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Things to do in Salta

Our most recommended things to do in Salta

From Salta: Full-Day Trip to Salinas Grandes and Purmamarca

1. From Salta: Full-Day Trip to Salinas Grandes and Purmamarca

Discover Argentina's breathtaking natural beauty on this full-day tour. After getting picked up from your hotel in Salta, begin the journey towards the neighboring province of Jujuy, passing through the towns of Volcán and Tumbaya along the way.  Your first stop of the day is at the beautiful town of Purmamarca, one of the most picturesque villages in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Quebrada de Humahuaca. Visit the town's vibrant main square and perhaps pick up some souvenirs at one of the many surrounding craft stands. Afterward, enjoy a visit to the breathtaking and aptly-named 7 Color Hill. Later, continue your ascent along the majestic Cuesta del Lipan to reach the Salinas Grandes, one of the 7 Wonders of the Argentine Republic. Here, enjoy some free time to admire the unique salt planes and famous pools. Finally, return to Purmamarca, and break for lunch at one of the many traditional restaurants before returning to Salta.

Hornocal: Tour of the 14 Colors Mountain & Humahuaca´s Gorge

2. Hornocal: Tour of the 14 Colors Mountain & Humahuaca´s Gorge

Embark on an adventure that will take you through striking landscapes and scenic villages. The tour commences as you travel to Purmamarca village which rests at the base of the Seven Colors Hill, a stunning multi-hued mountain. Journey to Maimará, a small village nestled in the shadow of the Monolith Painter’s Palette. Admire the stunning red, yellow, orange, and pastel hues of the Monolith. Visit Pucará de Tilcara, a fort built in the 12th-century by the Omaguaca tribe who were later conquered by the Incas. Stop in the sleepy town of Uquía, which is notable for its historic church which boasts paintings of gun-toting angels. Pause at the Tropic of Capricornio, the most southerly latitude at which the sun can appear directly overhead at noon. Enjoy a short visit to Humahuaca's town en route to the main destination - the 14 colours mountain of Hornocal. In Humahuaca you will switch from your van or bus and hop into a 4x4 all-terrain vehicle as you travel to Hornocal. Hornocal is part of the calcareous formation called Yacoraite that extends from the province of Salta, crossing the Quebrada de Humahuaca and then the Bolivian Altiplano to Peru. Upon your return, you will meet up with the rest of your group.

From Salta: Salinas Grandes, Purmamarca & Los Colorados Hike

3. From Salta: Salinas Grandes, Purmamarca & Los Colorados Hike

After departing from central Salta, drive through the picturesque towns of Yala, Volcán, and Tumbaya. On the way, stop at the Seven Colors Hill viewpoint to appreciate the wonderful views of the multi-hued mountain illuminated by the sun. Arrive in the magical village of Purmamarca at the base of the Seven Colors Hill. Start by ascending the slopes of Cuesta del Lipán, Cuesta del Saladillo, and Abra de Potrerillos. Keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife including vicunas and llamas along the way. When you reach 4,150 m above sea level, be dazzled by the Salinas Grandes - a spectacular white salt plain which creates a striking contrast with the blue sky. Spend about 45 minutes at the salt plain taking in the breathtaking views.  Follow the trail back to Purmamarca where you will have free time for lunch (not included in the tour price). Take the opportunity to stroll through the charming narrow streets, admire views of the mountain, and explore the craft market. Next, enjoy a 30-40 minute hike along the stunning Colorados trail which leads into the surrounding desert landscapes between the mountains. At the end of the tour, return to Salta on the bus where your tour will end.

From Salta: Full-Day Tour to Cafayate with Wine Tasting

4. From Salta: Full-Day Tour to Cafayate with Wine Tasting

Depart Salta and head south along Provincial Route 68, offering panoramic views of the farms and tobacco plantations of the Lerma Valley. Admire the new and old tobacco chimneys made of adobe and clay, and see tobacco leaves being dried under the sun. Pass the town of Alemania and marvel at the red mountains and rock formations of attractions such as the "Devil´s Throat" and "House of the Parrots." Upon arrival in Cafayate, visit 1 or 2 wineries to learn more about the local wine industry and famous torrontes wines. Following lunch, journey back to Salta via a different route to see a completely different landscape from the morning drive.

From Salta: Cafayate Day Trip with Wine Tasting

5. From Salta: Cafayate Day Trip with Wine Tasting

After departing from central Salta, head south into the stunning, red-tinged lands of rock formations and towering cliffs. The trip begins south of the province, where you’ll soak up some local culture by visiting the historic villages of the Lerma Valley. Afterwards, head to the Quebrada de las Conchas, a canyon of curiously shaped rocks, eroded for centuries by water flow and strong winds. Marvel at the complex rock formations within the ravine, from the Devil’s Throat, to the Amphitheater, to The Castles, among many other spectacular displays. After a thorough exploration, head to Cafayate to visit a vineyard to taste some of the best wines that the region has to offer, including Torrontés. After the tasting, you’ll head back to Salta through the Quebrada de las Conchas.

