Wheelchair-Friendly Adventures in Salta!

San Bernardo Hill (Cerro San Bernardo)

Why Visit?

Embark on an exhilarating and accessible adventure to the summit of San Bernardo Hill, one of Salta’s most cherished landmarks, offering panoramic views and a rich historical tapestry.

Getting There

For visitors with mobility scooters or in wheelchairs, the easiest way to reach the top of Cerro San Bernardo is by taking the cable car. Located conveniently at the Parque San Martín, the lower station provides a smooth and accessible boarding experience. As you ascend, enjoy a captivating aerial view of Salta’s vibrant cityscape and verdant landscapes.

At the Summit

Upon reaching the summit, you’ll be greeted by the serene and beautifully maintained gardens, perfect for a leisurely stroll along paved paths. The terrace offers breathtaking views of the city below, framed by the distant Andes mountains — a perfect photo opportunity.

Explore the artisan market where local craftspeople sell unique souvenirs and handicrafts, easily navigable with wide aisles. Don’t miss the historical monument paying homage to General Martín Miguel de Güemes, a key figure in Argentina’s independence, which is thoughtfully placed for easy viewing.

Dining with a View

For a refreshing break, visit the hilltop café. Offering both indoor and outdoor seating, the café is fully accessible and provides an ideal spot to savor local delicacies while overlooking the sprawling cityscape.

Descending the Hill

Return to the base of the hill via the cable car, allowing you the chance to witness the sunset over Salta, a truly magical sight not to be missed.

Interesting Fact

Cerro San Bernardo is not only a natural haven but also an emblem of local heritage, featuring 14 Stations of the Cross that lead up the hill, commemorating the Via Crucis.

This wheelchair-friendly tour of Cerro San Bernardo guarantees not just ease of access but also an enriching cultural experience, blending breathtaking nature with poignant historical narratives.

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

Historical Museum of the North (Museo Historico del Norte)

Why Visit?

Welcome to a wheelchair-friendly exploration of Salta"s Historical Museum of the North (Museo Historico del Norte), housed in the stunning Cabildo on Salta’s main plaza, Plaza 9 de Julio. This museum offers not only a glimpse into the colonial history of Argentina but also accessibility for all visitors, ensuring a comfortable and enriching experience for those on wheelchairs and mobility scooters.

Starting Your Tour

Begin your journey at the heart of Salta, the Plaza 9 de Julio, where the museum is located. The surrounding area is relatively flat and features well-paved pathways, making it easy to navigate. Wheelchair access to the museum is provided at the entrance, where you"ll find ramps and accessible doors.

Inside the Museum

Once inside, you"ll discover exhibits spread over two floors. The museum provides an elevator to access the upper levels, ensuring you don"t miss out on any part of the display. The first floor hosts a captivating array of colonial art, religious artifacts, and pieces that tell the story of Salta’s indigenous cultures and Spanish colonization.

Highlight of the Museum

Don"t miss the Hall of the Argentine War of Independence on the upper floor, which offers insightful displays about Argentina’s struggle and ultimate success in gaining independence. The room is spacious and easily navigable in a wheelchair.

Practical Tips

- Museum hours are from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM; visiting early might help avoid crowds.

- Restrooms with wheelchair access are available on the ground floor.

- Consider using the audio guides available at the entrance for a more detailed understanding of the exhibits.

Finish your visit by soaking in the ambiance of the plaza, perhaps with a local snack from one of the accessible cafés nearby, reflecting on the rich tapestry of history you"ve just experienced.

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

Great Salt Flats (Salinas Grandes)

Why Visit?

Embark on a mesmerizing journey to the vast, ethereal expanse of the Salinas Grandes, a spectacular natural salt flat situated in the northwestern part of Argentina, straddling the provinces of Jujuy and Salta. Transformed over millennia, this remarkable landscape offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural richness, making it an ideal destination for an accessible adventure.

Getting There

Your journey begins with a scenic drive from the city of Salta or the town of Purmamarca in Jujay, both offering smooth, paved roads suitable for vans equipped with wheelchair lifts. Renting a suitable vehicle with a professional driver who is knowledgeable about the region and its accessibility needs ensures a comfortable trip.

Touring Salinas Grandes

Upon arrival at Salinas Grandes, marvel at the seemingly endless horizon where the sky and salt create an infinite mirror, perfect for surreal photography. Designated viewpoints along the access road allow everyone, regardless of mobility, to soak in the vistas and crisp air. Local tour operators now offer portable ramps and have wheelchair-accessible paths at key viewing areas, making the flats more welcoming than ever.

