@globustrotterin

_{The view on the way to Salta –} 

I loved my trip to Salta! Before I was planning this Latin America trip, I never heard about this city. And guess what? This city ended up charming me along the way. 

_{Red Mountain of Salta}

So, we ended up in Salta because we wanted to avoid flying from Calama, Chile due to budget saving. The good thing was you could take a direct bus for less than 40 USD per person. Plus, the view along the way was just beautiful. I spotted a llamas group and the red mountain. BUT, the ride was 14 hours long with just an option of departure time. 

_{Immigration border of Argentina at the border of Chile and Argentina}

We spent 6 days in Salta and felt it was good enough to explore the city. 

What could you do in Salta? 

Did you know Salta is the most cultural city in Argentina? Therefore, exploring the Andean culture here is definitely a go. 

But I started first by doing a Free Walking Tour

Not actually for free though, but you can pay based on your liking of the tour. I would recommend you to do this first before exploring Salta to get an overview of the city.

_{And with it we got a tip where the locals eat – This one is @ Rincon del Olivo with Live Music}

_{Still about the restaurant, they gave us complimentary bread with a super tasty dip}

Visit The High Altitude Museum 

And be blown away by seeing the most preserved mummies in the world related to the Incas in the past. I don’t want to spoil you further, but these mummies are so special since they are related to a ceremony that was very important back then.

Cost – 12.000 ARS or 11.50 USD per person

_{Some of the artifacts that were found with the mummies} 

_{Another found artifacts} 

_{Not the real display, but you might get the idea}

Visit Salta Museo del Norte 

For FREE and even if you don’t like visiting museums, the building is already a place to go since it is one of a few colonial buildings left in Salta. 

_{The museum from the front}

_{View from the second floor}

_{Display of original sink from the 18th century}

_{The leather for stomping the grapes during the past wine making (and it still smells like grapes)} 

Visit Casa Hernandez 

For FREE to enjoy the expositions there. Well, they have some fixed sculptures. But, I was there during the Chinese New Year time and they had a China themed exposition, which was partially interactive as well. 

_{Chinese interactive activity – Writing the character “fu”}

_{Display of the chinese traditional ethnicity clothes} 

_{They also have their usual displays too, such as this antique camera} 

Take a stroll at Centro Cultural America 

For FREE to admire the European style decorations inside. Not only that, the building also regularly hosts an art exposition or performance from local artists as well. 

_{A European looking hall}

_{Me – Just admiring the vibe} 

_{The building’s facade from outside}

_{An exposition from Salta animator}

_{One of his character that kinda reminded me of Gro*t}

Cool down at Plaza 9 de Julio 

Since Salta is so hot during the day. There, you can sit at the bench near the fountain, or facing the beautiful pink Cathedral if you wish. 

_{Sometimes things happen there too, like this ceremony which I didn’t get}

_{Do you see the Cathedral too?}

Try Salta’s Empanadas

Saltanians are proud people of their empanadas and they should. They are smaller in size in comparison to Buenos Aires empanadas for example, but they are imho juicier. 

_{I swear baked empanada / al horno are the best! Plus they give you the aji / hot & fresh salsa}

And then drink Salta dark beer 

It is a dark beer brewed in Salta and uses the city as its brand. Unlike dark beer which I have tried some in my life, this one is lighter. It was refreshing to drink it in Salta’s hot weather.

_{If you have ever tried Guines* this one is different since it is dark, but light in taste and perfect for Salta hot weather}

Even if you don’t like coffee, go to Bici Cafe 

And try their Medialunas translated as half moon. This small pastry here is greatly made, flaky and fresh. But, the main attraction would be the coffee. Best ice latte I have ever tried in life. 

_{I know i will miss it once I tried it :’)}

_{It is only this big btw – Hubby’s hand for comparison}

Admire the three colorful churches of Salta

Even if you are not religious since these churches look unique. You can start from the red brick coloured church (Iglesia Santo Francisco), then the pink Barbie church (Catedral Basilica de Salta), and end it at the cotton candy church (Iglesia la Viña).

_{Order is based on text} 

_{Interior of the pink church}

Take a look at the most controversial building in Salta, Convento San Bernardo 

It would mean a thing if you know what a convent is. But if you don’t, shortly explained it is the only place where the nuns stay permanently. This place has always been the place for dedicated nuns who take the oath to stay here from the day they enter until death. Nowadays, they don’t grow their own food. But they have a delivery system. And yes, they also have their own graveyard there. Contacts are limited only to ignite family members once a week, but never face to face. 

_{The covenant from outside}

And you can give your wish prayers to the nuns here 

IF you want to since these nuns pray 24/7. So, if you believe, you might pass your prayer for somebody that might need it to them. Know that you have to write in Spanish though. 

_{And if you don’t know where to put your prayer, you can ask the kind lady who sells the goods made by the convent – This is her cat, which hubby befriended fast 😀}

Note – No advertising or any kind of promotion was made in the post. Tips are based on personal experience and not meant to be used as legal advice. All prices are based on February 2025 travel.