Salta, Argentina Salta, Argentina

Where to Stay in Salta 🇦🇷: 5 Best Places & Salta Hotels Guide

Looking for the perfect place to stay in Salta and the Northwest? This guide explores five top areas, using my real stories and tips to help you find the best Salta hotel, boutique hotel options, and every unique lodging option. Whether you want the classic city buzz or quiet nature, there’s a spot that fits your dream trip.

I’ll show you how each area works for families, long visits, or first-timers searching for that one hotel in Salta that feels just right. Get ready to discover Salta’s hidden corners, compare cheap hotels and luxury popular hotels, and learn exactly where to find top deals and local flavor. Stick with me—I break down each place to stay so you can choose with zero stress.

Our Pick of the Best Salta Hotels:

Quick Guide to the Best Places to Stay in Salta 📋

  • 🏛️ Historic Center: Centro Histórico Hotels
  • 🌄 Mountain Views: Portezuelo Hotels
  • 🌿 Nature & Green: San Lorenzo Hotels
  • 🏠 Residential Peace: Tres Cerritos Hotels
  • 🎓 Safe & Academic: Northern Area Hotels

1. Centro Histórico – Where to Stay in Salta for First-Timers

Historic Center of Salta. The center of Salta city circles Plaza 9 de Julio and the majestic Catedral Basílica de Salta, the perfect base for exploring local culture and life. Every street in the heart of Salta city is walkable, and there’s always something new—colonial shopfronts displaying local crafts, street performers playing Chacarera folk music, or friendly locals ready to share a story over mate.

Food & Dining Scene. The culinary heart beats strongest here. El Solar del Convento (Buenos Aires 1, open daily 8am-midnight) serves exceptional Empanadas Salteñas for AR$450-650 ($2.25-3.25). Peña Gauchos de Güemes (Uruguay 750, open Thu-Sat 10pm-3am) offers live folk music with dinner—expect to pay AR$3,500-5,000 ($17.50-25) for a full meal with show. For morning coffee, Café del Tiempo (Caseros 456, Mon-Fri 7am-10pm, Sat-Sun 8am-11pm) brews perfect cortados at AR$320 ($1.60).

Shopping & Local Markets. Mercado Artesanal (San Martín 2555, daily 9am-9pm) bursts with handwoven ponchos (AR$8,000-15,000 / $40-75), silver jewelry, and regional wine. I love browsing Paseo Balcarce, where shops like Artesanías del Norte (Balcarce 862, Mon-Sat 9am-1pm & 4pm-8pm) sell authentic leather goods. Mercado San Miguel (Florida & Mendoza, Mon-Sat 7am-2pm) is perfect for fresh produce—try regional cheeses for AR$1,200-2,000/kg ($6-10).

Transportation Hub.

Transport Type Location Operating Hours Cost Range
Terminal de Ómnibus Av. Hipólito Yrigoyen 24/7 AR$150-300 ($0.75-1.50)
Local Buses Every corner 5am-midnight AR$150-300 ($0.75-1.50)
Remises (radio taxis) Plaza 9 de Julio stands 24/7 AR$800-1,200 ($4-6) to airport
Walking Historic center Always Free

Best Hotels in Centro Histórico

Luxury Hotels

  • Ayres de Salta Hotel – This elegant hotel in central Salta features spacious rooms with modern amenities and stunning views of the historic city.
  • Hotel Posada del Sol – Located in the heart of Salta, this premium hotel provides comfortable accommodations with traditional Argentine charm and excellent service.
  • Hermoso Departamento Super Amplio en Pleno Centro – This spacious apartment provides excellent value in the heart of Salta’s historic district with modern amenities and convenient access to Plaza 9 de Julio and local attractions.

Best Cheap/Moderate Hotels

  • KKala Boutique Hotel – This stylish hostel combines affordable rates with boutique design elements and comfortable common areas.
  • Hotel San Francisco – A budget-friendly option in central Salta featuring simple but comfortable rooms and good value for money.
  • Hotel Salta – This well-located hotel delivers decent accommodations with essential amenities at reasonable prices.

Best Hostels

  • Florida 55 Salta – This modern hostel offers dormitory-style rooms and private options with a social atmosphere perfect for backpackers.
  • Posada del Milagro – A charming hostel featuring cozy rooms with local décor and a welcoming environment for travelers.
  • Clivias Hostel – This affordable accommodation offers clean, comfortable rooms with friendly service and easy access to Salta’s main attractions.