Activities

Engage with local salt workers who harvest the plains by traditional methods. They often demonstrate the salt-gathering process and share insights into their unique lifestyle, providing a rich cultural exchange. Be sure to check with your tour operator for a scheduled visit that accommodates accessibility needs.

Local Insights

The salt flats are not only a natural wonder but also a significant economic resource, contributing to Argentina"s supply of lithium. The contrast between the arid mountain peaks and the vast salt flats provides a stunning tableau you won’t find elsewhere.

Top Tip

Visit during the shoulder seasons (April-May or September-October) to avoid extreme weather conditions and to enjoy a more personal, crowd-free experience. Always ensure that your travel insurance covers special mobility needs for a worry-free adventure.

Your day at Salinas Grandes promises not just a visual feast but also an accessible encounter with one of nature’s most unique landscapes.

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

Train to the Clouds (Tren a las Nubes)

Why Visit?

Wheelchair-Friendly Journey to the Train to the Clouds

Embark on an awe-inspiring adventure aboard Argentina"s famed Train to the Clouds, tailored for wheelchair users and mobile scooter riders. This breathtaking railway experience promises not only stunning vistas but also accessibility, ensuring a seamless journey through the Andean landscape.

Starting Point: Salta City

Kick off your journey in the charming city of Salta. You can easily reach Salta via plane from Buenos Aires to Martin Miguel de Güemes International Airport, which is equipped with ramps and wheelchair-accessible facilities. From the airport, take a wheelchair-accessible taxi or a rental van equipped for mobility scooters directly to your hotel. We recommend staying at accommodations that pride themselves on accessibility, offering rooms designed for wheelchair users.

The Day of the Journey

The Train to the Clouds operates from Salta station, which is fully equipped with ramps and elevators. Arrive early to enjoy a hassle-free boarding process. The train staff are well-trained to assist, ensuring you"re comfortably situated on the train. As you travel, marvel at the engineering marvel of this rail line, originally constructed in the 1930s, climbing up to an astounding 4,220 meters above sea level at its peak.

Scenic Splendors and Stops

The journey offers panoramic views of the Quebrada del Toro, vast fields, and towering mountains. Notable stops accessible to wheelchairs include the Viaducto La Polvorilla, an iconic 224-meter long bridge where the train makes a leisurely stop allowing passengers to soak in the magnificent views and snap memorable photos.

Return and Relax

After the day-long excursion, the train comfortably returns you to Salta. Reflect on this remarkable journey as you enjoy local cuisine at one of the accessible restaurants near your hotel.

Interesting Fact

Did you know? The Train to the Clouds is one of the highest railways in the world, making it not just a journey but an exploration of the heights of human achievement in railway engineering.

This wheelchair-friendly tour promises an unforgettable exploration of Argentina’s majestic landscapes, combining comfort with adventure in the heart of the Andes.

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

Shells" Ravine (Quebrada de las Conchas)

Why Visit?

Embark on a spectacular journey through the Quebrada de las Conchas (Shells" Ravine), a breathtaking canyon in Argentina"s Salta Province, renowned for its striking rock formations and vivid, natural colors. This wheelchair-accessible adventure offers visitors with mobility limitations a chance to experience the area"s stunning beauty comfortably and safely.

Getting There

Start your trip in Salta city. Rent a wheelchair-accessible vehicle equipped with a ramp or a lift, which will allow for easy transport through the scenic Route 68. This well-maintained road stretches directly to the heart of Quebrada de las Conchas, approximately 183 kilometers away. Along the drive, enjoy the unfolding panorama of the Lerma Valley with its lush vegetation gradually transforming into the arid, striking landscapes of the ravine.

Attractions

1. The Amphitheater - This natural, semicircular rock formation known for its outstanding acoustics is your first stop. Concerts are sometimes held here, utilizing its unique natural sound amplification. The site is accessible via a paved path, making it easy to navigate in a wheelchair.

2. Devil’s Throat (Garganta del Diablo) - Similar to the Amphitheater and just a short ride away, this formation resembles a mini-canyon with walls echoing sounds of wind. An accessible viewing platform allows for awe-inspiring views of the surrounding cliffs.

3. The Castles (Los Castillos) - Marvel at these aptly named, castle-like formations boasting reddish hues. The viewpoint here is reachable via a level, firm path.

Each site features accessible paths or platforms, ensuring everyone can enjoy the natural wonders. Don"t miss capturing the vibrant sunset, which bathes the rocks in spectacular shades of orange and red, providing a perfect end to your tour.

Interesting Fact

Quebrada de las Conchas is not only a natural wonder but also a cultural treasure, featuring fossils and rock formations that date back over 90 million years, offering a rare glimpse into the Earth’s geological past.

This tour promises a day of discovery and awe, making it a must-visit for everyone who travels to Salta.

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