Things to do in Salta Province

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.

Get picked up from your hotel in Mendoza and get on the road for a full day of exploration in the Andes. On Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, begin by taking the dirt roads through Villavicencio where you can catch amazing views of the highest peaks in the Andes. Reach Uspallata Valley and make your first stop at the town of Uspallata where the native Huarpes settled during the pre-Hispanic era. Take your time to soak in the Andean scenery and grab a snack. Then, continue on to Polvaredas and Punta de Vacas. Snap some photos before getting to Puente del Inca, a natural arch situated 8,924 feet above sea level. Admire the swirls of colored rock and the mountain views from the bridge. Journey towards the Chilean border, and stop at a natural viewpoint at Aconcagua, the largest mountain in both the Southern and Western Hemispheres. From November to April, it's possible to enter the Aconcagua Provincial Park and hike to the Horcones Lagoon. Then head to Las Cuevas village for free time and a bite to eat if you so choose. Journey back to Mendoza on the famous Ruta 7 and get dropped off at your hotel.

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.

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.

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.

The tour offers a variety of colors and reliefs. Early in the morning along the river Mendoza you will get a view of the majestic mountain range Cordon del Plata and the Potrerillos dam, providing  hydraulic power generation and water distribution for irrigation. The next visit will be to the Uspallata pre-Hispanic settlement of aborigin Huarpes, and the southern last point of the Inca Empire as far as the Inca Trail from Peru. Attractions: The Vaults of Uspallata, historic “adobe” (mud) buildings, which the chaplain Fray Luis Beltran used for casting cannons and guns. After visiting the villages of Picheuta, polvareda, Punta de Vacas and Los Penitentes ski resort, you will have free time to use the chair allowing you to enjoy beautiful panoramic views. Later you will go along the route of the Puente del Inca with architectural works of strands and natural hot springs. Continue in this direction and 2,750 meters above sea level to the viewpoint of Cerro Aconcagua, the colossus of Americas of 6959 meters surrounded by the Laguna Horcones and the Aconcagua Provincial Park. Following the international route to reach the ultimate destination, the European style village Las Cuevas is located 3,200 meters above sea level. Between Las Cuevas and the international tunnel, it's the path that allows you up to “Cristo Redentor” monument, located 4,200 meters above sea level, which symbolizes the union between Argentines and Chileans. Please take into account that the tour will be given in English at the featured places which are: Potrerillos, Uspallata, Puente del Inca, Aconcagua and in summer at Cristo Redentor.

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.

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.

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.

Spend 2 days experiencing the natural beauty of the Salta Province. Pass by tobacco plantations and red rock formations, arriving in Cafayate to visit a local winery. Drive through the UNESCO World Heritage Listed Quebrada de Humahuace and explore the Seven Colors Hill and Salinas Grandes. Day 1:Get picked up from your accommodation in Salta and head along National Route 68, admiring panoramic views of farms and leaves drying on tobacco plantations in the Valle de Lerma. Continue on your way to Cafayate, passing by the peaceful settlement of Alemani and making a stop to view breathtaking red rock formations like Garganta del Diablo. Arrive in the town of Cafayate, famous for its many vineyards and winemaking. Learn about the local wine industry by visiting a winery, before grabbing some lunch and driving back to Salta on a different route.  Day 2:Start your day driving to the UNESCO World Heritage Listed Quebrada de Humahuaca, stopping at the peaceful town of Purmamarca. Explore the town’s vibrant main square, before enjoying a visit up to the breathtaking Seven Colors Hill. Continue your ascent along the Cuesta de Lipán, a rugged mountain road, to reach the Salinas Grandes. Spend your free time admiring this huge expanse of white salt desert and crystal blue pools, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Argentina. Return to Purmamarca and take a break with lunch at one of the many traditional restaurants, before ending your tour with transfer back to Salta.