The northern Argentinian city of Salta is one of the most beautiful places in the country. Daniel Neilson picks his highlights for a couple of days in the city. Salta La Linda, ‘the beautiful’, is the charming and entirely accurate sobriquet given to this charismatic city in north-western Argentina.
The colonial buildings around its sizable central plaza set the scene for one of the most interesting and, yes, the most beautiful cities in Argentina. Salta, despite its Andalusian appearance, is the beating heart of Andean Argentina. It’s a place where you can immerse yourself in a mountain culture that resonates more with Bolivia and Peru than cosmopolitan Buenos Aires.
The food, like the deliciously hearty stew made with meat, corn, and Andean potatoes called locro, is a taste of the Andes. But it’s the music that truly defines Salta, echoing through its streets and venues. A visit to a peña, an evening of music, food, and wine, is an essential part of any visit.
Yet around Salta are breathtaking landscapes, including the 50 shades of red that paint the Andean foothills surrounding the city. Beyond, you’ll be able to view the 6000-metre snow-capped peaks of the Andes proper. READ ALSO: A Traveller’s Guide to the Terracotta Wonders of Nok Start your day early to avoid the heat and climb up to Cerro San Bernardo for views over the city and beyond to the mountains.
Walk back towards the central 9 de Julio Plaza in Salta, making sure you pass the Iglesia San Francisc.