From Salta: Full-Day Scenic Tour to Cachi

6. From Salta: Full-Day Scenic Tour to Cachi

Depart Salta and journey along Provincial Route 68, traveling through the small towns of Cerrillos, La Merced and El Carril. Then, drive along Provincial Route 33 to pass the dramatic Gorge of Escoipe and Los Laureles. Next, start your journey along the famous winding road of the Cuesta del Obispo (Bishop's Slope). Admire the magnificent rock formations and natural walls en route to the summit at 3,348 meters above sea level. Look for condors flying above, and marvel at the majesty of the "King of the Sky." Get a stunning view of El Valle Encantado ("The Enchanted Valley"), where the scenery is like something out of a fairytale. Notice how the landscape changes as you leave the sub-tropical valleys to go to Recta del Tin Tin, built during the time of the Incas. Travel through the Parque Nacional los Cardones ("National Park of the Cactus"), named for its abundance of cardon grande cactus bush formations. Arrive in the beautiful town of Cachi in time for lunch. Then, stroll through streets of perfectly-preserved colonial architecture. Visit the town church in Central Plaza, and go to the historical museum showcasing the history of the Aboriginal communities. Pick up some souvenirs in the craft market and enjoy some free time to shop before the return drive to Salta.

From Salta: Cafayate, Humahuaca & Salinas Grandes 3-Day Tour

7. From Salta: Cafayate, Humahuaca & Salinas Grandes 3-Day Tour

DAY 1: Depart Salta and head south along Provincial Route 68, offering panoramic views of the farms and tobacco plantations of the Lerma Valley. Admire the new and old tobacco chimneys made of adobe and clay, and see tobacco leaves being dried under the sun. Pass the town of Alemania and marvel at the red mountains and rock formations of attractions such as the "Devil´s Throat" and "House of the Parrots." Upon arrival in Cafayate, visit 1 winery to learn more about the local wine industry and famous Torrontes wines. After lunch, journey back to Salta via a different route to see a completely different landscape from the morning drive. Day 2: On this full-day tour you’ll travel from Salta city to San Salvador de Jujuy. This is where your adventure begins, with visits to the towns of La Quebrada de Humahuaca. The first of the towns on the itinerary is Purmamarca, with the spectacular Cerro de Siete Colores (Hill of 7 Colors) rising behind it. Take a walk to the principal square, where craftsmen display and sell their work. Afterward, visit the church, which played an important role in local history. From the road, you’ll be able to see the Paleta del Pintor Hill, before arriving in Humahuaca town. Enjoy a break for lunch and take some time to explore the town. Admire the impressive Monumento de la Independencia (Independence Monument). As you make your way back to Salta, you'll visit a chapel built 700 years ago that has an altar covered in gold. You’ll also get to see priceless paintings of the Cusco School and a small monument marking the imaginary line of the Tropic of Capricorn. Stop in Tilcara town for a walk to its main square and church. There will also be time here to visit the Anthropology Museum. The final stop on the tour is Las Ruinas Incaicas del Pucara de Tilcara. These ruins date back to society even older than the Incas. Day 3: Discover Argentina's breathtaking natural beauty on this full-day tour. After getting picked up from your hotel in Salta, begin the journey towards the neighboring province of Jujuy, passing through the towns of Volcán and Tumbaya along the way.  Your first stop of the day is at the beautiful town of Purmamarca, one of the most picturesque villages in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Quebrada de Humahuaca. Visit the town's vibrant main square and perhaps pick up some souvenirs at one of the many surrounding craft stands. Afterward, enjoy a visit to the breathtaking and aptly-named 7 Color Hill. Later, continue your ascent along the majestic Cuesta del Lipan to reach the Salinas Grandes, one of the 7 Wonders of the Argentine Republic. Here, enjoy some free time to admire the unique salt planes and famous pools. Afterward, return to Purmamarca and break for lunch at one of the many traditional restaurants before returning to Salta.

