The city of Salta, by its location and history, is characteristic of northwest Argentina.
Travellers who visit discover a colonial atmosphere, evident in the Plaza 9 de Julio, the cathedral, the cabildo (a kind of town hall), the San Francisco church and the San Bernardo convent, whose door was carved from carob wood by local indigenous people.
After stopping by the statues or the city markets, it is possible to climb to the top of Cerro San Bernardo for a view from above, at 269 metres, revealing the whole urban area.
History enthusiasts can visit the High Altitude Archaeology Museum (known by its acronym MAAM), which, through various artefacts, reveals the pre-Columbian past of northwest Argentina. It is especially known for displaying the “Children of Llullaillaco”, Inca mummies found at the summit of the volcano of the same name, located nearby.
In the surrounding area, you can visit the small town of Cachi or pass by the Salinas Grandes, white salt flats stretching as far as the eye can see.