Hornocal: Full-Day Tour to the Hill of Seven Colors
Are you ready for a long day filled with astonishing sights and vibrant landscapes? This full-day tour from Salta takes you across the breathtaking terrains of Purmamarca and Humahuaca, visiting the iconic Hill of Seven Colors and the Hill of Fourteen Colors in Hornocal. For $65 per person, you’ll spend roughly 15 hours in an air-conditioned van with a Spanish-speaking guide leading the way. The experience offers a fantastic opportunity to see some of Argentina’s most visually striking natural formations and to soak up the regional culture.
What we love about this tour are the stunning panoramic views of the colorful hills—these landscapes are genuinely unforgettable—and the chance to explore UNESCO World Heritage Site the Quebrada de Humahuaca. Plus, the free time in Purmamarca and Hornocal lets you breathe in the scenery at a relaxed pace, rather than just rushing through a checklist. On the other hand, a possible drawback is the strict schedule and limited duration at key sights, which might leave some feeling they didn’t get enough time to truly absorb these natural wonders.
This tour is ideal for travelers who are comfortable with a long day of travel and sightseeing, and who want a Spanish-speaking guide to enrich their understanding of the region’s culture and history. If you’re seeking a comprehensive day trip that combines nature, culture, and scenic views, this tour is worth considering.
You can check availability for your dates here:Key Points
- Stunning scenery of the Hill of Seven Colors and Hornocal’s Fourteen Colors
- UNESCO World Heritage Site: Quebrada de Humahuaca
- Includes free time for exploring Purmamarca and Hornocal
- Transport is in an air-conditioned van, making long hours more comfortable
- Guide is Spanish-speaking, which may influence your experience depending on language skills
- Price is reasonable for a full-day tour with multiple highlights
Planning more time in Humahuaca? We've covered other experiences worth considering.
An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience
The Itinerary: From Salta to the Colors of the Andes
Starting early, typically around 6:30 am, you’ll meet your guide and hop into a comfortable, air-conditioned van. The drive along National Route 9 offers scenic views of the Andean landscape, with the landscapes gradually shifting from green plains to rugged mountain valleys. The tour’s journey into Jujuy province begins with a sense of anticipation, as we’re headed to a region declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its unique geological and cultural significance.
Quebrada de Humahuaca: A UNESCO Treasure
Our first major stop is the Quebrada de Humahuaca, a narrow mountain valley famous for its dramatic cliffs and vibrant colors. This is a place that really captures the imagination, and your guide will share stories about its history and cultural importance. You’ll walk down to the Church of La Candelaria and see the Independence Monument—these spots are not just scenic, but also meaningful symbols of regional identity.
More Great Tours NearbyPurmamarca and the Hill of Seven Colors
Next, we arrive at Purmamarca, a charming village with a bustling main square and local craft stands. The highlight here is the Hill of Seven Colors, a natural marvel with layered sedimentary formations in hues of red, orange, yellow, and purple. We loved the way the colors shift with the changing light, creating almost surreal visual effects.
In reviews, some visitors mention the brief nature of the visit—only about 15 minutes—which might feel hurried if you’re eager to get a closer look or take photos. But the panoramic viewpoint, just minutes from the village, allows for some quick but memorable photos of the hillside’s stunning palette.
Lunch and Free Time in Humahuaca
The tour provides free time in Humahuaca for lunch—an essential break for travelers. You might find local restaurants serving regional dishes, or explore the town’s main square, which is surrounded by colonial architecture. This pause lets you stretch your legs and absorb the local atmosphere before the afternoon’s highlight.
Hornocal and the Hill of Fourteen Colors
After lunch, the journey continues toward Hornocal, home to the Hill of Fourteen Colors. Here, you’ll get about 45 minutes of free time—a significant upgrade from the very brief stops at Purmamarca. It’s the perfect opportunity to explore the viewpoints and really appreciate the intricate layers of colorful rock formations that have earned Hornocal its nickname as the “Mountain of Many Colors.”
