Salta’s Culinary Delights, Scenic Marvels, and More: A 3-Day Itinerary

Welcome to the heart of Argentina’s northwest, where culinary delights, awe-inspiring scenery, and rich culture come together to create an unforgettable adventure. Join us on a journey through Salta, a destination brimming with charm and authenticity. This three-day itinerary will immerse you in the captivating experiences we had in this extraordinary region, from savoring traditional Argentine empanadas and local brews to exploring the mesmerizing landscapes and vibrant markets. In Salta, we discovered the perfect blend of culinary pleasures, natural wonders, and cultural treasures. So, fasten your seatbelt, and let’s explore the magic of Salta together.

Day 0: Arrival in Salta

Flight AEP – SLA (6:18 PM – 8:30 PM)

Our exploration of Salta began with a flight from Buenos Aires (AEP), landing in Salta (SLA) in the early evening. After arriving, we quickly found that while Ubers were scarce, taxis were readily available.

Dinner: Patagonia Brewing Co – For our first dinner in Salta, we visited Patagonia Brewing Co, which offered more than just beer, but also the perfect pairing of burgers and fries. In hindsight, we would have chosen to indulge in the local culinary gems, particularly the renowned Saltean empanadas (these are a lot smaller than the empanadas you see in other regions, so don’t be scared if you see a pack of 6 empanadas).

Snack: Dona Salta Restaurante Comida Regional – After dinner, we couldn’t resist grabbing take-out empanadas from Dona Salta Restaurante Comida Regional to try these small yet flavorful empanadas. It wouldn’t have been a first night in Salta without them; they were delicious!

Day 1: Exploring Salta

Our first full day in Salta was filled with delightful experiences.

Lunch: Rocco – We started the day with a visit to Rocco, a restaurant that served delightful local sandwiches, the perfect fuel for a day’s adventure.

Coffee and medialunas: El Convento Reposteria – To keep our energy up, we enjoyed a cup of coffee and some medialunas (sweet croissants) from El Convento Reposteria before starting our exploration.

Activity: Rooftop of our hotel, downtown Salta and Parque San Martin – After our refreshments, we took in the panoramic view from the rooftop of our hotel. Salta is truly beautiful with its mountain backdrop and colourful buildings.

After seeing an aerial view, we then ventured downtown to explore Salta’s historic heart, visiting landmarks such as the Basilica y Convento de San Francisco, Plaza 9 de Julio, and the Cathedral Basilica de Salta.

Our journey also led us to Lago del Parque San Martin, where we rode the Teleferico San Bernardo to the top of Salta. At the summit, we explored the markets and couldn’t resist taking home some cute Saltean empanada magnets as souvenirs.

Dinner: La Vieja Estación – For dinner, we enjoyed a classic Salta night out on Paseo Balcarce, where La Vieja Estación offered delicious food. This restaurant also featured a nightly show (also known as a “Pena”) that added to the overall experience. You’ll get to immerse yourself in a truly Argentinian experience with Tango dancing.

Dessert: Rosmari Helados – After the Pena show, we decided to stop by an icecream shop on our way home which was pretty good!

Day 2: Touring the Region (Salinas Grandes & Purmamarca)

Activity: Full Day Trip to Salinas Grandes and Purmamarca – For our second day, we decided to book a full day tour that took us to where Salta got its name… you guessed it, it’s the Salt flats (aka Salinas Grandes)! Our tour was through GetYourGuide which saved us so much time planning and brought us to all of the top destinations surrounding Salta including Salinas Grandes and Purmamarca (basically a mini rainbow mountain like in Peru).

First Stop: Purmamarca Entrance – The first stop along the way was the entrance to Purmamarca a village in Jujuy province. This was a quick photo stop with beautiful rainbow mountains in the backdrop. Note that we do return back to Purmamarca for lunch and free time to see what this village has to offer.

Second Stop: Salinas Grandes – This was the highlight of Salta for us! Salinas Grandes is a mesmerizing salt flat expanse spanning over 3,200 square kilometers. You can walking across the crunchy salt crust and jump over the little pools of water for unforgettable pictures. Salinas Grandes a must-visit destination for those seeking natural wonders and make sure to have an Argentina jersey on as it matches the whole aesthetic of Salinas Grandes.

Third Stop: Abra de Potrerillos (Highest viewpoint in Jujuy) – Before heading back into Purmamarca for lunch, we stopped at Abra de Potrerillos the highest viewpoint in Jujuy with a breathtaking (literally) altitude of 4,170 meters. At this height you can see the crazy mountain ranges and winding roads noteworthy for a photo.

Lunch: Kuntur – After a morning full of magnificent sites, we made our way to lunch in Purmamarca at a local restaurant named Kuntur where we had traditional barrel stews with beef. We also had to get a Salta beer because we were in Salta (note because the altitude is high, you won’t need as much beer as you think).

Final Activity: Mirador El Porito and hiking trail – For our last activity after lunch, we visited Mirador El Porito and explored the hiking trail behind the town. You really get to take in the breathtaking landscapes of the rainbow mountain range. Before we left, we walked around town a bit to check out the local markets. This concluded the end of our tour and then we headed back to Salta town.

Dinner: El Charrua (Paseo Guemes) – In the evening back in Salta, we dined at El Charrua on Paseo Guemes, savoring in some delicious paella.

Day 3: Farewell Salta

Lunch: Charleston – On our final day in Salta, we enjoyed a classic lunch at Charleston (as you can see by the avocado toast).

Overall, our visit to Salta was filled with extraordinary sights, delicious food, and unforgettable experiences. While we thoroughly enjoyed our time here, there are many other tour options in this region, and we would certainly consider them on a return trip. For example:

As our three-day adventure in Salta draws to a close, we reflect on the incredible moments we’ve had in this captivating region of Argentina. Salta’s empanadas and craft beers have delighted our taste buds, while its scenic marvels have left us in awe. We’ve explored the charming streets of Salta, ventured into the heights of Jujuy, and immersed ourselves in the cultural richness of Purmamarca. With a promise to return and uncover more of this enchanting destination, we bid farewell to Salta with a heart full of memories. We hope this itinerary inspires you to embark on your own journey to Salta and discover the culinary delights, magnificent scenery, and rich culture that make this region truly special. Until next time, Salta!

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