SALTA LA LINDA: TOP FIVE DIY MUST-DOS OUTSIDE OF TOURS
Salta La Linda ("Salta the Beautiful"), has so much to offer. An idyllic little town located in the heart of northern Argentina nestled next to the Andes oozes in charm and ornate colonial architecture.
Flying in from Puerta Iguazu, I had a really good feeling about this city. I didn't know how long I would be staying, but my gut told me I'd be staying for a while. In fact, at this very moment, I'm still here writing this blog post.
Most people who visit Salta do day tours and then leave. The tours are totally worth doing to see parts of the country that aren't easily accessible if you don't have a car or you're not comfortable renting one.
From Cerro de Los Siete Colores, Salinas Grandes, Cerro de Los 14 Colores, Humahuaca, Cafayate, Cachi and more, thereare an endless number of places to visit! Whilst the tours are great, here are five reasons to get outside the tourist trail and explore off the beaten track.
Hiking in San Lorenzo
If you're looking to stretch your legs and go for a good hike somewhere local, San Lorenzo is only a short bus journey away. Many Argentinians take day trips with their families and dogs as a way of getting out of the city. Bus 7 towards San Lorenzo will take you there directly, just get off at the terminus.
Wine and dine at a Peña
If there's one thing to do in Salta, don't miss out on dining out at a peña!!! SERIOUSLY... GO!!I didn't know about peñas until an Argentinian guy from Buenos Aires asked if I wanted to go to one. Of course, I said yes with very little expectation. Peñas are most famous in the north of Argentina where musicians and groups gather to entertain whilst guests wine and dine on local cuisine. From Empanadas, Locro, Humita, Asado, Milanesa, the list goes on! Depending on the peña, the music is performed live for the evening, sometimes by professional groups and other times by locals.
A favourite is La Vieja Estacion located in the Balcarce area, well known for its nightlife. In Argentinian style, you'd normally rock up for dinner around 10:30/11pm. But for this place, get there earlier!! And try the llama empanada! With traditional folklore dancers, the entertainment and ambience are spectacular! Many Argentinians grow up learning folklore dancing and would get up and join in. As for the music, I literally died and went to heaven. Two male groups performed live and sung with voices that were purely divine.Whilst La Vieja Estacion was a little more touristy, with many guests visiting from Buenos Aires and other parts of Argentina, for a more local experience La Casona del Molino is right up your street. Many locals come here to dine and on a Friday and Saturday night, a reservation is necessary. Try the Asado and Sangria! Here the entertainment is performed by anyone willing to give it a go.
El Patio de la Empanada
You don't really see tourists dining here as it's a little out of the main part of town but still within walking distance. Every year in Salta, the best empanada makers around go head to head in an empanada tournament. The top 5 empanada makers are awarded a spot at El Patio de la Empanada to show off their delicious handmade empanadas. With prices starting as low as 100 pesos (around $3-4) for a dozen, it is heaven for any foodie.
Hike Cerro San Bernardo
For a stunning view of Salta, head to the top of Cerro San Bernardo. If you're feeling fit and on form, you can hike the 1000 or so steps up to the top. Alternatively take the teleférico, a cable car that will take you to the top in eight minutes for a small fee. It's the perfect location to sit back and enjoy the view with mates (a national Argentinian drink)!
Those mountains!
Day Trip to Lago Embalse Cabra Corral
A beautiful lake, easily accessible with a local bus taking around an hour. If you're looking to spend a beautiful day exploring, this is the perfect location to sit back and enjoy the view. There are only a couple of restaurants but one of the few places where you'll find fresh local fish from the lake.
Where to Stay
My favourite place and hostel I stayed in during my stay in Salta was theAccueillant hostel. A family run hostel, located a little outside the centre of town really feels like home from the moment you enter. Hostel All Norte is also a great option for those looking to stay in a cosy, clean and spacious dorm room.
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Visit Salta Argentina