From Salta: Cachi and Hornocal 2-Day Tour – An Adventure Through Argentina’s Colorful Landscapes
If you’re looking to discover some of the most striking scenery in northern Argentina, this 2-day tour from Salta to Cachi and Hornocal offers plenty of visual rewards. For a reasonable $88 per person, you’ll spend two days soaking up mountain vistas, exploring charming towns, and marveling at multicolored hills that look like they belong in a storybook. Expect a journey that combines natural beauty, cultural insights, and a comfortable ride through some of the most breathtaking spots in Salta and Jujuy provinces.
What we love about this experience? First, the views along the winding roads—particularly the panoramic vistas from Cuesta del Obispo and the dramatic multicolor formations of Hornocal. Second, the chance to wander through Cachi’s well-preserved colonial streets, feeling like stepping back in time. One consideration is that the Hornocal excursion is only available in Spanish, which might be a hurdle if you’re not bilingual. But if you’re comfortable with a guide speaking Spanish, this tour is ideal for those who crave authentic scenery and culture. It’s especially suited for travelers who enjoy scenic drives, small towns, and landscapes that seem almost unreal.
Key Points
- Stunning mountain vistas from Cuesta del Obispo and El Valle Encantado provide unforgettable photo opportunities.
- Cachi’s colonial charm offers a peaceful break from driving, with historic architecture and local crafts.
- Colorful hills at Hornocal and Purmamarca showcase nature’s palette in vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows.
- The tour’s relaxed pace allows ample time to explore each stop and soak in the scenery.
- Comfortable transportation in a modern Mercedes-Benz van makes the long drives more pleasant.
- The small group size (max 22 people) creates a friendly, intimate atmosphere.
A Detailed Look at the 2-Day Experience
Planning more time in Cachi? We've covered other experiences worth considering.
Day 1: From Salta to Cachi – A Journey Through the Andes
Your adventure begins early in the morning, with hotel pickup in Salta. From there, the route heads south along Provincial Route 68, passing through small towns like Cerrillos, La Merced, and El Carril. These stops set a casual tone, giving you a taste of rural life and local architecture before entering the more spectacular natural scenery.
One of the highlights is the drive through the Gorge of Escoipe and Las Laureles, which serve up impressive rock formations and lush greenery. These areas are perfect for quick photo stops and to stretch your legs before reaching the Cuesta del Obispo. This winding mountain road is a highlight in itself—think of it as a rollercoaster of rocks and sky. The road climbs to 3,348 meters above sea level, giving you sweeping views across valleys and a good chance to spot soaring condors overhead. As we admired the landscape, our guide pointed out the “King of the Sky”, a majestic condor gliding effortlessly above us.
The scenery shifts dramatically at El Valle Encantado, where the landscape looks like it was painted with a broad brush of pastels—think surreal, almost as if a giant artist had spilled colors across the mountains. We loved the way this area feels like a scene from a fairy tale, with jagged rocks and vivid colors creating a truly otherworldly backdrop.
After descending from the highlands, the route takes us through Parque Nacional los Cardones, where massive cactus formations dominate the landscape. These iconic cactuses, some reaching impressive heights, provide a striking contrast to the mountains behind them. It’s a perfect spot for photos and to appreciate the resilience of desert flora.
Arriving in Cachi around midday, we found a charming town with well-preserved colonial buildings and a relaxed vibe. The main square is quiet but lively enough to enjoy a leisurely lunch, perhaps sampling local dishes or just soaking in the scenery. The town’s historic church and small museums give insight into the region’s past, and local markets offer handcrafted souvenirs.
Day 2: From Cachi to Hornocal and Jujuy’s Colorful Hills
The second day begins with a scenic drive along National Route 9 towards Jujuy Province. As we traveled, the landscape shifted from rugged mountains to lush valleys and colorful hill formations. Our first stop was Purmamarca, where the Hill of Seven Colors rises dramatically from the town square. Its red, orange, and yellow layers create a striking mosaic that makes for memorable photos. We loved how each hue seemed to tell a story of the earth’s geological layers.