Returning to Salta
The journey back follows the same scenic route, with plenty of opportunities for photos and reflection on the day’s stunning sights. The return trip is generally smooth, though some reviews note that the total experience lasts around 12 hours, slightly less than the advertised 15 hours—something to keep in mind if you’re looking for a leisurely, unhurried day.
What to Expect: Practical Tips and Considerations
Comfort and Transportation
Traveling in an air-conditioned van makes the long hours more bearable, especially in the Argentine sun. Group sizes vary, but the focus on comfort and efficiency helps keep the day flowing smoothly. Be prepared for a full day of sightseeing, so comfortable shoes and layered clothing are advisable.
Language and Guide
This tour is only available in Spanish, which is an important consideration if you’re not fluent. Some reviews mention that the guide could be a bit brusque or inattentive, but others find the explanations about the sites educational and engaging. If your Spanish is limited, consider whether this will impact your experience.
Time Management
One of the most common complaints is the limited time at key sights. Purmamarca’s hill is only given about 15 minutes, and Hornocal’s viewpoint about 45 minutes. If you’re eager to take extensive photos or explore more deeply, this might feel rushed. The tour’s tight schedule reflects its goal of covering multiple highlights in a single day.
What to Bring
Passengers are advised to carry passport or ID, and perhaps some snacks or water for the journey. Since the trip involves high-altitude stops, dress in layers. Camera gear is a must for capturing the vivid colors—this is a trip you’ll want to remember visually.
Authentic Traveler Perspectives
From reviews, the landscapes are universally praised. One traveler said, “The landscapes were absolutely magnificent,” emphasizing how breathtaking the scenery is. However, some critics highlight their disappointment with the guide’s service, mentioning that explanations arrived late and that the guide seemed indifferent.
Another traveler shared that the duration was shorter than advertised, and the limited stops left them feeling they hadn’t experienced everything fully. Conversely, travelers who value a quick, scenic overview seem satisfied with the overall experience, especially if they prioritize visual impact over in-depth exploration.
The Sum Up: Who Should Consider This Tour?
This full-day tour offers a cost-effective way to see some of Argentina’s most iconic colorful landscapes and important cultural sites. If you’re looking for a scenic highlight reel, enjoy vivid natural formations, and don’t mind a Spanish-speaking guide and a packed schedule, this trip can be very rewarding.
However, if your priority is more relaxed exploration or detailed guided explanations, you might find this tour somewhat rushed, especially at the key stops. It’s best suited for travelers who value impressive vistas over lengthy visits, and who are comfortable with the tour’s fast pace.
In short, this tour will satisfy those eager to see breathtaking natural colors and experience the regional culture, provided you’re prepared for the long day and brief stops. It’s an excellent choice for those who want a cost-conscious introduction to the stunning landscapes of Jujuy Province.
FAQ
Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, children with passports or ID cards can participate. Just keep in mind that the day is long and involves high-altitude stops.
What is the main highlight of the tour?
Most travelers mention the colorful hills of Purmamarca and Hornocal as the most memorable parts. The landscapes are truly stunning.
Does the tour include food?
No, food and drinks are not included, but there is free time in Humahuaca for you to buy lunch or bring your own snacks.
What language is the guide speaking?
The guide speaks only Spanish, so some familiarity with the language will enhance your experience.
How long is the entire trip?
The tour lasts about 15 hours, although some travelers report it being shorter—around 12 hours in practice.
Are there any physical or health restrictions?
The tour is not suitable for pregnant women, or those with back or heart problems, due to the long hours and high-altitude stops.
Is there any flexibility in the schedule?
The itinerary is fixed, with limited time at each stop. The tour emphasizes seeing multiple sights efficiently.
What should I bring?
Bring your passport or ID, layered clothing, camera, water, and possibly snacks. It’s a full day of sightseeing, so comfort is key.
How do I book this tour?
You can reserve your spot online, with options to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Payment is flexible, with a “reserve now, pay later” option.
This tour offers a packed, scenic journey into the vivid landscapes of Jujuy—ideal for travelers eager to see the most colorful hills Argentina has to offer with the convenience of a guided day trip.
You can check availability for your dates here: