From Salta: 3-Day Trip to Salinas Grandes, Cachi & Hornocal

Set out on a captivating 3-day journey through the stunning landscapes of Salta, Argentina. This guided adventure offers an intimate exploration of the region’s natural wonders, from the vibrant Hill of Seven Colors to the mesmerizing salt flats of Salinas Grandes. Priced affordably, the tour provides roundtrip transportation, bilingual guides, and access to breathtaking destinations like the "14 Colors Mountain" at Hornocal. Whether a seasoned adventurer or a first-time visitor, this immersive experience promises to leave you in awe of Argentina’s captivating natural beauty. Uncover the enchanting secrets that await as you delve deeper into this captivating itinerary.

This experience made our list of the 8 Best 3 Day Tours In Salta.

Key Points

• A 3-day guided tour from Salta to Salinas Grandes, Cachi, and Hornocal, with prices starting at $127.50 per person.
• The itinerary includes visits to natural wonders like the Hill of Seven Colors, Salinas Grandes, and the "14 Colors Mountain" at Hornocal.
• Transportation is provided in air-conditioned Mercedes-Benz minivans, and the tour is accompanied by certified bilingual guides.
• The tour covers a variety of destinations, including Purmamarca, Cachi, and the UNESCO World Heritage site of Quebrada de Humahuaca.
• While the tour provides an opportunity to explore Argentina’s natural landscapes, feedback suggests room for improvement in tour structure and longer stops.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Trip Overview

The 3-day guided trip from Salta to Salinas Grandes, Cachi, and Hornocal offers visitors a comprehensive exploration of Northern Argentina’s stunning landscapes.

Priced from $127.50 per person, the tour includes roundtrip transportation, bilingual guides, and all national park fees.

Travelers can take advantage of the free cancellation policy and the option to reserve now and pay later.

The itinerary covers iconic sights like the Hill of Seven Colors, the Salinas Grandes salt flats, and the breathtaking Hornocal mountain range.

With a maximum group size of 22, the experience promises an intimate and immersive journey through this captivating region.

Itinerary Highlights

On the first day, the tour travels along Provincial Route 68, passing through the towns of Cerrillos, La Merced, and El Carril.

The journey continues through the Gorge of Escoipe and the Cuesta del Obispo, leading to the enchanting El Valle Encantado and the town of Cachi. Visitors explore the Central Plaza and the historical museum in Cachi.

On the second day, the tour stops at Purmamarca to visit the Hill of Seven Colors before ascending to the captivating Salinas Grandes, one of Argentina’s 7 Wonders.

The final day takes travelers to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Quebrada de Humahuaca, exploring Purmamarca and Humahuaca, including the Church of La Candelaria and the Independence Monument.

Ample free time is provided at Hornocal.

Day 1: Tour to Cachi

The tour departs in the morning from downtown Salta hotels, with participants embarking on a journey along Provincial Route 68.

The route passes through the towns of Cerrillos, La Merced, and El Carril, offering glimpses of the stunning countryside.

The group then enters the Gorge of Escoipe and ascends the Cuesta del Obispo, a winding mountain pass that leads to the picturesque town of Cachi.

Here, they’ll explore the Central Plaza and visit the local historical museum to learn about the region’s rich cultural heritage.

The day culminates with a visit to El Valle Encantado, a breathtaking natural wonder that captivates all who witness it.

Day 2: Tour to Salinas Grandes

Departing Cachi, the group journeys onward to the picturesque town of Purmamarca, where they’ll first explore the famous Hill of Seven Colors. Its vibrant, layered hues create a stunning natural canvas, captivating visitors.

Next, the group ascends to the vast expanse of Salinas Grandes, one of Argentina’s 7 Wonders. This dazzling salt flat stretches as far as the eye can see, its blinding white surface a mesmerizing sight.

Travelers are granted ample free time to wander the unique landscape, take photos, and enjoy a leisurely lunch before continuing their adventure.

