TRAVEL AND TOURS

In the beginning, Salta was an ocean, just a deep, blue, mysterious ocean. There lay, as a proof, the discovered fossils, millions of years old, belonging to marine invertebrates. And today, millions of years later, Salta is a city surrounded by greenness; abundant and attractive, historic and generous, difficult to compare to any place.

When visitors set foot on the affectionate streets of Salta, they immediately understand that this is a place where nobody is a stranger but everybody a friend. A place with a colourful landscape. A place where mountains, valleys, ravines, rivers and streams are united to create an image of the earth with a never ending spring.

Sedentary farmers lived in these vast fields a thousand years B.C.; and the caves at Guachipas and the stones of Tastil testify for it.. By the end of 13th century, the influence of the prevailing Inca Empire reached the area; and with the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors, modern history began.

There are different opinions about the name of Salta, though only two stand as the most commonly accepted. On one side, stand those who think it comes from the Quechua language, meaning "beautiful site, nice for settling". And on the other side, stand those who affirm it alludes to a local tribe called Sahta, belonging to the Chaco's Lule nation, which had lived in this valley until the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors.

Hernando de Lerma, a 37 year old native to Seville, chose the Salta valley to found the city, in April of 1582. He brought in his ego and his own surname, and named it the City of Lerma in the Salta Valley. He had made alliances with some Indian friends, and with them created defences around the settlement, almost permanently under siege by the hostile natives.

A little after that, the Jesuits were the first to grow vineyards and orchards. Currently, the presence in Salta of the indigenous blood is notorious. Under the unbelievable blue skies characterizing the region, the tourist circuit is an open temptation for those who do not need to pick a reason for travelling.

Through the 520 kms long circuit, and amongst mountains, cacti and shepherds looking after their sheep and goats, towns filled with folklore emerge, with their delicate gastronomy and the delicate enchantment of their pitted streets, their high sidewalks, and their façades containing doors and doorframes made out of strong locust tree.

Four centuries after its foundation, Salta is a symbiosis of history and scenery; of native and Spanish heirs, who identify themselves with the habits and rituals particular to their own group; but sharing much in the way. There are four ethnic groups still living under a tribal organization system at the Salta province; wichi, chorotes, chané and chiriguanos.

One of the best ways to truly live every minute in any place you visit, is by capturing the essence of the place and its odours, and blending with the local people, getting impregnated with their habits and expressions.

Salta is an ideal destination, with multiple direct flights from Buenos Aires, Córdoba, Jujuy, Rosario, Tucumán, Santiago de Chile, La Paz, and other cities in South America.

Alongside the main arteries, travellers will find a lodging infrastructure that include hotels, hostels, lodging houses, cottages, and tourists ranches adapted to their preferences.

As for the intense and amusing nights, travellers will discover many alternatives where to choose from: like listening to some folk, Latin, melodic, salsa, tango, pop or rock music; strolling or gambling at the casino; dancing in modern discotheques, or sharing a soirée at a pub or a folk restaurant.

Colonial and modern, always safe and welcoming, the City of Salta attracts thousands of travellers every year. Its warmth and serenity, the attractive Spanish physiognomy of its streets backed by the greenness of its surrounding mountains, and the gentleness of its mild weather, constitute the frame for the most multicoloured activities.

If travellers choose "Salta the Beautiful" as their destination, she will generously offer her heart in return.