2. Portezuelo – Where to Stay in Salta for Views and Tranquility

Location and Serenity. Portezuelo sits just outside central Salta, offering a quiet escape with sweeping views of the Lerma Valley. The famous Teleférico San Bernardo (Av. San Martín 1052, daily 9am-7:30pm, AR$3,500 round trip / $17.50) is your gateway to Cerro San Bernardo, where panoramic views stretch for kilometers across the valley.

Outdoor Activities & Recreation. The Monumento al General Güemes (Avenida del Bicentenario, always open) dominates the landscape—a 20-meter statue honoring Salta’s independence hero. I love the morning hike up Sendero Cerro San Bernardo (free access, 45-minute climb), where families picnic among native carob trees. Parque San Martín below offers jogging tracks and outdoor gym equipment.

Local Dining. Restaurante 1947 (Av. del Bicentenario 2563, Wed-Mon 12pm-3pm & 8pm-midnight) serves grilled goat kid (AR$4,500 / $22.50) with Lerma Valley views. Confitería El Mirador (near the cable car station, daily 8am-9pm) offers medialunas and coffee for AR$650 ($3.25) while you watch the city wake up below.

Cable Car Experience.

  • 10-minute ride to summit with spectacular valley views
  • Confitería del Cerro at the top serves locro stew (AR$2,800 / $14)
  • Cascadas de San Lorenzo visible on clear days (8km northwest)
  • Best times: early morning (9:30am) or late afternoon (6pm) for photos
  • Avoid windy days when service may be suspended

Best Hotels in Portezuelo

Luxury Hotels

  • Posada del Cerro Salta – This elegant property is located outside of Salta and provides rooms with stunning mountain views and traditional Argentine architecture.
  • Sheraton Salta Hotel – This international chain hotel is located in the Monumento district, 10 blocks from downtown with panoramic views of Lerma Valley and provides reliable comfort with modern facilities.
  • Alfa Suites en el casco histórico de Salta – Located in central Salta, this recommended property features an excellent location with luxurious accommodations and premium amenities.

Best Cheap/Moderate Hotels

  • Rincón San Bernardo – This hotel sits near the San Bernardo monument and provides spacious suites with panoramic city views.
  • Mirador de Salta House – A charming guesthouse that offers great value, this hotel is located on a hillside with beautiful views of the city.
  • Blanc Boutique – This boutique property combines modern design with affordable rates and features an excellent central location.

Best Hostels

  • Hostel Marilian – This popular hostel provides budget-friendly accommodation with shared and private rooms in a convenient location.
  • Rincón Salteño Hostel – A welcoming hostel that offers comfortable dormitory beds and private rooms with a friendly atmosphere.
  • Ferienhaus – This budget accommodation provides basic but clean rooms and is ideal for backpackers exploring Salta.

3. San Lorenzo – Top Place to Stay in Salta for Nature and Families

Natural Vibe and Surroundings. In San Lorenzo, the leafy streets are filled with bird calls and the scent of eucalyptus trees. The area feels fresh every morning — joggers hit Sendero Río San Lorenzo at dawn, and afternoons bring families for picnics by the river under towering native algarrobos. There’s a tranquil energy here, just 20 minutes from city but worlds away from urban traffic.

Quebrada de San Lorenzo. This spectacular cloud forest reserve (Route 9, km 1056, daily sunrise-sunset, free entry) protects over 10,000 hectares of Yungas ecosystem. The Sendero Interpretativo (2km trail, 45 minutes) passes waterfalls and showcases native flora. Centro de Visitantes (daily 9am-5pm) provides maps and guided tours (AR$1,500 / $7.50 per person, weekends only).

Adventure & Outdoor Activities. Cabalgatas San Lorenzo (Ruta 9 km 13, daily 9am-6pm) offers horseback riding through cloud forests—2-hour rides cost AR$5,500 ($27.50). Aventura Vertical (Calle Los Sauces 234, by appointment) provides rock climbing and rappelling experiences (AR$7,000 / $35 full day). The Dique San Lorenzo (5km from center) attracts families for swimming and fishing.

Local Food Scene.

Restaurant Specialty Price Hours
Killa Resto Andean cuisine (quinoa risotto with llama) AR$4,200 ($21) Wed-Mon 12pm-3pm & 7pm-11pm
Heladería Grido Dulce de leche ice cream AR$850 ($4.25) Daily 10am-midnight
Panadería La Querencia Empanadas de pollo & regional bread AR$380 ($1.90) Daily 6am-10pm

Best Hotels in San Lorenzo

Luxury Hotels

  • Don Numa's Posada Boutique Spa – This upscale boutique property is located outside of Salta and features spa facilities with luxurious rooms and personalized service.
  • Rincón del Cerro – A sophisticated mountain retreat that boasts an excellent location with panoramic views and elegant accommodations in a tranquil setting.
  • Hostal El Cerrito San Lorenzo – This charming property provides rooms with mountain views and ranks among the recommended hotels for a peaceful luxury experience.

