Things to do & places to visit in Northern Argentina, Argentina

Northern Argentina #4 destination in Argentina 2023. The average rating score is 4.47 based on 80.2k traveler reviews, of 150 attractions. Timezone: America/Argentina/Buenos_Aires, current date and time: Sunday, May 05, 2024, 8:47.

Top things to do (24)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 The Hill of Seven Colors (3.136 reviews)
- Spectacular colours in these mountains, great for photographers
Spent More than 3 hours Mountains • Geologic Formations

The reason why we decided to travel around the mountains near Salta was to see the Hills of Seven Colours. We had booked to visit the Iguazu Falls and then saw some pictures of the coloured mountains. We then decided to extend our trip to Salta and the mountains. When we arrived at the small village of Purmamarca and saw the Hills of Seven Colours, we were amazed at the spectacular colours, just breath taking. So many photos later. Loved the small town with its delightful inhabitants selling their beautiful garments. Really worth a visit and a stay in the town. See more..
5.0 Quebrada del Rio de las Conchas (2.825 reviews)
- A singular landscape
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Nature & Wildlife Areas

I enjoyed the road from Salta to Cafayate more than other scenery roads in Salta. I had visited the area only when I was a little girl and so everything looked new to me. The landscape is quite dramatic in hues of red with many geologic formations that are attractive to the eye and great for photography. The road is very good, not too difficult and not too high either, and it takes long because you want to stop at every step. If you are fit enough, don't miss the views from the several high viewpoints and short trails along the way. See more..
5.0 Anfiteatro Natural (1.613 reviews)
- Amazing natural amphitheater
Spent < 1 hour Geologic Formations

I loved this area with so many amazing rock formations. It was a short walk into the amphitheater from our bus and we were fortunate to have a market seller play music for us with our guide. Such a lovely sound echoing through the rock formation. We were sad to see some silly young people climb up on the rock wall, surely that is forbidden. See more..
5.0 Serranias Del Hornocal (1.433 reviews)
- Stunning views
Sunday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent More than 3 hours Mountains

I can say that I visited -and know- many landscapes of Argentina (specially in Patagonia), but this one impressed me. Yes, the trip is a long and windy (gravel) road, but can be visited with a normal car. It takes around 1 hour to get to the top, but definitely worth a visit! See more..
5.0 Cuesta de Lipan (385 reviews)
- Worth a brief stop on the way up
Lookouts • Scenic Drives • Scenic Walking Areas

Travelled from Salta to Salinas Grandes on an organised tour. Worth a brief stop by the side of the road to appreciate how far you’ve come! See more..
4.5 MAAM - Museo de Arqueologia de Alta Montana de Salta (6.847 reviews)
- The best museum for Andean mummies
Sunday: 11:00 AM - 6:30 PM Natural History Museums • History Museums

The high altitude archaeology is something relatively new and the teams working in Argentina are doing really good. Not all the mummies are on display at the same time. During my visit only 3 of the 8 they have were on display and the information they have for each of the offering items accompanying the mummy is really valuable. The historical information about the Incas are also very precise, for sure written by archaeologists. The museum shop is a bit expensive, but you can find rare books that are not available in regular bookstores. See more..
4.5 Cathedral of Salta (4.731 reviews)
- Beautiful architecture and full of history
Religious Sites

This cathedral houses 16th-century statues of the Virgin Mary and the Cristo del Milagro, which were washed ashore when the Spanish ship transporting them sank. See more..
4.5 Cerro San Bernardo (3.483 reviews)
- The best view of Salta
Mountains

This hill is the best place to have a panoramic view of the city. It's easy to get there using the cablecar or if you are more athletic, you can climb all the way there. There's a statue of St. Bernard, a cross, and Christ. You can also enjoy the local species of trees and the artificial waterfalls. There are some souvenir shops with the same prices at the fair downstairs at San Martin square. See more..
4.5 Pucara de Tilcara (3.186 reviews)
- History underfoot
Sunday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Ancient Ruins

Amazing pre-Inca fortification ruins close to the city of Tilcara. See more..
4.5 Cuesta del Obispo (2.599 reviews)
- Spectacular View
Mountains

