Experience the Best of Salta and Jujuy in Two Days
For travelers eager to explore the northern treasures of Argentina, this 2-day guided tour offers a well-rounded taste of Salta Province’s natural beauty and cultural highlights. Priced at $88 per person, it covers two of the region’s most iconic sights: the wine country of Cafayate and the breathtaking Hill of Fourteen Colors in Hornocal. Led by knowledgeable guides, this tour promises a combination of scenic drives, local flavors, and picture-perfect vistas that will satisfy your craving for authentic Argentine experiences.
What we love most about this tour is how it balances spectacular landscapes with cultural insights. You’ll stroll through charming towns, visit a traditional winery with a free wine tasting, and stand in awe before multi-hued mountains. Plus, the comfort of an air-conditioned van means you can relax and enjoy the ride, even through some rugged roads. On the downside, the longer Hornocal excursion is only in Spanish and requires meeting at a specific office early in the morning, which might be less convenient for some travelers.
If you’re someone who appreciates stunning scenery combined with culture and doesn’t mind a bit of travel time, this tour is an excellent choice. It suits adventurous travelers who enjoy small-group experiences, authentic local flavors, and immersive landscapes. It’s especially ideal if you’re eager to see the colorful mountains and sample regional wines without the hassle of planning multiple separate trips.
Key Points
- Two full days exploring Salta’s highlights and the surrounding landscapes.
- Includes visits to notable sites like Quebrada de las Conchas, Purmamarca’s Hill of Seven Colors, and Hornocal’s Hill of Fourteen Colors.
- Comfortable transportation in an air-conditioned Mercedes van, making long drives more pleasant.
- Authentic experiences such as a wine tasting in Cafayate and exploring local towns and markets.
- Longer Hornocal excursion only available in Spanish, with early morning pickup from a designated office.
- Ideal for travelers seeking scenic beauty, cultural insights, and a taste of regional flavors in a manageable two-day format.
A Deep Dive into the Salta and Jujuy Tour Experience
This 2-day journey is designed to give you a meaningful sampling of northern Argentina’s most striking sights, carefully curated to balance natural beauty, culture, and comfort. Let’s walk through what each day entails and why these stops matter.
Planning more time in Salta Province? We've covered other experiences worth considering.
Day 1: Exploring Cafayate’s Natural Wonders and Wineries
Your adventure begins with a drive south from Salta along Provincial Route 68. The scenery here is nothing short of spectacular: rolling farms, vibrant tobacco plantations, and mountain views. We loved the way the route showcases the Lerma Valley’s agricultural heart, with the old and new tobacco chimneys adding a touch of local history and industry. Watching the tobacco leaves dry in the sun is a simple but authentic window into regional life.
As you approach Cafayate, the landscape transforms dramatically into reddish, otherworldly rock formations. The Quebrada de las Conchas is the highlight, with striking sites like the Amphitheater and the Devil’s Throat—spectacular natural arches and cliffs carved over millennia. These formations are enough to make you feel like you’ve stepped onto another planet.
In Cafayate itself, the visit to a local winery is a treat. Here, you’ll learn about the region’s famous Torrontés wines—a local specialty—and enjoy a free tasting. We found the winery visit to be both educational and delicious, especially after a hearty lunch. The town of Cafayate is charming, with cobblestone streets and local craft stands, making it a perfect spot to soak in local hospitality.
The return route offers a different perspective with more dramatic landscapes—a thoughtful touch that highlights the region’s diversity. Overall, Day 1 is a fantastic mix of scenic drives, cultural insights, and regional flavors.
Day 2: Hornocal and the UNESCO Heritage Site of Humahuaca
The second day is longer, starting early with pickup from the designated office in Salta, heading into Jujuy Province. The highlight here is the Quebrada de Humahuaca, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its narrow mountain valley and vibrant hues.
Our favorite stop was Purmamarca, with its Hill of Seven Colors—a natural palette of reds, oranges, and browns that change with the light. It’s a town that’s full of character, with a lively square and local craft vendors. We loved wandering around, soaking in the vibrant colors and authentic atmosphere.
Next, the journey takes you to Humahuaca, at over 2,900 meters altitude. The Church of La Candelaria and Independence Monument offer a glimpse into local history and architecture. After a quick lunch, the trip continues to Hornocal, where you’ll see the Hill of Fourteen Colors—a jaw-dropping spectacle of layered, multicolored rocks.
