Northern Argentina

In the Valleys you can find different landscapes and beautiful villages that rise up next to rock formations and multicolored hills.

This circuit in a circle can be initiated by the national route 68 (with destination to Cafayate) or by the provincial route 33 (towards Cachi). The “Vuelta a los Valles” is an unforgettable trip, through a region forged by pre-Inca and colonial history, in a fantastic geography.

Cafayate is in Salta and is located in the Calchaquies valleys.There are several vineyards in the area and in the city there is the Museum of the Vine and Wine, where the production process is explained, you can also visit the Regional and Archaeological Museum Rodolfo Bravo, with objects from excavations of the region.

The main square in Salta is Plaza 9 de Julio and it is one of the most beautiful in the whole country.

Benches, fountains and gazebos invite those who pass by to stay for a while. The environment is also very interesting since it is surrounded by the Cathedral and the Cabildo. In addition, in the summer months the smell of its orange trees perfume the whole air. Very nice ride.

Address: Caseros 500, Salta.

Days and hours: Open 24 hours.

The Cathedral of Salta was built in the 19th century in front of Plaza 9 de Julio. This cathedral, which outshines passersby due to its imposing façade, houses the remains of General Güemes, the hero who fought for Argentine independence and who was Governor of Salta.

Address: España 558, Salta.

Days and hours: Opens every day from 06:30 to 12:15 and from 16:30 to 20:15.

The Cabildo is a National Historic Monument and its construction was completed in 1780. It was modified over the years, but it continues to be one of the best examples of colonial architecture due to its tower, arches and balconies.

Today, the building is home to the Museo Histórico del Norte and the Museo Colonial (both closed on Mondays). The Historical Museum has more than 2,000 works, including archaeological pieces, historical coins, cars, colonial furniture, sacred art and other varieties.

Address: Caseros 549, Salta.

Days and hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. / Tuesday to Friday from 3:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. / Saturdays from: 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

This museum was created in 2005, with the aim of preserving the Inca mummies discovered in the Llullaillaco Volcano during 1999. These mummies of three children who were sacrificed during religious rites approximately 500 years ago, are preserved in excellent condition. . Through the heritage it preserves, it works to protect the ancestral culture, reinforcing the identity of the original peoples.

Address:  Bartolomé Mitre 77, Salta.

Days and hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 18:30. Monday closed.

It is a Catholic temple and convent of the Franciscan order that, due to its architectural beauty and historical importance, constitutes one of the main tourist attractions in the city of Salta.

Address:  Córdoba 33, Salta.

Days and hours: Tuesday to Friday: from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Saturday: from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Mass hours: Monday to Friday: 9:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.

The San Bernardo Convent of the City of Salta is a Catholic temple located east of the downtown area of the City of Salta. This building is one of the oldest in the city and was built at the end of the 16th century or the beginning of the 17th century, as expressed in 1626 by Gómez de los Ríos and the Governor Alonso de la Rivera. Although visits are not allowed, you can admire the sumptuous door of this 16th century convent, which was carved by the Indians out of carob wood.

Address: Caseros 444, Salta.

The Cerro San Bernardo is a hill that is located in the city of Salta. It is a very good point to get a panoramic view of the city, since Salta can be seen from 883 feet high. A good and fun option is to take the cable rail to its top.

Address: Cerro San Bernardo.

Days and times: Monday to Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

In the heart of the city of Salta is the building where the Royal Treasury of the Municipality of Salta del Tucumán worked towards the end of the 18th century, and where Martín Miguel de Güemes lived with his family. It was declared a National Historic Monument in 1971.

Address: España 730, Salta.

Days and times: Tuesday to Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

La Casona del Molino is the most authentic place to enjoy a spontaneous club, where guests can play guitars for themselves.

Address: Cnel, Luis Burela 1, Salta.

Days and times: Tuesday to Sunday from 12:00 to 15:00 and from 21:00 to 04:00. Closed Monday.

La Vieja Estación is a folkloric place with an organized show. It is highly recommended for its excellent atmosphere and regional food.

Address: Balcarce 875, Salta.

Days and times: Sunday to Thursday from 8:30 p.m. to 3:00 a.m. Friday and Saturday from 8:30 p.m. to 5:00 a.m.

This town with the Cerro Siete Colores is one of the most famous postcards in Argentina. The town preserves the colonial architecture and the customs and traditions of the people of the Quebrada de Humahuaca.  

The town of Purmamarca is located at 2324 meters above sea level. With a walk you can go through the town of Purmamarca to discover its streets and old buildings. In the main square the famous fair of crafts works every day. 

