At the heart of Salta is the attractive Plaza 9 de Julio, which is dotted with magnificent palms and surrounded by attractive colonial architecture. At the turn of the century the plaza was given a facelift and now much of it is pedestrianised allowing restaurants and cafes to spill out on to the arch-covered pavements. At the centre of the plaza is a quaint old 19th-century bandstand. And around are manicured lawns intersected by walkways lined with benches.

On the northern side of the plaza is the pastel-pink-painted mid-19th-century Italianate Cathedral. Inside is an enormous baroque altar as well as various religious images including the most important and significant to the people of Salta, that of Cristo del Milagro and the Virgin of Rosario which are the focal point of city’s largest festival staged each September. Also inside the cathedral is the tomb of liberator General Martín Miguel de Güemes.

Next to the cathedral is the Museo de Arqueologia de Alta Montana (MAAM) on Mitre 77 which is dedicated to the Ninos de Llullaillaco, just one of Argentina’s major archeological discoveries. They are three mummified Inca children which were uncovered from the top of Volcan Lullaillaco west of Salta towards the Chilean border in 1999 by a National Geographic expedition. The children appear to have been sacrificed to the gods. Their bodies were buried with over 100 artefacts which are on display in the museum. Open Tues-Sun 9am-1pm and 4pm-9pm. Tel: +54 (0) 387 437 0499.

The beautifully-restored stark white Cabildo (town hall) on Caseros 549, which dates back to 1783, is now the Museo Historico del Norte. It houses an excellent collection of displays which depict the area’s history from the pre-Hispanic era to the Wars of Independence led by General Guemes. It also has various 18th-century paintings, coins and many archaeological finds. Outside in the cobbled courtyard are some19th-century horse-drawn carriages, including an old hearse. Open Tues-Fri 9.30am-1.30pm and 3.30pm-8.30pm, Sat-Sun 9.30am-1pm and 4.30pm-8pm. Tel: +54 (0) 387 421 5340.

On the northeast corner is the restored neocolonial building which is now home to the outstanding Museo de Arte Contemporanea (MAC). The MAC exhibits work from budding young art students to recognised artists from the province. Open Tues-Fri 9am-1pm and 4.30pm-8.30pm. Sat-Sun 10.30am-1pm and 5pm-8.30pm. Tel: +54 (0) 387 437 0498.