It’s worth noting that the Hornocal excursion is only in Spanish, and you need to meet at the Tiamar Travel Agency office at 6:30 am, which can be less convenient but is necessary due to the tour’s length. The views here are truly unforgettable—a mosaic of colors stretching across the mountainside.
Transportation and Logistics
The transportation is provided by a high-quality Mercedes-Benz minivan, which is a significant upgrade for comfort during long drives. The overall journey involves about 4 hours of travel each way, with some portions over dirt roads, so sturdy shoes and comfortable clothes are advisable.
The tour’s design ensures you get the most out of your time, with efficient routing and guided commentary in both Spanish and English. For the longer Hornocal day, the early start and the requirement to meet at the office are worth noting, particularly for travelers who value flexibility and ease.
More Great Tours NearbyReal Experiences from Travelers
The reviews echo much of what we found appealing. One traveler praised their guide Monica, describing her as passionate and bilingual, who made the journey memorable with her insights. They noted the incredible scenery on Day 2, describing Hornocal as “beautiful but more stressful because the group is divided into two excursions,” which highlights the importance of a good guide and group management.
Another traveler emphasized the delicious local wines and tapas at the winery, which added a tasty and authentic touch to the experience. Some reviewers mentioned that combining this tour with others could be a good idea, especially if you want more time exploring.
Practical Tips and Considerations
- Booking early is advisable, especially for the Hornocal excursion, as spots are limited and only in Spanish.
- Bring your passport or ID, comfortable shoes, and clothes suited to high-altitude environments.
- The long drives over dirt roads might be challenging for some, especially those with back problems.
- Hotel pickups are available within 15 blocks of Plaza 9 Julio, but confirm your location in advance.
- Cost-wise, the price of $88 per person is reasonable considering the included transportation, guides, and some site entries, though entrance fees and food are extra.
Who Will Love This Tour?
This experience is perfect for travelers who want a concentrated dose of Northern Argentina’s highlights without the hassle of planning multiple trips. It’s especially suited to those who appreciate stunning landscapes and authentic local culture—from wine tasting to exploring colorful mountains. If you enjoy guided tours, comfortable transportation, and a mix of natural beauty and cultural sites, you’ll find this tour both satisfying and memorable.
However, it’s important to note the language limitation for the Hornocal excursion and the early morning start. If you’re comfortable with these logistics, it’s a fantastic way to see some of the most vibrant landscapes in Argentina.
FAQ
Is transportation comfortable?
Yes, the tour uses a high-quality Mercedes-Benz minivan with air conditioning, making long drives more pleasant.
Do I need to speak Spanish?
While guides offer bilingual commentary, note that the Hornocal excursion is only in Spanish, and you need to meet at the office early in the morning.
What should I bring?
Bring your passport or ID, comfortable shoes, and clothing suitable for high altitudes and variable weather conditions.
Are meals included?
No, meals and drinks are not included, but there is time for lunch on Day 2 and opportunities to buy local snacks and craft items.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, but consider the long drives and altitude changes. Ensure children are comfortable with the travel and terrain.
How long is each day?
Day 1 is a full day with scenic drives and sightseeing, while Day 2 involves about 4 hours of travel each way, plus sightseeing stops.
Can I combine this with other tours?
Yes, reviews suggest combining with additional excursions for more comprehensive exploration, but this tour is designed as a two-day package.
What’s the best time of year to go?
While not explicitly stated, the scenery is stunning year-round. Consider avoiding the peak of summer if you prefer milder weather.
Are entrance fees included?
No, entrance fees are not included in the price. Be prepared for possible additional costs at attractions.
Is it worth the price?
Absolutely, given the included transportation, guides, and the chance to see some of Argentina’s most iconic landscapes, it offers good value for travelers wanting a guided, hassle-free experience.
To sum it up, this 2-day tour from Salta to Cafayate and Hornocal offers a balanced mix of natural beauty, cultural richness, and comfort. It’s best suited for those eager to see iconic sights without extensive planning and who are okay with early mornings and a bit of travel time. With knowledgeable guides, breathtaking vistas, and authentic experiences like wine tasting, it’s a tour that makes the highlights of northern Argentina accessible and memorable. If you’re dreaming of mountains painted in colors and vineyards producing world-famous wines, this journey is well worth considering.
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