In the beginning Salta was an ocean, just an ocean. Deep, blue, mysterious. There lie the discovered fossils, millions of years old, belonging to marine invertebrates as proof. And today, millions of years later, Salta is a city surrounded by greenness; lavish and attractive, historic and generous; in a word: singular.

When travellers set foot on the warm streets of Salta, they immediately understand that this is a place where nobody is a stranger but everybody a friend. A place where colours dominate the landscape. A place where mountains, valleys, ravines, rivers or streams, conspire to create an image of the earth where spring never ends.

Sedentary farmers lived in these vast fields a thousand years B.C.; and the caves at Guachipas and the stones of Tastil, leave no doubt about it. By the end of 13th century, the influence of the powerful Inca Empire reached the area; and with the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors, the more recent history began.

There are different opinions when the time to explain the name of Salta arrives, though only two stand as the most commonly accepted. On one side, stand those who believe it comes from the Quechua language, meaning "beautiful place, nice for settling". And on the other side, stand those who believe it alludes to the name of a local tribe called Sahta, belonging to the Chaco's Lule nation, which had lived in this valley until the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors.

Hernando de Lerma, a 37-year-old native to Seville, chose the Valle del Salta valley to found the city, in April of 1582. He brought in his ego and his own surname, and called it the City of Lerma in the Valley of Salta. He had some "Indian friends", and made use of them to his advantage in creating natural defences around the settlement, almost permanently under siege by the "hostile natives".

A little after that, the Jesuits were the first to grow vineyards and orchards. Currently, ninety five percent of its population is comprised by indigenous blood.

Under the incredibly diaphanous skies characterizing the region, the tourist circuit is an open temptation for those who do not need to pick a reason for travelling.

Through the 520 kilometre long circuit, and amongst mountains, cacti and shepherds looking after their sheep and goats, towns filled with folklore emerge, with their particular gastronomy and the subtle enchantment of their pitted streets, their high sidewalks, and their façades containing doors and doorframes made out of b locust tree.

Four centuries plus after its foundation, Salta is a symbiosis of history and scenery; of native and Spanish heirs, who identify themselves with the habits and rituals particular to their own group; sharing, nevertheless, much in the way. There are only four ethnic groups still living under a tribal organization system at the Salta province; wichi, chorotes, chané and chiriguanos.

One of the best ways to truly live every minute, is by capturing the essence of the place and its odours, and blending with the local people, getting impregnated with their habits and expressions.

With multiple direct flights from Buenos Aires, Córdoba, Jujuy, Rosario, Tucumán, Santiago de Chile, La Paz, and other cities in South America, Salta is an ideal destination.

Alongside the main arteries, travellers will find a lodging infrastructure including hotels, hostels, lodging houses, cottages, and tourists ranches adapted to their preferences.

As for the intense and amusing nights, travellers will find plenty alternatives where to choose from: like listening to some folk, Latin, melodic, salsa, tango, pop or rock music; strolling or gambling at the casino; dancing in modern discotheques, or sharing a soirée at a pub or a folk restaurant.

Colonial and modern, always safe and welcoming, the City of Salta attracts thousands of visitors throughout the year. Its warmth and serenity, the attractive Spanish physiognomy of its streets backed by the greenness of its surrounding mountains, and the gentleness of its mild weather, constitute the right frame for the most variegated activities.

If travellers choose Salta the Beautiful as their destination, she will generously offer her heart in return.