Top Things to do in Northern Argentina
10 Sights & Landmarks in Northern Argentina That You Shouldn't Miss
Discover the best top things to do in Northern Argentina, Argentina including Quebrada del Rio de las Conchas, Ruta de los Seismiles, Patio del Indio Froilan, Basilica Menor San Francisco, Cathedral of Salta, Volcan Incahuasi, Ocloyas, Pucara de Tilcara, Virgen de los Tres Cerritos, Casa de Gobierno de Jujuy.
Restaurants in Northern Argentina
1. Quebrada del Rio de las Conchas
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2,774 reviews
Reviewed By Hochopepa - Melbourne, Australia
Very worth visiting. There are multiple view points over 50+ km, however only really 3 major sights that involve a bit of a walk: garganta del diablo, el anfiteatro and los castillos. Garganta and the anfiteatro are within one km of each other, so it's easy to walk between the two. You probably only need about 1 hour to see both sites. To get here without a tour bus, take the flecha bus from Cafayate bus terminal. It stops at Garganta. Cost is 112 pesos. The bus leaves at 08.30, 10.30 and 14.00. Takes about 50 or so minutes. Beautiful scenery along the way! After you've seen Garganta, you can walk to the anfiteatro and have a look around. There is a bus stop right outside on the opposite side of the street where you can catch a bus back to Cafayate. Price is the same. Pay the driver when you get on. The bus comes at 13.25 and 15.55. other options invite hitch hiking! You don't get to see Los Castillos properly doing this, but you do get a glimpse on the bus. If you do want to take a tour, the are a few companies in Cafayate (e.g. ipuna) which will bring you here for about 850 pesos. The tour is at 2.30 p.m. and lasts for about 4-5 hrs. Can't tell you about the quality, but the Google reviews are not encouraging!!
2. Ruta de los Seismiles
3. Patio del Indio Froilan
4. Basilica Menor San Francisco
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,362 reviews
This towering church with striking white pillars is one of Salta’s most famous landmarks, often pictured on the city's postcards.
Reviewed By 311queenj - California, United States
Not only is this a beautiful church inside and out, but the tour was one of our favorites in Argentina. This church and convent was founded by the Franciscan Monks. Construction of the first sanctuary began in 1685, though it took a a hundred years and some renovations to complete the entire site as it is seen today. The bell tower is the tallest in S. America at 57 meters, and is home to the Campaña de la Patria bell, made from the bronze cannons used in the War for Independence. They ring the bells once a day at 7:30 pm. The tour is about 1.5 hours and takes visitors throughout the museum quarters of the church - the old living quarters of the monks, rooms with church relics and robes, halls with the original walls, moldings, and sculptures, the belfry tower, the balcony with the organ overlooking the church pews below, the courtyard, and the main church. The tour was very informative and was a private tour since no one else showed up. Be aware that the guided tour is only given in Spanish. The museum and tour hours are 10am to 6pm, Monday through Friday. The tour was only a few dollars, around 200 or 300 pesos per person. Tours run regularly about every hour. It is closed for lunch between 1pm and 2pm. There are 40 minute audioguides available in Spanish, English, and French that you can download to your phone from the website, but I am not sure what kind of access you have to the site when you don't go with a guide. There are certainly more beautiful churches in Argentina, but we liked this tour because it was a private, personalized tour. Because we had our own tour guide to ourselves, the pace revolved around us, our photo taking, and our questions. It was well worth the time.
5. Cathedral of Salta
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,675 reviews
This cathedral houses 16th-century statues of the Virgin Mary and the Cristo del Milagro, which were washed ashore when the Spanish ship transporting them sank.
Reviewed By TanyUziel - Ko Pha Ngan, Thailand
A Beautiful cathedral right in the center of the small city Salta. Decoration is beautiful and if you happen to attend a misa at Semana Santa (September ) an enlightenning experience is promised !
6. Volcan Incahuasi
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5 reviews
7. Ocloyas
8. Pucara de Tilcara
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,091 reviews
Amazing pre-Inca fortification ruins close to the city of Tilcara.
Reviewed By Triptippers - Portland, United States
This is a huge area that allows you to walk out into a dramatic part of the Tilcara hills. You can sense the history as you walk. We were almost put off by reviewer complaints about the ugly modern pyramid, but don't be. Its a minor moment in the overall experience. Recommend you allocate about 90 minutes. And its a great drive up the road and over the stream bed to get there.
