Full-Day Tour Salinas Grandes and Purmamarca from Salta

Experience the Magic of Argentina’s Northwest with a Full-Day Tour from Salta

If you’re looking to see some of Argentina’s most spectacular landscapes in a single day, this full-day tour from Salta offers a carefully curated glimpse of the northwest’s natural beauty and vibrant culture. For $35 per person, you’ll visit iconic sites like the stunning Salinas Grandes salt flats, the Hill of Seven Colors, and the Humahuaca Gorge, all within approximately 12 hours of travel. The tour is operated by Nordic Travel and designed for small groups—max 15 travelers—making it a more intimate experience compared to big bus tours.

Two things we really like about this trip: first, the diverse scenery packed into a single day—salt flats, multicolored mountains, and dramatic mountain passes—are truly breathtaking. Second, the small group setting ensures you get a more personalized experience and the chance to ask questions or pause for photos without feeling rushed. On the downside, some reviews mention that the English commentary can be limited, and that the long drive might be a stretch for some travelers. It’s best suited for those who enjoy a full day of sightseeing, don’t mind a bit of a trek, and want to get a solid taste of this unique region without breaking the bank.

Key Points

• Diverse landscapes: From salt flats to colorful mountains and mountain passes, this tour covers the top natural wonders.
• Small group advantage: Limited to 15 travelers, providing a more personal and flexible experience.
• Inclusion of fees and hotel pickup: Great value with round-trip transport and park fees included.
• Limited English commentary: Some guests experienced less English explanation than expected, so prepare for some Spanish or self-guided moments.
• Ideal for travelers with moderate fitness: The tour involves some walking and altitude changes, so plan accordingly.
• Time management: Stops are well spread out, though some reviews mention feeling slightly rushed at certain points.

The Itinerary: What You’ll See and Do

Starting in Salta

The journey begins early at 6:30 am with pickup from your hotel, in an air-conditioned coach. From there, the scenery quickly unfolds as you wind northward along the Rio Grande. This drive through the Argentine northwest offers a chance to see local villages such as Yala, Volcan, and Tumbaya, giving a glimpse into rural life amid striking mountain scenery. The bus’s comfort and the helpfulness of the guides are often praised, making the long drive more bearable.

Purmamarca and the Hill of Seven Colors

Your first major stop is at Purmamarca, a lively village famous for its handicrafts market and the stunning Cerro de los Siete Colores (Hill of Seven Colors). This backdrop is made of layered mineral deposits, creating a patchwork of vibrant hues that look almost surreal. Visitors often describe the view as “spectacular” and a highlight of the trip. Here, you’ll have around two hours—enough time to explore the market, take photos, or enjoy a quick snack.

The Humahuaca Gorge

Next, the tour continues through the Humahuaca Gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The drive along the mountain passes—Cuesta del Lipan, Cuesta del Saladillo, and Abra del Potrerillo—offers breathtaking vistas at heights over 13,600 feet (about 4,150 meters). You’ll be able to stop for photos and enjoy the sweeping mountain views, keeping an eye out for grazing llamas and vicuñas. Several reviewers mention how “magical” and “breathtaking” these landscapes are, often citing the vibrant colors and dramatic peaks.

Salinas Grandes Salt Flats

The star attraction of the day is the Salinas Grandes, a vast white salt flat stretching as far as the eye can see. You’ll spend roughly 45 minutes exploring this surreal landscape—an endless expanse of shimmering salt crust, perfect for fun forced perspective photos that make you appear tiny or enormous. Many travelers rave about the stunning scenery and the opportunity for memorable photos. One reviewer noted, “The salt flats & 7-colored mountains were very cool to see! The tour made them accessible in 1 day,” highlighting how efficiently this tour packs these highlights together.

Lunch and Market Shopping

After the salt flats, you’ll head back to Purmamarca for a self-paid lunch at a local restaurant—a chance to try regional dishes like empanadas or locro. Following lunch, you can wander the market stalls to pick up handmade souvenirs, textiles, or jewelry. This part of the day allows you to soak in the local culture and support artisans.

Return to Salta

The return journey offers more scenic views and a chance to reflect on the day’s highlights. The tour concludes with drop-off at your hotel, usually around 6:30 pm, making for a long but rewarding day of sightseeing.

Deep Dive: What the Experience Really Means

Transportation and Group Size

Traveling in a comfortable air-conditioned coach makes the long drives more pleasant, especially at high altitudes where the air gets thin and chilly. The small-group format—limited to 15 participants—means you’re less likely to feel like just another face in a crowd. You’ll get more flexibility for photos and questions, which can enhance your understanding of what you’re seeing.