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Day 3: Visit Quebrada De Humahuaca

After a captivating exploration of Salinas Grandes, the group now shifts its focus to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Quebrada de Humahuaca.

The tour explores Purmamarca and Humahuaca, two charming towns nestled within this remarkable geological and cultural landscape. Visitors will marvel at the Church of La Candelaria and the Independence Monument, learning about the region’s rich history.

The highlight of the day is the free time allotted at Hornocal, where the stunning "14 Colors Mountain" offers a breathtaking panorama.

Throughout the day, travelers will be guided by knowledgeable bilingual experts, ensuring a seamless and enriching experience within this UNESCO-protected wonder.

Transportation and Guides

Air-conditioned Mercedes-Benz minivans ferry travelers on this 3-day adventure, providing comfortable transportation.

Certified bilingual guides, fluent in both Spanish and English, accompany the group throughout the journey. They offer insights and historical context, ensuring an enriching experience.

The maximum group size is 22 people, allowing for a more personalized tour. National Park fees are included in the package, covering access to the stunning natural landscapes explored.

With these amenities, the tour offers a hassle-free way to discover the highlights of Salta, Salinas Grandes, Cachi, and Hornocal over three immersive days.

Important Information

The Hornocal tour is only available in Spanish, requiring an early 6:30 AM check-in at Caseros 420. The tour involves approximately 2 hours on low-quality dirt roads and 2 hours on the highway, so it may not be suitable for individuals with back problems.

Considerations	Details
Roads	2 hours on low-quality dirt roads
Highway	2 hours on the highway
Suitability	Not suitable for individuals with back problems
Hornocal Tour	Only available in Spanish
Check-in	6:30 AM check-in at Caseros 420 required

While the tour offers a comprehensive itinerary, some travelers have noted that it feels like three separate day tours rather than a cohesive trip, suggesting room for improvement in the tour structure.

Customer Feedback

Overall, customer reviews for the 3-day trip to Salinas Grandes, Cachi, and Hornocal have been mixed.

Based on 2 reviews, the tour has an average rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars. While some travelers appreciated the diverse destinations, others noted that the trip felt more like three separate day tours rather than a cohesive experience.

Suggestions for improvement include allowing for longer stops and offering options for overnight stays in towns like Purmamarca.

Despite the mixed feedback, the tour still provides an opportunity to explore several of Argentina’s natural wonders over the course of three days, with transportation and bilingual guides included.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There a Minimum Number of Participants Required to Confirm the Tour?

The tour does not appear to have a minimum participant requirement. The tour operator offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, indicating they may run the trip with any number of bookings.

Can I Book This Trip for a Private Group?

Yes, the operator offers private group bookings for this 3-day trip. Travelers can reserve the entire tour for their own group, though the maximum group size is 22 people. This provides a more customized and exclusive experience.

What Type of Food Is Included During the Tour?

The tour doesn’t include any meals, but it provides free time for lunch where travelers can explore local restaurants and try traditional Argentine cuisine at their own expense. Specific food options are not specified in the trip details.

Can I Bring My Own Vehicle and Join the Group?

Travelers can’t bring their own vehicles and join the group. The tour requires transportation by air-conditioned Mercedes-Benz minivan, with a maximum group size of 22 people. Participants must rely on the provided transportation and guides throughout the 3-day excursion.

Is There an Option to Extend the Trip to 4 Days?

There doesn’t appear to be an option to extend the 3-day guided trip to 4 days. The tour information only mentions the 3-day itinerary, and doesn’t provide any details about the possibility of adding an extra day to the experience.

Recap

Set out on a captivating 3-day adventure from Salta to explore the stunning landscapes of Salinas Grandes, Cachi, and Hornocal. Priced at $127.50 per person, this guided tour offers roundtrip transportation, bilingual guides, and access to national parks. Highlights include the vibrant Hill of Seven Colors, the mesmerizing salt flats, and the breathtaking "14 Colors Mountain." Experience Argentina’s natural wonders in a small group for an intimate journey through this enchanting region.

You can check if your dates are available here: