Overview
Tucked into the Lerma Valley beneath the eastern edge of the Andes, Salta is one of Argentina's most beautiful colonial cities and the natural gateway to the country's dramatic north-west. Known locally as "Salta la Linda" (Salta the Beautiful), it pairs whitewashed churches and shaded plazas with easy access to high-altitude salt flats, deep red canyons and the Cafayate wine valley. For UK travellers, it's a rewarding but genuinely far-flung destination, so a little planning on flights goes a long way.
Best time to fly to Salta
Salta sits at altitude and has a dry, sunny climate for much of the year. The shoulder seasons of April to June and September to November bring mild days, cool nights and clear skies, ideal for sightseeing and day trips to the salt flats. Winter (June to August) is dry and crisp, with cold nights but reliably blue skies. Summer (December to March) is warmer and brings the bulk of the region's rainfall, including afternoon storms. Use the When to book chart above to spot the months when fares to Salta tend to dip.
Airlines and routes
There are no direct flights from the UK to Salta. British Airways operates the only nonstop UK–Argentina route, flying London Heathrow to Buenos Aires (Ezeiza) in around 13.5 to 14 hours. From there, travellers connect onto a domestic flight, typically with Aerolíneas Argentinas, to Salta (around two hours), usually departing from Buenos Aires's second airport, Aeroparque, so allow time for the transfer between airports. Alternative routings connect via a European hub such as Madrid with Iberia or Amsterdam with KLM, then onward via Buenos Aires. All told, door-to-door journeys from the UK usually run 18 to 24 hours depending on connections.
Things to do in Salta
Salta rewards a few days' stay before or after exploring further afield. Highlights include:
- Plaza 9 de Julio and the Cathedral Basilica: the pink-hued heart of the city, ringed by colonial arcades and cafés.
- MAAM (Museum of High Altitude Archaeology): a moving and internationally significant collection tied to the Inca Llullaillaco discoveries.
- Cerro San Bernardo: take the cable car up for panoramic views over the city and surrounding mountains.
- Salinas Grandes: a mesmerising white salt flat high in the Andes, reachable on a long but unforgettable day trip.
- Cafayate wine valley: home to Argentina's high-altitude Torrontés wines and the red-rock Quebrada de las Conchas.
At Martín Miguel de Güemes International Airport (SLA)
Salta's airport lies around 8km south-west of the city centre. Taxis and remises are the easiest way in, taking roughly 15 to 20 minutes, and pre-booked transfers and car hire are also available at the terminal. There's no rail link, so a taxi or arranged transfer is the standard option after a long journey.
Top tips for finding cheap flights to Salta
- Book the long-haul UK–Buenos Aires sector 2 to 4 months ahead for the best availability on British Airways.
- Fly midweek where possible, as weekend departures on both the international and domestic legs tend to cost more.
- Keep your dates flexible and compare a few days either side, using the price charts on this page to spot the cheapest window.
- Compare routings via Buenos Aires against connections through Madrid or Amsterdam, as total cost can vary noticeably by hub.
Travel essentials
UK passport holders don't need a visa for tourist visits to Argentina of up to 90 days, but your passport should be valid for the duration of your stay. The currency is the Argentine Peso (ARS); cards are widely accepted in Salta city, though it's worth carrying cash for smaller towns, markets and salt-flat excursions. As Salta and its surrounding excursions sit at altitude, allow time to acclimatise, especially before trips up to the Puna or Salinas Grandes.
