A (half)day trip from Salta to San Lorenzo’s cloud forest

WHAT: Hiking it up to the tranquil pueblo of San Lorenzo and its enormous cloud forest of Quebrada de San Lorenzo

WHERE: 10 km north of the colonial town of Salta, in the north of Argentina

HOW LONG: We visited the area in half a day, but the hiking opportunities are supposed to be infinite over there, so if you ask for some information up front you might walk around a bit longer in the area (don't get lost!). Also horse rides is something you can do in here.

HOW MUCH: Park admission is free. Although you're advised to bring along a guide. The bus to San Lorenzo is about 10 pesos one way. 

In case you’re in dire need of an escape to the country, Salta will totally support this idea. Although the colonial city is an absolutely delightful one to stay at, sometimes all you need is bits and pieces of fresh air and green surroundings. 

Going to San Lorenzo from Salta is fairly easy by public transport. Bus #7 will bring you all the way up to the top of the town near the entrance of the park . It’ll take you half an hour to an hour to get there; depending on your speed of the driver… the bus we had on the way back basically flew all the way to Salta. Not the best experience. 

The bus leaves at several places in town, but this stop below on the map might be practical for you, since it’s between the main square and Plaza Belgrano. It’ll pass by quite often, let’s say every 10 minutes. Ask in the bus if someone wants to pay for you with a card, while heading over 10 pesos in return. That’ll save you buying a public transport card and probably someone will be very willing to help you out too. Argentinians are rather friendly in general.

As you enter the town of San Lorenzo you’ll immediately see where Salta’s dough is at. The villas are rather big, often surrounded by a pool and large garden and pretty much deserted during the week days. If you walk around town, no doubt you’ll be accompanied by at least one dog willing to go along on an adventure. 

The entrance to the park is a small yet steep walk up to the top, but if you prefer to skip the village you can just stay in the bus ’til the very end. Or walk around on your way back (because; going down!) to Salta. Just keep an eye on where the bus stops on your way up. 

Before going to the Quebrada de San Lorenzo, download maps.me in case you want to make a long hike. The place claims to be a private reserve and signs ask you to respect nature and only go with a guide. We asked a locals and he basically told us you can just walk in and according to him the park’s open to the public. But ask around once more, just in case. And preferably go with a guide. 

Half a kilometer from the entrance there’s a ‘mirador’, a viewing point, you probably want to hike to first. Do bring your sturdy hiking shoes though, because you ought to cross rivers and many muddy pathways. I came to the quebrada on flip flops (not knowing we’d go to the area up front) and I regret that decision deeply. 

Is relaxing for a little while in the cloud forest just all you want? Right outside the entrance of the park and next to the bus stop there’s a decent cafe – El Dueno de la Quebrada – which gives you an excellent view on the river. Don’t order the juice though, it’s horrible! Apart from that you might just have a very decent time far away from the hustle and bustle of Salta.

Behold the view from the cafe!