The Scenic Stops and Photo Opportunities

Many reviews celebrate how “stunning” the landscapes are—the multicolored mountains of Purmamarca and the salt flats’ shimmering whiteness are picture perfect. The stops at each location are timed well, providing enough moments for photos and exploration, although some guests mention feeling a bit rushed at Purmamarca, with only about two hours.

The Guides and Commentary

One recurring theme in reviews is the quality of the guides. Guests like Gabriella and Joanna praise Jeremy and Fabian for their extensive explanations and friendly demeanor. However, some travelers note that the English commentary can be limited, with much of the guide’s talk in Spanish. If you speak Spanish or don’t mind self-guided exploration, this might be less of an issue, but English-only speakers may find the commentary somewhat sparse.

Value for Money

At $35, this tour offers great value considering the comprehensive itinerary, inclusive fees, and hotel pickup. You’re paying for a full day of sightseeing—covering multiple major sights—without the hassle of arranging transportation or entry fees yourself. Several reviews emphasize that the tour grants access to breathtaking landscapes at a fraction of what it might cost to visit independently with a rental car.

Possible Drawbacks and Considerations

While most travelers rave about the scenery, a few mention the long drive—up to 12 hours—might be tiring. Also, if you’re expecting detailed English commentary, you might be disappointed, as some reviews report limited explanations in English. The short time at each site, especially at the salt flats, can feel rushed if you’re eager to linger and take photos. Lastly, the tour’s rigid schedule might not suit travelers seeking more flexibility or a slower pace.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for budget-conscious travelers eager to see Argentina’s northwest highlights in one day. It’s also suitable for those who enjoy scenery photography, as the landscapes are truly unforgettable. If you’re comfortable with some bus travel, altitude, and a busy schedule, you’ll find plenty to love—especially the chance to see the iconic salt flats and colorful mountains all in one trip.

Practical Tips for Your Trip

• Bring layers: The mountain passes can be chilly, especially at higher altitudes.
• Charge your camera: You’ll want plenty of battery for photos.
• Plan for self-paid lunch: Bring cash or cards for a meal in Purmamarca.
• Prepare for altitude: Take it easy at high points and stay hydrated.
• Listen carefully: If you want more in-depth explanations, consider bringing a translation app or Spanish phrasebook.
• Arrive early: Meeting points are fixed, but arriving a bit ahead of schedule can smooth your day.

FAQs about the Full-Day Tour from Salta

What is included in the tour price?
The $35 fee covers round-trip transport, hotel pickup and drop-off (if your hotel is in Salta), and all national park entry fees. Food and drinks are not included.

How long is the drive?
The entire day involves about 12 hours of travel, so expect a long but scenic bus ride through some of Argentina’s most striking landscapes.

Is the tour suitable for children or people with limited mobility?
While the tour involves some walking and high-altitude stops, it’s generally suitable for travelers with moderate fitness. However, check if your family members are comfortable with long bus rides and altitude changes.

Will I get enough time at the salt flats and mountains?
Most reviews find the timing adequate, especially for taking photos and exploring the salt flats, but some mention feeling rushed at Purmamarca. It’s best to plan your expectations accordingly.

Is there a bathroom break included?
Yes, several stops along the way are scheduled for breaks, including at villages and scenic points, where facilities are typically available.

Can I stay longer in Purmamarca or other stops?
The tour is fairly structured, but at Purmamarca you’ll have about two hours, which is usually enough for a quick lunch and market visit. If you want more time, consider extending your stay independently.

What language is the guide’s commentary in?
Most of the commentary is in Spanish, but some guides may offer limited explanations in English. If language is a concern, ask ahead or prepare by reviewing some basic Spanish.

Final Thoughts

This full-day Salinas Grandes and Purmamarca tour strikes a strong balance of scenic beauty, cultural insight, and affordability. It’s best suited for travelers who want to tick off Argentina’s northwest highlights without fuss or high cost. The small-group format, combined with the stunning landscapes, makes it a memorable experience, even if the commentary is sometimes limited in English. If you have a full day to spare and want to see the iconic salt flats, vibrant mountains, and high-altitude villages, this tour provides a fantastic snapshot of the region’s natural wonders.

For those who prioritize comfort, value, and a taste of authentic northwest landscapes, this trip is an excellent choice—just be prepared for a full day on the road and some limited English guidance. The pictures you’ll take and the stories you’ll gather will be well worth the effort.