We rented a car and drove ruta 40 from Salta to Molinos and then onto Cafayate. This is an amazing drive with spectacular views. The road can be challenging as it is gravel (and in need of grading in some parts) and winds through the mountains on a narrow road however it is drivable without 4WD. In some cases especially after you pass Cuesta del Obispo driving was very slow as the road was washboard like. We were grateful that we chose to split the journey and stay in Molinos as the entire trip took about 12 hours. Well worth it! See more..
4.5 Casa Historica de Tucuman (2.462 reviews)
- FOR ARGENTINES A MUST, FOR FOREIGNERS INTERESTING
Sunday: 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM, 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM Speciality Museums

Casa Histórica Museo Nacional de la Independencia Congreso 141 - San Miguel de Tucuman, Tucuman Horarios: De martes a domingos y feriados: 9 a 13 - 16 a 20 Espectáculo de Luces y Sonidos: 20.30 See more..
4.5 Basilica Menor San Francisco (2.409 reviews)
- 1 h tour that worths every penny
Religious Sites

This towering church with striking white pillars is one of Salta’s most famous landmarks, often pictured on the city's postcards. See more..
4.5 Plaza 9 de Julio (2.178 reviews)
- I hang out at this place
Points of Interest & Landmarks

I love this Plaza! Unlike the ones in other pueblos or ciudads, this Plaza is always busy. Everybody’s here providing or consuming entertainment. In the afternoon, children feed pigeons with popcorns, and at night there’s some traditional dancing, magic tricks, etc. See more..
4.5 Virgen de los Tres Cerritos (1.783 reviews)
- great experience.
Religious Sites

the hike up is beautiful, and Saturdays is when thousands of people get up to be blessed. The view of Salta from the top is outstanding. See more..
4.5 Salinas Grandes (1.594 reviews)
- Long journey from Salta to reach Salinas Grandes
Spent More than 3 hours Deserts

We were fortunate that we were travelling in March so not as much traffic then. The journey from Purmamarca up the very winding road was breathtaking, loved the coloured mountains and the changing landscape. The Saltpans were enormous and so vividly white. Unfortunately, we only had a short time there and mainly stopped for photos and the toilet where you had to line up and pay. We were told to be very careful with the glare and had to wear sunglasses and a hat See more..
4.5 Paseo de los Colorados (1.530 reviews)
- Hike or Drive the Hills behind Town of Purmamarca
Hiking Trails

We choose to drive the dirt/stone road the winds around the colorful stone formations that surrounds the town of Purmamarca. We stopped many times to take in the beauty that nature has provided to this area. Worth the short, easy drive. See more..
4.5 Quebrada de Humahuaca (1.513 reviews)
- Outstanding scenery
Geologic Formations

The valley contains numerous archaeological remains of pre-Columbian settlements. See more..
4.5 Waterfall Garganta Del Diablo (1.407 reviews)
- Amazing
Waterfalls

This lovely short trekking leads you to Garganta del Diablo. A nice waterfall at the end of a nice path full of colours and tiny stream. Cactus and blue sky were my guides. In January in this part of Jujuy you will be able to be in T shirt and put a sweatshirt by night. Is a really easy and nice trekking to do. It will take you half and hour/ 45 minutes if you make it fast. See more..
4.5 La Garganta del Diablo (1.212 reviews)
- Such an incredibly fun climb
Geologic Formations

This was one of my favourite places in the whole month we spent in the north of Argentina and puna de Atacama. At the beginning, I thought it would be too difficult to climb the slippery and quite vertical rocks, but with some tricks and a bit of agility, it can be achieved. You can go up to a certain point and the climb itself is the best and funniest part of the visit. I was there after a very big storm and there was a lot of mud, which made slides even more probable. Great experience! See more..
4.5 Cachi (1.152 reviews)
- Wonderful town
Points of Interest & Landmarks

Cachi is a gem! So much more genuine and unspoilt than Cafayate or the other more well-known villages in North West Argentina. Beautiful adobe houses well laid out around the central square. Several great restaurants! A beautiful church, and a very relaxing atmosphere. But best of all: In order to get to Cachi, you have to drive one of the most beautiful roads in Argentina, either the RN40 from Cafayate (or from Susques), or the road from Salta up the Cuesta del Obispo and through rthe National Park. These are equally spectacular! So not only does Cachi in itself merit the trip, but any road going there merits a significant detour! Do not drive Salta-Cachi-Cafayate in 1 day! Stay over in Cachi. The drive is too long (not in miles but in hours), and you wont benefit from all the great stops on the way (Cachi, Molinos, Quebrada and Nayional park). See more..
4.5 Museo de la Vid y el Vino (1.038 reviews)
- Really Informative
Speciality Museums

