Heart of the North: Salta and Jujuy

5.0Based on

Carbon neutral

6 daysDuration

Private TourPrivate experience, no group joining

99 peopleMaximum group size

5 - 99 yearsAge range for participants

English, SpanishGuide language

Easy

Light physical activity suitable for most people with average fitness levels.

Starts

Salta, Argentina

Ends

Salta, Argentina

Highlights

Visit the historic city of Salta

Tour the impressive Salinas Grandes

Explore the Hills of Seven Colors in Jujuy

Discover the magical town of Purmamarca

Itinerary

Salta and Jujuy set the scene for an unforgettable journey on the Heart of the North: Salta and Jujuy tour—a six-day guided exploration of Argentina’s northern treasures, crafted for young adults who appreciate both culture and comfort. Discover the stunning contrasts of sleepy colonial towns, age-old villages, and jaw-dropping desert gorges. Marvel at vast salt flats and rainbow-hued mountains that seem painted by nature itself.

Follow the legendary Train to the Clouds for sweeping views, sample world-class wines at exclusive vineyards, and savor each northern province’s unique take on empanadas. Along the way, admire unusual, sculpted rock formations and learn about the diverse communities that thrive in this rugged landscape.

The key USP here is the harmonious blend of natural scenery and rich cultural traditions, all experienced at an easy pace. Ideal for travelers seeking a laid-back yet immersive introduction to Argentina’s north, this tour is a feast for the senses and the soul.

day 1 - Welcome to Northern Argentina

Welcome to Salta!

Upon arrival in Salta you will be transferred to your hotel.

Salta has it all: the geographical diversity (green, red and brown mountains) and the historical richness. Do not forget that, in these lands, one day they fought for the independence of Argentina! It also has exquisite and well-preserved colonial architecture, picturesque and very crowded cafes in the main square (a great place to sit and watch the locals in their daily hustle and bustle!), and the characteristic and fun peñas, places where Salteños sit and listen to their local folklore idols, and then end up dancing (after one or two encouraging glasses of wine) together.

The perfect base to explore the Argentinian Northern area is Salta city

Keep in mind that religion is very important here: religiously speaking, people take a siesta in Salta... so between 1:00 and 3:00 p.m. it will be more difficult for you to find the places open, so take advantage of it to take your first northern siesta!

Type of service: Private

Included: Transportation mentioned above

Guide assistance during the transfer

Accommodation:3 Star Hotel

day 2 - From Salta to Purmamarca - visit the Salt Flats

Today, we will pick you up from your hotel in Salta to go on a two-day excursion. For this exploration, we recommend leaving your luggage in your hotel in Salta, and just take a day pack on the tour.

Early in the morning, we will start our journey along the same route of the famous Train to the Clouds, zigzagging on lonely roads between the blue sky and the high desert plains. On our way, we will be able to observe historic ruins, scattered houses, small villages, and amazing landscapes.

Our first destination will be the small town of Campo Quijano and later on the impressive Quebrada del Toro. From here, we will visit Santa Rosa de Tastil, a pre-Incan city of the XIII century. Afterward, we will visit San Antonio de Los Cobres - one of the smallest villages in the region- and after an hour-and-a-half drive, we will reach the surreal landscape of the Great Salt Flats. The Great Salt Flats are perfect for amateur and professional photographers alike- where the natural light and reflections provide ample opportunities to test your creativity to the fullest.

Later in the afternoon, we will reach the highest point of the route, the Abra de Potrerillos (4170 masl or 13681), to finally begin our descent and arrive in Purmamarca. This northern town is located at 2300 masl or 7546 ft, at the foot of the 7 colors hill, on a curved road with amazing landscapes.

Overnight in Purmamarca.

Type of Service: Semi-private

Duration: 10/11 hours

Included: Transportation, guide, snack, water

Not included: Meals

Duration:11 hours

Accommodation:3 Star Hotel

Meals:Breakfast

day 3 - Humahuaca Gorge - return to Salta

Today, we will continue our tour along the Humahuaca Gorge, declared a UNESCO Heritage Site in 2003.

On this day, we will discover Maimará, which has colorful slopes known as “Paleta del Pintor” (it’s a photo stop on the road), Tilcara and its famous “ Pucará de Tilcara” (an ancient fortress), the Tropic of Capricorn and its white monolith, Uquía and its chapel with the famous “Angeles Arcabuceros”, and finally, the small town of Humahuaca, which gives its name to the Quebrada and it’s home to its largest population. It has cobbled streets and iron lanterns in the corners and it’s also the highest point of the route at 2,940 m.a.s.l. or 9645 ft.