Best Cheap/Moderate Hotels

  • Cabañas San Lorenzo y del Norte – These comfortable cabins provide excellent value for families and couples seeking a budget-friendly mountain retreat.
  • La Nube San Lorenzo – A cozy guesthouse provides rooms with stunning valley views and represents great value for money in San Lorenzo.
  • Posada de los Poetas Boutique – This artistic boutique property combines affordable rates with unique character and creative design elements.

4. Tres Cerritos – Where to Stay in Salta for Longer Visits or Serenity

Residential Rhythm & Quiet Spaces. In Tres Cerritos, each day starts quietly along tree-lined Avenida Paraguay and Calle Jujuy. I walk past neighbors heading to Panadería Los Tres Cerritos (Av. Paraguay 1245, daily 6am-10pm) for fresh facturas at AR$450 ($2.25) per dozen. Birds call from jacaranda trees above, and Plaza Tres Cerritos fills with children’s laughter.

Local Services & Amenities. Supermercado Express (Calle Entre Ríos 567, daily 7:30am-11pm) stocks everything from yerba mate to imported cheese. Centro de Salud Tres Cerritos (Av. Paraguay 1567, Mon-Fri 8am-8pm, emergencies 24/7) provides medical care, while Farmacia del Barrio (Calle Jujuy 234, Mon-Sat 8am-10pm, Sun 9am-2pm) handles prescriptions.

Food & Cafés. Café Esquina (Av. Paraguay & Jujuy, Mon-Sat 7am-11pm, Sun 8am-10pm) brews excellent cortados (AR$420 / $2.10) where locals debate football over medialunas. Pizzería Nonna Rosa (Calle Salta 678, Tue-Sun 8pm-midnight) serves family-sized pizzas for AR$3,200-4,500 ($16-22.50).

Weekend Markets & Activities.

  • Feria del Productor (Plaza Tres Cerritos, Saturdays 8am-2pm)
  • Fresh vegetables, regional honey (AR$1,200/500ml / $6)
  • Handmade crafts and textiles from local artisans
  • Dulce de leche casero (AR$950/jar / $4.75)
  • Empanadas (AR$400 each / $2)
  • Folk music performances on Sunday afternoons

Best Hotels in Tres Cerritos

Luxury Hotels

  • Departamento Entre Cerros y Cielo – This upscale mountain property sits outside of Salta and provides elegant accommodations with stunning panoramic views of the surrounding hills.
  • Casa Cerro de Luna – A sophisticated hillside hotel has a great location with luxury amenities and serves as one of the recommended hotels for discerning travelers.
  • Depto Tres Cerritos – This premium apartment-style hotel offers rooms with modern furnishings and is ideal for extended luxury visits.

Best Cheap/Moderate Hotels

  • Ahicito Casa en Tres Cerritos – A comfortable residential property that provides spacious rooms with excellent value for money in the quiet Tres Cerritos neighborhood.
  • Lo de Sandra 2 – This family-friendly accommodation provides cozy rooms with local charm and represents great value for budget-conscious travelers.
  • Monoambiente Equipado Completa Comodidad – A well-equipped studio apartment that offers complete comfort with modern amenities at affordable rates.

5. Northern Area – Where to Stay in Salta for Safety and Education

University District Atmosphere. Walking through the northern neighborhoods, I always sense academic energy around Universidad Católica de Salta (Campo Castañares, Av. Belgrano 1912) and Universidad Nacional de Salta (Av. Bolivia 5150). Sidewalk cafés like Café Universitario (Av. Bolivia 4567, Mon-Fri 7am-11pm, Sat 8am-10pm) fill with students discussing philosophy over cortados (AR$380 / $1.90).

Green Spaces & Study Areas. What stands out most is the abundance of Parque Tres de Febrero (Av. Bolivia & Tucumán, always open), where shaded plazas and tree-lined streets create perfect study environments. Biblioteca Pública Norte (Av. Belgrano 2145, Mon-Fri 8am-10pm, Sat 9am-6pm, free WiFi) offers quiet study spaces where artists sketch or students prepare for exams.

