How to Plan Your Full-Day Trip to Salinas Grandes and Purmamarca in Salta

If you’re looking for an exceptional experience that showcases Argentina’s natural beauty and heritage, then the full-day trip to Salinas Grandes and Purmamarca from Salta is an excellent option to consider. With this tour, you’ll explore some of the most beautiful and iconic spots in Argentina that are just waiting to be discovered.

Experience Highlights

The tour provides a number of unique and exciting experiences that will be etched in your memory for years to come. Here are some highlights of what you can expect to experience:

• Explore the Salinas Grandes, one of the 7 Wonders of the Argentine Republic
• Visit the charming village of Purmamarca, famous for its postcard-perfect beauty and history
• Marvel at the magnificent 7 Color Hill with its stunning and vibrant colors
• Travel along the winding Cuesta de Lipan, a route that will take you through breathtaking landscapes of the Argentine Andes

Full Description

On the day of the tour, you’ll be picked up from your Salta hotel and start your journey towards the neighboring province of Jujuy. Along the way, you’ll go through the towns of Volcán and Tumbaya, where you’ll enjoy some fantastic panoramic views of the region’s incredible natural beauty. After that, you’ll make your way to Salinas Grandes, a spectacular natural wonder and one of the seven wonders of the Argentine Republic. You’ll have plenty of time to explore the place, take photos of the unique white salt flats, and learn about its fascinating history. Next, you’ll head to Purmamarca, a charming and picturesque village that’s declared as a National Historical Monument of Argentina. Here, you’ll have time to stroll through its quaint streets, look at some fantastic handicrafts, and take in the breathtaking views of the Cerro de los Siete Colores, or 7 Color Hill. The hill is a fascinating geological formation that boasts a unique combination of different minerals and colors that appear to change depending on the angle of the sun. You can take a leisurely walk around the area or get a closer look by climbing to the top of the hill. From Purmamarca, you’ll take the winding Cuesta de Lipan, which provides fantastic panoramic views of the landscape, including the impressive Mount Chañi and the Altiplano plateau. After that, you’ll head back to Salta, where the tour will end with you being taken back to your hotel.

Inclusions

This tour offers several inclusions that provide convenience and enhance the experience:

• Hotel pickup and drop-off, allowing you to relax and focus on enjoying the tour.
• Food and drinks, so you don’t have to worry about finding places to eat during the trip
• Gratuities, saving you the hassle of figuring out what to tip and when

Not Suitable for…

While the tour offers a great experience for most people, it’s essential to note that it may not be suitable for individuals with back problems. The tour involves several hours of driving, and parts of it can be bumpy and rough, which could lead to discomfort for some.

Book Your Tour Now

Overall, planning your full-day trip to Salinas Grandes and Purmamarca in Salta is a fantastic way to discover some of Argentina’s most stunning natural wonders and charming villages. With excellent features and convenient inclusions, it’s a hassle-free way to explore the area and create unforgettable memories. Book the tour here and get ready for a memorable adventure!

Frequently Asked Questions About Salta, Argentina

Salta is a beautiful city located in the northwest region of Argentina. Known for its colonial architecture, picturesque landscapes and rich cultural heritage, it has become a popular tourist destination over the years. Below are some frequently asked questions about Salta:

1. What is the best time to visit Salta?

The best time to visit Salta is during the spring (September to November) or the fall (March to May) when the weather is cooler and there is less rain. The summer months (December to February) can be very hot, with temperatures reaching up to 90°F (32°C). The winter months (June to August) can be quite chilly, with temperatures dropping to around 40°F (5°C). However, if you don’t mind the heat, the summer months are a great time to visit for festivals and outdoor activities.

2. How do I get to Salta?

There are several options for getting to Salta. The easiest way is to fly into Salta International Airport. There are several airlines that offer direct flights to and from Buenos Aires and other major cities in Argentina. You can also take a bus from Buenos Aires, which takes around 18 hours, or from other cities such as Cordoba or Mendoza. If you are driving, Salta is located approximately 6 hours from Jujuy and 10 hours from Buenos Aires.

3. What are some must-see attractions in Salta?

Salta has a rich cultural heritage and there are several must-see attractions in the city. These include:

• The Hill of Seven Colors (Cerro de los Siete Colores) in Purmamarca
• The Train to the Clouds (Tren a las Nubes)
• The Cathedral of Salta (Catedral Basilica de Salta)
• The MAAM Museum (Museo de Arqueología de Alta Montaña)
• The San Bernardo Hill (Cerro San Bernardo)
• The San Francisco Church and Convent (Iglesia y Convento de San Francisco)

4. What are some popular outdoor activities in Salta?

Salta is known for its beautiful landscapes and there are several outdoor activities that are popular with tourists. These include:

• Hiking in the Salinas Grandes salt flats
• Wine and cheese tasting in Cafayate
• White water rafting in the Juramento River
• Horse riding in the Calchaquí Valley
• Mountain biking in the Quebrada de las Conchas
• Paragliding in the Quebrada de Humahuaca

5. What is the food like in Salta?

Salta has a rich culinary tradition that blends Indigenous and Spanish influences. Some of the most popular dishes include:

• Empanadas: These are small pastries filled with meat, cheese, vegetables and other ingredients.
• Humita: A savory corn cake made with cheese, onions and other ingredients.
• Locro: A stew made with meat, vegetables and corn.
• Tamales: These are similar to empanadas, but are made with corn dough and filled with meat, cheese or other ingredients.
• Asado: A traditional Argentine BBQ, usually featuring beef or pork.

