Few things beat the feeling of sneaking in a city visit during a layover in Salta. Martin Miguel De Guemes International Airport is well-positioned for exactly that — downtown is reachable in about 70 minutes. Here’s what you need to know to make it happen smoothly.
Pre-Departure Checklist
A few things to sort out before you leave SLA:
- Entry requirements: Make sure you have the right visa or entry clearance for Argentina. Transit visas and tourist visas are different things — double-check before you exit.
- Travel time: The trip to Salta takes about 70 minutes by Taxi / Remis / Local Bus. Factor in the return trip and at least 90 minutes of buffer for security and boarding.
- Currency: The local currency is ARS. A travel-friendly debit card with no foreign transaction fees will save you money here.
Getting to Salta from the Airport
From SLA, the Taxi / Remis / Local Bus gets you to Salta in around 70 minutes. That’s the option most travelers with a time constraint should pick.
Taxis and ride-hailing services are available too (expect roughly 90 minutes), but they cost more and are at the mercy of traffic. Unless you’re traveling with heavy luggage or in a group, the Taxi / Remis / Local Bus offers the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability.
Money & Budget Tips
Wondering how much cash to bring? For a few hours in Salta, budget roughly $27 USD to cover transport, a meal, and incidentals.
The average cost of a meal here runs about $11 USD, and transport from the airport and back will add another $6 or so. Keep a small buffer for unexpected expenses.
Withdraw local currency from an ATM at the airport rather than using exchange counters — the rates are usually better.
Where to Leave Your Bags
Specific locker facilities at SLA aren’t well-documented. We recommend checking Bounce before your trip to find a secure storage spot either near the airport or in Salta itself.
If you’re traveling carry-on only, you might be able to skip storage entirely and bring your bag along.
Things to Do During Your Layover
If you head into Salta, here are two things worth checking out:
Plaza 9 de Julio is a solid choice if you want to get a feel for the area. It’s a popular stop for visitors with limited time in Salta.
MAAM – Museo de ArqueologÃa de Alta Montaña is another option that’s easy to fit into a short visit. Accessible and enjoyable even on a short visit.
If you’d rather stay inside SLA — maybe your layover is shorter than expected, or you just prefer to stay close to your gate — there are still ways to pass the time:
- Aeropuertos VIP Club
- Duty Free Shop
Food Worth Trying
For food in Salta, local travelers recommend Doña Salta. If you have time for a second stop, El Solar del Convento is another popular pick.
Back at SLA, Bonafide is the go-to. Havanna rounds out your in-terminal options.
Sleep & Lounge Options at SLA
Sometimes the best layover plan is no plan at all. If you need sleep at SLA, scope out the quieter gate areas first. Noise-canceling headphones and an eye mask go a long way in a busy terminal.
Lounge access is another option if you want a real seat and maybe a shower. Check Priority Pass or ask at the information desk about day-use rates.
Staying Connected
You’ll find free WiFi at SLA for basic browsing. If you plan to navigate Salta or use ride-hailing apps, having mobile data is much more convenient. Consider setting up an eSIM through a provider like Airalo or Holafly before your trip — it takes a few minutes and saves you from hunting for SIM card kiosks.
Final Thoughts
There you have it — everything you need to make a layover in Salta count. The hardest part is usually just deciding to leave SLA. Once you do, you’ll be glad you did.
Keep your flight info handy, budget a buffer for the return, and enjoy the ride.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.