From Salta: Salinas and Hornocal 2-Day Tour with Transfer

8. From Salta: Salinas and Hornocal 2-Day Tour with Transfer

DAY 1: Your first stop of the day is at the beautiful town of Purmamarca, one of the most picturesque villages in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Quebrada de Humahuaca. Visit the town's vibrant main square and perhaps pick up some souvenirs at one of the many surrounding craft stands. Afterward, enjoy a visit to the breathtaking and aptly-named 7 Color Hill. Later, continue your ascent along the majestic Cuesta del Lipan to reach the Salinas Grandes, one of the 7 Wonders of the Argentine Republic. Here, enjoy some free time to admire the unique salt planes and famous pools. Afterward, return to Purmamarca and break for lunch at one of the many traditional restaurants before returning to Salta. DAY 2: Travel in the comfort of an air-conditioned van and enjoy the beautiful scenery along the National Route 9 on the way to Jujuy province where we visit the Quebrada de Humahuaca, a narrow mountain valley declared a Unesxo World Heritage Site in 2003. Stop in Purmamarca and admire the Hill of Seven Colors and its striking red and orange hues before exploring the main square and local craft stands. Continuing along Route 9, we reach the town of Humahuaca, located at 2,939 meters above sea level. Wander down to the Church of La Candelaria and visit the Independence Monument before enjoying free time for lunch. After lunch, enjoy 45 minutes of free time to explore Hornocal and its Hill of Fourteen Colors. Return along Route 9 to Salta City. Important: this tour (HORNOCAL) is only available in Spanish and passengers must be at the Tiamar Travel Agency Office ; Caseros 420 at 6.30 am. This is because it is the longest excursion. You choose the dates, but the order of the excursions may change depending on the availability of the agency

From Salta: Day Trip to Cachi and the Calchaquí Valleys

9. From Salta: Day Trip to Cachi and the Calchaquí Valleys

Get to know the most beautiful landscapes of the Calchaquí Valleys and the magical town of Cachi on a full-day bus excursion from Salta. After departing from central Salta, head through the Lerma Valley. Then, enter the Quebrada de los Laureles, where you can admire the landscape of Yungas forest. On the Cuesta del Obispo hill, admire the panorama of the entire Encantado Valley and enjoy spectacular views of the windy road you have just traveled up. Head to Piedra del Molino where you will reach the highest point of 3,384 m above sea level. Continue through the Straight of Tin-Tin and Payogasta until you reach Cachi, a small town known for its adobe houses and white colonial buildings. When you arrive, visit the Museo Arqueológico de Cachi Pío Pablo Díaz, a museum of locally excavated artifacts, some dating back 10,000 years. Just round the corner, step inside the Iglesia San José - a beautiful Spanish colonial church. Take a relaxing stroll through the pretty streets admiring the views and architecture. Finally, return to Salta along the same road.

Salta: 4-Hour Guided Highlights City Tour

10. Salta: 4-Hour Guided Highlights City Tour

On this 4-hour guided highlights tour, you'll have the chance to see Salta's historical center and surroundings. The tour is a complete circuit with a guide who will offer insights into the history and architecture of the area and the destinations visited. After departing from Central Salta, visit the main attractions of the city. Head to Plaza 9 de Julia, the Cathedral, the Cabildo, the Uriburu House, the Convent of San Francisco, the Convent and the Cerro San Bernardo, the Monument to Güemes and February 20, the Quebrada de San Lorenzo, and the Handicraft Market.

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What are the best day trips and excursions from Salta?

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Purmamarca

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What people are saying about Salta

Overall rating

4.5 / 5

based on 903 reviews

If you are travelling to Argentina’s Nortwest, you must visit Salinas Grandes and Purmamarca. It’s a beautiful place. Also you get the best views and pictures. I also have to praise the Nordic tour guides and drivers. They know the area and how to help in the event of feeling sick. I travelled with my two children (18 and 3 years old) and they absolutely helped when my little one was feeling nauseous. Don’t be afraid, you are in great hands! We loved this experience and are looking forward to visit again.

The excursions was great. Only thing is that we should have perhaps skipped the amphitheater to have time to see closer the "castle/cathedral" formation close to the rock formation that looks like the titanic. Or maybe have less time in the cafayate town thatbis cute but doesn not require that much time to visite even to shop around. The guide,Angy and driver Carlos were great. Angy to the time to translate all in english for us. Very knowlegeable too.

Wonderful! Very cool experience to visit the Salt Flats and unlike anything we have done before. The town of Purmamarca is very small - our guide had a great recommendation Kuntur (sp?) for lunch. As a heads up, it is a very long drive both directions - definitely takes the entire day. Would recommend the tour to anyone visiting the area.

Fernando, the guide was really involved in his sharing through all explanations all the way to Salinas Grandes! Providing good tips to avoid the crows and be able to take the best pictures! Nice day around Salta.

I travelled with my two children (18 and 3 years old). We all enjoy the scenery, the people in the small towns, the music and art. The Nordic tour guide knew the area and was very patient with everyone.