We were walking around town and bumped into the museum, not really expecting much. We ere pleasantly surprised. It gives a really good history of the region with sophisticated multi media presentations. Worth the visit See more..
4.5 Parque Sierra de San Javier (1.002 reviews)
- Cristo Bendicente at San Javier Mountain
Parks

This statue, made in 1942, stands on the San Javier mountain, and it can be seen from the city of San Miguel de Tucumán on a clear day. It's 28 m high and it represents Jesus Christ, who has his right hand up, blessing the people and the city. The artist of this sculpture was Juan Carlos Iramain, whose remains lie since 1986 near the statue. It's the 4th biggest Christ statue in the world. But perhaps the best part, is the road that takes you from the city to the statue, where the lush greens and curly road seem to enchant you! See more..
4.5 Parque Nacional Los Cardones (994 reviews)
- Looked like a massive Cacti garden
Sunday: 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM Ancient Ruins • National Parks

These ruins are relatively unknown and are very well preserved and set in beautiful surrounds. The site is a small pukara similar to the Quilmes ruins and was an important strategic point for protecting the mountain pass from Tafi del Valle before entering the Valle Calchaqui. The site's name comes from the "cardones" or thistles (Trichocereus pasacana) that make up the abundant vegetation that grows there. Some of these are as tall if not taller than those at the Los Cardones National Park in Salta. See more..
4.5 El Anfiteatro (913 reviews)
- Amazing views!
Spent < 1 hour Geologic Formations

Amazing views overall. Free entrance except for the trinkets you buy from the locals which are actually very nice and we bought a number of them. See more..
4.5 Museo Del Automovil (870 reviews)
- a very nice expo and a very friendly manager.
Speciality Museums

Silvina has been a great guide for us. several historical cars and some very ancient bikes. see you soon See more..
4.5 Quilmes Ruins (Ruinas de Quilmes) (800 reviews)
- On the way from Tucuman to Cafayate
Sunday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Ancient Ruins

An absolute must to visit! First in the museum a movie will explain the sad history of the Quilmes tribe and walking through these ruins will give you an idea on how big their living spaces were. See more..
4.5 Salinas Grandes (783 reviews)
- Highlight of This Vacation
Geologic Formations

One of our favorite excursions around Salta. Mind boggling place. The drive to the desert salt will take you up to 4,000+ meters above sea level, and the Salinas are at 3,500 meters. To go in, you do need to pay for a guide, which a month ago was AR$ 1,500 per car. Our guide did tell us a lot of facts about the salinas, and was able to answer any question. The fee does include a lot of picture taking too. We absolutely loved this excursion and would recommend it to anyone despite the drive (which is very safe). Don't forget to eat the various tortillas for sale, they are delicious! AR$300 each. See more..
4.5 Termas de Fiambala (642 reviews)
- Natural baths
Hot Springs & Geysers

One of the most amazing place for therms. You'll be in semi natural pools in the middle of the mountains with an amazing panorama on the valley. Be sur that this therms are Worth the trip to fiambala! See more..
4.5 Bodega El Esteco (566 reviews)
- Incredible and delicious experience
Sunday: 9:30 AM - 6:30 PM Spent 1-2 hours Wineries & Vineyards

In the heart of the Calchaqui Valleys, in Cafayate, Salta, at 1,700 meters above sea level, surrounded by a beautiful natural landscape, is Bodega El Esteco. In this inhospitable place, grapes of excellent quality are obtained for the production of wines of great character and unique personality. Wines of limited productions designed to accompany the highest cuisine. Wines that awaken the adventure, which drive to experience new sensations. We invite you to tour our winery and enjoy a tasting of our best wines. See more..
4.5 Catedral Basilica de Nuestra Senora del Valle (508 reviews)
- Worth the visit
Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks • Churches & Cathedrals

This is the main cathedral of this town and the main attraction for tourist. It is just across the street of 25 de mayo square. See more..