Main Attractions

* Visit 9 de Julio Square, around which the entire city was founded. Grab a bite at one of the food stalls surrounding the square, perhaps a couple of salteas (Salta?s version of the empanada) while you admire the architecture and see some of the important buildings of the city.

* Travel 100 km out of the city and check out the Santa Rosa de Tasil archaeological ruins, an abandoned city. Some reconstructed sectors were found, also marked roads, market squares, dwellings and burial sites. In the surrounding mountains can be seen the outlines of ancient farm plots and areas covered with rock carvings.

* Rent a 4x4 and go off-roading on one of many unique loops available to discover the richness of the flora and fauna that still thrive in the undeveloped areas of Salta Province.

* Conquer your fear of heights and rappel down from the ramp of Cabra Corral Dam.

* Take two twenty-minute helicopter rides and be one of few tourists to experience two recently discovered rivers that were previously considered inaccessible to tourists. Rio Colorado and Rio Pescado are nearly untouched ecosystems and their terrain can only be ventured with a trained guide.

When to go

The province of Salta?s varying elevations and tropical latitude give it a variety of weather conditions depending on the region, so when you go depends on what you want to do. The city of Salta has mild weather and rainfall mostly during the summer (January and February). The central region of the province, where most tourist attractions are, is dry with moderate temperatures throughout the year, making it an ideal location regardless of the season. True summer heat such as that in Buenos Aires can only really be found in the northern part of the province, where tourist activity and attractions are scarce.

How to get there

Most tourists heading to Salta pass through Buenos Aires first or come directly from Bolivia. From either destination the most inexpensive way to travel to Salta is by bus. Buses from Buenos Aires take about 20 hours and cost between US$45 and US$90. Some companies may offer student discounts. The more expensive but far shorter plane ride takes about 2 hours from Buenos Aires. From Bolivia you can take a bus to the border and then a taxi into the city of Salta.

Visa information

Travelers from most countries including the US, UK, Australia, EU citizens, New Zealand, Canada, and Israel do not require a visa to enter Argentina. A 90 day tourist visa will be issued at the airport with a passport. Tourist visas can be renewed for those wishing to stay in Argentina with a quick trip to Bolivia from Salta or Uruguay from Buenos Aires. No tourist visa is required of visitors from Israel for stays up to 90 days.

Tipping

At restaurants it is normal to tip 10%. Taxi drivers do not receive tips but the fare may be rounded up to the nearest peso. Porters can receive a tip of a couple of pesos.