North Argentina’s Salta region delivers five standout day trips that showcase the area’s dramatic landscapes and authentic culture. I’m especially impressed by the Salinas Grandes-Purmamarca combo tour – the vast salt flats and seven-colored mountains create unforgettable photo opportunities. The Yungas excursion is a cultural gem, where you’ll spend time with traditional gauchos and witness their daily ranch life. History buffs will appreciate the wonderfully preserved colonial architecture of Cachi, while wine enthusiasts shouldn’t miss Cafayate’s excellent vineyards and tasting rooms. For pure natural wonder, the dedicated Salinas Grandes trip provides ample time to explore Argentina’s striking salt desert. Let’s explore these remarkable tours in detail.
Key Points
- The Salinas Grandes and Purmamarca Tour is a highly-rated option, offering spectacular scenery and knowledgeable guides, although some feedback indicates a rushed itinerary.
- The Yungas Tour with Gauchos provides an immersive cultural experience in Salta’s wilderness, showcasing rugged landscapes and traditional gaucho skills.
- The Cachi Full Day Tour is a well-organized tour with professional guides, praised for its beautiful sights and friendly service.
- The Salinas Grandes Excursion is known for its stunning scenery and professional service, although it may not be accessible for all travelers.
- The Cafayate Excursion offers the opportunity to explore the region, but feedback suggests potential issues with group size and the quality of the winery visit.
Salinas Grandes and Purmamarca: Full Day Excursion From Salta Capital
This full-day excursion from Salta Capital takes visitors on a captivating journey to explore the Salinas Grandes, the expansive salt flats, and the picturesque town of Purmamarca.
Rated 4.5 out of 74 reviews, the tour includes air-conditioned transportation, all fees, and a provided lunch.
While not wheelchair accessible, the tour is suitable for most travelers, excluding those with back problems, pregnant women, or serious medical conditions.
Priced from €30.02 per person, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours prior.
Feedback highlights the spectacular scenery and knowledgeable guides, though some criticize the rushed itinerary and uneven guide quality.
Read our full review: Salinas Grandes and Purmamarca: Full Day Excursion From Salta Capital Review
Book now: Check availability
Yungas : Full Day With Gauchos
Venturing beyond the expansive salt flats and charming Purmamarca, the Yungas full-day tour with gauchos offers visitors a unique glimpse into the rugged landscapes and traditional way of life in this region.
Lasting 10 hours, the tour takes travelers through the scenic Quebrada de Humahuaca, showcasing the stunning Serranías del Hornocal.
At a working estancia, guests can engage with local gauchos, learning about their daily activities and traditional skills.
The tour is rated 3.9 out of 5 stars by 17 reviewers and is priced from €60.91 per person, making it an immersive and affordable option for those seeking a deeper cultural experience in Salta’s stunning wilderness.
Read our full review: Yungas : Full Day With Gauchos Review
Book now: Check availability
Cachi Full Day Tour From Salta
The Cachi Full Day Tour from Salta takes visitors on an immersive journey through the region’s stunning landscapes and traditional culture.
Priced at $87.35 per person, this tour accommodates up to 30 travelers and is operated by Tangol.
The tour includes a professional guide, hotel pickup and drop-off, air-conditioned transportation, and all food and drinks.
With a 4.3-star rating based on 10 reviews, the tour offers glorious sights, excellent organization, and a knowledgeable guide.
Travelers praise the beautiful spots and the friendly, entertaining guide.
The tour starts at 7:30 am and returns to the meeting point, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Read our full review: Cachi Full Day Tour From Salta Review
Book now: Check availability
Full Day Excursion to Salinas Grandes From Salta
Exploring the stunning Salinas Grandes, the world’s largest salt flat, is a captivating day trip from Salta. Operated by Luna Roja, this full-day excursion promises an unforgettable experience.
The tour departs at 7:00 am with pickup at 6:30 am, and returns at 7:30 pm, making for a long but rewarding day. Priced at $84.58 per person, the tour has a maximum of 15 travelers and includes an air-conditioned vehicle, gratuities, and free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
While not wheelchair accessible, the tour is stroller friendly. With 4.5 out of 5 stars from 4 reviews, this tour comes highly recommended for its stunning scenery and professional service.
Read our full review: Full Day Excursion to Salinas Grandes From Salta Review
Book now: Check availability
Full Day Excursion to Cafayate From Salta
From Salta, a captivating full-day excursion awaits travelers seeking to discover the charming town of Cafayate. Operated by Luna Roja, this tour provides a comprehensive experience, including transportation, a winery visit, and gratuities, all for $69 per person.
However, feedback suggests the tour may not align with expectations, with complaints about the group size exceeding the advertised maximum of 15 travelers and the quality of the winery visit falling short.
The tour operator has acknowledged these concerns and committed to improving the service. Ultimately, this tour offers an opportunity to explore Cafayate, but travelers should consider the feedback and operator’s response when booking.
Read our full review: Full Day Excursion to Cafayate From Salta Review
Book now: Check availability
Full Day Excursion to Hornocal / Purmamarca / Humahuaca
This full-day excursion from Salta takes travelers on a captivating journey through the stunning landscapes of Hornocal, Purmamarca, and Humahuaca.
Lasting 13-15 hours, the tour provides an opportunity to explore Purmamarca’s Hill of Seven Colors and the Church of the People, as well as the breathtaking Mirador de las Serranias del Hornocal.
In Humahuaca, visitors can wander the town and enjoy lunch, while also visiting the Town of Tilcara.
With a maximum of 23 participants, the tour offers a personalized experience, with pickup available from hotels within 1 km of the Tiamar Travel agency.
However, some travelers have noted a price discrepancy compared to the advertised rate.
Read our full review: Full Day Excursion to Hornocal / Purmamarca / Humahuaca Review
Book now: Check availability
The Sum Up
Salta offers a variety of full-day tours that showcase the region’s stunning natural beauty and cultural attractions. From the Salinas Grandes salt flats to the colorful town of Purmamarca, and from the Yungas cloud forest to the historic town of Cachi, these excursions provide visitors with an immersive experience of Salta’s diverse landscapes and traditions. Whether you’re interested in exploring the area’s geology, experiencing gaucho culture, or simply taking in the breathtaking scenery, Salta’s full-day tours cater to a range of interests.