Uncovered in 1999, their perfectly preserved bodies are displayed – one at a time – in a specially refrigerated case.

You’ll also see the objects they were buried with: figurines, textiles, and ceremonial offerings. The rest of the museum explains the rituals and scientific research behind the find, with excellent English labels.

The exhibit is powerful and, for some, unsettling. The children were sacrificial offerings – likely drugged and buried alive. Local Indigenous groups continue to debate whether the display is respectful. It’s a place that demands time and reflection, and leaves most visitors silent.

3. Ride the cable car up Cerro San Bernardo

For an easy escape – and a great view – take the Teleférico San Bernardo. This glass cable car glides from Parque San Martín to the top of Cerro San Bernardo, a 1,450m hill that overlooks the entire city and the surrounding Lerma Valley.

At the top, you’ll find landscaped gardens, viewpoints, a café, and even a small artificial waterfall. On a clear day, you can see the full sprawl of Salta city set against the folds of the mountains. It’s popular at sunset, especially with couples and locals winding down after work.

If you’re feeling active, hike up instead – a paved path with switchbacks leads from the base to the summit. Going up takes about an hour. Or take the cable car up and walk down for the best of both.

It’s not a wild adventure, but it’s one of the most accessible things to do in Salta, especially if you’re short on time.

4. Experience a live peña – Salta’s folk music scene

In Salta, music isn’t just a performance – it’s part of life. That’s what makes a night out at a peña so memorable. These informal folk music clubs serve up local dishes like locro, tamales, and empanadas before the guitars come out, often late, sometimes after midnight.

Some venues are more polished, with scheduled shows and sound systems. Others are spontaneous, where the crowd joins in and tables blur with the musicians. For something lively and local, head to La Casona del Molino – a Neocolonial mansion where music spills from every room and no one checks the time. For history, try Boliche de Balderrama, a once-bohemian classic turned tourist favorite.

5. Escape to the greenery of San Lorenzo

When Salta heats up – and it does – locals head for San Lorenzo, just 15 minutes west of the city. This lush, slightly cooler suburb is tucked into the forested foothills of the Andes and offers a peaceful break from the city’s buzz.

You can go for a walk in the Reserva Natural Quebrada de San Lorenzo, a small gorge crisscrossed by trails and home to butterflies, birds, and plenty of shade. Guided hikes, horseback rides, and birdwatching are all on offer – or just bring a picnic and listen to the Río San Lorenzo rush past.

Cafés, boutique B&Bs, and stylish casas de té line the main road, especially popular on weekends. If you’ve got a car, consider staying the night here instead of in the city – it’s quieter, greener, and great for families.

6. Stay on a working finca or estancia

For a slower, more immersive experience, leave the hotels behind and check in at a finca – a rural estancia where you can eat well, sleep deeply, and see how life runs in the Northwest.

These aren’t tourist gimmicks – many are working farms with deep colonial roots. At El Bordo de las Lanzas, you’ll sleep in a 17th-century tobacco plantation filled with Jesuit furniture. At Finca Valentina, just outside Salta, it’s all about tasteful design, great food, and a connection to the land. Or go further south to Finca Santa Anita, where you can swim, ride horses, and learn how tobacco is cured – there's even a small museum on site.

Most estancias serve home-cooked meals and offer guided rides or walks. They’re a standout option for anyone looking for more meaningful Argentina accommodation – blending comfort, culture, and a sense of place.

Staying on a finca is one of the most unique things to do in Salta – especially if you want to swap sightseeing for storytelling.

7. Take a road trip through the Valle Calchaquíes

If you’ve got wheels – or a good driver – the Valles Calchaquíes are your next move. These high-altitude valleys stretch south from Salta through dusty villages, canyons, and mountain passes that twist for hours. The roads may be rough, but the landscapes are unforgettable.

Start with a drive to Cachi, a charming colonial town flanked by snowcapped peaks. From there, head through the Quebrada de las Flechas, where jagged rock formations slice through the road like stone arrows. End in Cafayate, famous for its crisp white Torrontés wines and sun-drenched bodegas.

8. Go rafting or ziplining on the Río Juramento

Need a jolt after all that colonial charm? Head to the Río Juramento, about two hours southeast of Salta city, for rafting, ziplining, and canyon adventures. It’s a green river slicing through reddish rock, and the grade III rapids make for a fun, splashy ride, even if you’ve never held a paddle before.

Salta Rafting runs well-organized day trips that include safety briefings, all gear, and optional add-ons like a canopy zipline over the canyon. You can also go mountain biking or horseback riding nearby, or just float, swim, and enjoy the scenery.

The trip includes lunch and time to relax by the riverside. It’s a great break from museums and city walking, especially if you’re traveling with kids or a group.

For anyone looking to mix adventure with nature, this is one of the most active things to do in Salta, without needing to trek for days.