Family-Friendly Adventures in Salta!

San Bernardo Hill (Cerro San Bernardo)

Why Visit?

Embark on a delightful family adventure to Cerro San Bernardo, one of Salta, Argentina"s most cherished landmarks, offering panoramic views and a slice of local culture. Start your journey at the base of the hill, accessible by a pleasant drive or walk from downtown Salta.

Option 1: Cable Car Ride

For a scenic ascent, take the cable car from Parque San Martín. The ride offers a gentle climb, perfect for kids, and provides stunning aerial views of Salta. The cable car operates from 10 AM to 7 PM, making it convenient to plan your visit. Tickets are reasonably priced, and children under six ride free.

Option 2: Hiking

If your family is up for a bit of exercise, hiking the well-marked trail to the summit is a great alternative. The path begins at the Güemes Monument and features 1,000 steps interspersed with resting areas and scenic viewpoints. It takes about an hour to reach the top, where the effort is rewarded with breathtaking vistas.

At the Summit

Once at the summit, explore the attractions. Visit the artisan market for local crafts — perfect for souvenirs. Enjoy refreshments at the café, where you can sample regional treats while overlooking the city.

Don’t miss the Waterfall Monument "Cascada de los Sapos," a favorite among children, and learn about its construction that dates back to 1946. The summit also has a chapel and a series of statues, including one of the Virgin Mary, which are great for cultural insight and photos.

Descending

For the return trip, you can either hike down or take the cable car. If time permits, consider watching the sunset from the summit, which is spectacular and rounds off the day beautifully.

This itinerary promises a memorable family day out, combining exercise, education, and relaxation, all set against the backdrop of one of Argentina’s most picturesque landscapes.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Historical Museum of the North (Museo Historico del Norte)

Why Visit?

Family-Friendly Itinerary: Historical Museum of the North (Museo Historico del Norte)

Morning Arrival

Start your day early and head to the iconic Cabildo on the central plaza, Plaza 9 de Julio in Salta, easily accessible by public transport or taxi. The museum opens at 10:00 AM, perfect for getting a head start on your day.

Explore the Museum

Once inside, explore the rich history of Northern Argentina. The museum, housed in the old colonial government building, offers a deep dive into the indigenous cultures, Spanish colonization, and the struggle for independence. Kids will love the interactive displays, including ancient artifacts and colonial costumes, making history come alive!

Lunch Break

Around noon, take a lunch break at one of the local cafés around Plaza 9 de Julio. Enjoy some empanadas or a hearty locro, giving you a taste of local flavors.

Afternoon Activities

Post-lunch, head back to explore the second half of the museum. Don"t miss the room dedicated to Gauchos, Argentina’s legendary cowboys. It’s both educational and fun for children to learn about their lifestyle and importance in Argentine history.

Visit the Bell Tower

Cap off your museum tour by climbing up the Bell Tower around 3:00 PM. It offers a panoramic view of Salta, perfect for some memorable family photos. The climb is manageable for kids and it"s a great way to see the city from above.

Evening Stroll and Dinner

As the evening sets in, stroll through the vibrant Plaza 9 de Julio, soaking in the local atmosphere. Choose a nearby restaurant for dinner, perhaps trying some more regional specialties like tamales or humita.

Concluding the Day

Finish your visit by enjoying a leisurely walk back to your accommodation or to a bus stop/taxi stand, reflecting on the rich history and cultural insights gained from your day at the museum.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Great Salt Flats (Salinas Grandes)

Why Visit?

Embark on a captivating day trip to the Salinas Grandes, a stunning natural wonder situated in the provinces of Jujuy and Salta, Argentina. This vast expanse of salt flats is the perfect destination for a unique family adventure.

### Itinerary for a Day at Salinas Grandes

Morning: Departure from Salta or Jujuy

- Start Early: The drive from Salta takes about 3 hours. Renting a car is the most flexible way to travel, offering stops along picturesque routes. From Jujuy, it"s approximately 2 hours, letting you sleep a bit longer!

- Scenic Route: Travel through the Cuesta de Lipán, ascending more than 2,000 meters. This route offers breathtaking views and chances to see local wildlife, like llamas and vicuñas.

Midday: Explore Salinas Grandes

- Salt Flats Exploration: Arrive at the flats by noon to enjoy the surreal landscape. The vast white salt crust creates a stunning contrast against the blue sky, perfect for unforgettable family photos.

- Fun Science Lesson: Teach the kids about how the salt flats are formed. These flats are actually the dried-up remains of ancient lakes and are rich in lithium.

- Local Interaction: Visit with local communities who harvest the salt. You"ll see piles of extracted salt and traditional methods still in use, a great educational experience!

