6-Day Northern Adventure: from Salta to Jujuy

Experience the Best of Northern Argentina in Six Days

If you’re looking to explore the breathtaking scenery and rich culture of Salta and Jujuy, this 6-day guided adventure offers a balanced mix of history, natural beauty, and local charm. For around $1,816.60 per person, you’ll visit iconic spots like Salinas Grandes, the Cerro de los Siete Colores, and the vineyards of Cafayate, all with accommodation, excursions, and transfers included.

What we particularly enjoy about this tour is the way it combines easy-paced travel with authentic experiences. The guides are knowledgeable, often receiving praise for their insights, and the stops at natural wonders like Salinas Grandes and the Quebrada de las Conchas are genuinely memorable. We also appreciate how the itinerary balances scenic drives with cultural visits, giving you time to breathe in the landscape and reflect on the history.

A potential consideration is the length of some travel days, especially when crossing long distances across rugged terrain—these can be tiring for some travelers. That said, if your goal is to see the highlights of this arid but spectacular region, this trip offers a lot of value for the price. It’s best suited for travelers who enjoy a mix of history, scenery, and local culture, and are comfortable with some bus travel and walking.

Key Points

• Comprehensive itinerary covering major highlights from Salta to Jujuy, with a good balance of nature and culture.
• Knowledgeable guides enhance the experience, offering insights into the history and landscape.
• All-inclusive package with accommodations, breakfast, and transfers simplifies planning and logistics.
• Highlights include the Salinas Grandes salt flats, Cerro de los Siete Colores, and the wine region of Cafayate.
• Group size is limited to a maximum of 40 travelers, creating a friendly and engaging atmosphere.
• Good value for the price considering the number of destinations and included services.

A Deep Dive into the 6-Day Northern Adventure

Starting in Salta, known as “Salta la Linda,” the tour kicks off with a transfer from the airport to a centrally located hotel. Salta itself is a charming city with a lively atmosphere, friendly locals, and stunning mountain views. Staying here as a base makes sense, especially since the first full day is dedicated to nearby sites.

Day 1 and 2: Exploring Salta, Tastil, and Salinas Grandes

The journey begins on Day 2 with visits to Tastil ruins — an ancient site that offers a glimpse into pre-Incan civilizations. While the ruins are free to visit and relatively modest in size, they’re a great starting point to understand the region’s deep history.

Next, you’ll stop in San Antonio de los Cobres, a small town with a distinctive mountain charm, perfect for a relaxed lunch break. The highlight here is undoubtedly Salinas Grandes, a vast salt flat that stretches for miles. As one reviewer put it, the salt flats are a “great expanse of white salt that contrasts with the blue sky,” creating perfect photo opportunities.

The descent along the Cuesta de Lipán provides sweeping views and a good chance to spot condors soaring overhead—a highlight for nature lovers. The day finishes in Purmamarca, famous for its Cerro de los Siete Colores. The vibrant layered hills create a surreal landscape that sticks with you long after the tour ends.

Day 3: The Quebrada de Humahuaca and Cultural Gems

This day focuses on the Quebrada de Humahuaca, a UNESCO-listed gorge full of color and history. We loved the Cerro de Los Sietes Colores in Purmamarca, described by one reviewer as “spectacular,” and the walk through Tilcara to see its pucará, an ancient fortress that offers deep insight into the region’s past.

The tour then passes through Huacalera to admire the Pollera de la Colla hill, a stunning display of natural color. In Uquía, you’ll find the Church of Uquía, decorated with ancient paintings—an authentic glimpse into local religious art.

The afternoon in Humahuaca includes visits to the Cathedral and the Independence Monument, sculpted by Soto Avendaño. Travelers often mention the vibrant colors of “The Painter’s Palette” as a highlight—an otherworldly natural feature visible on the return drive.

Day 4 and 5: The Calchaquí Valleys and Wineries

Early on Day 4, the journey takes you through Lerma Valley and Quebrada de los Laureles, with scenic stops like Chicoana and Maray. Arriving in Cachi, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of Nevado de Cachi and visit the small town’s archaeological museum and historic church.

Continuing along Route 40, the landscape shifts to the dramatic Quebrada de Las Flechas, with soaring rock formations and charming towns like San Carlos and Animaná. The day culminates in Cafayate, renowned for its wine — especially the Torrontés grape.

On Day 5, you’ll have the chance to visit some of Cafayate’s wineries, tasting locally produced wines with guides often praised for their expertise. Afterward, the Quebrada del Río de las Conchas offers a landscape of wind-carved formations like the Devil’s Throat and Castle—a natural sculpture garden that feels almost surreal.

Day 6: Departure and Reflection

The final day involves a transfer back to Salta Airport, making it easy to connect with your flight home. While it’s a straightforward ending, it leaves you with a wealth of memories from an adventure packed with natural wonders and cultural insights.

What We Think About the Experience

This tour offers solid value, especially given the inclusion of accommodation, most meals, and many excursions. The group size being capped at 40 helps maintain an intimate atmosphere, and the guides are frequently praised for their knowledge and friendliness.

One of the best parts? The natural scenery—from sprawling salt flats to colorful hills—doesn’t just look good in photos; it’s an experience you can feel in your bones. The wine tasting in Cafayate earns smiles from many travelers, especially those who enjoy pairing beautiful landscapes with a good glass of local wine.

However, it’s worth noting that some days involve significant driving—up to several hours—so if you dislike long bus rides, this might not be your ideal trip. Yet, the scenery along the way is often just as captivating as the destinations themselves.

The highlight reviews point to the expert guides, who bring history and geography alive, and the authentic charm of towns like Humahuaca and Cachi. Many travelers mention the delightful local cuisine and the opportunity to taste regional wines, making each stop feel like a new discovery.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This trip suits those with a curious spirit, eager to see iconic landscapes and learn about Argentine culture. It’s perfect if you enjoy moderate group sizes, appreciate guided insights, and want to combine scenic drives with cultural visits.

Travelers who love photography, history, and authentic local experiences will find plenty to love. If you’re comfortable with some travel days and want a well-organized way to explore this arid, colorful part of Argentina, this tour provides a comprehensive introduction.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour?
The package includes accommodation, excursions, and transfers as detailed in the itinerary, along with breakfasts throughout.

Are airport transfers provided?
Yes, pickup at Salta airport is included, and the final day is organized to ensure you reach the airport on time for your flight.

Do I need to pay for entrance tickets?
Most attractions, like the Ruins of Tastil, Uquía Church, and salinas Grandes, are free. However, some excursions might include optional or additional tickets, though these are generally not included in the base price.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate, but be aware that some days involve long drives and walking. It’s ideal for those comfortable with a moderate pace and bus travel.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and layered clothing suited for varying climates—hot days and cooler mountain evenings are common.

Can I customize the experience?
As a group tour, customization is limited, but guides are often willing to share additional insights or accommodate minor preferences.

To sum it up, this 6-day journey through Salta and Jujuy offers a well-rounded look at some of Argentina’s most striking landscapes and cultural sites. It’s best suited for travelers seeking an organized, immersive experience with knowledgeable guides and plenty of photo-worthy moments. Whether you’re captivated by the surreal salt flats, enchanted by rainbow-colored hills, or charmed by small mountain towns, this tour delivers a lot of value for the price—a true window into some of Argentina’s most authentic scenery and stories.