Tour to Salinas Grandes and Purmamarca: Adventure from Salta

Experience Overview: Salinas Grandes and Purmamarca from Salta

A full-day tour from Salta taking you through some of Northern Argentina’s most captivating sights, including the Salinas Grandes salt flats and the colorful town of Purmamarca, is a fantastic way to see a different side of this diverse region. At $109.25 per person, this roughly 11 to 12-hour adventure offers a blend of natural wonder and cultural charm, with pickup included, making it a hassle-free way to explore.

What we love about this experience are two main things: First, the spectacular scenery of the salt flats and surrounding mountains—the vast white desert is a sight you’ll remember long after the trip. Second, the chance to wander through Purmamarca, with its picturesque, rustic streets and the iconic Cerro de los Siete Colores—a true feast for the eyes and camera.

One consideration is that because of the long drive and busy schedule, the tour may feel rushed for some travelers. If you’re looking for a more relaxed experience, you might prefer spending more time in each location. Still, for those wanting a comprehensive snapshot of this stunning region in a single day, this tour hits the mark.

This tour suits travelers who love natural landscapes, are eager to see unique geological formations, and enjoy cultural towns with local flavor. It’s especially good for those who want a guided, all-inclusive day that covers the highlights without the stress of planning each detail.

Key Points

• Breathtaking scenery at Salinas Grandes salt flats, one of Argentina’s most impressive natural wonders.
• Cultural charm in Purmamarca with its rustic streets and the famous Cerro de los Siete Colores.
• Spectacular mountain views crossing the Cuesta del Obispo and Quebrada de Escoipe, ideal for photo enthusiasts.
• Comfortable transportation and a bilingual guide enhance the experience, making it accessible for non-Spanish speakers.
• Long but rewarding day—expect about 11-12 hours, with plenty of stops for photos and walking.
• Good value considering the inclusion of transportation, guide, and visits to multiple key sites.

A Deep Dive into the Tour Experience

Starting Point and Early Aspects of the Journey

The tour kicks off early in the morning—most departures are between 7:00AM and 7:30AM—so prepare to rise with the sun if you want to make the most of the day. The pickup service makes things convenient, especially if you’re staying centrally in Salta. From there, we head out on Route 9, passing through the picturesque town of General Güemes. This initial leg is a good chance to get a feel for the landscape before the more dramatic sights unfold.

Crossing the Quebrada de Humahuaca and the Cuesta de Lipán

One of the highlights is travelling through the Quebrada de Humahuaca, a UNESCO-listed valley full of vibrant colors and rugged terrain. You’ll pass through charming villages like Yala and Volcán, with an opportunity to snap photos and appreciate the traditional architecture.

The Cuesta de Lipán, reaching over 4,170 meters (about 13,680 feet), is a standout feature of the journey. The ascent offers sweeping views of the surrounding mountains and valleys—a perfect moment to breathe in the high-altitude landscape. As one reviewer put it, “the mountain ascent over the salt manto was one of the points high points” of the trip, emphasizing just how striking this part of the drive can be.

The Salt Flats of Salinas Grandes

The centerpiece of the tour is Salinas Grandes, a vast, shimmering expanse of white salt that stretches as far as the eye can see. The tour’s timing often coincides with clear weather, enhancing the visual impact. It’s a surreal landscape—like walking on snow but feeling the crunch of salt beneath your feet.

You’ll have around three hours here, giving ample time to walk around, take photos, and even marvel at how this crystalline salt is harvested—though the actual extraction process is more visible from a distance than detailed on the tour. One traveler mentioned, “the ascent over the salt manto was unforgettable,” highlighting how the high-altitude climb and the expansive salt flat are truly awe-inspiring.

The Town of Purmamarca

After exploring the salt flats, the tour returns to Purmamarca, a small town famous for its Cerro de los Siete Colores—a layered mountain that’s a masterpiece of natural pigments. Here, you can stroll through streets lined with artisanal shops and enjoy regional dishes, with llama meat often featured on menus.

Some reviews praise the town for its picturesque and rustic streets, making it a perfect spot for a relaxed lunch or a quick wander. One traveler commented, “the town has uphill paths, and the streets are charming,” which captures its authentic, unpretentious vibe.

Final Return and Reflection

After a leisurely lunch (not included in the tour price, so you might want to budget for some local food), the group heads back to Salta. The return journey, filled with scenic views and perhaps a few more photo stops, wraps up an intense but rewarding day.

What the Tour Includes and What to Keep in Mind

The price of $109.25 covers all transportation, entrance fees, and a bilingual guide, making it quite a good deal considering the mileage and sights. The small group size—max 30 travelers—helps keep things intimate and manageable.

However, food and drinks are not included, so bringing water and snacks is advisable, especially given the long hours. Also, the tour is weather-dependent. Poor weather might lead to cancellations or changes, but refunds or rescheduling are generally possible.

Pros and Cons Based on Reviews and Experience

• Pros: Excellent scenery, well-organized transportation, knowledgeable guides, and stops at all key sites.
• Cons: The long day might feel rushed for some, and if you’re not a fan of high-altitude driving or crowds, this might be a consideration.

One reviewer shared, “we enjoyed the tour, the guide had good English, and the views were spectacular,” reaffirming the overall positive experience. Another noted, “the ascent over the salt was the highlight,” emphasizing the visual impact.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This experience is perfect for travelers who want a comprehensive day trip that covers the highlights of northern Argentina’s striking landscapes. It’s ideal if you’re eager to see breathtaking salt flats, learn about local towns, and enjoy mountain vistas—all in one guided package.

If you appreciate photo opportunities, cultural authenticity, and a structured itinerary that takes care of logistics, this tour will suit you well. Those who prefer a slower pace or more time in each location might find it a bit rushed, but overall, this offers a solid balance of adventure and comfort.

FAQs

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 11 to 12 hours, including travel, stops, and meals.

Does the tour include transportation?
Yes, roundtrip transportation from Salta and all internal travel are included.

Is there a guide?
Yes, a bilingual accredited guide accompanies the tour, enhancing your understanding of each site.

What should I bring?
Bring water, snacks, sun protection, and comfortable walking shoes. Weather can vary at high altitudes.

Are meals included?
No, meals are not included, but there will be time to buy lunch in Purmamarca.

Can I cancel if I change my mind?
Yes, cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours in advance.

Is this tour suitable for children or elderly?
Most travelers can participate, but consider the long hours and high-altitude driving if traveling with very young children or seniors.

What happens if weather is poor?
The tour might be canceled or rescheduled, and you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Final Reflections: Is This Tour Worth Your Time?

For those craving stunning landscapes and the chance to explore iconic sites like Salinas Grandes and Purmamarca in one day, this tour offers excellent value and convenience. It packs in a lot—mountain vistas, salt flats, charming towns—without the stress of planning multiple transport links. The guides’ knowledge and the comfortable group size make it a reliable choice for travelers eager for an authentic taste of Northern Argentina.

While it may be a long day with some busy moments, the visual payoff is substantial. You’ll leave with vivid memories of salt flats stretching into the horizon, mountains painted with colors, and the rustic charm of Purmamarca’s streets.

If you’re looking for a well-organized, reasonably priced way to see some of Argentina’s most unique natural sights, this tour is definitely worth considering. It’s especially suitable for those who want a guided experience that hits all the highlights and offers plenty of opportunities for photos and cultural insights.

Note: Always double-check the latest details, weather conditions, and cancellation policies before booking to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.