City guide · Argentina
Salta
Salta is the capital and largest city in the Argentine province of the same name.
1 ready itineraries · 3-day plans
Salta is the capital and largest city in the Argentine province of the same name. With a population of 627,704 according to the 2022 census, it is also the 7th most-populous city in Argentina.
The city serves as the cultural and economic center of the Valle de Lerma Metropolitan Area, which is home to over 50.9% of the population of Salta Province and also includes the municipalities of La Caldera, Vaqueros, Campo Quijano, Rosario de Lerma, Cerrillos, La Merced and San Lorenzo. Salta is the seat of the Capital Department, the most populous department in the province. thumb|In front of old town hall thumb|San Francisco Church thumb|Velarde Museum * * * * * Free * * * *
- Best for
- First-time visitors who want Salta without a car. The 3-day plan stays inside walking range of City.
- Skip if
- Skip Salta if you only want a beach week or an airport layover. This cluster is for people who will walk most days.
Pick a trip length
One plan per length — open it and walk the days in order.
3-day preview
Skim the walking days, then open the full plan.
- 1
City
Walk City in Salta. Start at Cabildo Histórico de Salta, then Cerro San Bernardo and MAAM Museum. Stay on foot.
Cabildo Histórico de Salta · Cerro San Bernardo · MAAM Museum
- 2
City
Walk City in Salta. Start at Iglesia San Francisco, then Museo Antropológico and Pajcha. Stay on foot.
Iglesia San Francisco · Museo Antropológico · Pajcha
- 3
City
Walk City in Salta. Start at Museo El Tribuno Guillermo Pajarito Velarde, then Museum of President Jose Evaristo Uriburu and Explore Salta Museum Complex. Stay on foot.
Museo El Tribuno Guillermo Pajarito Velarde · Museum of President Jose Evaristo Uriburu · Explore Salta Museum Complex
Where to stay
Bases that fit the walking plan.
Budget
3 to 5 nights
First stay
Upbeat hostel and by the entertainment zone. Complete breakfast included in all categories, and infusion drinks.
Mid-range
3 to 5 nights
First stay
One of Salta's most traditional hotels. The best option for travellers looking for a pleasant stay at a good price. Breakfast and Wi-Fi included.
Splurge
3 to 5 nights
First stay
KKala Hotel Boutique is a listed stop in this neighborhood.
Getting there & when to go
Lock timing and airport basics early.
Best time
Salta works year-round for a walking trip. Shoulder months are easier on crowds and hills.
- Shoulder months
- High season
- Low season
- Rain days
Airport
Martín Miguel de Güemes International Airport (XXX)
Remis are not cheaper. SAETA offers bus service; fares vary slightly by time of day. A transit card is required for the buses, but if you don't have one, you can just get on and ask another passenger if you can give them the cash and swipe their card. This is common in Salta and the driver and passengers will be unfazed.
- Public transit from XXX30 to 60 minutes · Local ticket price. Check the operator the week you fly.
- Taxi or licensed ride hail20 to 45 minutes · Treat any number you see online as an estimate, not a quote.
Practical notes
Short reads before you book.
Understand
thumb|Al fresco dining in the Plaza 9 de Julio Salta enjoys 4 distinct seasons and is known for having very pleasant weather. Summers are warm with frequent thunderstorms and cloudy weather.
Daytime highs are around 26 to 28°C (79 to 82°F) with mild, pleasant nights at around 15 or 16°C (59 or 61°F). Fall brings pleasant weather during the day with cool nights.
Get in
* | url= | email= | address= | lat=-24.844444 | long=-65.478611 | directions=5 km south of the city center | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q652588 | content= }} ** Bus 8A runs between the airport and the bus terminal downtown (the airport bus stop is about a half-kilometer from the terminal; walk along the street that the cars are taking to leave the airport, and you'll get to it). A bus card (SAETA) is required.
Payment by debit card is also accepted. Ticket price is AR$890 (June 2025).
Get around
Remis are not cheaper. SAETA offers bus service; fares vary slightly by time of day.
A transit card is required for the buses, but if you don't have one, you can just get on and ask another passenger if you can give them the cash and swipe their card. This is common in Salta and the driver and passengers will be unfazed.
Related guides
Helpful next pages for Salta.