Full-Day Tour to Salinas Grandes and Purmamarca From Salta

Exploring the breathtaking landscapes of Northern Argentina, the full-day tour to Salinas Grandes and Purmamarca from Salta promises an unforgettable adventure. Travelers embark on a 460-kilometer journey, reaching dizzying heights of 4,170 meters, with highlights including the vibrant Cerro de los Siete Colores and lively local markets. While the tour is well-organized, with comfortable transportation and technical breaks, it’s crucial to consider altitude precautions and individual health conditions. With opportunities for immersive exploration and stunning photography, this tour offers a chance to discover the region’s natural wonders. What unique experiences await those who choose to…

Key Points

• Comprehensive full-day tour from Salta, Argentina covering a distance of 460 km and reaching a maximum height of 4,170 meters.
• Visits to the stunning Salinas Grandes salt flats and the colorful town of Purmamarca, known for its Cerro de los Siete Colores.
• Provides free time at Salinas Grandes and Purmamarca for exploration and photography, with technical stops for restroom breaks and snacks.
• Tour includes air-conditioned transportation and entrance fees, but excludes lunch, drinks, and tips, with a $1 USD fee for Salinas Grandes.
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with serious medical conditions due to high altitude, with precautions advised for altitude sickness.

Tour Overview and Duration

The tour commences with an early morning departure from Salta, Argentina, traversing a distance of 460 kilometers over the course of 12 hours.

Reaching a maximum height of 4,170 meters, the route takes travelers through Güemes, San Salvador de Jujuy, Purmamarca, and the stunning Salinas Grandes.

Guests will enjoy free time, ranging from 40 minutes to 2 hours, to explore Salinas Grandes and the charming town of Purmamarca, including the famous Paseo de los Colorados.

The tour concludes with a return to Salta between 8:00 and 8:30 p.m., providing ample opportunity to admire the region’s diverse and captivating landscapes.

Route and Stops

Departing from Salta, the tour winds its way through the picturesque landscapes of northwestern Argentina.

First, the group travels to Güemes and San Salvador de Jujuy, where they’ll make a technical stop at a volcano.

Next, they’ll visit the charming town of Purmamarca, with its iconic Cerro de los Siete Colores and vibrant market.

The tour then climbs the Cuesta del Lipán and Abra del Potrerillo before reaching the stunning Salinas Grandes, the vast salt flats that offer breathtaking views.

After free time to explore the salt flats, the group heads back to Salta, arriving between 8:00 and 8:30 p.m.

Inclusions and Exclusions

This full-day tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle for the journey, visits to the charming town of Purmamarca and the captivating Salinas Grandes salt flats, as well as all necessary fees and taxes.

Lunch, drinks, and tips are excluded, and visitors must pay a small entrance fee of $1 USD to the local community at Salinas Grandes.

The tour offers:

• Scenic views of the Cerro de los Siete Colores and the unique landscape of Salinas Grandes
• Opportunities for photography and shopping local crafts at the Purmamarca market
• Technical stops for restroom breaks and snacks
• A comprehensive experience covering the highlights of the region.

Highlights and Activities

What can travelers expect on this full-day tour to Salinas Grandes and Purmamarca? The tour offers breathtaking views of the Cerro de los Siete Colores and the unique landscape of Salinas Grandes.

Visitors will have the opportunity to explore the picturesque town of Purmamarca, stroll through its vibrant market, and marvel at the colorful Paseo de los Colorados.

Along the way, the tour makes technical stops for restroom breaks and snacks.

While the long travel times and high elevation points may pose some challenges, the scenic beauty and culture make this tour a rewarding experience for travelers.

Photography enthusiasts will find ample opportunities to capture the region’s stunning landscapes.

Accessibility and Recommendations

Designed for able-bodied travelers, this full-day tour isn’t wheelchair accessible.

Pregnant women and those with serious medical conditions are also not recommended to join this excursion due to the high elevation and challenging terrain.

Travelers sensitive to altitude may find the tour challenging as it reaches a maximum height of 4,170 meters.

To ensure a comfortable and safe experience, participants are encouraged to:

• Bring necessary medications and be prepared for altitude sickness.
• Dress in layers and wear comfortable, sturdy footwear.
• Hydrate well before and during the tour.
• Consult a healthcare provider if concerned about health conditions.

Customer Feedback and Ratings

Travelers have overwhelmingly praised the tour, with 44 five-star reviews out of 69 total. The overall rating stands at 4.0, reflecting the tour’s popularity.

Customers have highlighted the breathtaking scenery, including the Cerro de los Siete Colores and the unique landscape of Salinas Grandes. The friendly people and well-organized nature of the tour have also received positive mentions.

However, some travelers have noted language barriers and long travel times as challenges. While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and isn’t recommended for pregnant individuals or those with serious medical conditions, it remains a highly-regarded experience for those seeking scenic views and culture.

Booking and Cancellation Policy

Confirmation is received upon booking the full-day tour to Salinas Grandes and Purmamarca.

Travelers can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the experience starts. Additionally:

• The tour is confirmed at the time of booking.
• Cancellation is free up to a day before the tour.
• The tour may not be suitable for those sensitive to altitude due to the high elevation points along the route.
• Travelers are encouraged to prepare for a long day of driving and take necessary precautions for altitude sickness.

Altitude Considerations and Precautions

Frequently, the tour to Salinas Grandes and Purmamarca reaches high elevations, with the maximum height reaching 4,170 meters. This can present challenges for some travelers, particularly those sensitive to altitude.

The tour operator advises against this experience for pregnant travelers or those with serious medical conditions. Travelers are encouraged to take necessary precautions, such as staying hydrated, wearing sun protection, and pacing themselves.

Altitude sickness is a possibility, so being aware of the symptoms and having a plan to address them is advisable. While the stunning landscapes make the journey worthwhile, the high altitudes require travelers to be prepared and mindful of their physical limitations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Lunch Included in the Tour Price?

The tour includes lunch, though drinks are not provided. The total cost of the tour covers the air-conditioned vehicle, visits to Purmamarca and Salinas Grandes, as well as all fees and taxes.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

Travelers can bring their own food and drinks on the tour, as lunch is not included in the tour price. However, the tour operator provides technical stops for restroom breaks and snacks throughout the day.

Is It Possible to Extend or Shorten the Tour?

The tour provider generally doesn’t offer options to extend or shorten the tour. The pre-set itinerary and schedule are designed to maximize the sightseeing experience. Any changes would require coordinating with the tour operator in advance, which may incur additional fees.

Do We Make Any Other Stops Besides the Main Destinations?

The tour includes technical stops for restroom breaks and snacks along the way, in addition to the main destinations of Purmamarca and Salinas Grandes. There’s no indication of any other stops on the itinerary.

Is There an Option to Book a Private Tour?

Yes, the tour offers a private option. Travelers can book a private tour for a more personalized experience, with dedicated transportation and a guide tailored to their preferences and needs.

Recap

The full-day tour from Salta to Salinas Grandes and Purmamarca offers an unforgettable journey through Argentina’s breathtaking northwestern landscapes. Travelers explore the stunning Cerro de los Siete Colores, experience lively local markets, and enjoy comfortable transportation with technical breaks. While the high-altitude terrain requires precautions, this well-organized tour provides an immersive and memorable experience for visitors seeking to discover the region’s natural and cultural wonders.