Striking Churches
Salta is a city bursting at the seams with stunning religious buildings and striking monuments. A glorious shade of pink, the 1878 Cathedral Basilica de Salta is a national monument, housing the ashes of General Martín Miguel de Güemes, a prominent figure in the Argentine War of Independence. The exterior is equally stunning, whether lit by sunshine or illuminated after dark. The purple and yellow Iglesia San Francisco is sure to catch your eye, whilst more colour - this time blue and peach - can be found at the Iglesia Nuestra Señora de la Candeleria de la Viña, another national monument that was a shelter during the city’s civil war.
Fascinating Museums
With its fascinating history and unique culture, Salta is home to some of Argentina’s best museums. The Museo de Arqueología de Alta Montaña gives a glimpse into the past of the mysterious Inca culture, housing a controversial and harrowing exhibition on their child sacrifices, including the mummified body of a child discovered in 1999. For a selection of striking religious and indigenous art, the private Museo de Arte Étnico Americano offers bilingual tours, giving a great view of Andean culture.
Captivating Mountains
Nestled in the foothills of the Andes mountains, Salta is surrounded by striking terrain and dazzling views. A scenic cable-car ride from San Martín Park (or a 1000 step climb for the energetic visitor) will take you up San Bernardo Hill, offering a truly breathtaking panorama of the city, as well as a unique wine bar and handicraft shops. The surrounding hills are also home to some of Argentina’s finest vineyards and wineries, producing the flagship white wine, Torrontes, as well as more full-bodied Malbecs and Cabernets.
San Lorenzo Cloud Forest
Alongside its striking architecture and fascinating museums, Salta is home to the Quebrada de San Lorenzo forest and nature reserve, just over 10 kilometres from the city centre. Feel the sunshine on your face as you wander through the Yunga forest, past the streams of crystal-clear water. Perched on the mountain slopes, this forest has an almost constant presence of clouds, offering a truly unique experience as well as a rich biodiversity of flora and fauna. Guided walking or horse-trekking tours are a great way to experience this ecological gem.
Argentine Life
Though bustling, laid-back Salta has the slower pace of a small town, allowing you to sit back, relax and live like an Argentinian. For a glimpse of authentic Argentina, pay a visit to the Mercado Municipal San Miguel, a lively, indoor market, selling delicious traditional food and artisan goods. Sip a glass of glorious local wine as you watch the sun set from the comfort of a romantic plaza, before lacing up your dancing shoes for an evening of rhythm at a peña, a traditional folk music club.
Travelling With Children or Without an Adult
Children travelling without both parents should be aware that some countries require documentary evidence of parental responsibility before allowing lone parents to enter the country or, in some cases, before permitting the children to leave the country. Please contact the relevant Embassy for the county you are travelling to for further information.
Visa and Advance Passenger Information
All passengers must ensure they have a valid, acceptable passport, any required visa and any other documentation for both the final destination and any stop-off points en route. Please make sure that Advance Passenger Information is submitted in advance to travel for all destinations. Failure to hold correct documentation or submitting incorrect details with Advance Passenger Information or Visa applications may result in refusal of carriage or entry into a country. Please check with the relevant Embassy regarding visa requirements well in advance of your travel date. Charges may apply for some visas.
Passengers not travelling on a British Passport are advised to contact their relevant Foreign & Commonwealth office for individual Visa requirements.
For up-to-date resort information, visit www.fco.gov.uk
Health facilities, hygiene and disease risks vary worldwide and you should take health advice about your specific needs from your general practitioner or a specialist clinic as early as possible before travel. Those planning to become pregnant should discuss their travel plans with their healthcare provider to assess their risk of infection with Zika. For information about Zika, other mosquito-borne diseases (such as Dengue fever and Chikungunya), Lyme Disease (caused by tick bites), and to receive advice on mosquito bite avoidance measures, please visit Insect and tick bite avoidance.
In addition, we highly recommend that you seek specialist advice from your doctor and, where recommended, obtain vaccinations or tablets for protection against, for example: Malaria, Hepatitis A, Polio and Typhoid. In some cases, treatments for Malaria should begin well in advance of travel. Travellers may also be required to show Yellow Fever Certificates on arrival in certain destinations i.e, some African countries. Please note that you are strongly advised against scuba-diving for 24 hours before travelling by air. We would also like to draw your attention to the risk of DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis) and recommend that you consult with your doctor before travelling.
Visit the FCDO website and select your destination country for the very latest travel advice: Foreign Travel Advice. Additional sources of information include: Public Health England, The National Travel Health And Network Centre, Foreign And Commonwealth Office and your General Practitioner or a specialised clinic.