Nestled in the foothills of the Andes in northwest Argentina, Salta is a hidden (ish) gem that deserves a spot on any itinerary in Argentina or even longer journeys through South America. Salta was my first stop in Argentina, and I arrived on the overnight bus from Bolivia. Now THAT was an interesting journey, I tell you, but definitely one for another day. Whether you’re planning on taking it easy and spending a few days exploring Salta and this very much unexplored region of Argentina or high-tailing it to Buenos Aires like me (again, another long story), figuring out where to stay in Salta is not the easiest task as it’s not the most touristy of cities.
Salta is also known as “Salta la Linda” (Salta the Beautiful), and whilst some of the city can feel a bit chaotic and a little dangerous, much of Salta is indeed beautiful, and there’s a lot to explore here. The city itself is home to many beautiful churches and buildings, the nearby Quebrada de Humahuaca is simply out of this world, and the Cafayate region which is famous for its wines is also nearby.
Salta is one of the biggest cities in the north of Argentina, and it’s a great jumping off point for many nearby attractions.
Which Areas to Stay in Salta, Argentina
Salta’s Downtown Area
I’d recommend that first time visitors (like me) stay in the downtown area. This is where you’ll find the most and best restaurants and bars, plus it’s the safest area in Salta for tourists. The nightlife here is really great, especially on weekends, although it’s easy enough to go out for a quiet dinner, too, if you want to avoid the hussle and bustle.
Your best bet is to look for accommodation around Plaza 9 de Julio, which is the main square, or Plaza General Güemes. These locations put you within walking distance of Salta’s beautiful cathedral, the historic Cabildo, and countless cafés, restaurants and bars. The colonial architecture around these squares is stunning and there is something really magical about having a morning coffee overlooking the plaza.
Portezuelo
If you’re after something a bit quieter and more bohemian, Portezuelo is a good bet. Portezuelo is a small neighbourhood in the east of Salta, and it has a completely different vibe from the busy downtown area. It’s got a lovely, laid-back atmosphere, but is more home to immigrants and long-term stays than short-term tourists (plus many locals, of course). Portezuelo is home to the Monument to Martín Miguel de Güemes, and more importantly for tourists, it’s where the cable car departs from. If you want to take the cable car up Cerro San Bernardo for unbeatable views over the city, there’s no easier place to stay than in Portezuelo.
North of the City
The area stretching north from the city centre to the La Caldera river is probably the most upscale part of Salta. This is where you’ll find the University of Salta, which you’ll find a lot of young people and students around here which brings a surprisingly calm, residential feel. It’s considered safe and tends to attract young professionals and students. This area is also home to some more upmarket accommodation, so bougier hotels are likely to be in this area. Although you’re not quite in the city centre here, it’s easy enough to walk into the city for dinner and drinks.
Western Zone or San Lorenzo
About 10 kilometres west of Salta city centre you’ll find San Lorenzo, which is technically a separate town but also kind of feels like a large suburb. It’s a beautiful area up in the yungas (cloud forest) of Salta, offering incredible biodiversity (think Costa Rica vibes) and a completely different climate from the city centre. San Lorenzo is where many young families go to escape the business of Salta city, making it another one of the safest areas in the region. There are a lot of private neighbourhoods around here that are very well-maintained and offer a glimpse into affluent Argentine suburban life.
Best Hostels in Salta, Argentina
Let me be honest with you – I stayed at LEAD Pods Hostel purely because I had a friend who was already staying there, even though it didn’t have the best reviews on Hostelword. The vibe wasn’t the best but the staff were friendly enough and I really liked the privacy and spaciousness of the pods. The pod concept can sometimes feel a bit claustrophobic, but these ones are really spacious and give you that extra bit of privacy that you don’t usually find in dorm rooms. The breakfast was pretty basic – standard Argentina hostel fare, really – but it did the job. The only downside was that, as I mentioned, there wasn’t much of a social atmosphere, but that didn’t bother me since my friend was already there.
From talking to other travellers that I met both in Salta and other places around Argentina, Prisamata came up again and again as the most sociable hostel in the city. Everyone I met who stayed there raved about the atmosphere and how easy it was to meet people. If you’re travelling solo and looking to make friends, this is definitely where I would recommend to stay (and it’s probably where I’ll stay if I ever go back).
The Selina Hostel chain (currently rebranding to Societel) also has a location in Salta. You know exactly what you’re getting with Selina. Whether you love their co-working spaces and wellness vibes, or find it all a bit too polished, at least there are no surprises.
Trotamundos Hostel Salta is another place where I wish I’d stayed, or where I would have migrated to if I’d decided to spend more time in Salta. From what I heard from other travellers it has a good balance of peace, quiet and cleanliness plus a social atmosphere without being a full-on party hostel. Sometimes you want to meet people and have a few drinks, but you also want to actually get some sleep!
Best Hotels in Salta, Argentina
If you’re a backpacker looking to splash out a bit on accommodation, or you’re the kind of traveller that doesn’t do hostels, Salta has some absolutely beautiful boutique hotels. Many of them showcase the city’s colonial heritage through their preserved architecture, and come along with some home comforts you might have missed if you’ve been staying in more budget accommodations so far on your trip in Argentina.
Posada del Milagro perfectly captures Salta’s character. The colonial architecture has been lovingly restored, and the rooms manage to feel both historic and contemporary at the same time. It’s just a few blocks from the main square, meaning you’re right in the heart of the action here.
Florida 55 is another great boutique hotel, although this one is distinctly more budget than Posade del Milagro. It’s a peaceful place within walking distance from Salta’s city centre.
Mirador La Viña takes advantage of Salta’s stunning setting with high-up rooms that offer spectacular views over the city and the mountains in the background (“mirador” is the spanish word for “viewpoint”). If you’re the type of person who loves to wake up to a view, this could be worth the extra cost. It also has the most amenities and the most stylish interior of all the hotels on this list.
FAQs About Where to Stay in Salta, Argentina
Where should I stay in Salta?
For first-time visitors, try staying in the downtown area around Plaza 9 de Julio or Plaza General Güemes. This puts you within walking distance of the main attractions, restaurants, and nightlife whilst being the safest option for tourists.
What is the best neighbourhood in Salta Argentina?
The best neighbourhood depends on what you’re after. Downtown is perfect for those who want to be in the thick of things with easy access to restaurants, bars, and attractions. Portezuelo offers a more artistic, laid-back atmosphere and is convenient for the San Bernardo cable car. San Lorenzo offers a more nature-focused experience just outside the city.
Is Salta in Argentina worth visiting?
Yes! Salta is one of Argentina’s most beautiful cities and serves as an excellent base for exploring the north of Argentina. The colonial architecture is stunning, the food scene is excellent, and it’s perfectly positioned for day trips to places like Cafayate, Quebrada de Humahuaca, and the incredible landscapes of the northwest.
How many days do you need in Salta?
I’d recommend at least three to four days to properly enjoy Salta and take advantage of its location, especially as it’s quite far from most other traditional destinations on the Argentina tourist trail.
Conclusion
Choosing where to stay in Salta comes down to balancing your budget, travel style, and what you want to get out of your time in this beautiful Argentine city. Each neighbourhood brings something different, but Salta is, generally, quite a safe place and it’s hard to go wrong when choosing which neighbourhood to stay in. From my brief but memorable time there, I can say that Salta has this wonderful ability to make you feel immediately at home whilst constantly surprising you with its beauty and character.