Next, we moved on to Humahuaca, a town perched high at 2,939 meters, with a lively main square and historic church. Here, we explored the Church of La Candelaria and the Independence Monument, which commemorate the region’s proud history.
The real highlight was the Hornocal hill, famous for its Fourteen Colors. Our guide took us to a viewpoint where we could see this mountain range in all its multicolored glory. The landscape is surreal, with stripes of red, yellow, green, and violet creating a visual spectacle. Although this part of the tour is only available in Spanish, the breathtaking scenery makes it worth the effort. We found that the views of Hornocal are absolutely worth the early start, and the small group size allowed our guide to give personalized insights.
Transportation and Comfort
Traveling in a Mercedes-Benz minivan ensures a smooth ride across the varied terrain. The group size is limited to around 22 people, making it easier to chat with fellow travelers or just enjoy the scenery in peace. Pickup and drop-off at central Salta hotels make logistics straightforward, and the inclusion of a bilingual guide enhances the experience, providing context and stories along the way.
More Great Tours NearbyPractical Considerations
One thing to keep in mind is that the Hornocal excursion is only in Spanish and requires meeting at the Caseros 420 office at 6:30 a.m. This early start is due to the long day involved, but it also means you’ll beat some of the crowds and enjoy cooler temperatures at higher altitudes. It’s worth noting that this tour involves some walking, especially at Hornocal, so comfortable shoes and clothes are advisable.
Who Will Love This Tour?
This tour suits travelers who enjoy scenic drives and picturesque towns. It’s perfect for those seeking a mix of nature and culture, with enough time to explore without feeling rushed. The stunning views of colorful hills and dramatic mountain landscapes are the main draw, so anyone keen on photography or landscape appreciation will find plenty to love. Keep in mind the language restriction for the Hornocal part, making it more suitable for Spanish-speaking travelers.
Final Thoughts
This 2-day tour from Salta delivers on its promise of remarkable scenery and authentic regional flavor. The chance to walk through Cachi’s colonial streets and witness the vibrant hues of Hornocal provides memorable moments that will stay with you long after the trip ends.
For those who appreciate natural beauty, a relaxed pace, and a glimpse into rural Argentine life, this tour offers excellent value. The combination of comfortable transport, knowledgeable guides, and breathtaking sights makes it a worthwhile addition to your Argentine itinerary.
If you’re looking for a trip that balances scenic wonder with cultural charm, and don’t mind a Spanish-only segment, this experience should definitely be on your list.
FAQs
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup and drop-off at most centrally-located Salta hotels are included for the day trips. For Hornocal, you must meet at Caseros 420 at 6:30 a.m.
How long is the drive?
The drives are lengthy, with most of the day spent on the road between stops. The journey is comfortable thanks to the modern Mercedes-Benz van.
What should I bring?
Bring your passport or ID, comfortable shoes, and weather-appropriate clothing. Remember, some walking is involved, especially at Hornocal.
Is food included?
No, meals and drinks are not included, but there are opportunities to buy food during the stops, notably in Cachi and Humahuaca.
Can I do this tour if I don’t speak Spanish?
The main parts of the tour are bilingual, but the Hornocal segment is only in Spanish, so some understanding of Spanish will enhance your experience.
What’s the best time to go?
Check availability for specific departure times; mornings tend to be cooler and less crowded, especially for Hornocal.
Are there any physical limitations to consider?
Yes, the tour involves some walking and high-altitude exposure, so it might not be suitable for those with back problems or altitude sensitivity.
Is this a good value for the price?
Considering the included transportation, guiding, and the stunning scenery, many find this tour offers excellent value for exploring northern Argentina’s highlights.
This tour is perfect for travelers eager to see Argentina’s most colorful landscapes, charming colonial towns, and rugged mountain scenery—an experience that feeds both the eyes and the soul.
You can check availability for your dates here: