The "From Salta: Cafayate, Salinas Grandes, & Hornocal Tour" offers an immersive exploration of Argentina’s captivating landscapes. Travelers embark on a 3-day adventure, venturing through renowned vineyards, the breathtaking Salinas Grandes salt flats, and the vibrant Hornocal mountains. With knowledgeable guides, inclusive transportation, and delectable meals, the tour promises an unforgettable experience. However, the true allure lies in the opportunity to uncover the region’s rich cultural heritage and witness firsthand the country’s natural wonders. As the journey unfolds, one can’t help but wonder what other hidden gems await discovery.
Key Points
- A 3-day tour from Salta covering the highlights of Cafayate, Salinas Grandes, and Hornocal at a cost of $96.88 per person.
- The tour includes hotel pickup, transportation, guided tours, meals with drinks, and tips, ensuring a hassle-free travel experience.
- Visitors can explore world-class wineries in Cafayate, marvel at the stunning salt flats of Salinas Grandes, and witness the vibrant Hill of Fourteen Colors at Hornocal.
- The tour is available in both English and Spanish, with free cancellation up to 24 hours prior.
- Customer feedback indicates an overall positive experience, with some concerns about long hours and varied food quality.
Tour Overview
The tour covers three popular destinations in northern Argentina: Cafayate, Salinas Grandes, and Hornocal.
It’s priced at $96.88 per person and lasts 3 days.
Languages offered are English and Spanish, and there’s free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Booking is flexible, with the option to reserve now and pay later.
The tour includes hotel pickup, transportation, a guide, food, drinks, and tips.
Travelers are advised to bring their passport/ID, comfortable clothes, and snacks, as lunch options may be limited.
Based on a single review, the overall rating is 4 out of 5, with feedback on long hours, pickup delays, and varying food quality.
Itinerary Highlights
This three-day tour begins with a departure from Salta and a drive along Provincial Route 68, leading to the charming town of Cafayate.
Visitors will enjoy a winery tour and admire the stunning red mountains, including the Devil’s Throat and the House of the Parrots.
On the second day, the tour explores Purmamarca and the Hill of Seven Colors, followed by a visit to the breathtaking Salinas Grandes, one of the 7 Wonders of Argentina.
The final day takes travelers to Jujuy province, where they’ll discover the Quebrada de Humahuaca, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the captivating Hornocal and its Hill of Fourteen Colors.
Transportation and Pickup
Hotel pickup and drop-off are available within 15 blocks of Plaza 9 Julio.
However, there’s a special note for the visit to Hornocal. Guests are required to meet at the Tiamar Travel Agency Office located at Caseros 420 at 6:30 am. This early morning meetup allows the tour to reach the Hill of Fourteen Colors in Hornocal before the crowds arrive.
Transportation throughout the 3-day tour is provided, including the journeys to Cafayate, Purmamarca, Salinas Grandes, and Quebrada de Humahuaca.
The tour guide accompanies participants during the entire experience, ensuring a seamless and informative trip.
Inclusions and Recommendations
The tour includes a comprehensive package of services, such as hotel pickup, transportation, guided multi-day tours, and meals with drinks. The tour operator also provides tips, ensuring a hassle-free experience. Travelers should bring their passport/ID and comfortable clothing. While lunch options may be limited, the guide is knowledgeable and can provide recommendations.
Inclusions | Recommendations |
---|---|
Hotel pickup | Bring passport/ID |
Transportation | Wear comfortable clothes |
Guided multi-day tour | Pack snacks |
Meals with drinks | Check lunch options |
Tips |
Customer Feedback
Customers have generally provided positive feedback about the tour, rating it 4 out of 5 stars based on a single review.
Some highlights from the feedback include:
- The tours are quite long, ranging from 13 to 16 hours, which may be tiring for some.
- There were occasional delays in hotel pickups, which can impact the schedule.
- The guides were knowledgeable and informative throughout the tour.
- The quality of the food at the recommended restaurants varied, with some options being more satisfactory than others.
- There were a few communication issues with the tour operator, though these seem to be isolated incidents.
Salta to Cafayate
Setting off from Salta, the tour heads south along Provincial Route 68, a winding road that cuts through the dramatic landscapes of northwestern Argentina. Passing through arid valleys and rugged mountains, the first stop is the town of Cafayate, renowned for its world-class wineries. Visitors will tour one of these wineries, learning about the region’s unique terroir and sampling the bold, flavorful wines.
Winery Tours in Cafayate | ||||
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Bodega Nanni | Bodega El Esteco | Domingo Hermanos | Finca las Nubes | Bodega Vasija Secreta |
Renowned for Malbec | Award-winning Torrontés | Historic family-owned | Stunning mountain views | Exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon |
The tour then continues to explore the area’s striking red rock formations, including the Devil’s Throat and House of the Parrots, showcasing the region’s diverse and captivating natural beauty.
Purmamarca and Salinas Grandes
Departing Cafayate, the tour heads north towards the picturesque town of Purmamarca, nestled at the base of the Hill of Seven Colors. This geological marvel is a sight to behold, with its vibrant stripes of red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet.
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Next, the tour visits the Salinas Grandes, one of the 7 Wonders of Argentina. This expansive salt flat, covering over 12,000 hectares, offers breathtaking vistas and the opportunity to capture stunning photographs.
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Travelers have the chance to walk across the gleaming white salt crust, taking in the mesmerizing landscape and the snow-capped peaks in the distance.
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After exploring the Salinas Grandes, the tour returns to Salta for lunch, preparing for the next day’s adventure to the Quebrada de Humahuaca and Hornocal.
Quebrada De Humahuaca and Hornocal
Leaving Salta, the tour journeys northward to the province of Jujuy, where it explores the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Quebrada de Humahuaca. This dramatic, winding canyon is known for its vibrant, multicolored hills and rich cultural heritage. The tour stops in the town of Humahuaca, where visitors can admire the colonial architecture and browse local markets. The final highlight is the awe-inspiring Hornocal, with its Hill of Fourteen Colors. This natural wonder, formed by geological processes over millennia, offers a breathtaking panorama.
Quebrada de Humahuaca | Humahuaca | Hornocal |
---|---|---|
UNESCO World Heritage | Colonial architecture | Hill of Fourteen Colors |
Vibrant, multicolored hills | Local markets | Breathtaking panorama |
Rich cultural heritage | Formed by geological processes | |
Dramatic, winding canyon | Natural wonder |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Book the Tour for a Different Group Size?
Yes, the tour can be booked for different group sizes. The tour provider offers flexible booking options, allowing customers to reserve their spot and pay later for the desired group size.
Is This Tour Suitable for Travelers With Disabilities?
The tour may not be fully accessible for travelers with disabilities. While the tour operator provides hotel pickup, some activities like hiking to Hornocal’s 14-color hill could be challenging. It’s best to inquire about specific accessibility accommodations before booking.
Can I Customize the Itinerary to Focus on Specific Activities?
Yes, travelers can customize the itinerary to focus on specific activities. The tour operator offers flexibility, allowing guests to prioritize the sights and experiences that interest them most during the 3-day journey.
Are There Additional Optional Activities Available During the Tour?
The tour includes a set itinerary, but travelers can’t customize it. However, there are optional add-ons like visiting vineyards, tasting local cuisine, and hiking in the Humahuaca region that can enhance the experience.
How Can I Communicate Special Dietary Requirements to the Tour Provider?
Travellers can communicate their dietary requirements to the tour provider during the booking process. The provider will do their best to accommodate special requests, though options may be limited in some remote locations.
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Recap
The "From Salta: Cafayate, Salinas Grandes, & Hornocal Tour" offers an immersive exploration of Argentina’s natural wonders. Blending picturesque vineyards, the captivating Salinas Grandes, and the vibrant Hornocal, this 3-day adventure promises an unforgettable experience. With inclusive transportation, meals, and knowledgeable guides, travelers can fully enjoy the country’s breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage.