From Salta: Humahuaca & Salinas Grandes 2-Day Tour

Travelers looking to see some of Argentina’s most breathtaking scenery and charming villages will find this two-day tour from Salta to Humahuaca and Salinas Grandes quite appealing. For $78 per person, you’ll spend roughly two days cruising through striking landscapes, learning about local history, and snapping photos of colorful mountains and salt flats. The tour includes visits to picturesque towns like Purmamarca and Tilcara, along with stops at iconic highlights such as the Hill of 7 Colors and the vast Salinas Grandes salt flats.

What we love about this tour is how it combines easy travel in a cozy, air-conditioned Mercedes-Benz minivan with insightful guided commentary. The stops are well-chosen, offering a genuine taste of local culture and natural beauty. Also, the opportunity to see the Hill of 7 Colors up close or walk among the salt pools of Salinas Grandes makes it a rich, varied experience.

A possible drawback is that the second day can feel rushed, especially if you want to explore places like Tilcara or the archaeological ruins at Pucará in depth. Some travelers, based on reviews, feel that the itinerary might be a little too tight, and a longer stay at certain sites could enhance the experience. This tour suits travelers who appreciate scenic drives, picturesque villages, and well-organized day trips, especially if you’re comfortable with a full schedule and a group setting.

• Comfortable transportation in air-conditioned Mercedes-Benz minivans makes the long drives pleasant.
• Well-chosen stops like Purmamarca, Humahuaca, and Salinas Grandes offer stunning vistas and authentic local culture.
• Expert guides provide valuable insights into the history, geology, and traditions of the region.
• Two-day itinerary balances scenic beauty with culture, though the second day can feel a little rushed.
• Great value for the price, considering transportation, guide services, and multiple iconic sites.
• Flexibility with pickup times and the ability to cancel up to 24 hours in advance offers peace of mind.

What This Tour Covers and Why It Matters

This two-day journey is designed to showcase some of the most striking landscapes and historic towns in the northern Argentine provinces of Jujuy and Salta. It’s a chance to see vivid natural formations, get a feel for local highland culture, and explore archaeological sites—all with the convenience of guided transportation.

Day 1 begins with a departure from Salta, heading toward San Salvador de Jujuy, where the adventure kicks off. We travel in a comfortable, air-conditioned minivan—an important detail if you’re visiting during the warmer months or prefer a smooth ride over rough roads. Your guide, whose name isn’t supplied but who receives praise for their knowledge, will keep you informed about what you’re seeing and answer questions along the way.

One of the first highlights is Purmamarca, famous for the Cerro de Siete Colores (Hill of 7 Colors). Here, we love how the colorful layers of the mountain seem to shift with the light, creating a natural spectacle. The town’s main square is charming, with local artisans selling crafts—an ideal spot for picking up souvenirs. Visiting the local church offers a glimpse into the town’s history and importance.

Next, the tour takes you to Humahuaca, home to the Independence Monument. This town pulses with life and history, and you’ll have some free time to explore and enjoy lunch. The tour then visits a 700-year-old chapel with an altar covered in gold—a surprising jewel amidst the high-altitude landscape. The Tropic of Capricorn marker is also a neat photo stop, giving travelers a sense of global geography.

The afternoon includes a visit to Tilcara, with its main square, church, and Pucará archaeological ruins. The ruins are notable for being older than the Inca civilization—an engaging stop for history buffs or anyone curious about indigenous cultures. Some reviews mention that the guide didn’t explain all the ruins, and visitors can sometimes feel left to explore on their own, which might be a disappointment if you’re seeking detailed historical context.

In the evening, returning to Salta, you pass by a 700-year-old chapel and see the Paleta del Pintor Hill, with its striking colors. The day wraps up with a sense of accomplishment and scenic memories.

Day 2 starts with a relaxed pickup from your hotel, heading again toward Jujuy, passing through small towns like Volcán and Tumbaya. The morning’s star is Purmamarca and the Hill of 7 Colors, which is just as spectacular in the daylight. It’s the kind of view that makes you do a double-take and wonder how nature can produce such vibrant stripes.

The highlight of the second day is undoubtedly the Salinas Grandes, a vast salt flat that stretches as far as the eye can see. Thanks to its immense size, the salt flats make for incredible photographs and an almost otherworldly experience. You’ll have free time here—enough to walk around, soak in the surreal white landscape, and see the famous salt pools. This site is listed as one of Argentina’s 7 Wonders, and it’s easy to see why.

