Best Things to Do in Salta City in 2 Days

Salta is one of the most beautiful provinces in Argentina. In an earlier post, I told you what my one-week itinerary in the province of Salta was like so that you could organize your own visit to this beautiful province.

You can also read about my experience on the train to the clouds and my 3-day road trip through the Calchaquíes Valleys.

But in today’s post, I will tell you everything you can see and do in the Capital of Salta in just 2 days. Let’s start.

At the end of last February, I arrived in Salta La Linda, northwestern Argentina, after spending a month in Peru and Bolivia.

When is It Better to Go to Salta?

First, you must know the best time to go to Salta. As you know, my travel date was February and March.

This is the rainy season, but don’t think it’s raining all day; it’s possible that a rainstorm will surprise you once a day.

During my week in Salta, it only rained two days, one in Salta Capital and the other in the Calchaquí valleys, and it was only a while, yes, thunder, intimidating gray clouds, and plenty of water, but it went by fast.

The good thing about Salta is that it has almost an eternal spring.

They have more than 300 days of sunshine a year, but you have to consider the area you visit since it has 4 types of weather depending on the area!

In the area of the Lerma Valley, where Salta Capital is located, the climate is more benign; in summer, the average temperature exceeds 25 degrees Celsius, and in winter, the average is 14, not bad. It’s ideal for escaping the scorching heat of Madrid.

Best Things to Do in Salta in 2 Days

We start our visit through the Old Town of Salta, and from there, we walk to all places, with a few exceptions. You can also take the tourist bus; this is up to you. I’ll tell you below.

Visit Plaza 9 De Julio (9th of July Square)

This is the city’s main square; the name commemorates Argentina’s Independence and is where the city of Salta was founded.

In the surroundings of this square, we will see the city’s most important buildings, colonial style, such as the Cabildo, the Cathedral, and the MAAM.

But, of course, there are also nice places to eat or have rich ice cream and more than 250 trees that give a comforting shade on the hottest days.

Among them, you will know two typical Argentine trees: the Ceibo, which is the national tree and flower, and the Jacarandá, with its lilac flower.

The most beautiful thing about this square is that it is well-preserved and maintains its traditional colonial style. It’s definitely the first place visitors must see in the Capital.

Visit the Museum of High Mountain Archaeology (MAAM)

The MAAM is the Museum of High Mountain Archaeology, established in 2004 to safeguard, study, and disseminate the discovery of the children of Llullaillaco.

One of the most important archaeological discoveries of recent times, which dates back more than 500 years, was during the heyday of the Inca state, shortly before the arrival of the Spaniards.

This find is the main reason why the museum was founded and is often the main reason it is visited.

The children of the Llullaillaco were an offering made by the Incas on this mountain called Llullaillaco more than 500 years ago.

They were practically intact because of the low temperature at which they were located.

In addition, they had all their belongings with them, as it is a place that is quite difficult to access.

I recommend you visit the museum or its website to learn about the history. Inside the museum, you are not allowed to take pictures.

Cabildo de Salta, Government Building

It is the best-preserved government building in Argentina and has already passed 200 years!

It also retains its original structure and houses the Northern Historical Museum, where you can learn more about the history of Argentina and South America and its struggles for independence.

Cathedral Basilica of Salta

The Cathedral Basilica of Salta is the Sanctuary of the Lord and the Virgin of the Miracle. Colonial style with its pink and cream facade, is so characteristic.

We see the building from the 19th century, built on top of the previous one destroyed in an earthquake.

It is also declared a national historical monument and a must-visit even if you are not religious.

Church of San Francisco

A few meters from the 9th of July Square, we find the striking Church of San Francisco.

From my point of view, it is the most beautiful church in Salta, besides the cathedral. It has a red facade and curtains that invite you to enter.

Its bell tower is the tallest in South America at about 54 meters in height. The location of this church was already determined in the founding act of the city in 1582.

However, the temple we see today differs, as the buildings did not stand the test of time.

Convent of St. Bernard

The convent of San Bernardo is the oldest church in Salta.

Although the Convent was created in honor of San Bernardo, the first patron of the City of Salta Capital in the early seventeenth century, no modifications have been made to its colonial architecture.

The door we see on its side is made of cedar wood. It is a unique piece of art carved in one piece, containing American Baroque elements hand-carved by a Native in 1762.

