Getting there (from the UK)

BA fly direct to Buenos Aires (stopover in Sao Paulo) once a day and from there it’s a 2 hour flight to Salta.

Where to stay

Even though The House of Jasmines (www.houseofjasmines.com) is 15km from Salta City, it’s definitely worth the half hour drive. The beautiful house lies at the end of a long, tree filled drive, in a peaceful location where nothing surrounds you but mountains. Sink into one of the huge cream sofas as the friendly staff welcome you with tea and homemade strawberry tarts. The rooms, which have a very romantic feel to them, are extremely comfortable and there are also small cottages to hire in the grounds which are ideal for families. After drinks and canapés by the fireplace, dinner is served wherever you would like to take it in the house (or outside weather permitting) and is delicious. There is also a heated outdoor pool and the spa, or if you’re feeling active, you can do the short walk down to the lake. Horse riding can be arranged but you do need to book the day before.

One day action plan for Salta City

Morning:

Museo de Arqueologia de Alta Montana

A small but serious exhibition on Inca culture and the child sacrifices left by the Incas on the Andes and which were discovered in 1999 (www.maam.org.ar).

Museo de Arte Contemporaneo

Showing contemporary art by local artists as well as from the rest of Argentina this is well worth a visit.

Iglesia San Francisco

On the main square you can’t miss Salta’s beautiful pink cathedral.

Lunch:

El Palacio de las Empanadas

A great place to sample empanadas. Make sure you go at lunchtime though, as the restaurant closes at 2.30/3pm (+54 387 422 0345).

Afternoon:

Cerro san Bernardo

For a fantastic view of Salta city take the teleferico (cable car) from Parque San Martin to the top of the Cerro San Bernardo. Get a one way ticket to the top and then walk down the cobbled path back to the centre.

Dinner:

If you want to stay in Salta for dinner then El Solar del Convento is well worth a visit. A lovely setting and renowned for its steak (+54 387 421 5124).

Other information:

It might be worth doing a bit of research into Argentinean wine before you go as the variety and choice is simply staggering – but of course this is the reason to go and the wineries and tastings are very informative. And if you can speak a little Spanish then it does make getting around a little easier.

By Jo Marris

Leave a Comment