Salta Travel Guide: Health & Safety

Although the infrastructure in Salta is generally at the equivalent of western standards, pipes and water filtration systems have not been renovated city-wide.  As a result, it is best to drink bottled water while travelling anywhere through South America, especially in rural areas, to prevent contracting any harmful parasites or water-borne illnesses.  If no bottled water is available, be sure to travel with water purification tablets or boil water for 15 minutes to eliminate any harmful bacteria.

Unfortunately, although malaria risk remains low, it does still exist throughout the lowland provinces of Salta, Jujuy, Corrientes and Missiones. Talk to your travel doctor about what percentage DEET is safe to have in your mosquito repellent (generally 18-25%), wear protective clothing and research your options for various malaria medicines available.

Also note the Dengue Fever, though not widely prevalent in Salta province, still remains a threat.  Ensure you are protected from mosquitoes 24 hours a day, as dengue-infected insects bite during the day, while those carrying malaria bite at night. Leishmanasis, a skin disease caused by sand flies, is also a low risk. To protect yourself from both forms of illness, use mosquito nets, wear protective clothing and apply insect repellent when travelling through rural, city, or jungle areas.

Police presence is high around central Salta where most tourists remain, but exercise the usual caution when traveling through South America. In other words, leave non-essential valuables and documents in the hotel safe, use a money belt, carry small bills, separate your ATM and credit cards, keep personal belongings close to you at all times and keep to well-lit populated streets at night.