Salta welcomes tourists with ‘best empanadas in the world’ and Spanish colonial architecture

In Salta, a part of Argentina still little explored by Brazilians, as soon as the tourist starts walking the streets, he is pursued by an irresistible smell of baked pasta. They are the famous empanadas, stuffed with minced meat, onions and eggs, spread across different corners of the city.

If for the Argentines Maradona is the best player in the world, for the Salteños it is in Salta that the most delicious empanadas on the planet are found — and perhaps they are right, given that the city hooks the tourist in the stomach and tasting the delicacy becomes inevitable.

The empanadas go in two bites, preferably with tomato sauce and pepper, accompanied by a cold beer. In these times of devaluation of the Argentine peso, it is possible to spend R$ 25 and leave satisfied — Brazilians, taking advantage of the exchange rate, are also starting to show their faces there.

It’s just that, now connected to São Paulo by two direct weekly flights, Salta has become easier for us. The region, which maintains Andean airs, with particular landscapes, different from other corners of the neighboring country, was founded in 1582, and is known for its Spanish colonial architecture and Andean heritage.

The tip to burn off the calories in empanadas is to start in the main square, Nove de Julho, and continue to its surroundings. Architecture is precious. It still preserves the heritage of the colonial period, such as the colorful facade of the Igreja de São Francisco and its striking bell tower.

The city’s cathedral, nearby, was built in the 19th century in Rococo style.

To enjoy the lively night, it is worth walking along Balcarce street, full of bars and restaurants with live music. And it is worth mentioning that Salta is not just about eating and drinking.

Located at 1,152 meters above sea level, in the midst of mountains, the region has a temperate climate. Rainfall is more common in summer, and in winter, as in southeastern Brazil, the climate is dry and cold. It can even be hot during the day, but at night, the temperature usually gives a truce.

The beautiful mountain landscapes of its surroundings and its enogastronomic potential are putting the region on the wish list of tourists from all over the world. Torrontés wines are mainly produced there, as well as Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, among others.

Places close to Salta, such as the ride at the heights of the Tren de las Nubes, which follows paths at an altitude of 4,200 meters, are also a good option — those who suffer from respiratory problems can seek help in the oxygen tanks available to travelers.

Reddish mountains that mix with desert vegetation set the tone for the road trip between Salta and Cafayate, full of, shall we say, lunar landscapes.

The highway was shown in the Argentine film “Relatos Selvagens” (2014), more precisely on the Morales bridge, located on the path that joins the two cities. This section, however, is not part of the “official” route, but it is easy to get there.

The landscape, very characteristic, escapes from the aesthetic standard that one is used to seeing on postcards from Argentina.

Where to stay

Kkala Boutique

Pasaje Las Higueras 104 Tres Cerritos, Salta. Daily rates from R$ 1,200.

Sheraton Salta Hotel

Colonel Francisco De Uriondo 330 Av Ejercito del Norte, Salta. Daily rates from R$ 1,659.

Hacienda de Molinos Hotel
Abraham Cornejo s/n , 4419 Molinos. Daily rates from R$ 870.