Salta

Salta is a city in northwestern Argentina known for its historic center and as a base for trips into the Andes and the province’s dry valleys.

Find a room in Salta Start with the essentials Plan a trip to Salta

We may earn a commission. It never decides our picks.

Salta is a city in northwestern Argentina, at the foot of the Andes. In the historic center, visit the cathedral and Cabildo, then choose a museum or a local restaurant to learn more about the region’s history and food. The city is also a base for trips into the mountains and the dry valleys of Salta Province.

Set aside time for the center and its museums before deciding whether to add excursions or travel farther through the province. Salta suits travelers interested in architecture, regional culture and mountain scenery. Spring and fall can work well for combining city visits with day trips. Allow at least a couple of days in the city, and more if you plan to visit places outside it.

Salta in five

Carry pesos for small purchasesKeep some Argentine pesos for buses, markets and small shops; card acceptance can vary by business.
Check entry rules for your passportArgentina’s entry requirements depend on nationality and length of stay. Check the official immigration site before you travel.Visas and entry
Use the Salta airport bus or a taxiSalta’s airport is outside the city center. Check current transport options and fares before landing.Getting around
Save the emergency numbersCall 911 for emergencies in Argentina; 100 is the fire service and 107 is medical emergencies.
Allow time for altitude on day tripsSalta city is about 1,150 m above sea level, and some popular trips go much higher. Take it easy on arrival before heading into the Andes.

Things to do in Salta

See all attractions in Salta

Church · SaltaIglesia San JoséVisit before or after Mass to see the interior without interrupting a service.

Sight · SaltaParque Nacional Los Cardones

Monument · SaltaMonument General Martin Miguel de GuemesVisit around sunset for the city views.

Free trip plannerPlan a trip to SaltaPut the places you like in Salta on a map, give them days, and let one button order each day. Free, with no account.Plan a trip

Need to know

Currency: Argentine peso (ARS)
Entry: Visa-free short stays for many passports Read more
Emergency: 911 emergencies; 100 fire; 107 medical
Tipping: Tipping is customary; around 10% in restaurants
Time: UTC−3, no daylight saving

Weather by month

Rainy days
Days with storms

Best
Good
Mixed

JanuaryRain21 rainy daysHigh26°Low17°Summer rain
FebruaryRain20 rainy daysHigh25°Low16°Hot, rainy
MarchRain19 rainy daysHigh23°Low15°Rain easing
AprilRain14 rainy daysHigh20°Low13°Dry, mild
MayPartly cloudy11 rainy daysHigh18°Low9°Clear, cool
JuneClear4 rainy daysHigh17°Low6°Dry, cold nights
JulyClear4 rainy daysHigh17°Low7°Cold, dry
AugustClear3 rainy daysHigh20°Low8°Dry, windy
SeptemberClear5 rainy daysHigh23°Low11°Spring blooms
OctoberClear10 rainy daysHigh25°Low13°Warm, dry
NovemberRain14 rainy daysHigh25°Low15°Rain returns
DecemberRain20 rainy days1 day with stormsHigh26°Low16°Hot, rainy

Average daily high and low in Salta, 2016–2025. Rainy day: 1 mm of rain or more.

Right now in Salta

Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.

Feels like: 27°
Humidity: 43%
Wind: 10 km/h
Chance of rain: 43%

Salta

06:14 PM

Monday, November 2

GMT-3

Today24°15°43%Monday: Drizzle. High 24°, Low 15°. Chance of rain 43%.
Tue30°16°22%Tuesday: Drizzle. High 30°, Low 16°. Chance of rain 22%.
Wed23°15°100%Wednesday: Rain. High 23°, Low 15°. Chance of rain 100%.
Thu24°15°88%Thursday: Drizzle. High 24°, Low 15°. Chance of rain 88%.
Fri28°12°72%Friday: Rain. High 28°, Low 12°. Chance of rain 72%.
Sat19°9°82%Saturday: Thunderstorms. High 19°, Low 9°. Chance of rain 82%.
Sun23°8°42%Sunday: Fog. High 23°, Low 8°. Chance of rain 42%.

Updated 03:17 PM local time · Powered by WeatherAPI.com · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com

Money

Mid-market rate1 USD = 1,537 ARS

Amount

Converted to

ARS · Argentine Peso

Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API

Day trips by train

Cafayateabout 3.5 to 4 hours by carVisit the wine town and Quebrada de las Conchas; the long drive is part of the trip.
Purmamarcaabout 2.5 to 3 hours by carSee the Hill of Seven Colors and the village streets in Jujuy province.
Tilcaraabout 2.5 to 3 hours by carVisit the hilltop Pucará and browse the town’s craft market.
Cachiabout 3.5 to 4 hours by carGo for the mountain road, adobe architecture and views around the Calchaquí Valleys.

Before you go to Salta

eSIM for ArgentinaCompare mobile data optionsRead the guide

Travel insuranceCompare cover before you goRead the guide

Money for ArgentinaCards, cash and trip budgetingRead the guide

Where to stayPlan your base in SaltaRead the guide

Rules for Salta, checked

Check Argentina’s entry requirements with the National Directorate of Migration; rules depend on your passport and trip.Source
Check Argentina Customs guidance before bringing food, plants, animal products or restricted goods into the country.Source
Use licensed taxis or agree on the fare before setting off; confirm current airport transport options before arrival.

Plan around Salta

Argentina travel guide

Entry rules, money and practical planning for an Argentina trip

Read the guide Getting around Argentina

Transport options for planning journeys around the country

Read the guide Money and costs

Cards, cash and budgeting for your trip

Read the guide Visas and entry

Check entry requirements for your passport

Read the guide Where to stay

Plan where to base yourself during your trip

Read the guide

Salta FAQ

How many days do you need in Salta, Argentina?

Allow at least two days for Salta city and one or more day trips. Add time if you want to visit the high-altitude towns and landscapes of the province.

Is Salta worth visiting?

Yes, if you want a city base for northwest Argentina’s Andean scenery, historic center and regional food. It also works as a starting point for trips into the province.

What is the best time to visit Salta?

The dry season, roughly April to October, is often the most practical time for road trips. Check conditions for your specific route, especially if it crosses high mountain passes.

How do you get from Salta airport to the city?

Salta’s airport is outside the center. Check current bus and taxi options before you travel, since fares and services can change.

Can you visit Salta as a day trip from Buenos Aires?

No. Salta is too far from Buenos Aires for a practical day trip; plan an overnight stay and check current flight or long-distance bus options.

Do you need a car in Salta?

Not for the city center, but a car can make rural routes and smaller towns easier to reach. Compare driving with organized tours before choosing.