6. What is the weather like in Salta?

Salta has a subtropical highland climate with dry winters and humid summers. The average temperature in the summer months (December to February) is around 80°F (27°C), while the average temperature in the winter months (June to August) is around 50°F (10°C). There is very little rainfall in Salta, with most of the precipitation occurring in the summer months.

7. What is the local currency in Salta?

The local currency in Salta is the Argentine Peso (ARS). It is recommended to have some cash on hand, as not all establishments accept credit cards. There are several ATMs and currency exchange offices throughout the city.

8. What language is spoken in Salta?

The official language of Argentina is Spanish, and this is the primary language spoken in Salta. However, there are also several Indigenous languages spoken in the region, such as Quechua and Aymara.

9. Is it safe to travel to Salta?

Salta is generally a safe city to visit, but it is always important to take precautions when traveling. It is recommended to avoid walking alone at night or in unlit areas, and to be aware of your surroundings at all times. It is also recommended to avoid displaying expensive jewelry or electronic devices, as this can make you a target for theft.

10. What is the nightlife like in Salta?

Salta has a vibrant nightlife scene, with several bars, clubs and restaurants that stay open late. The most popular areas for nightlife are the Balcarce Street and the Plaza 9 de Julio. You can find everything from live music to DJ sets and traditional folklore shows, as well as a variety of food and drink options.

How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist in Salta

Located in the northwestern region of Argentina, Salta is among the most stunning tourist destinations in South America. The city of Salta has a rich history, vibrant culture, and natural beauty that makes it a must-visit destination for any travel enthusiast. Whether you are a history buff, a nature lover, an adventure-seeker or a foodie, Salta has something for you. In this comprehensive guide, you will find tips and recommendations on how to spend your time as a tourist in Salta so that you can make the most out of your trip.

1. Visit the Historic Center

One of the most popular attractions in Salta is its historic center, which houses some of the most important cultural and historical landmarks in the city. The center’s architecture, with its colonial-style buildings, makes for a great walking tour.

1.1 Plaza 9 de Julio

It’s the main square in Salta and often referred to as the heart of the city. Surrounded by stunning colonial buildings, including the Cathedral of Salta and Cabildo, a visit to the plaza is highly recommended.

1.2 Salta Cabildo

This is the former colonial town hall, and currently, it’s a museum that exhibits the regional history of Salta. When you visit Cabildo, you’ll witness a collection of well-preserved historical artifacts that date back to the colonial era.

1.3 Cathedral of Salta

Located adjacent to the Salta Cabildo on the Plaza de 9 de Julio, this Cathedral houses a statue of Lord of Mailín, which is considered miraculous.

2. Take a trip to San Lorenzo

Nestled at the bottom of San Lorenzo Hill, this impressive town is surrounded by subtropical vegetation and surrounded by picturesque natural landscapes. It’s one of the most breathtaking attractions in Salta that would leave any traveler captivated.

3. Explore the Majestic Cachi

Considered one of the most peaceful, charming, and picturesque towns in Argentina is Cachi. It is located approximately 157 kilometers from Salta City at the Calchaqui Valleys.

4. Visit The Train to the Clouds

The Train to the Clouds is a famous symbol of Salta, which is a train that takes visitors on a scenic meandering journey through a picturesque landscape to reach an enormous altitude of 13,842 ft (4,220 m) above sea level.

5. Food and Drink Tour

As with any travel destination, food is one of the best ways to experience the local culture. Salta offers an incredible opportunity for foodies to indulge in the unique flavors of Argentina’s remarkable cuisine.

5.1 Empanadas Salteñas

No visit to Salta is complete without trying the empanadas. In Salta, people claim to make the best empanadas in the world.

5.2 Wine Tasting in Cafayate

Cafayate is one of the most famous wine regions in Argentina, producing some of the highest quality wines globally. A tour of some of the wineries in Cafayate will give visitors a chance to explore the beautiful vineyards and taste different varieties of wine.

6. Adventure Activities

In addition to the rich history and culture, Salta also offers a wide range of adrenaline-packed activities for adventure-seekers.

6.1 Rafting at Juramento River

Juramento River is an exciting place to go rafting due to its rapids and beautiful scenery. Visitors often have a great time and would recommend this activity for thrill-seekers.

6.2 Hiking in Los Cardones National Park

Located in Salta, Los Cardones National Park is known for its beautiful flora and landscapes. The park has many hiking trails of different levels of difficulty, making it a perfect location for hikers of all types. Salta is an excellent tourist destination that caters to travelers from all walks of life. To make the most of your trip and create unforgettable memories, the recommendations and tips in this comprehensive guide should be helpful.