Monument to the General Güemes

At the foot of Cerro San Bernardo, at the end of the Paseo Guemes, we find the monument of General Martín Miguel de Guemes.

The monument is where he first fell from his horse when shot. He was an important character in Argentine history during the War for Independence and was governor of the province of Salta for 6 years.

The Cable Car

Another must-visit place in Salta is to take a climb on its cable car that takes you to the top of the San Bernardo hill, from which you can enjoy beautiful views of the city of Salta.

In addition, in the area of the cable car complex, you can do different activities or rest on some of its banks and contemplate the lush vegetation.

Ideally, go during the sunset, gather a few of your “mates,” and enjoy the surroundings and views.

Salta Craft Market

It was the first artisan market in Argentina, operating since 1968 in an old colonial house built in the mid-18th century.

On your visit through the artisan market, you will find a wide variety of handcrafted products such as basketry, fabrics, pottery, fine work in silver, wrought iron, and leather; musical instruments, premium edible products, and typical wines from the region.

Salteñas’ crafts, you can see the practices used for centuries with their own style, prestigious in traditional culture, products entirely handmade and natural components.

To get there, you have to go by public transport, taxi or on the tourist bus.

2555 San Martín Street

Tourist Bus

Those who are less eager to walk or simply because it is very comfortable to have tourist buses in the city of Salta.

As curious as it may be, you will find neighbors of Salta on the buses who would like to know the city in which they live; they say that they always discover something new.

The bus departs from Belgrano Square and from there, the tour includes:

• Balcarce,
• Batalla de Salta,
• Legislative Palace,
• Cathedral,
• Convent,
• Monument to Guemes,
• Viceroy,
• Portezuelo,
• Parque San Martín,
• La Viña, Paseo de los Poetas,
• Mercado Artesanal
• And the Cabildo, among other must-see places.

What to Do in Salta? Go to the “Peñas”

On Balcarce Street we will find many places to go to dinner or have a drink. And that’s where many of the city’s “peñas” meet, cheering on a summer night.

It is a fascinating walk where you can get up close and meet the local community and its traditions.

If you are not too tired, the day you return from your visit on the Train to the Clouds, you can take advantage and tour this street a few meters from the train terminal.

A Walk through San Lorenzo

Just 10 minutes from Salta capital, we find San Lorenzo, a beautiful and green village at 1450 meters above sea level. It is nestled in the jungle, the “Yungas.”

It is an ideal place to enjoy nature and tranquility, eat traditional food, and do outdoor activities like horse riding or just cooling off in its natural pools.

Honestly, it seems amazing that this place is so few minutes from the Salta capital. I want a place like this 10 minutes from Madrid!

Guided Tour of Salta

If you want a guided tour of the city of Salta, you can do this with an English-speaking guide.

It lasts about 3 hours, they pick you up at the hotel, and you will get to know the city’s most important points, and they can also take you by minibus.

The price in mid-June 2017 is 23 euros.

Where to Sleep in Salta

I slept at the Premier Hotel on my trip to the Salta capita. It’s about a 5 minutes walk from the 9th of July square, has good attention, and was recently renovated, although it is a little old.

If you want to see the prices for the date of your trip, click on the link.

Booking.com

How to Get to Salta

To Salta La Linda, you can arrive by plane from Buenos Aires, which is around 2 hours by plane, and prices, as always, vary depending on the advance with which you buy them.

However, it often compensates for the price of the plane to the bus.

You can get there by bus from almost anywhere, such as Jujuy, Tucumán, Córdoba, Buenos Aires, etc.

You can also rent a car in the main Argentine cities, get to Salta by car, and tour the country a little by car rental.

Travel Insurance (5%OFF)

Traveling with travel insurance is almost obligatory, especially in places where you can get altitude sickness or where your things are highly likely to be stolen.

Although healthcare in Argentina is not expensive, it is always good to travel insured.

Plan Your Trip to Argentina

• How to Prevent Altitude Sickness
• Best Travel Insurance for your trips
• Itinerary 1 week in Salta province
• What to see in 2 days in the city of Salta
• 1 day in the Train to the Clouds
• 4 days road trip to “Valles Calchaquíes”

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Last Updated on 9 October, 2023 by Veronica