After enjoying the final views of the day, we will return to your hotel in Salta.

Type of Service: Semi-private

Duration: 9 hours

Included: Transportation, guide, snack, water

Not included: Meals, entrance fee to Pucara de Tilcara

Accommodation:3 Star Hotel

Meals:Breakfast

day 4 - From Salta to Cafayate

In the morning, we wil pick you up at your hotel in Salta to leave behind the fertile Lerma Valley, ascend along the Quebrada de Escoipe and then continue along the impressive Cuesta del Obispo and the Encantado Valley, surrounded by mountains.

Then, we will go to Piedra del Molino (3,400 meters above sea level), through Los Cardones National Park, which occupies 65,000 hectares in the middle of hills and dry ravines of around 2,700 and 5,000 m.u.s.l. The area is covered by thick vegetation, mainly cacti that measure almost 3 meters high once they turn 250 or 300 years old.

The magical Cachi, the highest area of the valleys, is a village at the foot of the snowy mountain (6,320 m.a.s.l.) that bears the same name. The town stands out for its old colonial-style houses that are located on the edge of narrow cobbled streets, its church dating from the 18th century and is known for its floor, ceiling and cactus wood furniture and its adobe walls. In addition, the town has an important Anthropological Museum, where the history of indigenous civilizations is exhibited in almost 5,000 pieces.

Then, we will continue along the national route N° 40, finding other attractions on the way: the town of Seclantás, also known as the "cradle of the Salteño poncho" is the home of tissue experts. Molinos, irregularly, stands out for its Church (declared a National Monument) built in 1639, where the mummified remains of the last realistic governor Nicolas Isasmendi are preserved. Angastaco: from where the Quebrada de las Flechas begins, named for its capricious forms carved by rain and wind erosion. San Carlos, an old town that originated when the Jesuits established the so-called "Mission of San Carlos". Nearby, visitors will find the only stone mill to operate using the millenary system. Animaná, a town famous for its production of artisanal wine.

Finally, we will arrive at Cafayate, a town known for its colonial-style, baroque, single-story houses from the late 19th century. Its church is one of the few temples in the country that has 5 ships.

Overnight in Cafayate.

Type of service: Semi private

Duration: 10/11 hours

Included: Transportation mentioned above, driver-guide

Not included: Meals

Note: For this exploration, we recommend to leave your luggage in your hotel in Salta, and just to take a day pack on the excursion.

Accommodation:3 Star Hotel

Meals:Breakfast

day 5 - Visit to a Winery in Cafayate and return to Salta

At the agreed time in the morning, we will visit the wine center of the province, particularly famous for the "Torrontés" wine variety. We will visit a winery where you will learn about the wine production process (wine tasting not included).

After lunch, we return to the city of Salta, driving along the Quebrada de las Conchas that originated in the Tertiary Age, 70 million years ago and divides the Lerma Valley and the Calchaqui Valley. Wind erosion has formed a succession of capricious natural phenomena such as Los Castillos, El Obelisco, El Fraile, El Sapo, El Amphitheater (with excellent acoustics) and Garganta del Diablo (The Devil's Throat), a deep and narrow canyon.

We will take you back to your hotel in Salta. We highly recommend visiting Peña and mix with the locals while eating empanadas and dancing Folklore.

Type of service: Semi private

Duration: 6/7 hours

Included: Transportation mentioned above, water and snack, driver guide, visit to a winery.

Not included: Meals, wine tasting, entrance fees to museums, ruins, national or provincial Parks.

Note: In case of force majeure the itineraries can be modified without previous notice. Ask about luggage allowance.

Optional, with extra cost: Cachi Museum, Tasting in Wineries, Visit to Quilmes Ruins, Visit to Colomé.

Accommodation:3 Star Hotel

Meals:Breakfast

day 6 - Salta, end of your Adventure in Argentina!

At the appropriate time, you will be transferred to the airport to take your flight.

Type of service: Private

Included: Transportation mentioned above

Guide assistance during the transfer

Meals:Breakfast

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What's Included

Transfers mentioned on the itinerary3 nights in Salta, 1 night in Cafayate & 1 PurmamarcaBreakfasts and meals mentioned in the itinerary2 days' excursion of the Calchaqui ValleyA full-day excursion of Salinas GrandesA visit to the Humahuaca GorgeBilingual guides (English / Spanish)

What's Excluded

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