Full-Day Tour Salinas Grandes and Purmamarca From Salta

The full-day tour from Salta to Salinas Grandes and Purmamarca promises an unforgettable journey through Argentina’s breathtaking landscapes. Travelers can expect to witness the stunning vistas of the Andes, including the UNESCO-listed Humahuaca gorge and the vibrant Hill of Seven Colors. With a focus on personalized experiences, the tour offers a 45-minute visit to the vast Salinas Grandes salt flats and leisure time in Purmamarca for exploring local cuisine and shopping. However, the real highlight of this excursion may lie in the unexpected, as the tour’s small group size and air-conditioned transport allow for a truly immersive and comfortable exploration of these natural wonders.

Key Points

• This full-day tour from Salta takes visitors to the UNESCO-listed Humahuaca gorge and the vibrant Hill of Seven Colors, as well as the vast Salinas Grandes salt flats.
• The tour features a small group size, hotel pickup, and round-trip transportation, providing a personalized experience through the Andes’ scenic landscapes.
• Travelers can explore the Salinas Grandes salt flats, enjoy leisure time in Purmamarca for shopping and local cuisine, and witness picturesque views of Yala, Volcan, and Tumbaya.
• While the tour receives mixed feedback, with praise for the breathtaking landscapes and knowledgeable guides, there are concerns about language barriers and time management issues.
• Recommendations include addressing the need for better communication, clearer instructions, and more time for exploration to enhance the overall tour experience.

Tour Overview

This full-day tour from Salta, Argentina takes visitors to two of the region’s most captivating natural wonders – the Salinas Grandes salt flats and the colorful Purmamarca village set against the Andes mountains.

With a small group size limited to 15 people, the tour ensures a personalized experience. It includes hotel pickup, national park fees, and round-trip transport provided by the reputable Nordic Travel EVT company.

Throughout the day, travelers will explore the UNESCO-listed Humahuaca gorge, the Hill of Seven Colors, and have ample time to shop at the Purmamarca handicrafts market.

The scenic drive through the Andes provides stunning vistas of villages and mountain passes along the way.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour begins with a visit to the UNESCO-listed Humahuaca gorge and the Hill of Seven Colors, showcasing the region’s breathtaking geological formations.

Travelers then explore the Salinas Grandes salt flats for about 45 minutes, a mesmerizing landscape of vast, white expanses.

Afterwards, the group enjoys a leisurely time in the charming village of Purmamarca, where they can browse the vibrant handicrafts market and savor local cuisine during the lunch break.

Throughout the day, the scenic drive through the Andes treats participants to picturesque vistas of villages like Yala, Volcan, and Tumbaya, as well as key stops such as Cuesta del Lipan, Cuesta del Saladillo, and Abra del Potrerillo.

Meeting and Pickup

Typically, the tour begins with pickup from central hotels in Salta or a designated meeting point at Sergio A Bravo, Buenos Aires 45, A4400 Salta, with the tour starting at 6:30 am.

Participants are then transported back to the same meeting point at the end of the day. The pickup and drop-off service is included for selected hotels only, so travelers should check if their accommodation is covered.

The tour operates with an air-conditioned vehicle, providing a comfortable journey through the stunning Andean landscapes.

As the tour concludes at the original meeting point, participants can easily find their way back to their hotels or continue exploring Salta’s vibrant city center.

What’s Included

The tour includes national park fees, providing access to the protected areas visited during the excursion.

Hotel pickup and drop-off services are also included, but only for selected hotels in Salta.

Travelers will be transported in an air-conditioned vehicle throughout the day.

However, food and drinks aren’t included, so you will need to purchase their own lunch during the stop in Purmamarca.

Gratuities for the guide and driver are also not covered in the tour price.

Traveler Feedback

Travelers have provided a mix of positive and critical feedback regarding the full-day tour of Salinas Grandes and Purmamarca. Many highlight the tour’s breathtaking landscapes and knowledgeable guides.

