Salta: The Gem of the Andean Northwest

• HelloHola
  [oh-lah]
• GoodbyeChau
  [chow]
• YesSí
  [see]
• NoNo
  [noh]
• Please/You're welcomePor favor/De nada
  [por fah-bor/deh nah-dah]
• Thank youGracias
  [grah-see-as]
• Excuse me/SorryDisculpe/Perdón
  [dee-skool-peh/pehr-dohn]
• How are you?¿Cómo estás?
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• Fine. And you?Bien. ¿Y tú?
  [byen. ee too]
• Do you speak English?¿Hablas inglés?
  [ah-blahs een-glehs]
• I don't understandNo entiendo
  [noh ehn-tee-ehn-doh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMe gustaría ver el menú, por favor
  [meh goos-tah-ree-ah vehr ehl meh-noo, por fah-bor]
• I don't eat meatNo como carne
  [noh koh-moh kahr-neh]
• Cheers!Salud!
  [sah-lood]
• I would like to pay, pleaseMe gustaría pagar, por favor
  [meh goos-tah-ree-ah pah-gahr, por fah-bor]

• Help!¡Ayuda!
  [ah-yoo-dah]
• Go away!¡Vete!
  [veh-teh]
• Call the Police!¡Llama a la policía!
  [yah-mah ah lah poh-lee-see-ah]
• Call a doctor!¡Llama a un médico!
  [yah-mah ah oon meh-dee-koh]
• I'm lostEstoy perdido
  [ess-toy pehr-dee-doh]
• I'm illEstoy enfermo
  [ess-toy ehn-fehr-moh]

• I'd like to buy...Quisiera comprar...
  [kee-see-eh-rah kohm-prahr]
• I'm just lookingSolo estoy mirando
  [soh-loh ess-toy meer-ahn-doh]
• How much is it?¿Cuánto cuesta?
  [kwahn-toh kwehs-tah]
• That's too expensiveEsto es muy caro
  [ehs-toh ehs moo-ee kahr-oh]
• Can you lower the price?¿Puede bajar el precio?
  [pweh-deh bah-har ehl pree-syoh]

• What time is it?¿Qué hora es?
  [keh oh-rah ehs]
• It's one o'clockEs la una
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• Half past (10)Media (10)
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• MorningMañana
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• AfternoonTarde
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• EveningNoche
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• YesterdayAyer
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• TodayHoy
  [oy]
• TomorrowMañana
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• 1Uno
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• 2Dos
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• 7Siete
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• 8Ocho
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• 9Nueve
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• 10Diez
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• Where's a/the...?¿Dónde está...?
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• What's the address?¿Cuál es la dirección?
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• Can you show me (on the map)?¿Puede mostrarme (en el mapa)?
  [pweh-deh mohs-trar-meh (ehn ehl mah-pah)]
• When's the next (bus)?¿Cuándo es el próximo (colectivo)?
  [kwahn-doh ehs ehl proh-ksee-moh (koh-lehk-tee-voh)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un boleto (a ...)
  [oon boh-leh-toh (ah ...)]

Salta was founded on April 16, 1582, by Spanish conquistador Hernando de Lerma. The city was established as a strategic point for the Spanish Empire, serving as a link between Lima, Peru, and Buenos Aires. Its location in the Lerma Valley made it a vital hub for trade and communication.

On February 20, 1813, the Battle of Salta took place during the Argentine War of Independence. General Manuel Belgrano led the patriot forces to a decisive victory against the Spanish royalists, securing Salta as a stronghold for the independence movement in the region.

Salta is renowned for its well-preserved colonial architecture, which reflects its rich history. Notable structures include the Cabildo, the Cathedral Basilica of Salta, and the San Francisco Church. These buildings offer a glimpse into the city's past and its importance during the colonial era.

The Train to the Clouds, or Tren a las Nubes, is a marvel of engineering that connects Salta with the high plains of the Andes. Originally constructed in the 1920s, this railway line climbs to over 4,200 meters (13,800 feet) above sea level, offering breathtaking views and a testament to human ingenuity.

Salta and its surrounding areas are home to a rich tapestry of indigenous cultures, including the Diaguita and Calchaquí peoples. These cultures have left a lasting legacy through their art, traditions, and archaeological sites, such as the ancient city of Tastil and the Pucará de Tilcara fortress.

The gaucho culture is an integral part of Salta’s identity. Gauchos are skilled horsemen known for their distinctive clothing and way of life, which revolves around cattle ranching and rural traditions. The annual Gaucho Festival in Salta is a vibrant celebration of this enduring heritage.

The Calchaquí Valleys near Salta are famous for their high-altitude vineyards, producing some of Argentina's finest wines. The region is particularly known for its Torrontés, a white wine grape that thrives in the unique climate and soil conditions. Salta's wine industry is a key aspect of its cultural and economic life.

The Museum of High Altitude Archaeology in Salta houses the well-preserved mummies of three Inca children discovered at the summit of Mount Llullaillaco. These mummies, known as the Children of Llullaillaco, provide an extraordinary insight into Inca rituals and the civilization’s presence in the region.

Salta is accessible via Martín Miguel de Güemes International Airport (SLA), located about 10 kilometers southwest of the city center. Direct flights are available from major cities in Argentina, such as Buenos Aires, Córdoba, and Mendoza. International flights may require a connection through Buenos Aires. Alternatively, Salta is well-connected by bus and train services from various parts of Argentina, though bus travel is more common and reliable. The journey from Buenos Aires by bus takes approximately 20 hours.

Salta has a reliable public transportation system, including buses and taxis. The local bus network covers most areas of the city and surrounding regions. Taxis are plentiful and relatively inexpensive; they can be hailed on the street or booked through apps. For exploring the outskirts and nearby attractions, renting a car is advisable. Bicycle rentals are also available for those who prefer a more eco-friendly mode of transport.

The official currency in Argentina is the Argentine Peso (ARS). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops in Salta, but it's a good idea to carry some cash for smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are available throughout the city, but international withdrawal fees can be high, so plan accordingly. Currency exchange services are available at banks and exchange bureaus.

Salta is generally a safe city for tourists, but it is important to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit areas and be cautious with your belongings in crowded places. Areas such as the bus terminal and certain neighborhoods like Villa San Antonio and Villa Juanita have higher crime rates and should be avoided, especially after dark. Always use reputable taxi services and avoid displaying valuables.

In case of emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. Police, fire, and medical services are all accessible through this number. Major hospitals in Salta include Hospital San Bernardo and Hospital Público Materno Infantil. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are widely available for minor health issues and over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do wear comfortable but modest clothing, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid overly revealing outfits. Religion: Do respect local religious practices and dress codes, particularly in churches and during religious festivals. Public Transport: Do have small change for bus fares and be respectful of fellow passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake or a kiss on the cheek, which is common in Argentina. Eating & Drinking: Do try local specialties like empanadas and humitas. Don't refuse an offer of mate, a traditional tea, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Salta like a local, visit the Mercado San Miguel to enjoy local produce and traditional foods. Engage with locals in the city’s many plazas, such as Plaza 9 de Julio, where you can enjoy cafés and street performances. Take a ride on the Tren a las Nubes (Train to the Clouds) for stunning views of the Andes. Don’t miss the chance to explore the Calchaquí Valleys and the town of Cafayate, known for its wineries and scenic beauty.