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Culture: Salta and the northwest

This region of the country is famed for its Incan influence and indigenous heritage and is well worth a look

Salta and the Northwest - horses
Salta and the Northwest - horses

On the surface of it, the northwest of Argentina appears to be more about the rugged beauty of the landscape, and the stark beauty of many if its rock formations and locations….but this would be wrong. The thing that keeps those in the know coming back time and time again to this region of Argentina is the people and the culture of the place, with strong influences from the Incan and other indigenous cultures.

Today, much of the culture of the region is centered around the capital of the Province, Salta. Today, this growing city is a mix of indigenous peoples from all over South America and so is a fairly interesting place to head to anyway (Argentina is almost exclusively populated by foreign immigrants and, as such, it is very rare to encounter large populations of tribes folk anywhere other than the very northwest). The main interest surrounds the central square, the Plaza 5 Mayo, with the MAAM museum, the cathedral and the square itself taking centre stage.

One of the more interesting artifacts in the museum are the three Incan burial remains that were found both here and over the border in the Chilean Atacama desert. The museum gives a fascinating insight into the practices and agricultural technologies that the Incans brought with them…along with showing a few of their more gruesome traditions.

Outside of the city, again, there are plenty of interesting locations to seek out. To the north is the city of Jujuy and, beyond that, the Quebrada de Humahuaca, a snaking valley along which are a series of interesting towns and villages that still harbour all sorts of interesting churches and squares.

To the south of the city is the famous Quebrada de Cafayate and the simple Abode villages of the region. As mentioned in the Salta overview section, weaving is a tradition that is still very strong in this region and so, along with potentially staying in somewhere like Colome, one of the oldest vineyards in northern Argentina, a trip to this region will not disappoint.

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    Salta and the Northwest

    At a glance…The Northwest Region

  • Size: 560,000 sq km
  • Location: North Western Argentina
  • Recommended time: 3 to 6 nights
  • Time to visit: September to April
  • Go here for: Nature and culture
  • Further reading...

  • › Weaving
  • › Nature and Wildlife
  • › Salta and the Northwest
  • Our Top Five Culture Hotels in Salta and the Northwest:

    1. El Cortijo Hotel

      El Cortijo Hotel

      The El Cortijo Hotel is both small and intimate, located in the small town of Cachi on the famous driving circuit out of Salta to Cafayate. Usually used as a single night stop over, it has all of the facilities that you can ask for from a simple hotel. The building was once a family home and there... More...

      Our rating:
      4
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      2
    2. Casa de Adobe

      Casa de Adobe

      Unlike its neighbour, La Comarca, the Casa de Adobe feels like it doesn’t have enough space and there is a feeling of rooms and communal areas being squashed on top of each other in order to get everything in. If you can look past this feature, however, the Casa de Adobe is a good little hotel that... More...

      Our rating:
      4
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      4
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      2
    3. Las Terrazas Hotel Boutique - Sun terrace

      Las Terrazas Hotel Boutique

      Las Terrazas Hotel is a great little hotel, set into the hillside to the west of Tilcara and looks back across the town to the famous Quebrada de Humahuaca beyond. Each of the 9 rooms features their own balcony and have a light and airy feel to them. We think that this is the best option available... More...

      Our rating:
      4
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      4
      Price:
      2
    4. Patios de Lerma

      Located right in the north of the city, next to the train to the clouds station, the Patios de Lerma provides simple accommodation with good facilities and service. While the rooms themselves face inwards and not out, thus not giving any views as such, there is a quiet and clean atmosphere to the... More...

      Our rating:
      3
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      3
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      2
    5. Sala de Payogasta Hotel

      Sala de Payogasta Hotel

      Sitting around 10 minutes drive from the small village of Cachi, the Sala de Payogasta is a simple farmhouse that has been lovingly restored back to its original glory and is a great example of how generations have been living in this inhospitable environment. Based around a central courtyard, all... More...

      Our rating:
      3
      User rating:
      3
      Price:
      1