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Salta Culture & history

Our most recommended Salta Culture & history

From Salta: Cafayate Day Trip with Wine Tasting

1. From Salta: Cafayate Day Trip with Wine Tasting

After departing from central Salta, head south into the stunning, red-tinged lands of rock formations and towering cliffs. The trip begins south of the province, where you’ll soak up some local culture by visiting the historic villages of the Lerma Valley. Afterwards, head to the Quebrada de las Conchas, a canyon of curiously shaped rocks, eroded for centuries by water flow and strong winds. Marvel at the complex rock formations within the ravine, from the Devil’s Throat, to the Amphitheater, to The Castles, among many other spectacular displays. After a thorough exploration, head to Cafayate to visit a vineyard to taste some of the best wines that the region has to offer, including Torrontés. After the tasting, you’ll head back to Salta through the Quebrada de las Conchas.

From Salta: Full-Day Tour to Cafayate with Wine Tasting

2. From Salta: Full-Day Tour to Cafayate with Wine Tasting

Depart Salta and head south along Provincial Route 68, offering panoramic views of the farms and tobacco plantations of the Lerma Valley. Admire the new and old tobacco chimneys made of adobe and clay, and see tobacco leaves being dried under the sun. Pass the town of Alemania and marvel at the red mountains and rock formations of attractions such as the "Devil´s Throat" and "House of the Parrots." Upon arrival in Cafayate, visit 1 or 2 wineries to learn more about the local wine industry and famous torrontes wines. Following lunch, journey back to Salta via a different route to see a completely different landscape from the morning drive.

Full-Day Tour to Humahuaca from Salta

3. Full-Day Tour to Humahuaca from Salta

On this full-day tour you’ll travel from Salta city to San Salvador de Jujuy. This is where your adventure begins, with visits to the towns of La Quebrada de Humahuaca. The first of the towns on the itinerary is Purmamarca, with the spectacular Cerro de Siete Colores (Hill of 7 Colors) rising behind it. Take a walk to the principal square, where craftsmen display and sell their work. Afterwards, visit the church, which played an important role in local history. From the road you’ll be able to see the Paleta del Pintor Hill, before arriving in Humahuaca town. Enjoy a break for lunch and take some time to explore the town. Admire the impressive Monumento de la Independencia (Independence Monument). As you make your way back to Salta, you'll visit a chapel built 700 years ago that has an altar covered in gold. You’ll also get to see priceless paintings of the Cusco School and a small monument marking the imaginary line of the Tropic of Capricorn. Stop in Tilcara town for a walk to its main square and church. There will also be time here to visit the Anthropology Museum. The final stop on the tour is Las Ruinas Incaicas del Pucara de Tilcara. These ruins date back to a society even older than the Incas.

Salta: 3-Day Trip to Cachi, Humahuaca, and Salinas Grandes

4. Salta: 3-Day Trip to Cachi, Humahuaca, and Salinas Grandes

Spend 3 days exploring landscapes of Salta & Jujuy. Day 1. Tour to Cachi. Depart Salta and journey along Provincial Route 68, traveling through the small towns of Cerrillos, La Merced and El Carril. Then, drive along Provincial Route 33 to pass the dramatic Gorge of Escoipe and Los Laureles. Next, start your journey along the famous winding road of the Cuesta del Obispo (Bishop's Slope). Admire the magnificent rock formations and natural walls en route to the summit at 3,348 meters above sea level. Look for condors flying above, and marvel at the majesty of the "King of the Sky." Get a stunning view of El Valle Encantado ("The Enchanted Valley"), where the scenery is like something out of a fairytale. Notice how the landscape changes as you leave the sub-tropical valleys to go to Recta del Tin Tin, built during the time of the Incas. Travel through the Parque Nacional los Cardones ("National Park of the Cactus"), named for its abundance of cardon grande cactus bush formations. Arrive in the beautiful town of Cachi in time for lunch. Then, stroll through streets of perfectly-preserved colonial architecture. Visit the town church in Central Plaza, and go to the historical museum showcasing the history of the Aboriginal communities. Pick up some souvenirs in the craft market and enjoy some free time to shop before the return drive to Salta. Day 2. Tour to Humahuaca. Leave Salta to visit some of the towns in the Quebrada de Humahuaca. Arrive in Purmamarca and take a walk through the central square where local craftsmen display their work. Get back on the road and travel to the UNESCO World Heritage Listed city of Humahuaca. View the Monumento a los Héroes de la Independencia and indulge in a traditional lunch after exploring the winding streets. Make your way back to Salta with several stops along the way. Enter into a chapel built 700 years ago with an altar of gold and admire priceless paintings of the Cusco school. Discover Incan relics at the Dr. Eduardo Casanova Archaeology Museum in the city of Tilcara and uncover a society even more ancient at the ruins of Pucará de Tilcara, before arriving back in Salta. Day 3. Tour to Salinas Grandes. Your first stop of the day is at the beautiful town of Purmamarca, one of the most picturesque villages in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Quebrada de Humahuaca. Visit the town's vibrant main square and perhaps pick up some souvenirs at one of the many surrounding craft stands. Afterward, enjoy a visit to the breathtaking and aptly-named 7 Color Hill. Later, continue your ascent along the majestic Cuesta del Lipan to reach the Salinas Grandes, one of the 7 Wonders of the Argentine Republic. Here, enjoy some free time to admire the unique salt planes and famous pools. Afterward, return to Purmamarca and break for lunch at one of the many traditional restaurants before returning to Salta. The order of the excursions is at the disposal of the passengers and availability of places. You choose the dates, but the order of the excursions may change depending on the availability of the agency

