Salta, nicknamed La Linda (The Beautiful), is the name of both the city and province in the far northwest of Argentina. It is known for its breathtaking scenery, gaucho culture, and robust wines. 

 

It’s ideal for travelers who want to sample fine wines in the midst of some of Argentina’s most breathtaking and wild scenery – all without the crowds of Mendoza. Salta is famous for its stunning Andean vistas, red rock canyons, vast vineyards, and traditional culture. 

We begin our time here at the Plaza 9 de Julio, Salta’s main square. This is a popular gathering spot where you can find Spanish colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, and cafes along the edge of the palm tree-lined plaza.  There are two significant cathedrals we visit here in Salta, both excellent examples of the neoclassical architecture style. The first, The Catedral Basílica de Salta, has a façade of soft pink. The interior stands in stunning contrast with dazzling hues of gold, blue, and green.

The second notable cathedral is the Basílica de San Francisco which lies just outside the plaza. This church is a vision of deep red and gold completed in 1870. The most notable feature is the bell tower, reaching up towards the sky.

Next up, we ride the Teleférico (cable car) to the top of San Bernardo Hill to take in a panoramic view of the city and its surroundings. Our last stop will be at the Artisan Market where provincial craftsmen will show you their handmade goods, like the famous Salteño Poncho. In Argentina, each region has its own interpretation of the poncho, incorporating local motifs and weaving techniques. The Salteño style of poncho is typically red and black and is said to honor General Don Martín Miguel de Güemes and his army of gauchos who fought for Argentina’s independence from Spanish colonizers in the early 1800s. The poncho has roots in indigenous culture and is still worn by gauchos throughout Argentina today.

 

After experiencing all that the city of Salta has to offer, we travel through the beautiful and rugged countryside to Cafayate. Not only is the environment spectacular to look at, it is also ideal for producing high-end wines such as full-bodied Tannat, smooth Malbec, and fresh Torrontés varieties. The high altitude, climate, and soil are perfect for growing these grapes. We sample wines from two vineyards and get an in-depth look at their sustainable viticulture practices.

 

 

Salta is also the perfect place to experience Gaucho culture. Gauchos can be compared to American cowboys, but there are distinct differences. Known for being skilled horsemen, they are greatly admired in Argentinian folklore. Gauchos would roam the Pampas searching for cattle and other game, sleeping under the stars. They can still be seen wearing their typical attire – a poncho with loose fitting pants (called bombachas), and the iconic wide-brimmed hat. They also carry a lasso, knife (facón), and a boleadora used to capture livestock. Today, gauchos are involved in Argentina’s tourism industry, but still work on ranches. We visit one of these ranches for horseback riding at the foot of the Andes to get a taste of Gaucho culture.

Peña Folklórica, we experience the song, dance, and cuisine of the gauchos and northern Argentina. Peñas are lively musical events showcasing the mix of European and indigenous culture so prominent in Salta.

For more information, The Gaucho Martín Fierro by José Hernández is a work of historical fiction describing the experience of a Gaucho in the late 1800s. 

 

Join us in March 2024 to experience Salta, a hidden gem in Argentina!

Contact us to reserve your spot for our 2024 trip today

By Alyssa Brown