Things to do in Salta Province

Get picked up from your hotel in Mendoza and get on the road for a full day of exploration in the Andes. On Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, begin by taking the dirt roads through Villavicencio where you can catch amazing views of the highest peaks in the Andes. Reach Uspallata Valley and make your first stop at the town of Uspallata where the native Huarpes settled during the pre-Hispanic era. Take your time to soak in the Andean scenery and grab a snack. Then, continue on to Polvaredas and Punta de Vacas. Snap some photos before getting to Puente del Inca, a natural arch situated 8,924 feet above sea level. Admire the swirls of colored rock and the mountain views from the bridge. Journey towards the Chilean border, and stop at a natural viewpoint at Aconcagua, the largest mountain in both the Southern and Western Hemispheres. From November to April, it's possible to enter the Aconcagua Provincial Park and hike to the Horcones Lagoon. Then head to Las Cuevas village for free time and a bite to eat if you so choose. Journey back to Mendoza on the famous Ruta 7 and get dropped off at your hotel.

Discover Argentina's breathtaking natural beauty on this full-day tour. After getting picked up from your hotel in Salta, begin the journey towards the neighboring province of Jujuy, passing through the towns of Volcán and Tumbaya along the way.  Your first stop of the day is at the beautiful town of Purmamarca, one of the most picturesque villages in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Quebrada de Humahuaca. Visit the town's vibrant main square and perhaps pick up some souvenirs at one of the many surrounding craft stands. Afterward, enjoy a visit to the breathtaking and aptly-named 7 Color Hill. Later, continue your ascent along the majestic Cuesta del Lipan to reach the Salinas Grandes, one of the 7 Wonders of the Argentine Republic. Here, enjoy some free time to admire the unique salt planes and famous pools. Finally, return to Purmamarca, and break for lunch at one of the many traditional restaurants before returning to Salta.

After departing from central Salta, drive through the picturesque towns of Yala, Volcán, and Tumbaya. On the way, stop at the Seven Colors Hill viewpoint to appreciate the wonderful views of the multi-hued mountain illuminated by the sun. Arrive in the magical village of Purmamarca at the base of the Seven Colors Hill. Start by ascending the slopes of Cuesta del Lipán, Cuesta del Saladillo, and Abra de Potrerillos. Keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife including vicunas and llamas along the way. When you reach 4,150 m above sea level, be dazzled by the Salinas Grandes - a spectacular white salt plain which creates a striking contrast with the blue sky. Spend about 45 minutes at the salt plain taking in the breathtaking views.  Follow the trail back to Purmamarca where you will have free time for lunch (not included in the tour price). Take the opportunity to stroll through the charming narrow streets, admire views of the mountain, and explore the craft market. Next, enjoy a 30-40 minute hike along the stunning Colorados trail which leads into the surrounding desert landscapes between the mountains. At the end of the tour, return to Salta on the bus where your tour will end.

Embark on an adventure that will take you through striking landscapes and scenic villages. The tour commences as you travel to Purmamarca village which rests at the base of the Seven Colors Hill, a stunning multi-hued mountain. Journey to Maimará, a small village nestled in the shadow of the Monolith Painter’s Palette. Admire the stunning red, yellow, orange, and pastel hues of the Monolith. Visit Pucará de Tilcara, a fort built in the 12th-century by the Omaguaca tribe who were later conquered by the Incas. Stop in the sleepy town of Uquía, which is notable for its historic church which boasts paintings of gun-toting angels. Pause at the Tropic of Capricornio, the most southerly latitude at which the sun can appear directly overhead at noon. Enjoy a short visit to Humahuaca's town en route to the main destination - the 14 colours mountain of Hornocal. In Humahuaca you will switch from your van or bus and hop into a 4x4 all-terrain vehicle as you travel to Hornocal. Hornocal is part of the calcareous formation called Yacoraite that extends from the province of Salta, crossing the Quebrada de Humahuaca and then the Bolivian Altiplano to Peru. Upon your return, you will meet up with the rest of your group.

After pickup from the meeting point in Jujuy, take a drive through the picturesque towns of Yala, Volcán, and Tumbaya. On your way, make a stop at the Seven Colors Hill viewpoint and marvel at the wonderful views of the multi-hued mountain illuminated by the sun. Then, arrive in the village of Purmamarca at the base of the Seven Colors Hill where you'll begin your hike. Start by ascending the slopes of Cuesta del Lipán, Cuesta del Saladillo, and Abra de Potrerillos. Make sure to pay attention to occasional local wildlife including vicunas and llamas along the way. When you reach 4,150 meters (13,615 feet) above sea level, take in impressive views of the Salinas Grandes, a spectacular white salt plain that creates a striking contrast with the blue sky. Spend about 45 minutes at the top exploring the blue volcanoes and admiring the breathtaking views. On the return hike, follow the trail back to Purmamarca where you'll have free time for lunch (not included in the tour price). Take the opportunity to stroll through the charming narrow streets, admire views of the mountain, and explore the craft market. After lunch, enjoy a 30-40 minute hike along the stunning Colorados trail, which leads into the surrounding desert landscapes between the mountains. At the end of the tour, return to Jujuy.

Depart Salta and head south along Provincial Route 68, offering panoramic views of the farms and tobacco plantations of the Lerma Valley. Admire the new and old tobacco chimneys made of adobe and clay, and see tobacco leaves being dried under the sun. Pass the town of Alemania and marvel at the red mountains and rock formations of attractions such as the "Devil´s Throat" and "House of the Parrots." Upon arrival in Cafayate, visit 1 or 2 wineries to learn more about the local wine industry and famous torrontes wines. Following lunch, journey back to Salta via a different route to see a completely different landscape from the morning drive.

After departing from central Salta, head south into the stunning, red-tinged lands of rock formations and towering cliffs. The trip begins south of the province, where you’ll soak up some local culture by visiting the historic villages of the Lerma Valley. Afterwards, head to the Quebrada de las Conchas, a canyon of curiously shaped rocks, eroded for centuries by water flow and strong winds. Marvel at the complex rock formations within the ravine, from the Devil’s Throat, to the Amphitheater, to The Castles, among many other spectacular displays. After a thorough exploration, head to Cafayate to visit a vineyard to taste some of the best wines that the region has to offer, including Torrontés. After the tasting, you’ll head back to Salta through the Quebrada de las Conchas.

DAY 1. Tour to Cafayate. Travelling the Provincial Route 68, exploring panoramic views of the farms and tobacco plantations of the Lerma Valley. Pass the town of Alemania and marvel at the red mountains and rock formations of attractions such as the "Devil´s Throat" and "House of the Parrots." Upon arrival in Cafayate, visit 1 winery to learn more about the local wine industry and famous torrontes wines. Following lunch, journey back to Salta via a different route to see a completely different landscape from the morning drive. DAY 2. Tour to Cachi. Travel the Provincial Route 68 and then the Provincial Route 33 to pass the dramatic Gorge of Escoipe and Los Laureles. Next, start your journey along the famous winding road of the Cuesta del Obispo (Bishop's Slope). Admire the magnificent rock formations en route to the summit at 3,348 masl. Travel through the Parque Nacional los Cardones ("National Park of the Cactus") Arrive in the beautiful town of Cachi in time for lunch. Then, stroll through streets of perfectly-preserved colonial architecture. Visit the town church in Central Plaza, and go to the historical museum showcasing the history of the Aboriginal communities. DAY 3. Tour to Salinas Grandes. Begin the journey towards the neighboring province of Jujuy, passing through the towns of Volcán and Tumbaya along the way.  Your first stop of the day is at the beautiful town of Purmamarca, one of the most picturesque villages in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Quebrada de Humahuaca. Visit the town's vibrant main square and perhaps pick up some souvenirs at one of the many surrounding craft stands. Afterward, enjoy a visit to the breathtaking and aptly-named 7 Color Hill. Later, continue your ascent along the majestic Cuesta del Lipan to reach the Salinas Grandes, one of the 7 Wonders of the Argentine Republic. Here, enjoy some free time to admire the unique salt planes and famous pools. Afterward, return to Purmamarca and break for lunch at one of the many traditional restaurants before returning to Salta. DAY 4. Tour to Hornocal. Travel in the comfort of an air-conditioned van and enjoy the beautiful scenery along the National Route 9 on the way to Jujuy province where we visit the Quebrada de Humahuaca, a narrow mountain valley declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2003. Stop in Purmamarca and admire the Hill of Seven Colors and its striking red and orange hues before exploring the main square and local craft stands. Continuing along Route 9, we reach the town of Humahuaca, located at 2,939 meters above sea level. Wander down to the Church of La Candelaria and visit the Independence Monument before enjoying free time for lunch. After lunch, enjoy 45 minutes of free time to explore Hornocal and its Hill of Fourteen Colors. Return along Route 9 to Salta City.

Get to know the most beautiful landscapes of the Calchaquí Valleys and the magical town of Cachi on a full-day bus excursion from Salta. After departing from central Salta, head through the Lerma Valley. Then, enter the Quebrada de los Laureles, where you can admire the landscape of Yungas forest. On the Cuesta del Obispo hill, admire the panorama of the entire Encantado Valley and enjoy spectacular views of the windy road you have just traveled up. Head to Piedra del Molino where you will reach the highest point of 3,384 m above sea level. Continue through the Straight of Tin-Tin and Payogasta until you reach Cachi, a small town known for its adobe houses and white colonial buildings. When you arrive, visit the Museo Arqueológico de Cachi Pío Pablo Díaz, a museum of locally excavated artifacts, some dating back 10,000 years. Just round the corner, step inside the Iglesia San José - a beautiful Spanish colonial church. Take a relaxing stroll through the pretty streets admiring the views and architecture. Finally, return to Salta along the same road.

Get picked up from centrally-located hotels in Salta and transfer to the hills that surround the town of San Lorenzo. Completely covered with grassland, where cattle graze and locals mill about, take in the best panoramic views of the Lerma Valley, Salta Capital, and the town of San Lorenzo. Get kitted out with all the necessary equipment and get acquainted with your horse, which will be selected based on your size and experience. Ascend from the village on a path with a moderate slope. Follow an undulating route up the mountain to different points of interest in the area, all of great natural value. This tour is ideal for people who have little time and are looking to take full advantage of the natural landscapes, as well as those looking to try out horseback riding for the first time. If the full-day option is selected, enjoy a delicious Argentinian Asado BBQ. The lunch includes a selection of typical Argentinian meat, grilled vegetables, seasonal salads, and soft drinks and water. A vegetarian option is also available.