City of Salta, wonderful northern destination!

The historic center of the city ​​of Salta is a fundamental part of its tourist attraction. Visitors are fascinated by its Spanish colonial architecture, which magically combines with its Andean heritage, exquisite cuisine, and special sites such as museums. It is a place full of dream landscapes and many other benefits.

In summary, touring the city of Salta is a unique and unmissable experience for those who visit the province. Not in vain it’s one of the destinations that we recommend with our eyes closed. The idea is to take a city tour with which you will be able to know, in depth, its history and the key points of the capital. In the same way, we invite you to know the must-see activities of Salta.

HISTORY OF SALTA                                                                

The city ​​of Salta was founded on April 16, 1582 by Mr. Hernando de Lerma, a Law graduate.

Previously, several governors tried to create a city in that place, but it was not until the one sent by Viceroy Toledo arrived that what would become the city ​​of San Felipe del Valle de Lerma was established. The name was changing with the passage of time until arriving at Salta.

Finally, in July 1581, in the city of Santiago del Estero, Lerma announced in a proclamation the reasons that justified the choice of the place for the foundation of Salta in the valley. There, he highlighted the temperament and kindness of the people who inhabited the place. The following year, he planted the Palo de la Justicia in the center of the now famous Plaza 9 de Julio.

 WHAT TO DO IN CITY OF SALTA?

The city ​​of Salta proposes a large number of activities to do. That is why we always include it in our travel itineraries for northwestern Argentina.

Without a doubt, the City Tour is an activity that you cannot miss on your visit to Salta. It will help you better understand the history and architecture of the city. It is a picturesque area, perfect to eat or drink surrounded by more than 250 trees, among which is the Ceibo and Jacarandá, typical of Argentina.

You can’t miss a visit to Plaza 9 de Julio either, as it is a key piece in the founding of Salta and a beautiful place to rest and appreciate the city, surrounded by the most important buildings of the city.

We are talking about colonial-style buildings, such as the Cabildo, the Cathedral and the Alta Montaña Archeology Museum. The latter was founded in 2004 to protect and publicize the discovery of the children of Llullaillaco, one of the most important discoveries of the Inca state before the arrival of the Spanish.

The children of Llullaillaco are an offering that the Incas made in the mountain more than 500 years ago. They were practically intact, due to the low temperature. In addition, because it is a place of difficult access, they carried all their belongings.

Two other important and interesting buildings to visit, especially for history and/or colonial architecture lovers, are the Cabildo de Salta and the Cathedral Basilica of Salta. In the case of the Cabildo, it is the best preserved in the entire country. It not only maintains its original structure, but also houses the Historical Museum of the North.

In the case of the Basilica, its pink and cream façade make it one of the most emblematic buildings in Salta. You have surely seen it in a photo of the city! However, the current building is from the 19th century and was built on top of the previous one that was destroyed in an earthquake. Declared a national historical monument, it represents a must-see, even for those who are not religious people.

There is also the Church of San Francisco (with a beautiful colonial facade and the highest bell tower in South America (with 54 meters), and the Convent of San Bernardo that contains the oldest church in Salta.

We cannot end without mentioning the Monument to General Güemes, raised at the foot of Cerro San Bernardo, where the horse of this important character fell after a shot wound. Argentine history in the War for Independence, when he was Governor of Salta for six years.

As you can see, there are many incredible activities and places in the city ​​of Salta. The best thing? Of great cultural, historical and architectural value. Send a WhatsApp to our travel specialists and coordinate everything you need for your adventure in the capital of the northern province.