Salinas grandes by bike with lunch

Salinas Grandes by Bike with Lunch: A Detailed Look

If you’re traveling through northern Argentina, a visit to Salinas Grandes—the vast salt flats—feels almost mandatory. For those craving a mix of adventure and authentic local culture, this 7-hour bike tour from Purmamarca offers a memorable way to experience this surreal landscape. For $84 per person, you get not only cycling across salt crusts but also insights into Andean lifestyle and traditional salt extraction methods, topped with a picnic lunch in the middle of the flats.

What we love about this experience is how it balances active exploration with culture. The ride over the salt is surprisingly smooth, offering stunning views that seem to stretch to infinity, especially on a clear day. We also appreciated the knowledgeable guides—they’re passionate about sharing local history and ecological insights, which elevates the tour beyond just a sightseeing trip.

A possible consideration? The altitude and outdoor exposure mean you’ll want to be comfortable with some physical activity and prepared for varying weather conditions. It’s not suitable for children under 7 or those with physical limitations, but if you’re up for a bit of cycling and adventure, this trip hits the mark.

This tour suits active travelers eager for an authentic, small-group experience that combines scenery, culture, and a dash of adventure, all led by guides who genuinely know their stuff.

Key Points

• Unique experience: Cycling across the salt flats offers a rare perspective and fun way to explore.
• Cultural insights: Guides explain local salt mining techniques and Andean lifestyle.
• Scenic stops: Panoramic viewpoints and natural ponds like “Ojos del Salar” enrich the journey.
• Authentic meal: A picnic lunch in the middle of the flats adds to the adventure.
• Small group size: Limited to 8 participants, ensuring a more personal experience.
• Value for money: All essentials—transportation, bikes, guide, lunch—are included at a reasonable price.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Review of Salinas Grandes by Bike with Lunch

The Route and Starting Point

Your adventure begins in Purmamarca, a charming town known for its vibrant hillside and colorful mountains. From here, you’ll hop into a comfortable vehicle for about 1.5 hours along national route N°52, winding up through “La Cuesta de Lipan”, a scenic mountain pass with sweeping views. This drive alone sets the tone—expect vistas that make you catch your breath.

Along the way, stops at panoramic viewpoints let you savor the landscape—rolling hills, distant mountains, and the ever-present Andean sky. These moments give you a chance to prepare for the flat, almost surreal landscape awaiting you at the flats.

Arrival at Salinas Grandes

Once at Salinas Grandes, you’ll switch from vehicle to bike. The salt crust stretches as far as the eye can see, shimmering under the sun. The 7 km ride over the salt is surprisingly gentle, thanks to well-maintained bikes and the flat terrain. The guides are excellent at sharing insights about how the salt is mined—an ancient practice still very much alive—and explaining the geological formation of these massive salt deposits.

During the ride, you’ll notice the contrast between the stark white salt and the pale blue sky, making for spectacular photos. The silence is profound, broken only by the sound of your bikes and the occasional breeze. For many, this is the highlight—the feeling of cycling across a landscape that looks like another planet.

The Unique Lunch Experience

Halfway through the ride, you’ll stop in a tranquil spot for a picnic lunch amid the salt flats. It’s a rare chance to enjoy local flavors in an extraordinary setting—think simple, hearty sandwiches or traditional snacks, all with the salt flats as your backdrop. The reviews highlight how delicious and satisfying the meal is, especially in such a remote setting.

More Great Tours Nearby

Traditional Salt Mining Demonstration

After lunch, your guide will demonstrate traditional salt extraction, giving you a glimpse into local livelihoods. Many reviews praise Francisco and Ariel for their knowledgeable explanations and approachable manner. This personal touch turns a visual experience into a meaningful learning opportunity, connecting you with the community’s history and culture.

Returning to Purmamarca

Once your salt-mining experience concludes, you’ll hop back on your bikes for the return ride, then travel by vehicle back to Purmamarca. The entire day wraps up with a sense of having seen and learned more than just the scenery—you’ve connected with the culture, geology, and history of this unique landscape.

Why This Tour Works Well

• The small group size keeps things intimate and allows guides to tailor explanations and answer questions.
• The bicycles are suitable for the terrain, making the experience accessible even for those who aren’t avid cyclists.
• The scenery—vast, bright, and otherworldly—is breathtaking and photo-worthy.
• The cultural element of salt mining adds depth, making it more than just a sightseeing activity.
• The lunch in the flats offers a peaceful, scenic break, far from crowded tourist spots.

However, it’s worth noting that the tour involves some physical activity at high altitude, so those with altitude sickness or mobility issues should consider this.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for adventure-seeking travelers who appreciate active outings and authentic local culture. It’s especially suited for those who enjoy small-group travel, want to learn from passionate guides, and love exploring landscapes on two wheels. Families with children over 7 who are comfortable with biking at altitude will find this a rewarding day, but it’s not ideal for pregnant women or travelers with mobility constraints.

Final Thoughts

This bike tour of Salinas Grandes balances adventure with education, offering a rare view of one of the world’s largest salt flats in a personal, engaging way. The scenic ride, combined with the authentic salt mining demonstration and a scenic lunch, makes it a standout experience for those wanting a deeper connection to the landscape and local culture.

The knowledgeable guides truly make a difference, sharing stories that make the landscape come alive. It’s a trip that leaves you with photos, stories, and a genuine appreciation for the resilience and ingenuity of the communities that have thrived here for generations.

If you’re seeking an active, culturally rich day in a landscape that feels like stepping onto another planet, this tour is likely to be a highlight of your trip.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, but only for children over 7 years old, as younger kids might find the biking and altitude challenging.

What should I bring for the day?
Comfortable clothes for biking, sun protection (hat, sunscreen), water, and possibly a light jacket. The tour provides helmets, but bringing sunglasses is also a good idea.

How strenuous is the biking?
The ride is around 7 km on flat salt terrain, so it’s manageable for most reasonably fit people. It’s not overly technical but does involve physical exertion at altitude.

What does the lunch include?
The tour includes a picnic lunch, typically with simple but satisfying local-style food served in the middle of the flats.

Will I see traditional salt mining?
Yes, the guide will demonstrate the traditional salt extraction process, providing a personal view into local practices.

Are the guides bilingual?
Yes, guides speak both Spanish and English, making it accessible for international travelers.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The booking process also allows you to reserve and pay later for flexibility.

This bike tour of Salinas Grandes offers an authentic, active way to experience one of Argentina’s most iconic landscapes—perfect for curious travelers eager to combine scenery, culture, and a bit of adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby