If you dream of colorful mountains, charming colonial towns, llama encounters, and sipping wine in high-altitude vineyards, the Salta region in northwest Argentina is your calling. Salta, Argentina, offers one of the most diverse travel experiences in the country, blending Andean culture, jaw-dropping landscapes, and delicious food. Here’s how to spend an epic five or more days exploring Salta and the surrounding Jujuy province.
How to Get to Salta
If you are following my 2-Week Argentinian Itinerary, you will most likely be arriving from Mendoza. Fly into Martín Miguel de Güemes International Airport (SLA), located just 15 minutes from the center of Salta city. There are direct daily flights from Buenos Aires and other major cities in Argentina. Once you land, it’s super easy to grab an Uber to your hotel, yes, Uber works great in Salta!
Best Time to Visit Salta, Argentina
The best months to visit are April through October. You’ll enjoy dry weather, sunny skies, and cooler temperatures—perfect for exploring the mountains. December to March is the rainy season, which can lead to muddy roads and reduced visibility, especially in the highlands. However, I traveled to Salta in February and had no issues. But, unfortunately, the weather always depends on Mother Nature!
Where to Stay in Salta
I recommend staying near downtown Salta. We stayed in the heart of the city at the Villa Vicuña Hotel Boutique Hotel. This charming colonial-style hotel is just a block from the main square. Think cozy courtyards, pretty balconies, a refreshing pool, and a fresh homemade breakfast in the morning. Highly recommend!
Want more hotel recs? Check out my detailed list of all the top hotels in Salta here.
Day One: Explore Salta City
Welcome to Salta, Argentina! Spend your first day soaking in the laid-back vibe of this colonial gem.
After checking into your hotel, head straight to La Salteñería Empanadas for a casual bite—Salta’s empanadas are famous for a reason!
Things to Explore: (all places are saved on my Google maps!)
- Plaza 9 de Julio – The heart of the city and the perfect place to people-watch.
- Iglesia San Francisco – A striking pink façade and ornate interior you won’t want to miss.
- Museum of High Altitude Archaeology – An archaeology museum known for displaying mummies.
- Cerro San Bernardo – Take the cable car for panoramic views over the city and the surrounding valley.
Evening:
- Sip on a cocktail in Plaza 9 de Julio as the city comes alive.
- Dinner: Book a table at Dona Salta Restaurante for upscale regional cuisine.
- Finish your night at a Peña: These traditional folk music gatherings are a huge part of Salta’s culture. Expect guitars, dancing, and good vibes all around. There are many peñas located on Balcarce Street. A few peñas to check out include La Vieja Estación and Pena Huayra.
Day Two: Road Trip to Purmamarca & The Salinas Grandes Salt Flats
Time to hit the road! Rent a car or book a tour heading north into the Jujuy province. Not sure if you should rent a car or book a tour? I break down both options below.
- Drive to San Salvador de Jujuy, a stunning mountain valley full of color and culture.
- Stop for lunch and explore Purmamarca
- After lunch, climb to 13,780 ft as you cross the Andes to reach the Salinas Grandes Salt Flats. It’s a surreal, blindingly white desert where locals have worked the salt for generations. You will need to pay with AGR pesos to enter the Salt Flats. You can also hire a guide if you would like to learn more about the area.
After the Salt Flats, make your way to your hotel. I recommend staying in the town of Tilcara. This town is easily walkable, with lots of restaurant options, and is very quaint. I suggest booking a stay at Las Terrazas Hotel Boutique Hotel, a cute adobe-style hotel tucked into the hillside.
Renting a Car vs. Hiring a Private Driver in Salta, Argentina: What’s Best for You?
Option 1: Renting a Car in Salta, Argentina
Renting a car in Salta is a great option if you want flexibility and adventure. It’s cost-effective for two or more people and gives you full control of your schedule—perfect for pulling over to snap a photo or taking your time at Salinas Grandes. The drives are incredibly scenic, and having a car lets you reach remote villages and hidden gems you’d otherwise miss.
But be ready for some challenges. Many roads climb to over 14,000 ft and have steep, winding turns—not ideal for nervous drivers. Most rentals are manual, so reserve an automatic if needed. Cell signal can drop in remote areas, so download maps offline. Also, expect some rough patches—unpaved roads and potholes are part of the ride near places like Tilcara or Hornocal.
Option 2 & 3: Hiring a Private Driver or Taking a Day Trip
If you’d rather skip the stress, hiring a driver or booking a day tour is an easy, comfortable way to explore. You won’t need to worry about the altitude, gas stops, or navigating bumpy backroads. Plus, many drivers are locals who can share interesting insights and guide you to the best stops.
The downside? It is pricier for private trips and day trips from Salta also mean a lot of driving in one go, which can be exhausting.
Tour Options:
- Private driver and customizable tour: Poncho Tours
- Day Trip Options:
- Day Trip: Salinas Grades & Purmamarca
- Day Trip: Serranias del Hornocal and the Hill of 14 Colors
- Two-Day Trip: 2 Day Tour from Salta to Humahuaca and Salinas Grandes
Day Three: Ruins, Wine, and the Fourteen-Colored Mountain
Morning: Explore the Pucará de Tilcara, a pre-Inca fortress (entry: 12,000 ARS per person). It’s rich in history and offers sweeping views of the valley.
Early Lunch: Book a wine-paired lunch at Viñedos Yacoraite. Four courses, three wines, and dreamy vineyard views.
Midday: Continue north through the Quebrada de Humahuaca. Make a stop in Uquía to admire its small colonial church, home to rare Cuzqueño-style angel warrior paintings.
Afternoon: If time and weather allow, drive up to Hornocal, also known as the Fourteen-Colored Hills. Go in the late afternoon for magical lighting that brings the mountain to life.
Return to Tilcara for the night.
Day Four: Llamas, Painted Hills, and the Return to Salta
Morning in Purmamarca: Wake up early and drive to Purmamarca to see the Seven-Colored Hill in its best light.
If you want to make this hike even more exciting, trek with llamas through this candy-colored landscape. It’s peaceful, otherworldly, and totally unforgettable! One of the highlights of our trip. Book in advance with Purmamarca Turismo – visit their Instagram for more details.
Enjoy a wine at a picada-style lunch (think local cheeses, meats, and wine) at Amanecer Andino (make reservations in advance).
After lunch, begin the drive back to Salta through a sea of tobacco and sugarcane fields.
Evening: Arrive back in Salta and stay the night if your flight is the next day.
Mel’s Travel Tip: If you’re short on time, just spend one night in Tilcara and pick your top highlights you would like to see. My personal favs? Llama trekking, exploring the stunning Salinas Grandes (salt flats), and wine tasting at Amanecer Andino. Just a heads up—this region comes with long driving days, so plan to break up the road trips with scenic stops along the way. It’s all part of the adventure!
Day Five & Beyond: Optional Add-On – Explore Cafayate
If you have more time, consider spending a few days exploring Cafayate, located south of Salta. It’s the heart of Argentina’s high-altitude wine country, set in the Calchaquí Valley, and home to the stunning Ruta 68—one of the country’s most scenic drives.
While we didn’t have time for this on our trip, many travelers rave about the Torrontés wine (unique to this region) and the red-rock canyon landscapes.
Final Travel Tips for Salta, Argentina
- Altitude: Parts of Jujuy reach over 13,000 feet, so hydrate and take it slow to avoid altitude sickness.
- Cash: Bring pesos—some smaller towns may not accept credit cards.
- Drive smart: Roads are safe, but windy and remote. Fill up on gas when you can!
I hope this blog post helps you plan your trip to Salta, Argentina, and inspires you to add this destination to your travel bucket list!
Follow my 2-week Argentinian Itinerary for the next stop, Iguazu Falls (coming soon)!
If you need any help planning or have any questions, please comment below or message me on my contact page! I would love to hear about how your trip went as well. Did you end up renting a car or doing a private tour, or just day trips? Tell me in the comments below!