However, some express disappointment over language barriers with Spanish-speaking guides. Travelers also note concerns about time management, feeling rushed at key stops like the Salinas Grandes salt flats and Purmamarca.

While the tour receives an overall rating of 4.0 out of 5, some recommend better organization and clearer communication from the tour operator about the itinerary details.

Breathtaking Landscapes

Breathtaking panoramas of the Andes mountains, salt flats, and colorful hills define the visually stunning landscapes encountered on this full-day tour. Travelers consistently praise the tour’s ability to showcase the area’s natural wonders, from the striking Humahuaca gorge to the mesmerizing Salinas Grandes salt flats. The highlights include:

Landmark	Description
Humahuaca Gorge	A UNESCO-listed geological wonder featuring dramatic multicolored cliffs.
Hill of Seven Colors	An iconic hillside displaying a vibrant array of hues.
Salinas Grandes	The vast, shimmering salt flats that stretch as far as the eye can see.

These awe-inspiring vistas make the journey through the Andes an unforgettable experience, leaving travelers with lasting memories of the region’s breathtaking natural beauty.

Language Barriers

While the tour’s ability to showcase the region’s breathtaking landscapes consistently earns praise, some travelers have expressed disappointment regarding language barriers with the Spanish-speaking guides.

Communication challenges can impact the overall experience, as participants may struggle to fully understand the historical and cultural context provided during the tour.

To address this issue, the tour operator could consider:

• Offering English-speaking guides, or providing translation services, to ensure all travelers can actively engage with the content.

• Providing clear instructions and materials in multiple languages to supplement the guide’s commentary.

• Encouraging guides to use simple language and visual aids to facilitate better understanding.

• Allowing more time for questions and clarifications during stops to ensure everyone feels informed.

Time Management

Another key concern raised by some participants relates to time management during the tour. They felt that the schedule felt rushed, particularly at the Salinas Grandes salt flats and in the town of Purmamarca, where they’d have appreciated more leisurely time to fully explore and appreciate the sites.

Some travelers mentioned feeling like they were hurried through the main attractions, leaving them with the impression that the tour operator was trying to cram too much into the day. This led to a sense of dissatisfaction, as they didn’t feel they’d enough time to soak in the stunning natural landscapes and cultural experiences.

Better planning and communication from the operator about the pacing of the tour could help address these time management issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can We Stop for Photographs During the Tour?

Yes, the tour allows for photo stops along the way. The itinerary includes dedicated time for travelers to explore the scenic landscapes and take photographs at key points during the full-day excursion.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

The tour doesn’t offer an option to extend the duration. However, travelers can inquire about customizing the tour to include more time at key stops or adding extra activities. The provider may accommodate requests, subject to availability and additional costs.

What if We Have a Specific Dietary Requirement?

The tour operator is generally accommodating of dietary requirements, but travelers should inform them in advance. They’ll work to provide suitable meal options or make arrangements for guests to purchase their own lunch along the route.

How Accessible Is the Tour for Travelers With Disabilities?

The tour’s accessibility for travelers with disabilities is not clearly stated. Visitors should inquire about accommodation options and any limitations regarding physical mobility or accessibility when booking the tour. The operator’s responsiveness to special needs can vary.

Is There an Option to Personalize the Itinerary?

The tour seems to have a set itinerary, but travelers can likely request modifications or special accommodations by contacting the tour operator. The small group size suggests some flexibility, though the full-day schedule may limit opportunities for extensive personalization.

Recap

The full-day tour from Salta to Salinas Grandes and Purmamarca offers an exceptional opportunity to explore Argentina’s stunning natural wonders.

Travelers can enjoy the breathtaking landscapes of the Andes, UNESCO-listed Humahuaca gorge, and vibrant Hill of Seven Colors.

With a personalized experience and convenient transportation, this tour ensures visitors make the most of their time and leave with unforgettable memories of Argentina’s remarkable beauty.