Historical Museum of the North (Museo Historico del Norte)

The basics

Many Salta tours include a visit to the museum, and it’s worth visiting with a guide to get the most out of it. Inside, explore centuries of Argentinean and South American historical artifacts, including indigenous cultural items and colonial treasures. Exhibitions are arranged chronologically on two floors, starting with the pre-Hispanic era and moving through to colonial times, with displays featuring art, furniture, documents, transportation, and other artifacts.

Things to know before you go

• Take time to admire the museum building itself—an architectural landmark first built in 1626. There’s also a great view from the balcony over Plaza 9 de Julio.

• Admission to the museum is free.

• The museum exhibitions are in Spanish only.

How to get there

The Historical Museum of the North is located on the south side of Plaza 9 de Julio in the heart of Salta. It’s easy to arrive on foot from most central hotels and attractions; otherwise, several buses stop along Avenida Belgrano, one block north.

When to get there

The museum is open from Tuesday through Sunday, and opening hours are Tuesday–Friday, 9am to 5pm, Saturday, 2pm to 6pm, and Sunday, 10am to 2pm. The museum gets busiest from mid-morning through mid-afternoon, so opt to visit early or late in the day if you want to avoid the tour groups.

A walking tour of Salta’s sights

Salta’s small center is easily explored on foot, and the central Plaza 9 de Julio is the obvious starting point for a walking tour. Once you’ve admired Salta Cathedral and visited the Historical Museum (both located on the square), head to the nearby MAAM (Museo Arqueológico de Alta Montaña), then take a stroll around San Martin Park. From here, you can catch the cable car up to the hilltop lookout of Cerro San Bernardo, the perfect spot to watch the sunset over the city.