Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
215
to 9pm daily. Here in a beautifully r estored millhouse 23 blocks fr om the central plaza,
you'll find authentic pr oducts—from leather goods to candles—made thr oughout Salta
Province by local artisans. The price is controlled, too, so you don't have to worry about
bargaining here. You'll also find beautiful jewelry and silver, and you can pause for some
sustenance in the coffeehouse with Wi-Fi.
Strangely enough, across the road is a tacky mar ket that draws a larger cr owd, partly
because the bus tour companies get a commission. H ere, like many places in the city ,
you'll find factory-produced gaucho memorabilia and wall hangings.
Casa de Antigüedades,
Caseros 332 (
&
387/421-1911
), is a rambling antiques store
jammed with everything from period furniture and local art. It's open Monday to Satur-
day 9am to 1:30pm and 4 to 9:30pm; ring the bell and one of the owners from the Perez
family will happily look after y ou.
La Casa del Ar te,
Buenos Air es 25 (
&
387/431-
0050
), is a small stor e crammed with some beautiful ar t and je welry, as is
Puestos del
Marqués,
Buenos Aires 68 (
&
387/422-0899
).
Amankay,
Pueblo Chico, Balcarce 999
(
&
387/431-0335
), and
Inyás Ar tisanías,
España 375 (
&
387/436-0260;
www.
artesaniasinyas.com.ar), both specializ e in original handicrafts and pr ecious stones. F or
alpaca goods and silv erware, try
Ambay,
Caseros 376 (
&
387/431-7182
), and
Suyay,
Caseros 525 (
&
387/431-5961
). For all things leather, go to
Torcivia,
Buenos Aires 28
(
&
387/422-7097
), or
Decuero,
Mitre 291 (
&
387/422-4166
).
Salta does a nice line in r egional food products, usually of the sw eet variety. Alfajores
and Turron Salteños are famous biscuits from the region. You can find both at the family-
owned confectionery
La Tía Yola,
Belgrano 461 (
&
387/401-1007;
www.tiayola.com.
ar), as well as homemade fruit preserve. For some of Salta's famous wine, check out
Vinos
de Salta,
Caseros 332 (
&
387/154-146-063
[cell]), or
Bella Hortencia,
Balcarce 980
(
&
387/422-7474
). The former conducts tastings and has a selection of the regions best
cigars.
Note:
Most stores close for siesta from 1 to 5pm.
Salta's main shopping mall is known as
Alto Noa,
Av. Virrey Toeldo 702 (
&
387/431-
1000
), and is good for some air-conditioned siesta-time shopping. It is located 12 blocks
from the central plaza.
WHERE TO STAY
Salta has a wealth of accommodations, and prices are still reasonable in comparison with
other par ts of the countr y. O ptions ar e good both inside and outside the city center
8
.
Staying in the city center giv es you a chance to walk ev erywhere. If you're after some
peace and quiet, though, consider staying in the nearb y village of San Lorenzo.
City Center
Very Expensive
Alejandro Primero
Value
Salta's second fiv e-star hotel beats the S heraton
for color and charm. Two gauchos greet you as you enter an 11-story glass vaulted build-
ing of Andean chic. Carpets ar e adorned with miniatur e designs of
guanacos
(llamas),
ostriches, and cacti. Corridors ar e enlivened with leather wall hangings, indigenous ar t,
and the occasional ceramic pot. Rooms are spacious with panoramic views, and double-
glazing ensures the noisy downtown location does not intrude on your
tranquilidad.
The
indigenous theme creeps into the room furnishings, with geometric patterns flourishing
on armrests, headboards, and curtains. Named after the local owner's son who died in a
car crash, Alejandro Primero offers all the luxury of a top hotel without losing a sense of
place and a human touch.
