San Lorenzo
San Lorenzo, Salta
Just outside of Salta, San Lorenzo is a mountain suburb that’s home to some of the region’s best hiking spots. In addition to serving as the gateway to the flora-rich Quebrada de San Lorenzo cloud forest, the town is home to an abundance of opulent villas and a couple of attractive colonial churches.
The basics
San Lorenzo’s main attraction is Quebrada de San Lorenzo, a reserve that’s home to multiple hiking trails and miradors (lookout points). Though the hike to the top takes some effort, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes. From the town, you can also rent an ATV or bicycle, or go white-water rafting on the San Lorenzo River, which offers moderate rapids that are ideal for first-time rafters.
Things to know before you go
- If you’re planning on hiking the Quebrada de San Lorenzo trails, be sure to wear sturdy hiking shoes and take plenty of water.
- At the entrance of the park, you’ll find a café that serves hot and cold drinks and snacks and offers pleasant views of the river.
- There are plenty of hotels and restaurants in the town, which cater to all budgets.
How to get there
San Lorenzo is 6 miles (10 kilometers) from Salta via the RP28 road. From the center of Salta, you can take bus number 7 to San Lorenzo; the trip usually takes around 30 minutes and makes stops in both the town and the Quebrada.
When to get there
The best time to visit the Argentine region of Salta is from January through April or September through November, when rainfall is limited and the weather is ideal for exploring natural landscapes and enjoying outdoor activities.
What to see in Salta
The region of Salta offers a range of natural and historical highlights. Top picks include the Train to the Clouds (Tren a las Nubes), which makes a journey so high in the mountains that it often passes through clouds; Salinas Grande Salt Flats, where blinding-white landscapes compete with those of the Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia; and the Catedral Basilica de Salta, which reigns over the city’s main square.
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