San Lorenzo Welcomes OMPT and Showcases Its Nature, History and Tourism Offer Just Minutes from the City of Salta

San Lorenzo hosted the World Organization of Travel Journalism (OMPT) during the international Fampress (Familiarization Press Trip, media familiarization tour), which brings together journalists from various countries to explore, experience and communicate diverse destinations and tourism offerings.

The delegation was received by Diego Amante, Director of Tourism of San Lorenzo, and his team. They accompanied the journalists to discover this locality, which holds a strategic advantage for Salta’s tourism: it sits merely 14 kilometres from the provincial capital, around a 15-minute drive away, yet boasts a completely distinct landscape defined by Yungas (Andean mountain cloud forests), watercourses, mountains and thriving wildlife.

San Lorenzo thus offers an unusual combination: proximity to a tourism hub like Salta, paired with quick access to a territory of immense natural wealth.

Over half of its land under protection

One of San Lorenzo’s major assets is its natural heritage, covering at least 50% of the locality. Protected areas such as the Las Yungas Municipal Reserve and the Huaico Natural Reserve preserve varied Yungas ecosystems, safeguarding local flora, fauna and water sources.

The richness of this environment also shines through its birdlife. More than 200 bird species have been recorded here, making San Lorenzo highly appealing for birdwatching. Standout species include toucans, cowbirds, tanagers, woodpeckers and other birds native to the Yungas.

San Lorenzo Gorge, gateway to the Yungas

San Lorenzo Gorge is one of the locality’s great tourism icons. The river, vegetation and microclimate create a permanently green landscape. Rest areas, local gastronomy, handicrafts and interpretive trails allow visitors to engage with the area’s natural and cultural heritage.

The Gorge also serves as a starting point for a wide range of nature-based activities. Hiking trails lead deep into the Yungas and up to scenic viewpoints. San Lorenzo also offers horse riding, mountain biking and birdwatching experiences.

Higher elevations feature San Lorenzo Hill and Laja Hill, catering to travellers seeking adventure and direct immersion in the landscape.

Reserves to discover biodiversity

The Las Yungas Municipal Reserve is a key site. Established in 1995, it spans 66.5 hectares and protects a mountain forest typical of the Yungas. Its trails wind through different sections of this ecosystem and lead to Elephant Hill.

Adjacent to the municipal reserve lies the private Huaico Natural Reserve, covering 51 protected hectares. Thanks to its rich wildlife diversity, it is regarded as a bird sanctuary.

Nature and history in one destination

San Lorenzo is far more than natural scenery. The locality also carries a historical and cultural identity tied to Salta’s traditions and the figure of General Martín Miguel de Güemes.

Among its attractions is the Didactic Museum of the Güemesian and Gaucho Campaign, housed in a manor at the foot of the Las Yungas Municipal Reserve. Interactive models recreate key moments in the life of Güemes and the gaucho (South American nomadic cowboy) who fought in the independence struggle.

Another highlight is the Automobile Museum, with a collection of vehicles and artefacts tracing motoring history. San Lorenzo Castle is another landmark feature of the local landscape, now operating as a hotel and restaurant.

Local gastronomy is also an essential part of the experience. Regional dishes include tamales (corn dough wrapped in husks), empanadas (stuffed pastry turnovers), humitas (sweet corn pudding) and fresh cheese. Visitors can find restaurants, steakhouses, gourmet options, craft beer and high-altitude Salta wines.

A destination ready for visitors

Its closeness to the provincial capital and diverse attractions are complemented by tourism infrastructure with more than 800 hotel beds across hotels, inns and cabins.

San Lorenzo also has a special way to explore the area: the San Lorenzo Tourist Bus. The roughly two-and-a-half-hour route covers major attractions including the Las Yungas Municipal Reserve, the Didactic Museum of the Güemesian and Gaucho Campaign and the Automobile Museum.

This bus service offers a convenient option for visitors hoping to gain a holistic understanding of the territory, weaving nature, history and culture into one single journey.

San Lorenzo: nature just minutes away from Salta

OMPT’s visit introduced international journalists to this destination. Its proximity to Salta is one of its greatest strengths, yet it attracts visitors for far more than this convenient location alone.

Diego Amante and his team’s reception of the OMPT delegation offered an on-the-ground showcase of San Lorenzo. It proves that within Salta Province, you do not need to travel far from the provincial capital to find a destination where nature, culture and tourism thrive side by side.