From Salta: Day Trip to Quebrada de Humahuaca

5. From Salta: Day Trip to Quebrada de Humahuaca

Embark on an adventure that will take you through striking landscapes and scenic villages. Meet at the local partner’s office near the Plaza 9 de Julio de Salta. If you select the pick-up option, enjoy the convenience of being picked up from your hotel in Salta. Drive to the Purmamarca village, which rests at the base of the Seven Colors Hill, a stunning multi-hued mountain. Journey to Maimará, a small village nestled in the shadow Monolith Painter’s Palette. Admire the stunning red, yellow, orange, and pastel hues of the Monolith. Visit Pucará de Tilcara, a fort built in the 12th century by the Omaguaca tribe, who were later conquered by the Incas. Stop in the sleepy town of Uquía, which is notable for its historic church which boasts paintings of gun-toting angels.  Pause at the Tropic of Capricorn, the most southerly latitude at which the sun can appear directly overhead at noon. Visit Humahuca and admire the multi-colored town and culture, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

From Salta: Local Landscape, Winery, and Culture Tour

6. From Salta: Local Landscape, Winery, and Culture Tour

1.Meet your guide at your hotel and settle into the van before setting out from Salta. Take in views of the farms and tobacco plantations of the Lerma Valley. Pass the town of Alemania and marvel at the red mountains and rock formations such as the Devil's Throat and the Parrots' House. Upon arrival in Cafayate, visit a winery to learn more about the local wine industry. Sample various wines. A highlight is the Torrontés, a variety that originated in Argentina. Experience a completely different landscape on your drive back to Salta. 2. Travel Provincial Route 33 and enjoy vistas of the Escoipe river's dramatic gorge and Los Laureles. Journey along the famous winding road of Cuesta del Obispo. Admire the magnificent rock formations en route to the summit. Ride through the Parque Nacional los Cardones. The park's name comes from its abundance of cardon grande cactus bushes. In the town of Cachi, you will have time to explore and find a spot to enjoy lunch. During your free time, stroll through streets of colonial architecture. Visit the church in Central Plaza or a museum devoted to local history. Browse shops and find a souvenir before the return drive to Salta. 3.Visit Purmamarca, with the spectacular Hill of 7 Colors rising behind it. Check out works by local craftsmen in the city's main square. Pay a visit to the church, important in local history. Break for lunch in town (costs not included) and explore. Admire the Paleta del Pintor Hill from the road and the impressive Monumento de la Independencia. Visit a chapel built 700 years ago featuring an altar covered in gold. See priceless paintings of the Cusco School and a small monument marking the Tropic of Capricorn. Stop in Tilcara for a walk to its main square and church. End your day's tour at Las Ruinas Incaicas del Pucara de Tilcara. Learn about the people who first lived on the site at the museum before returning to Salta. 4. Journey towards Jujuy, passing through the towns of Volcán and Tumbaya along the way.  Experience the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Quebrada de Humahuaca, once a major trade route thousands of years ago. Return to Purmamarca. Experience the town's vibrant main square if you missed it the day before. Maybe pick up some souvenirs at one of the many craft stands. Enjoy a visit to the breathtaking Hill of 7 Colors. Continue your ascent along the Cuesta del Lipan to reach the Salinas Grandes, considered one of the 7 Wonders of the Argentine Republic. Enjoy some free time to admire the unique salt planes and famous pools. Back in Purmamarca, take some time for lunch at one of the many traditional restaurants. Explore some more of the town before returning to Salta. You choose the dates, but the order of the excursions may change depending on the availability of the agency

Salta: 2-Day Tour to Cafayate

7. Salta: 2-Day Tour to Cafayate

Marvel at the breathtaking landscapes of Salta Province on a 2-day tour from Salta city. Visit the amazing natural reserve of La Quebrada de las Conchas (Devil's Throat) and taste the local wines in Cafayate. Day 1 Head south along Provincial Route 68 and pass through the farming towns of Cerrillos, La Merced, El Carril, Coronel Moldes and La Viña in the Lerma Valley. See tobacco plantations and more as you make your way towards the ghost town of Alemanía. Marvel at the different rock formations of striking colors. Then, learn about the wines of Salta, including the acclaimed Torrontes wine, with a visit to 1 or 2 wineries in Cafayate. Get dropped off at your hotel and enjoy some free at leisure. Day 2 Get picked up from your hotel in Cafayate in the afternoon and make your way back to Salta city on Provincial Route 68. Enjoy stunning views of the different landscapes along the way.

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What people are saying about Salta

Overall rating

4.1 / 5

based on 100 reviews

The excursions was great. Only thing is that we should have perhaps skipped the amphitheater to have time to see closer the "castle/cathedral" formation close to the rock formation that looks like the titanic. Or maybe have less time in the cafayate town thatbis cute but doesn not require that much time to visite even to shop around. The guide,Angy and driver Carlos were great. Angy to the time to translate all in english for us. Very knowlegeable too.

Fernando, the guide was really involved in his sharing through all explanations all the way to Salinas Grandes! Providing good tips to avoid the crows and be able to take the best pictures! Nice day around Salta.

I travelled with my two children (18 and 3 years old). We all enjoy the scenery, the people in the small towns, the music and art. The Nordic tour guide knew the area and was very patient with everyone.

The trip was amazing. Views are breathtaking and guide is very helpful and welcoming. She spoke for me in English because all other people understand Spanish. Great

great tour. relaxed, not rushed. ac worked well. we were not constantly taken to the markets to shop. enjoyable.