There are several hotels of different categories, restaurants of typical food with live music and trails to do in the day. We recommend doing the “Sendero de los Colorados” from the village.

The Quebrada de Humahuaca is the perfect combination of spectacular landscape and archaeological heritage. It was declared Cultural and Natural Heritage of Humanity in  2003 by UNESCO, for being a combination of wonderful landscapes and possessing a rich ancient culture.

The Quebrada de Humahuaca served as a route for the Incas, it was an obligatory passage for expeditioners and colonizers and an important commercial route in the viceroyalty stage.

The name “Humahuaca” comes from the name of the Omaguaca, the ethnic group that inhabited the region. Today in the region the millenary traditions of the original cultures are very much alive in the local community. 

Its fauna includes guanacos, vicuñas, condors, eagles, foxes, viscachas and ferrets.

Las Salinas Grandes in the province of Jujuy is the third largest salt flat in South America.

Surface area: 212 km2 /  Altitude: 4096 meters above sea level

The Salinas Grandes offer a unique landscape in the Argentine Puna. An immense white plain that reaches the horizon.  To reach the Salinas Grandes you must cross the impressive Cuesta de Lipán, the highest point on the road is 4170 meters above sea level. The route is asphalted and is in very good condition.  There is no public transport to the Salinas Grandes, you can go on an excursion or rent a car. 

In the salt flat, there are areas with water from which the workers extract the salt that is then sold.  To visit the salt flats it is recommended to wear sunglasses and bring water to drink with you.

46 Cordoba St. Salta. Tel: (0387) 4321-1921

Regional food

Doña Salta offers delicious northern empanadas. They also prepare excellent homemade stews, humitas and tamales. A great place to try regional food!

145 Viceroy Toledo St. Salta. Tel: (0387) 421-7568.

Grill

Old Jack is authentic and popular. Its regular diners choose it for its barbecues and for its excellent pasta dishes. The plates are huge – they can always be shared – but you can order individual portions (which are still gigantic) for 70% of the price.

791 Maipú St. Salta. Tel: (0387) 430-6067.

Coffee Shop / Restaurant

This is a cafe and restaurant with an excellent atmosphere. It offers good food and its special feature is that the mate is free from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

994 Independencia St. Jujuy. Tel: (0388) 423-3554

Latin / Argentine

Though this restaurant may not look appealing on the outside, it is one of the best places in Jujuy to taste local dishes. Its main specialities are llama meat, lamb, empanadas, humitas (which are made with steamed corn dough and wrapped in a corn husk) and tamales (which are like humitas, but filled with meat).

83 Spain St. Salta. Tel: (0387) 421-4378.

French / Regional

It is rare to be in Salta and not eat “regional dishes” but if you are a lover of good food, this place is highly recommended. Ma Cuisine offers a fusion of French and Argentine food. Fish, meat and some pasta with seafood can comfort you when you are a little tired of the gaucho style. They serve very kindly, the place is small, very nice and cozy.

379 Salvador Perez St. Jujuy. Tel: (0388) 422-2366

Latin/Argentine

If by chance you are near Tupac Amaru Thematic Museum, you could stop by this restaurant. Come to this establishment and enjoy its Argentine cuisine. Savor the homemade chicken, the generous laing and the tender empanadas that Manos Jujeñas proposes.

276 Buenos Aires St. Jujuy, Humahuaca. Tel: (388) 435-9910

Latin/Fusion

Traditional food of the region in an authentic and relaxed atmosphere, delicious home cooking from the north of Argentina. Options for vegetarians and vegans

Belgrano St, Purmamarca. Tel: (0381) 644-7191

Southamerican / Argentina

Excellent place for dinner in Purmamarca. With personalized attention by the staff and the owners themselves. The menu is brief but varied, excellent wine options.

351 Lavalle St. Jujuy, Tilcara. Tel: (0388) 495-5237

Argentine

Gourmet food with regional ingredients, all this with a complete wine list, some candles and an austere but warm atmosphere. It has options for vegetarians, vegans, and gluten-free.

600 Necochea St. Salta. Tel: (0387) 421-1628

Fusion

Combining local products, this restaurant seeks a new contemporary regional cuisine with gluten free and vegetarian options.

146 Vicente López St. Salta. Tel: (0387) 431-4848

International / Mediterranean

Located at the Almería Hotel, Don El Salvador restaurant offers a diverse gourmet menue with seafood, meat, Andean cuisine and pasta.

11 Buenos Aires St. Salta. Tel: (0387) 633-8870

Fusion

With a relaxed atmosphere Aires Caseros offers a fusion of flavors, perfect for a casual lunch.