From Salta: Full-Day Tours of Cafayate and Salinas Grandes

Rating: 4.3/5 (based on 3 reviews)
Price: $64 per person
Duration: 2 days (check availability for starting times)
Location: Salta Province, Argentina

A Quick Glimpse of the Experience

If you’re craving a deep dive into northern Argentina’s most breathtaking landscapes, this 2-day combo tour covers some of the region’s top natural wonders. Starting from Salta, you’ll visit Purmamarca and the famous 7-colors Hill, then head into the Salinas Grandes salt flats—an otherworldly white expanse. The next day, the journey continues into the Cafayate Valley, renowned for its wine and colorful geological formations like La Garganta del Diablo and The Amphitheatre. The tour is priced at $64 per person and includes transportation and guides in both Spanish and English.

We particularly like the chance to see Argentina’s varied landscapes in one trip—from vivid mountain hues to vast salt flats—without the hassle of planning multiple excursions. The tour’s highlight is definitely the Salinas Grandes, where the salt flats span for miles and make for some truly surreal photos. The wine tasting in Cafayate also adds a flavorful touch to the trip, offering a taste of local culture.

A possible drawback is the long hours involved—each day lasts around 12 hours—meaning this is a whirlwind experience rather than a leisurely sightseeing stroll. Also, some reviews mention that the winery visit felt a bit rushed and not very in-depth, which might disappoint wine aficionados seeking a more immersive experience.

This tour is best suited for travelers who love nature, geology, and scenic drives and don’t mind spending full days on the move. It’s ideal if you’re looking for a cost-effective way to see multiple highlights in a short span, with guided commentary in your language of choice.

Key Points

Stunning Landscapes: Features some of Argentina’s most iconic geological formations and salt flats.
Cultural and Natural Mix: Combines natural wonders with a local winery visit for a well-rounded experience.
Long but Value-Packed: Each day involves about 12 hours of touring, so be prepared for full schedules.
Guide-Led Convenience: Bilingual guides make navigation and storytelling easier for international travelers.
Photo Opportunities: Offers many chances for memorable photos, especially at 7-colors Hill and Salinas Grandes.
Timing Flexibility: Check availability for departure times, and remember the tour isn’t canceled due to rain or bad weather.

You can check availability for your dates here:

In-Depth Review of the Tour Experience

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Itinerary Breakdown: What You’ll See and Do

Starting early from Salta, your first day is a scenic drive into Jujuy Province, passing through towns like San Salvador de Jujuy and notable natural sights such as Volcán. Your first major stop is Purmamarca, a charming village famed for its 7-colors Hill. Here, you get a chance to stroll around the colorful houses, browse handicraft stalls, and snap photos of the layered mountain backdrop. One reviewer mentioned they enjoyed the free time in Purmamarca, which included a walk through the market and the option to participate in the Paseo de los Colorados (a brief trek showcasing vibrant red hills).

Next stop is the Lipan slope and the Abra del Potrerillo, scenic passes that give you sweeping views of the surrounding Andean landscape. The highlight of the afternoon is the visit to Salinas Grandes, where you can walk across the salt flats, marvel at the reflective white surface, and take some creative photos. One traveler noted that the Salinas Grandes trip was a ‘complete success’, emphasizing how stunning and photogenic the salt flats are.

The tour then returns to Purmamarca for a couple of hours of free time, giving you a chance to explore or relax before heading back. Some travelers enjoy participating in the Colorados Trekking, a short walk through vibrant red hills, which is roughly 30 to 40 minutes.

Day Two: Into the Calchaquí Valley and Cafayate

Leaving early from Salta, the second day takes you into the Calchaquí Valley, famous for its vineyards and dramatic geology. The route through Las Conchas Gorge is particularly striking: narrow, colorful canyon walls carved by nature, with landmarks like La Garganta del Diablo and The Amphitheatre. These geoforms are perfect for those who love nature’s sculptures.

Your visit to a local winery in Cafayate offers a taste of Argentina’s world-renowned wines, especially Torrontés. While the wine tasting is included, one review pointed out that the visit to the winery felt a bit brief and could have been more in-depth—but it’s enough to get a feel for local wine culture.

After lunch, you have time to explore Cafayate itself, a charming town with vibrant plazas and a relaxed vibe. Returning to Salta, you’ll pass through the same scenic route, giving you a second opportunity to enjoy the views.

Transportation and Guides

Transportation is via sprinter or minibus, comfortable enough for long hours on the road. The guides are bilingual, providing commentary in both Spanish and English, which helps keep every traveler informed and engaged. Pick-up is included from hotels or central addresses within about 15 blocks of the main square, making logistics straightforward.

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What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour price includes the visit to a winery, trips through the Salinas Grandes, Las Conchas Gorge, and stops at Purmamarca and Lipan slope. It also covers transportation and guiding services. However, food and drinks are not included, so you might want to bring snacks or plan to buy meals along the way.

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Overall Value and Practical Tips

At $64, the tour offers good value if you want to see a variety of landscapes without arranging multiple separate trips. The long hours might be tiring, but they’re typical for full-day tours in this region. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes—especially if you plan to walk in Purmamarca or during the Colorado Trekking.

Remember, the tour won’t be canceled due to rain, but weather can affect visibility—so check the forecast and dress accordingly. Also, bring your passport or ID for registration at certain sites, and be prepared for a full day of sightseeing.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is perfect if you enjoy scenic drives, geological wonders, and cultural stops in small towns. It’s suitable for adventurous travelers who don’t mind long days and want a cost-effective way to explore northern Argentina’s highlights. However, if you’re looking for a more in-depth winery experience or a less hurried pace, you might need to consider additional or alternative tours.

Final Thoughts

This 2-day combo tour from Salta delivers a strong taste of northern Argentina’s most iconic sights—colorful mountains, expansive salt flats, and scenic valleys. The guides are knowledgeable, making the journey both educational and enjoyable, and the diverse landscapes will leave you with plenty of photo-worthy moments.

While the long hours can be challenging, the value for the price is undeniable for those wanting a rundown without multiple bookings. It’s especially well-suited for first-time visitors eager to tick off major attractions and for travelers wanting a cost-effective adventure with a mix of natural beauty and local culture.

If you value authentic scenery, guided storytelling, and a taste of Argentinian wine, this tour ticks all those boxes. Just pack your sense of adventure, some comfortable shoes, and a camera—you’re in for a memorable trip.

FAQ

How long is each day of the tour?
Each day lasts around 12 hours, so be prepared for full, busy days with lots of sightseeing.

What is included in the tour price?
The tour covers transportation, guides in Spanish and English, a winery visit, and stops at key locations like Salinas Grandes and Purmamarca.

Are meals included?
No, food and drinks are not included, so you should plan to bring snacks or buy meals during the day.

What should I bring?
Bring your passport or ID, comfortable and sports shoes for walking, and weather-appropriate clothing.

Is the tour suitable for children or elderly travelers?
While it’s generally accessible, the long hours and walking might be tiring for very young children or elderly travelers.

Will the tour be canceled due to weather?
No, the excursion is not canceled due to rain or bad weather, though visibility and comfort might be affected.

How do I book the tour?
You can reserve your spot now and choose to pay later, with flexible cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup from hotels or central addresses within about 15 blocks of the main square is included.

Can I customize this tour?
This is a guided group tour with set stops; customization isn’t available, but you can extend your stay or explore independently afterward.

This tour offers a solid, well-rounded experience of northern Argentina’s most memorable sights. Whether it’s your first visit or a repeat trip, the landscapes and local culture will surely leave an impression.