This northwest gem is the pure criollo region of Argentina, offering exquisite architecture reflective of its rich colonial heritage with Spain. Nestled in the verdant Valle de Lerma, explorers entered Salta in 1533.

The heart of Salta rests in Plaza 9 de Julio, where numerous benches invite you to relax and toss corn kernels to the nearby flocks of pigeons, drawing them away from surrounding statues and fountains. Travelers admire the central cathedral for its vibrant pink exterior, as well as the San Francisco church for its striking hues of red and gold. Local peñas provide live folclórica music and mouthwatering asado served with empanadas. Authentic goods can be purchased in the handicraft market, filled with stacks of fragile pottery and delicate woodcarvings. On board the rustic Train to the Clouds, travelers endure a 15-hour journey that traverses vast northern canyons and salt flats dotted with adobe villages. Cafayate, known as the wine capital of the north, is located 110 miles south of the provincial capital. To drink a local glass of Torrontés, one must drive through the Calchaquí Valley, passing peculiar rock formations and red cliffs eroded by wind and water. Cachi, a humble town set against a stunning backdrop of Andean foothills, was once an indigenous trading post for wheat and corn.