Salta Airport (SLA) is the easy part of a trip to north-west Argentina. It lies south-west of the city and the ride to the centre is short. The part that deserves planning is everything after it, because few visitors come for the provincial capital alone: the valleys and the Quebrada are several hours away by road, each in a different direction.
From the terminal to your hotel
- Taxi and remis. Both are at the terminal. Taxis use the meter. A remis is a car with a driver booked at a desk for an agreed fare.
- City bus. Ask on arrival whether a line passes near the terminal. You pay with a transport card, not cash.
- Ride-hailing apps. Check on arrival whether any app works in the city and picks up at the airport.
- Hire car. Rental desks are in the terminal. Useful if you plan to drive the valleys yourself.
- Private transfer. One vehicle for your group, with the driver in arrivals holding a sign with your name.
Two local points. The historic centre around Plaza 9 de Julio has narrow streets and pedestrian stretches, so a car sometimes stops a short walk from the hotel door. And San Lorenzo, a leafy village at the foot of the hills with several hotels, is outside the city: say so if you are staying there.
Travelling on from the airport
- Cafayate. South, through the Quebrada de las Conchas.
- Cachi. West, over the Cuesta del Obispo, a mountain road with gravel stretches.
- Purmamarca, Tilcara and the Quebrada de Humahuaca. North, in Jujuy province.
- Salinas Grandes. On the high plateau, at considerable altitude.
These are road trips. A rank taxi will not always take them, and the return needs arranging too.
Altitude, rain and busy weeks
The city of Salta sits at a moderate altitude, but the plateau and the Quebrada are much higher. If you go from the plane straight up, take the first day slowly. Summer is the rainy season: mountain roads can be cut, and conditions are checked before setting off. Demand for cars rises in the July school holidays and in Easter week.
Where a private transfer fits
It makes sense for late arrivals, for stays in San Lorenzo, or for leaving directly for the valleys with stops on the way. The price is per vehicle and agreed beforehand. Availability in Salta is confirmed when you book. See also the page on Salta Airport and our guide to the north-west in five days.