Afternoon: Lunch and Activities

- Picnic Lunch: Pack a lunch to enjoy on the salt flats. The reflection from the salt creates a natural cooler environment, but remember to bring plenty of water and sun protection.

- Salt Pool Visits: Some areas have small pools of water that collect on the salt flats. They provide a great opportunity for kids to dip their hands and observe the salt crystallization up close.

Late Afternoon: Return Trip

- Drive Back: Head back in the late afternoon. The descent through the hills during sunset provides a stunning end to an adventurous day.

### Tips for Families

- Best Time to Visit: The dry season (April to November) offers the most comfortable climate for exploring.

- Clothing: Dress in layers; the temperature can change quickly at high altitudes.

Enjoy your family excursion to Salinas Grandes, where natural science, local culture, and breathtaking landscapes combine to create an unforgettable experience!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Train to the Clouds (Tren a las Nubes)

Why Visit?

Family-Friendly Itinerary: Train to the Clouds Adventure

Day 1: Arrival in Salta, Argentina

- Morning: Fly into Martín Miguel de Güemes International Airport in Salita. Check into a family-friendly hotel, such as the Hotel Posada del Sol, which offers comfortable amenities and a central location.

- Afternoon: Explore Salta’s charming town center. Visit the MAAM museum to see fascinating Incan artifacts, including the famous Children of Llullaillaco, providing an educational prelude to the region"s culture.

- Evening: Enjoy dinner at a local peña (traditional folk music venue) like La Casona del Molino, where kids can enjoy the music and atmosphere.

Day 2: Train to the Clouds (Tren a las Nubes)

- Early Morning: Depart from Salta’s train station. Be sure to arrive early to secure good seats. The train ride offers a full-day round trip covering about 217 kilometers and reaching an altitude of up to 4,200 meters above sea level.

- Journey Highlights: The train crosses the vast Lerma Valley, enters the Quebrada del Toro, and finally ascends to the high peaks near San Antonio de los Cobres. The engineering marvel of La Polvorilla Viaduct, standing at 63 meters high and 224 meters long, is a highlight, perfect for awe-inspiring family photos.

- Interesting Fact: The train"s unique name comes from its high-altitude route, often above the clouds. This altitude makes it one of the highest railways in the world.

- Late Afternoon: Return to Salta. The journey back is an excellent time for the kids to journal or draw about their experience.

Day 3: Departure

- Morning: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel, then take a stroll in San Martin Park before heading to the airport for your departure.

Tips:

1. Book tickets for the Train to the Clouds in advance as they sell out quickly.

2. Dress in layers; temperatures can vary dramatically from Salta to the peaks.

This high-altitude adventure will surely be a memorable experience for the whole family!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Shells" Ravine (Quebrada de las Conchas)

Why Visit?

Embark on a captivating journey to Shells" Ravine (Quebrada de las Conchas), a gem nestled in the Calchaquí Valleys near Salta, Argentina. Ideal for families, this natural wonder is easily accessible by car, located about 90 kilometers from Salta City along Route 68. The drive itself is scenic, with vibrant landscapes that promise an enchanting road trip.

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

Start your adventure early from Salta, heading towards Cafayate. The route will take you directly into the heart of Quebrada de las Conchas. Keep your camera ready as the road unveils dramatic rock formations and stunning vistas.

First Stop: Devil’s Throat (Garganta del Diablo)

Kick off with a visit to the Devil’s Throat, a striking amphitheater-shaped formation. The natural acoustics here are phenomenal, so consider bringing an instrument for an impromptu family performance!

Second Stop: The Amphitheater

Just a short drive away, The Amphitheater offers another impressive echo chamber, larger than the first, where local musicians often perform. Enjoy the natural sounds and the awe-inspiring rock walls.

Day 2: More Marvels and Natural Wonders

After a restful night in Cafayate, which offers a range of family-friendly accommodations, continue exploring other formations.

Morning Visit: The Castles (Los Castillos)

Resembling ancient ruins, Los Castillos offers a fantastic spot for children to unleash their imaginations and adults to marvel at the erosion-sculpted towers.

Afternoon Excursion: The Windows (Las Ventanas)

Conclude your tour at Las Ventanas, famous for its window-like openings in the rock. These natural frames create perfect family photo opportunities, capturing the essence of this unique landscape.

Each stop along Quebrada de las Conchas provides not only spectacular views but also interpretive trails suitable for all ages, making it an educational yet thrilling excursion. Don"t forget to bring plenty of water, snacks, and sun protection to make the most of your family’s adventure in this stunning part of Argentina.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.