Student-Friendly Food. Parrilla El Buen Sabor (Av. Belgrano 1987, daily 11:30am-3pm & 7pm-midnight) serves generous student portions—bife a la plancha with fries AR$2,800 ($14). Pizzería Estudiantil (Calle Tucumán 234, Mon-Sat 7pm-1am) offers 2×1 pizza deals on Wednesdays. Café Biblioteca (inside Universidad Nacional, Mon-Fri 8am-8pm) sells subsidized coffee and sandwiches.

Academic Culture & Events.

Venue Activity Schedule Cost
Aula Magna (Universidad Católica) Public lectures Thursdays 7pm Free
Centro Cultural Universitario Student theater & art exhibitions Mon-Fri 4pm-11pm Free-AR$500 ($2.50)
Conservatorio Provincial Music student performances Weekday afternoons Free
Centro Comunitario Norte Spanish classes, computer workshops Mon-Fri 2pm-10pm Free

Best Hotels in Northern Area

Luxury Hotels

  • Alfa Suites en el casco histórico de Salta – This sophisticated guesthouse provides elegant accommodations with stunning natural surroundings and serves as one of the recommended hotels for luxury travelers.
  • Casa Foresta – A premium forest retreat with a great location, upscale amenities, and panoramic views of the mountain landscape.
  • Departamento Acceso Norte Virgen del Cerro – This luxury apartment-style hotel offers spacious rooms with modern furnishings and breathtaking views of Salta’s northern area.

Best Cheap/Moderate Hotels

  • Mi Casa Su Casa – A welcoming family-run property that provides comfortable rooms with authentic local charm and excellent value for money.
  • Hermosa y cómoda Casa - El Limonero – This charming posada provides cozy accommodations with traditional Argentine décor and represents great value for budget-conscious travelers.
  • Lo de Cheo – A modern apartment rental that offers complete comfort with contemporary amenities at affordable rates in the northern zone.

FAQs about Visiting Salta, Argentina

1. Where to find the best hotels in Salta, Argentina?

The City of Salta features excellent accommodation options from luxury 5-star hotel properties to budget-friendly choices near the Cathedral of Salta. Popular properties include Casa Real Hotel, Alejandro 1º Hotel, and Sheraton Salta Hotel which provide quality service and views to make your stay memorable.

2. What are the best luxury hotels in Salta?

Luxury accommodation includes Alejandro 1º Hotel, Sheraton Salta Hotel, and Legado Mitico Salta Hotel Boutique offering premium amenities in the heart of the city. These 5-star hotels feature elegant rooms with charming hotel features and panoramic views of Salta and the surrounding mountains.

3. Which cheap hotels in Salta offer good value?

Budget accommodation includes Hotel San Francisco, Hotel Posada del Sol, and the cheapest 3-star hotel options near Salta station and cathedral area. These 3-star hotel in Salta properties provide essential amenities, with many offering salta with free WiFi and breakfast services.

KKala Boutique Hotel, Hotel de la Linda, and other boutique hotel properties combine unique design with personalized service throughout the Northwest of Argentina. These charming hotel features include artistic décor, intimate atmospheres, and often provide exceptional views of Salta from their locations.

5. Where to find 4-star hotel in Salta options?

Hotel Almería, Gran Hotel Presidente, and Altoparque Hotel Salta represent excellent 4-star hotel choices with modern amenities and convenient locations. These properties balance comfort with affordability, often featuring salta with free parking and easy access to Salta airport transportation.

Central accommodation in Salta includes Ayres de Salta Hotel, Hotel Casablanca, and Hotel Las Vegas near the main plaza and Salta cathedral. Many hotels in the heart of the city offer easy walking access to restaurants, shops, and cultural attractions throughout the Northwest of Argentina.

7. When is the best time to visit Salta?

The best time to visit Salta and the Northwest region is during autumn and spring months when weather remains pleasant for exploration. Salta in June offers cooler temperatures perfect for outdoor activities, while spring brings beautiful jacaranda blooms and comfortable conditions to make your stay enjoyable.

8. How to find the best hotel deals in Salta?

To find the best hotel deals in Salta, compare prices across multiple booking platforms and book well in advance. Properties like Hotel Ankara Suites, apartments in Salta, and various 3-star hotel options offer competitive rates, especially during off-peak seasons.

9. Which areas offer cheap places to stay in Salta?

Budget-friendly neighborhoods include areas near Salta station, university districts, and residential zones with apartments in Salta available for longer visits. The cheapest 3-star hotel options can be found in these areas, often providing salta with free amenities and good transportation links to the city center.

Several properties offer convenient access to Salta airport including Hotel Ankara Suites and other modern accommodations with shuttle services. These hotels typically provide free airport transfers and are ideal for business travelers or those with early flights, while still offering views of Salta and the surrounding landscape.

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