Best of Salta Guided City Tour: Cathedral, San Bernardo Hill & Artisan Market
Difficulty
easy
Duration
3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels—mostly coach travel with short, gentle walks on cobblestones and paved paths.
Overview
Explore Salta’s colonial core, climb the foothills to San Bernardo for sweeping Andean views, and browse the Artisan Market in a compact three-hour guided loop. This coach-based tour blends architecture, history and local flavors—ideal for first-time visitors who want context and easy logistics.
Best of Salta Guided City Tour: Cathedral, San Bernardo Hill & Artisan Market
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The bus eases into Plaza 9 de Julio and the city opens like a set of carefully preserved postcards: the pink-and-white façade of the Cathedral, the high, narrow belfry of San Francisco Church, and the tangle of colonial balconies that catch the late-morning light. For three hours, a local guide moves the group through Salta’s downtown with a cadence tuned to stories — of Spaniards who laid out cobbled streets in the 16th century, of General Güemes and the gaucho campaigns that shaped the north, and of a city that traded silver and wool until trans-Pacific routes rerouted its fortunes.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Bring small cash
Many market artisans prefer cash for small purchases; carry Argentine pesos in modest bills for souvenirs and snacks.
Wear comfortable shoes
Short walks and uneven cobblestones mean stable, closed-toe shoes will keep you steady and comfortable.
Protect from the sun
High-altitude UV can be strong—apply sunscreen and bring a hat, especially in summer months.
Plan for pickup timing
Pickup from centrally located hotels is common; confirm your meeting point if your lodging sits outside the central area.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- hummingbirds in San Lorenzo’s subtropical greenery
- coatimundis and other small mammals in the hill’s wooded patches
History
Salta was founded in 1582 by Hernando de Lerma and flourished as a colonial trade center; General Martín Miguel de Güemes is a local hero whose remains lie in the cathedral.
Conservation
Local initiatives focus on preserving colonial architecture and protecting San Lorenzo’s subtropical woodland; practice responsible tourism by minimizing plastic use and staying on designated paths.
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Adventure Hotspots in Salta
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Sturdy walking shoes
Support and traction on cobblestone streets and short uphill sections to viewpoints.
Reusable water bottle
Keeps you hydrated during the coach transfers and short walks—refillable at cafes.
Sun hat & sunscreen
High-altitude sun makes protection essential during midday stops and hilltop views.
summer specific
Light rain jacket
Summer storms can arrive quickly—pack a compact shell to stay dry during sudden showers.
summer specific