Full-Day Salinas Grandes Tour From Salta

The Full-Day Salinas Grandes Tour from Salta offers travelers an enriching adventure through Argentina’s stunning landscapes. Over the course of 13 hours, this tour showcases the captivating Tastil Ruins, the charming town of San Antonio de Los Cobres, and the vibrant Purmamarca. With hotel pickup, air-conditioned transportation, and an expert guide, guests can look forward to a seamless experience that includes a delicious local lunch and ample opportunities to enjoy the region’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. For those seeking to explore Argentina beyond the typical tourist trail, this family-friendly tour promises an unforgettable journey.

Key Points

• A full-day excursion from Salta to explore the stunning Salinas Grandes salt flats and other scenic highlights, including Tastil Ruins and Purmamarca.
• Comprehensive tour package with hotel pickup/drop-off, air-conditioned transportation, professional guide, meals, and all necessary services included.
• Opportunity to learn about the ancient history and indigenous culture at the Tastil Ruins and experience the local flavors in San Antonio de Los Cobres.
• Scenic drives with stops to admire the salt flats, local flora, and the colorful hills of Purmamarca, providing a well-rounded and visually stunning experience.
• High altitude advisory, with comfortable clothing recommended and doctor consultation advised due to the tour’s maximum elevation of over 4,200 meters.

Tour Overview

The Salinas Grandes Tour is a full-day excursion from Salta, allowing visitors to explore the stunning salt flats and surrounding landscapes of northwest Argentina.

The 13-hour tour takes travelers to key highlights like the Tastil Ruins, the town of San Antonio de Los Cobres, and the colorful village of Purmamarca. Along the way, guests will enjoy scenic views of the salt flats and local flora.

The tour is family-friendly and can accommodate up to 99 travelers. Included services cover hotel pickup and drop-off, an air-conditioned vehicle, a professional guide, and food and drinks.

Travelers should consult a doctor for the high altitudes and dress comfortably for the experience.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour begins at 7:00 am with pickup from centrally-located Salta hotels.

The first stop is the Tastil Ruins, an archaeological site that offers a glimpse into the region’s ancient history.

Next, the tour heads to San Antonio de Los Cobres, where travelers will enjoy lunch and explore the town.

The scenic drive continues through the stunning landscape, with stops to admire the salt flats and local flora.

On the return journey, the tour makes a stop in Purmamarca, known for its colorful hills and traditional markets.

Throughout the day, travelers can expect breathtaking views and a chance to enjoy the unique culture of northwest Argentina.

Included Services

Among the services included in the Full-Day Salinas Grandes Tour from Salta are a professional guide who accompanies the group throughout the day.

Travelers will also receive hotel pickup and drop-off from selected locations, as well as transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle.

All food and drinks are provided during the tour, including a lunch stop in San Antonio de Los Cobres.

Plus, gratuities are covered, so there’s no need to worry about tipping.

The tour offers a comprehensive experience, ensuring travelers can fully enjoy the stunning scenery and unique salt flat landscape without any logistical concerns.

Meeting and Pickup Details

The tour’s pickup options include direct hotel pickup for those staying at selected locations within the pickup area. For those outside the pickup zone, a central meeting point is available. The return at the end of the tour brings travelers back to the original meeting location.

Pickup Options	Central Meeting Point	Hotel Pickup	Return Location
Available for those outside the pickup area	Provided if hotel is outside pickup zone	Offered for select hotels within pickup zone	Returns to original meeting point

This flexibility ensures a convenient and hassle-free start and end to the Salinas Grandes tour experience.

Additional Information

Confirmation is received at the time of booking for the Salinas Grandes tour.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, so guests with mobility issues should plan accordingly. Travelers are advised to consult a doctor before embarking on the tour, as the highest elevation reaches over 4,200 meters above sea level. Comfortable clothing is recommended for the full-day excursion.

The tour operator offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, providing flexibility for guests. Given the tour’s popularity, it’s likely to sell out, so early booking is encouraged.

Traveler Feedback

Travelers have provided largely positive feedback on the Salinas Grandes tour. According to the reviews, the tour guide’s quality and driving skills were highlights of the experience.

The stunning scenery and unique salt flat experience were also among the top points mentioned by travelers. However, the tour length received mixed reviews, with some finding it long but ultimately worthwhile.

Noteworthy traveler feedback includes:

1. "The guide was fantastic and really brought the experience to life."
2. "The salt flats were breathtaking – unlike anything I’ve ever seen."
3. "While the tour was long, it was an incredible way to see the highlights of the region."

Exploring Tastil Ruins

One of the highlights of the Salinas Grandes tour is the stop at the Tastil Ruins. These pre-Columbian ruins date back to the 15th century and offer a fascinating glimpse into the region’s rich history. Visitors can explore the remnants of residential structures, plazas, and fortifications, all set against the stunning backdrop of the Andes mountains.

Key Facts
Age	15th century	Pre-Columbian
Architectural Remains	Residential structures	Plazas and fortifications
Setting	Andes mountains	Breathtaking scenery

The guided tour provides insights into the culture and way of life of the indigenous people who once inhabited this ancient site, making it a truly enriching and educational experience.

Discovering San Antonio De Los Cobres

After exploring the ancient Tastil Ruins, the tour continues on to the charming town of San Antonio de Los Cobres.

Here, travelers will have the opportunity to:

1. Enjoy a delicious local lunch, savoring the flavors of the region.
2. Wander the quaint streets, admiring the unique architecture and interacting with the friendly locals.
3. Gain insights into the town’s rich history and cultural heritage, as the guide provides informative commentary.

With its picturesque setting and welcoming atmosphere, San Antonio de Los Cobres promises an engaging and memorable experience for all who visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit Salinas Grandes?

The best time to visit Salinas Grandes is during the dry season, typically from May to October. During these months, the salt flats are at their most expansive and reflective, offering visitors the iconic mirrored effect that makes the destination so visually stunning.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Participants can bring their own food and drinks on the Salinas Grandes tour. The tour includes meals and beverages, but travelers are welcome to supplement with their own items if they prefer. This allows for flexibility and personal preferences during the long excursion.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour or Add Extra Activities?

The tour operator doesn’t offer an option to extend the tour or add extra activities. However, travelers can explore Salta and the surrounding area on their own before or after the tour if they want to extend their experience.

Are There Any Age Restrictions or Requirements for the Tour?

The tour has no specific age restrictions, but it’s recommended for children over 8 years old as some activities may not be suitable for younger kids. Travelers should consult a doctor if they have concerns about the high altitude.

Can I Request a Private or Customized Tour Experience?

Customers can request a private or customized tour experience, but this may incur an additional cost. The tour operator, Tangol, offers flexibility to accommodate specific needs or preferences to create a more personalized sightseeing experience.

Recap

The Full-Day Salinas Grandes Tour from Salta offers an exceptional opportunity to take in Argentina’s captivating natural and cultural wonders. From the impressive Tastil Ruins to the charming town of San Antonio de Los Cobres and the vibrant Purmamarca, this comprehensive tour provides a seamless and enriching experience for travelers seeking to explore the country’s diverse landscapes and historical treasures.