5 Days in Northern Argentina Salt Flats and Mountains

Overview

Day by day itinerary

1. 1Departure from Buenos Aires and Arrival to Salta⌄

   Arrive in Salta, a city where vibrant culture and stunning landscapes come together. A driver will greet you at the airport and take you directly to your hotel in the heart of the city. Later, step out and dive into Salta’s rich history with a shared tour through its charming colonial streets. Admire the majestic Cathedral and the intricate San Francisco Church, then soak up the energy at Plaza 9 de Julio, a hub of local life and color. Next, head up Cerro San Bernardo for sweeping views that capture the essence of the surrounding Andes and Lerma Valley. End your day in the peaceful village of San Lorenzo, where you can explore the Artisan Market and discover handcrafted treasures made by local artisans. Overnight in Salta

   Overnight: Overnight at a 4* Hotel in Salta

2. 2Full-day Excursion to Cafayate⌄

   Your day begins with a morning pickup from your hotel as you head toward the heart of the Lerma Valley, passing vast tobacco fields and charming colonial villages along the way. You’ll marvel at extraordinary rock formations shaped over millennia by wind and water—surreal natural sculptures. Upon arrival in Cafayate, you’ll discover a picturesque town nestled among towering mountain ranges, famous not only for its world-class wines but also for its unique blend of colonial architecture and vibrant local culture. Stroll through its peaceful streets and take in the breathtaking landscapes of the Calchaquí Valleys, where striking red rock formations and lush vineyards create a stunning contrast against the blue sky. Overnight in Salta.

   Meals: Breakfast

   Overnight: Overnight at a 4* Hotel in Salta

3. 3Full-Day Excursion to Purmamarca and the Salinas Grandes⌄

   Today, you'll head to the province of Jujuy to journey through the Quebrada de Humahuaca, a region of breathtaking natural beauty and deep cultural heritage. The route leads to the charming village of Purmamarca, where you'll be captivated by the majestic Hill of Seven Colors, a natural wonder that paints the landscape in vibrant hues. Visit the town’s colonial church and stroll through the lively artisan market in the main square, where local identity comes to life through traditional textiles, ceramics, and flavors. Afterwards, continue your journey up the winding Cuesta de Lipán to reach the dazzling Salinas Grandes. This vast salt flat—one of the most striking landscapes in Argentina’s Puna highlands—offers an unforgettable vista of endless white merging with an intensely blue sky. You may even witness the traditional salt-harvesting methods still practiced by local communities. Overnight in Purmamarca.

   Meals: Breakfast

   Overnight: Overnight at a 4* Hotel in Salta

4. 4Full-day Excursion to Quebrada de Humahuaca⌄

   We set off on an unforgettable journey through the Quebrada de Humahuaca, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This region in northern Argentina captivates with its striking landscapes and rich cultural heritage, where multicolored mountains, ancient geological formations, and ancestral traditions blend in every corner. We’ll pass through cobbled-street villages where communities proudly preserve their indigenous roots and living customs. Along the way, we’ll stop at the historic Posta de Hornillos before continuing to Huacalera, where we symbolically cross the Tropic of Capricorn. We’ll visit the church of Uquía, known for its paintings of the Archangel Warriors. Upon arriving in Humahuaca, we’ll explore its Cathedral and the Monument to Independence, also known as “El Indio,” a tribute to the Indigenous peoples of the region. After free time for lunch, we’ll return via the natural canvas of the Painter’s Palette that frames Maimará. Finally, we head back to Salta. Overnight in Salta.

   Meals: Breakfast

   Overnight: Overnight at a 4* Hotel in Salta

5. 5Transfers and Return to Buenos Aires⌄

   Start your day enjoying the final moments of your stay in Salta. At the agreed time, your transfer will be waiting to take you from your hotel to Salta Airport.

   Meals: Breakfast