Full Day Excursion to Salinas Grandes from Salta

Salinas Grandes and Purmamarca: A Full Day of Color, Salt, and Scenic Wonder

A day trip from Salta to the breathtaking Salinas Grandes and the vibrant town of Purmamarca offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural insight, and memorable photo opportunities. For $84.58 per person, you’ll spend about 12 hours exploring some of the most iconic sights in northwest Argentina. The tour is run by Luna Roja and includes comfortable transportation, with most trips booked around a week in advance—testament to its popularity.

What we really love about this tour is the opportunity to see Cerro de los Siete Colores, a rainbow-hued mountain that’s both mesmerizing and an easy starting point for exploring local artistry and history. The visit to Salinas Grandes provides an expansive, surreal salt flat experience, with plenty of chances to snap artistic photos that will make friends envious. Another plus? The small group size (up to 15 travelers) ensures more personalized attention and a relaxed vibe.

One thing to consider is that the tour is quite long and involves a good amount of driving, so if you’re sensitive to long bus rides, it’s worth preparing for a full day. This tour is ideal if you’re eager to see some of the most dramatic landscapes Argentina has to offer and enjoy a taste of local culture and natural marvels without the hassle of planning every detail yourself. It’s especially suited for travelers who appreciate guided commentary and want to maximize their sightseeing efficiency.

Key Points

• Stunning Landscapes: Features the colorful Cerro de los Siete Colores and expansive salt flats of Salinas Grandes.
• Cultural Stops: Includes a visit to Purmamarca’s craft market and historic Santa Rosa de Lima church.
• Comfort & Convenience: Air-conditioned transport and hotel pickup included, with small groups for a more intimate experience.
• Photo Opportunities: Perfect for artistic shots of salt flats and mountain scenery—great for sharing your adventure.
• Value & Planning: All for around $85, with the flexibility of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
• For Nature & Culture Enthusiasts: This trip combines natural wonder with authentic local flavor, ideal for curious travelers.

An In-Depth Look at the Full Day Excursion to Salinas Grandes

Starting Bright and Early

The tour kicks off at 7:00 am with the convenience of hotel pickup, making it ideal for early risers eager to maximize their day. A comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle takes you out of Salta and into the scenic northwest. The group size is limited to 15 travelers, which keeps the experience personal and allows the guide to answer questions and share insights.

The Charm of Purmamarca

Our first stop is the picturesque town of Purmamarca, located in the province of Jujuy. This village is famous for the Cerro de los Siete Colores, a mountain painted in multiple hues that create a visual spectacle. Walking along the streets lined with adobe houses, you’ll feel transported to a different time.

The Plaza 9 de Julio hosts a lively craft market where local artisans display textiles, pottery, and jewelry—perfect for picking up a unique souvenir or just browsing. Nearby is the Santa Rosa de Lima church, a centuries-old building that adds historical weight to this vibrant town.

Here, you’ll have about two hours to wander, soak in the scenery, and enjoy a lunch break. Many travelers find this is a good time to sample local dishes or simply relax with a view of the colorful hills.

The Surreal Experience of Salinas Grandes

Next, the journey takes you to Salinas Grandes, a salt flat covering 212 km² at an elevation of 3,400 meters. Recognized as one of Route 40’s top ten landscapes, this vast white expanse appears almost otherworldly. The salt crust glistens under the sun, creating perfect conditions for artistic photos—many visitors say they’ve never seen anything quite like it.

The salt flats are a remarkable natural feature, formed from ancient seas that evaporated over millennia. The flatness, combined with the high altitude, makes for striking vistas and plenty of opportunities to capture memorable images.

The visit lasts approximately an hour, giving you enough time to explore, take photos, and marvel at the scale of this natural wonder. Be sure to wear sun protection, as the reflection from the salt can intensify the sun’s rays.

Returning to Salta

After a full day of sightseeing, the return trip is straightforward, with a smooth ride back to your hotel in Salta. The entire experience wraps up roughly 12 hours after departure, making it a full but rewarding day.

Authentic Experiences and Authentic Views

One of the most appreciated aspects, according to reviews, is the professionalism of the guides and drivers. Oxana_D summed it up perfectly: “The drivers and the tour guide were very professional and great. On time pick up from the hotel. Loved every minute of the tour.” Having knowledgeable guides enhance the experience can turn a sightseeing trip into a memorable lesson in geography, culture, and natural beauty.

Travelers also praise the scenery—the scenic mountain roads and Purmamarca’s vibrant market—adding a layer of cultural authenticity. The salt flats, in particular, tend to elicit awe, with commenters noting that the photo opportunities are incredible and that the landscape is “very good for artistic photos” that will impress friends.

Practical Highlights

Transportation is provided in a comfortable, climate-controlled vehicle, essential for long drives in the high-altitude environment. The small group size minimizes the feeling of being just another tourist, allowing for a more relaxed and engaging experience.

The tour’s cost-benefit ratio is quite good, given the inclusion of transportation, a local guide, and the convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off. The free cancellation policy adds peace of mind, especially for spontaneous travelers or those with uncertain schedules.

Considerations for Travelers

While the tour is quite comprehensive, it is a long day, with about 12 hours involved. If you’re not comfortable with extended bus rides, this might be a consideration. Also, the high-altitude environment at Salinas Grandes (3,400 meters) can sometimes cause mild altitude sickness, so packing water and taking it slow upon arrival is advisable.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This excursion is best suited for travelers who want a picture-perfect day of natural beauty and cultural sights. It’s ideal if you enjoy photography, as the landscapes offer spectacular opportunities. Also, those interested in local crafts and history will appreciate the time in Purmamarca and the craft market.

It’s perfect for adventure lovers willing to spend a full day on the road but who want the convenience of guided logistics. If you’re looking for a stress-free way to see two of the most iconic natural sights in northwestern Argentina, this tour delivers.

Final Thoughts

This full-day trip from Salta to Salinas Grandes and Purmamarca offers a well-balanced mix of spectacular scenery, cultural insights, and hassle-free travel. The small group size and professional guides ensure that you’ll feel comfortable and engaged throughout the journey.

The highlight for many will be the salt flats’ surreal whiteness and vastness, paired with the colorful hues of Cerro de los Siete Colores—a visual feast that promises to stay with you long after the trip ends. The opportunity to explore a local craft market and historic village adds a touch of authentic regional flavor.

If your travel plans include a visit to Salta and you’re eager to witness some of Argentina’s most scenic landscapes with ease and confidence, this tour is a solid choice. It offers good value, memorable views, and a glimpse into the diverse beauty of this part of the world.

FAQ

How early does the tour start?
The tour departs at 7:00 am, with hotel pickup included, so you’ll start your day bright and early.

What is the tour duration?
Expect around 12 hours from pickup to return, including sightseeing and travel time.

Is transportation provided?
Yes, an air-conditioned vehicle is included, making the long drive comfortable.

How many people typically join this tour?
It’s a small group experience, with a maximum of 15 travelers, ensuring more personalized attention.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the scheduled start.

What are the main sights I will see?
You’ll visit Purmamarca’s colorful mountains and craft market, and Salinas Grandes salt flats—two of the most iconic landscapes in the region.

Is lunch included?
Lunch is not included, but you’ll have time to buy food in Purmamarca or bring your own.

Is this suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate, but those sensitive to long bus rides or high altitudes should prepare accordingly.

This tour offers a fantastic escape into some of Argentina’s most visually stunning environments, balancing natural beauty with cultural charm. It’s a worthwhile adventure for anyone eager to see the vibrant colors and surreal salt flats that make this region so unique.