After some free exploration, you return to Purmamarca for lunch, enjoying local cuisine before heading back to Salta. The overall pacing might leave some travelers wishing for a bit more time at each stop, but for many, the variety of sights compensates.

Transportation: The tour uses air-conditioned Mercedes-Benz minivans, which are comfortable for the long drives over winding mountain roads and salt flats. This makes the journey more enjoyable and less tiring, especially considering the total 157 kilometers (about 97 miles) of travel each day.

Guides: The guides are bilingual (Spanish and English), which is helpful for international travelers. According to reviews, they are knowledgeable, though the depth of explanation can vary—some sites might get less commentary than you’d like, especially ruins.

Timing: Pick-up occurs between 7:00 AM and 7:40 AM, so early risers can enjoy the day’s activities without feeling rushed. The overall duration of about two days means you’ll want to keep your schedule flexible around the tour’s start times.

Cost and Value: At $78 per person, this tour is quite affordable when you consider the transportation, guide services, and multiple key sights. It’s a good deal for those who want an organized experience without the hassle of planning each stop individually.

What to Bring: Pack passport or ID, comfortable shoes, and clothes suitable for high-altitude weather—layers are wise as mornings and evenings can be cool, even in summer.

Limitations: The tour is not suitable for people with back problems or those who prefer more leisurely exploration. Also, the itinerary can be somewhat compressed, especially on day 2, potentially limiting time at each location.

Many travelers praise the guided commentary for its insights and the stunning scenery. The Hill of 7 Colors consistently impresses, and the vastness of Salinas Grandes is often described as awe-inspiring. One traveler notes, “We loved the way the guide explained the geology of the salt flats,” highlighting the educational aspect.

However, some reviews mention that the second day can be a bit rushed or lacking in detailed explanations. One traveler shared, “We didn’t have time to visit Tilcara properly, and the ruins felt like just a quick stop.” This is a reminder that, while the tour offers a broad overview, some sites might deserve more time than the schedule allows.

The option to stay overnight in Purmamarca is a plus for those who want to avoid long drives back to Salta—making the experience more relaxed and allowing for some personal exploration.

This experience is best suited for travelers who value scenic drives and iconic natural sights without the hassle of organizing transport and tickets themselves. If you’re interested in native villages, colorful mountains, and the salt flats, you’ll find plenty to enjoy. It’s also well-suited for those who want a budget-friendly way to see a lot in a short time.

However, if you prefer more in-depth exploration or have specific archaeological interests, you might find the schedule tight. It’s perfect for travelers who want a snapshot of the region’s highlights along with some cultural context delivered by an informed guide.

This two-day tour from Salta to Humahuaca and Salinas Grandes offers an affordable, well-organized way to witness some of Argentina’s most striking landscapes and historic towns. The comfortable transportation, coupled with expert guides, makes for an enjoyable journey that balances scenic beauty with cultural discovery.

While the itinerary can feel a bit hurried on the second day, many travelers appreciate the variety of sights packed into just two days. The highlight, undoubtedly, is the Salinas Grandes, which leaves a lasting impression of nature’s grandeur. The stops at Purmamarca and Humahuaca provide authentic touches of local life and history, making the experience appealing for those interested in highland culture.

This tour is perfect for budget-conscious travelers, those short on time, or anyone who wants a rundown of northern Argentina’s most photogenic spots. If you’re looking to see vivid mountain colors, salt flats, and charming villages without the stress of planning, this is a solid choice.

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup is available from downtown Salta hotels within 15 blocks of Plaza 9 Julio, between 7:00 AM and 7:40 AM.

What’s the price for this tour?
It costs $78 per person, which includes transportation, guide services, and some entry to sites. Entrance fees, food, drinks, and personal expenses are not included.

How long does each day last?
The tour spans two days, with each day typically starting early in the morning and returning in the late afternoon. Exact times depend on availability.

Is this tour suitable for children or seniors?
The tour involves some walking and high-altitude exposure, so it’s best suited for travelers in good health. Those with back problems should consider this carefully.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility if your plans shift unexpectedly.

Will I see the Hill of 7 Colors and Salinas Grandes?
Absolutely. These are the main highlights, and most travelers find these stops to be the most memorable parts of the trip.

In the end, this tour offers a scenic, culturally rich experience that balances value with the beauty of northern Argentina. Whether you’re snapping photos of vibrant mountains or wandering among salt pools, it’s a journey worth considering.