Must-see attractions in Salta & the Andean Northwest

  • Museo de la Vid y El Vino

    Cafayate

    This impressive museum gives a good introduction to the area’s wine industry. The atmospheric first section, which deals with the viticultural side – the…

  • Museo Arqueológico

    Quebrada de Humahuaca

    This well-presented collection of regional artifacts in a striking colonial house has some pieces from the pucará just south of the center. Exhibits offer…

  • Convento de San Francisco

    Catamarca & La Rioja

    The order of St Francis was on the scene very early and began building here in the late 16th century. Bad luck with construction and then an earthquake…

  • Piattelli

    Cafayate

    Built as if money and space were no object, this upscale, over-the-top, US-owned winery is 3km from Cafayate. Tours show you three levels of relatively…

  • Cabildo

    Quebrada de Humahuaca

    The lovable cabildo (municipal building), built in the Spanish Moorish style in the 1940s, is famous for its clock tower, where a life-size figure of San…

  • Molino de San Francisco

    Catamarca & La Rioja

    Chilecito founder Don Domingo de Castro y Bazán owned this 300-year-old flour mill, which houses an eclectic assemblage of archaeological tools, antique…

  • Rua Chaky

    Catamarca & La Rioja

    Drop by any time to this family home in a pretty barrio to watch shawls and ponchos being made on the loom in the traditional manner. They've been weaving…

  • Museo del Hombre

    Catamarca & La Rioja

    This interesting local museum has sections on geology and archaeology, including quality ceramics and two haunting Inca mummies with well-preserved…

  • Parque de los Menhires

    Salta & the Andean Northwest

    At pretty El Mollar, at the other end of the valley from Tafí, you can visit the Parque de los Menhires on the plaza, where there is a collection of more…

  • Catedral

    Catamarca & La Rioja

    The enormous, sober-toned, 1899 neo-Byzantine (and a few other 'neos') cathedral contains the image of patron saint Nicolás de Bari. He's an object of…

  • Bodega Figueroa

    Cafayate

    This tiny family winery in Cafayate produces only 10,000 bottles of torrontés and malbec per year with small hand-operated equipment. Just one wine is…

  • Convento de Santo Domingo

    Catamarca & La Rioja

    Built in 1623 by the Diaguita under the direction of Dominican friars, this is Argentina’s oldest monastery. The date appears in the carved algarrobo door…

  • Bodega Nanni

    Cafayate

    Take the half-hour tour and taste four bright, young wines at this small, central winery with a lovely grass patio. The juice is organic, uncomplicated…

  • Museo Antropológico

    Salta

    Has good representations of local ceramics, especially from the Tastil ruins (Argentina’s largest pre-Inca town), and some well-designed displays in its…

  • Museo Cóndor Huasi

    Catamarca & La Rioja

    Upstairs at the end of a shopping arcade, this museum has a terrific collection of ceramics representing different eras of settlement in the region.

  • Sendero Triásico

    Catamarca & La Rioja

    This 'Triassic' path takes you past life-size replicas of dinosaurs whose fossilized remains have been found in the Talampaya area.

  • Arañitas Hilanderas

    Catamarca & La Rioja

    This cooperative is a good place to watch weavers at work, and buy their goods. Follow Belgrano past the Hotel Belén to find it.

  • Bodega El Transito

    Cafayate

    A slick operation in Cafayate's center, where you can taste all seven of its wines in a room that feels like an upscale lounge.

  • Casa de Gobierno

    Salta & the Andean Northwest

    One of Tucumán's many magnificent structures, this neoclassic beauty has a Parisian quality, and you won't miss it as it's right on Plaza Independencia…

  • Museo Histórico del Norte

    Salta

    Set on the plaza in the lovely cabildo (town hall), this collection ranges from pre-Columbian ceramics through to colonial-era religious art (admire the…

  • Parque Aguirre

    Salta & the Andean Northwest

    This enormous eucalypt- and casuarina-filled riverside area has free campgrounds, a swimming pool and a costanera (riverside road). It’s a fine place for…

  • Museo Folclórico Provincial

    Salta & the Andean Northwest

    Occupying a colonial house, this small but pleasant museum features a modest collection of traditional gaucho gear, indigenous musical instruments (check…

  • Monumento a la Independencia

    Quebrada de Humahuaca

    From Humahuaca's plaza, a staircase climbs to the Monumento a la Independencia, a vulgarity produced by local sculptor Ernesto Soto Avendaño. The…

  • Casa del Obispo Colombres

    Salta & the Andean Northwest

    In the center of Parque 9 de Julio (formerly Bishop Colombres’ El Bajo plantation), this handsome 18th-century house is a museum dedicated to the sugar…

  • Bodega El Esteco

    Cafayate

    This corporate affair on the northern edge of Cafayate is a smart and attractive winery producing some of the region’s best wines. All tours include a…

  • Casa Padilla

    Salta & the Andean Northwest

    Alongside the Casa de Gobierno, this partly restored mid-19th-century house belonged to provincial governor José Frías (1792–1874), then to his mayor son…

  • Museo de la Ciudad/Museo de Bellas Artes

    Catamarca & La Rioja

    The city of La Rioja makes a big effort rehabilitating old buildings for cultural ends. This complex houses the art gallery, which rotates temporary…

  • Museo de Arte Contemporáneo

    Salta

    Displays the work of contemporary artists from Salta and further afield. The space is well lit and usually exhibits high-quality canvases, multimedia…

  • Güemes Monument

    Salta

    This monument at the foot of Cerro San Bernardo marks the start of the path up the hill.