Argentina

Salta and the North

Nicknamed "Salta La Linda" (beautiful Salta), Salta is characterized by good-natured people, a slower pace, and beautiful deserts surrounding it. The north of Argentina is like another country, closer in character to neighboring Bolivia. This makes it less developed, less western, cheaper, and more wild and untamed.

What to Do?

• Salta is a beautiful city that will serve perfectly as your base-camp to explore the surroundings. The city itself is elegant, with a few historical buildings worth a visit (most of them near the Plaza 9 de Julio), including the Museo Historico del Norte, inside the Cabildo. The Plaza is a great place to sit down for a break in one of the small cafes.
• Salta is a great place for arts and crafts (Artesania) markets, they're cheap and high-quality so stack up on presents here! The main Mercado Artesenal is at San Martin 2555 daily Between 09:00-21:00. Another great one is the Mercado Municipal on San Martin and Florida. Great for local food and folklore music.
• A recommended way to see the area is to rent a car in Salta and drive it to the nearby villages. A recommended route is from Salta to Cachi. Drive slowly as it is full of pot-holes. And do NOT forget your international driving license. Especially when you're still driving in the city.
• Cachi itself is a lovely small town in a fertile valley set against the arid mountains. It has a museum and some great walks and there are beautiful panoramic views from the cemetery. Cachi is so lovely we recommend spending the night there, returning to Salta the next day.
• If you find yourself enjoying the slow pace of the north, there are at least two more cities you can use as a base-camp for exploring even more. Tucumán and Jujuy.  Tucumán is a little bit further down south from Salta, and is just as beautiful, relaxed and cheap. From Tucumán you can visit Tafí del Valle, a cool mountain town that offers some great day hikes. Another small town you can reach is Cafayate, famous for its picturesque setting and excellent wines.
• Jujuy is to the north of Salta, and it is a lot less touristy. The villages of Tilcara and Humahuaca make for great visits, and they will lead you towards the border with Bolivia, if you wish to cross.

Facilities:

There are banks, exchange offices and many fast internet places in the center of Salta. When you go out to the villages expect nothing – bring money with you.

Where to Stay?

A great hostel in Salta is Terra Oculta. Clean, friendly staff, full of backpackers and a party atmosphere.

Special Tips:

• Nightlife: they're awesome, but prepare yourself. Salta is all about the Reggeaton (Daddy Yankee's Gasolina? A huge hit), and Cumbia (a Latin American style of music and dance associated in Argentina with the working class). There are some places that play electronic music. Most places are on the Balcarce street, and the entrance is mostly cheap or free so you can bar-hop as you please.
• Don't leave without trying some of the local food: Empanada (dough, fried or cooked, with meat / chicken / cheese / ham & cheese inside) and especially Humita. There is no possible way to describe Humita, except that it's made of corn, it's sweet, and it's tasty. Try it.