Salta tours

Things to do in Salta

Salta is a city that seems to march to its own beat. It's a place where colonial history and Andean culture are in constant conversation. As you wander through its streets, there's a distinct soundtrack of folk music playing, and the unmistakable scent of mate fills the air. In Salta, every street corner has its own tale. With a local guide, your Salta tours become more than just a stroll through the city. They’ll lead you off the beaten path to spots like a hidden peña, where locals gather for music and dance, or perhaps through bustling markets where artisans display their handcrafted goods. Whether you're navigating the historical center on foot or indulging in a food and wine tour to sample the acclaimed empanadas and Torrontés wine, your guide ensures you get to the heart of Salta, steering clear of the typical tourist spots. If you’re looking for more inspiration, take a look at our curated list of things to do in Salta. Explore Salta your way At ToursByLocals, we believe that how you explore is just as important as where you go. That’s why every Salta tour is private, flexible, and built around you: Move at your own pace, skip the crowds, make connections and follow your curiosity. Find local guides offering private tours in Salta for every interest, including: Nature and Wildlife tours: Hike the Yungas trails in Quebrada de San Lorenzo to listen for parrots and watch for butterflies under the cloud forest canopy, then continue to Cuesta del Obispo to scan the cliffs for soaring Andean condors before crossing into Los Cardones National Park. Or head onto the high puna near San Antonio de los Cobres, where your guide helps you spot vicuñas and rheas on quiet gravel roads and times photo stops for the best light. City highlights tours: Ride the teleférico up Cerro San Bernardo for wide views, then walk back down to sample empanadas salteñas at Mercado San Miguel and browse the artisan stalls in the nearby market. In the evening, join your guide along Calle Balcarce to hear live folk music at a peña and learn which spots locals favour for a late dinner. History tours: Step inside the MAAM to see the high-altitude archaeology exhibits, including the Llullaillaco children, and hear context you won’t get from the placards. Continue through the Cabildo Histórico and the Basílica y Convento de San Francisco, then finish at Museo Güemes to connect independence-era stories to the streets you’re walking. The historic centre is very walkable, and local buses cover the city, but wineries, salt flats and mountain passes sit far apart on mountain routes; ask your local guide about chauffeured tours or private transportation for longer itineraries. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all itinerary, you can tailor your private tour to match your interests, pace and personality with a local who knows Salta inside and out. Walking tours & neighbourhoods Embark on a private walking tour to explore Salta’s charming neighborhoods with your local guide. Having a local by your side enriches your understanding of each area’s unique charm. - Centro Histórico: Discover colonial architecture and vibrant plazas. Cultural tourists will love the rich history and lively atmosphere. - San Lorenzo: A green oasis known for its beautiful landscapes and hiking trails. Perfect for families and outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore nature. - Balcarce Street: Lively with bars and peñas offering traditional music and dance. Ideal for those wanting to experience local nightlife and culture. - Cerro San Bernardo: Offers panoramic views of the city. Great for photographers and those seeking breathtaking vistas. Day trip ideas from Salta Use Salta as your base and plan day trips to red rock valleys, high plains, and colonial towns, which suits private tours that blend scenery, short walks, and local food without a rush. - Cafayate via Quebrada de las Conchas: About 185 kilometres south, the road winds through a rock amphitheatre, odd cliffs, and wide valleys before reaching a wine town known for torrontés, and your tour can pace photo stops with a simple tasting or a vineyard lunch if that’s your thing. - Purmamarca and Tilcara (Quebrada de Humahuaca): Around three hours north, see the Hill of Seven Colours, browse the artisan market, and explore pre‑Hispanic ruins above Tilcara, with your tour timing the light and building in short trails for views without long climbs. - Salinas Grandes via Cuesta de Lipán: High‑altitude salt flats with endless horizons and playful perspective shots, reached by a dramatic pass where you often spot vicuñas; your tour can plan easy pacing for the elevation and include quiet pullouts most buses skip. - Cachi and Los Cardones National Park: A full‑day loop over Cuesta del Obispo brings giant cacti, condor lookouts, and a slow afternoon in an adobe‑lined square, and your tour can choose side roads like the Recta del Tin Tin for classic desert vistas. - San Lorenzo: Just 12 kilometres from the city, a green break with cloud forest trails, a river gorge, and birdlife, nice for a half‑day or a slower day when you want nature close to town while still keeping time for museums back in Salta. A private tour with a local guide is the best way to really get to know a place. Skip the crowds, follow your interests, and see a side of Salta most travellers miss.