Understanding Salto's Layout
Salto is a city in Uruguay, and getting around it is fairly straightforward for a visitor. The city is compact enough that many trips can be made on foot, and for longer journeys you'll rely mainly on local buses and taxis. The information below covers the practical options available to you.
Walking
Salto's central area is walkable, and walking is a good way to cover short distances between shops, restaurants, and other points of interest. For anything beyond the immediate centre, you'll likely want to use a bus or a taxi rather than walk.
Local Buses
Local buses are the main form of public transport for getting around Salto and reaching nearby attractions. Buses run to the city's hot springs at Daymán roughly every hour, departing on the half hour. These buses travel along Calle Brasil, and you can buy your fare on board. They will drop you either at the water park or at the front entrance of the main springs, where you'll also find hotels, restaurants, and vendors selling trinkets.
- Where to catch them: along Calle Brasil for services heading to the hot springs.
- Frequency: approximately hourly, on the half hour.
- Paying: fares are paid directly on the bus.
- Where they stop: the water park or the main springs entrance.
Taxis
Taxis are a reliable option in Salto, particularly when buses aren't running. One important case is the cross-border trip to Concordia, Argentina: the bus on that route does not run on Sundays, and on those days a taxi is the only way to make the crossing.
Getting In and Out of Salto
Salto is well connected by long-distance bus, which is the primary way visitors arrive and depart.
- From Montevideo: regular buses run from the Tres Cruces terminal, with direct service taking about six hours.
- From other Uruguayan cities: buses are also available from places such as Paysandú and Artigas.
- To Concordia, Argentina: a bus covers the route in roughly an hour, and the border crossing is quick and straightforward. Note that this bus does not run on Sundays.
The Bus Terminal
Buses arrive at the Salto bus terminal, which is a useful hub in itself. It offers food, luggage storage, tourist information, and an ATM, and it is attached to the mall (Salto Shopping). Timetables are available on the terminal's website, so you can check schedules before you travel.
Practical Tips
- Plan around the Sunday gap if you intend to cross to Concordia, Argentina — arrange a taxi instead of relying on the bus.
- Use the bus terminal's tourist information desk and ATM on arrival to orient yourself and get cash.
- For the hot springs at Daymán, head to Calle Brasil and catch a bus on the half hour.
- Keep small change handy for bus fares, which are paid on board.