Argentina
travel: What to do in Salta by Hortense Soulier
A lovely colonial city, Salta
is one of the most charismatic destinations in Argentina, filled with charming
shaded plazas and crumbling 17th century buildings lining its streets.
 The
fascinating and colorful past of the city, well related in its multitude
of excellent museums, makes it worth at least a day or two on your Argentina
vacation. It is also the gateway to the picturesque Calchaqui Valley, filled
countless attractions, among which some oasis villages and gorgeous wineries,
the famous train to the clouds which takes travelers at over 4,000m above
sea level, and the spectacular archeological site of Santa Rosa de Tastil.
Salta itself is a charming
and buzzing city, filled with history and boasting a lively nightlife.
It is easily accessible from Buenos Aires, with daily flights connecting
the city, as well as by bus, with a new terminal located just a few blocks
from Salta's main square. Once you are in Salta, the best way to get around
is actually on foot. Here you don't have to waste time finding a taxi and
negotiating the right fare, as the city's center is small enough for you
to explore on foot.
 Salta's
museums are really worth a visit if you want to learn about the region's
incredible past. Around Plaza 9 de Julio, secluded behind the beautiful
arches of a Cabildo, the Museo Historico del Arte features a series of
rooms distributed around two open courtyards, recounting the history of
the region from pre-Hispanic times.
The Museo de Arqueologia
de Alta Montaña houses the Niños de Llullaillaco, a sacred
burial unearthed by a National Geographic expedition in 1999. The Museo
Antropologico, east of the plaza, offers a great introduction to the pre-Hispanic
cultures of the region.
After a long day of sightseeing
and learning about history, you will probably want to unwind, sipping on
a cocktail as you mingle with the locals. Salta has a pretty busy nightlife
and you are sure to find a place where you can soak up the atmosphere and
listen to some live music. Try some empanadas as you rock to the sound
of folklore musicians in Salta's peñas or in the streets. Most are
located in the north of Cerro Balcarce. There are also many jazz and rock
bars, if you get tired of the traditional music, as well as nice restaurants
and raging nightclubs.
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