Salta: Guided Day Trips to Cafayate, Cachi, and Salinas Grandes

Nestled in the heart of Argentina’s northwest, Salta beckons travelers with its breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Embarking on guided day trips to the nearby destinations of Cafayate, Cachi, and Salinas Grandes offers a unique opportunity to take in the region’s renowned wineries, colonial architecture, and stunning natural wonders. These tours, designed with flexibility and comfort in mind, promise an unforgettable exploration of Salta’s diverse treasures. With insightful commentary from bilingual guides, visitors can uncover the secrets that lie within this captivating corner of Argentina.

This experience made our list of the 2 Best Guided Tours In Cafayate.

Key Points

• Three guided day trips are available in Salta and Jujuy Provinces, priced at £72.68 per person for 3-day tours.
• The tours cover notable destinations like Cafayate’s wineries, Cachi’s colonial architecture, and the Salinas Grandes salt flat.
• Itineraries include winery tours, museum visits, and access to the Salinas Grandes, showcasing the region’s landscapes and culture.
• The tours are led by bilingual guides and include transportation in air-conditioned Mercedes-Benz minivans with flexible booking and free cancellation.
• Key highlights include wine tasting in Cafayate, exploring the Hill of Seven Colors in Purmamarca, and the immersive experience at the Salinas Grandes.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Overview of the Tours

Offering three distinct guided day trips, this tour package allows visitors to explore the scenic wonders of Salta and Jujuy Provinces.

Priced at £72.68 per person, the 3-day tours cover Cafayate, Cachi, and Salinas Grandes. Availability can be checked online, and travelers enjoy flexible booking options with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

The tours are led by bilingual guides, with transportation provided in air-conditioned Mercedes-Benz minivans. While the itinerary may involve rough roads and variable excursion order, the package includes comprehensive inclusions such as winery tours, museum visits, and access to the unique Salinas Grandes salt flat.

Itinerary Details

The tour departs from Salta, passing through the scenic Lerma Valley before arriving in Cafayate for a winery tour and Torrontés wine tasting.

The next day, visitors travel through Cerrillos, La Merced, and the Escoipe Gorge to reach Cachi. There, they’ll explore the town’s colonial architecture, visit a museum on indigenous history, and shop for crafts.

The final day takes them to Jujuy, where they’ll see the Hill of Seven Colors in Purmamarca and the unique Salinas Grandes salt flat.

Travelers can enjoy free time for lunch and souvenir shopping before returning to Salta.

Tour Highlights

The guided tours highlight the region’s renowned wine tasting in Cafayate, where visitors can sample the area’s signature Torrontés varietal.

Scenic landscapes are a major draw, including the striking Los Cardones National Park and the iconic Hill of Seven Colors in Purmamarca.

Travelers can also explore the unique and expansive Salinas Grandes salt flat.

Beyond natural wonders, the tours offer opportunities to browse local markets for artisan crafts.

Bilingual guides provide insights in both English and Spanish throughout the excursions.

While generally positive, some reviews suggest mixed experiences regarding guide communication and driving safety.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The guided tours come bundled with a host of inclusions, such as a driver/guide, hotel pickup and drop-off, and transport via an air-conditioned Mercedes-Benz minivan.

Entrance fees to the winery and other attractions are also covered. However, the tours exclude unaccompanied minors and specific food and drink costs.

It’s important to note that:

• The tours may not be suitable for individuals with back problems.
• Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult, while children under 2 can travel for free without a seat.
• The order of excursions may vary based on availability, and customers have reported mixed experiences regarding guide communication and driving safety.

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Important Information

Travelers should bring their passport or ID, as well as comfortable clothing, for these guided day trips in Salta.

The tours aren’t recommended for individuals with back problems, and children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult; children under 2 travel free without a seat.

Tour itineraries may vary in order based on availability and can involve rough roads.

While the majority of reviews are positive, some customers have reported mixed experiences regarding guide communication and driving safety.

Ultimately, these day trips offer a chance to explore Salta’s stunning landscapes, from the Cafayate wineries to the Salinas Grandes salt flats.

Cafayate Wine Tasting

One of the highlights of the guided day trips is the wine tasting in Cafayate. This quaint town nestled in the Calchaquíes Valleys is renowned for its Torrontés grape, producing crisp, aromatic white wines.

Visitors can expect to:

• Sample the region’s signature Torrontés varietals, known for their floral notes and refreshing acidity.
• Learn about the unique terroir and winemaking traditions of Cafayate from knowledgeable guides.
• Browse the town’s charming plazas and shops, where local artisans sell handcrafted goods.

The wine tasting experience offers a delightful introduction to the vibrant culture and natural beauty of Salta and Jujuy Provinces.

Exploring Colonial Cachi

On the second day of the guided tour, visitors journey through Cerrillos, La Merced, and Escoipe Gorge to reach the colonial town of Cachi.

This picturesque settlement boasts well-preserved Spanish colonial architecture, including a striking white-washed church. Visitors can explore a museum showcasing the indigenous history and culture of the region.

The town also offers opportunities to shop for locally crafted artisan goods, such as pottery, textiles, and leather goods.

The drive to Cachi provides scenic vistas of the rugged Andean landscape, making it a highlight of the three-day tour itinerary.

Visiting Salinas Grandes

After exploring the colonial charms of Cachi, the guided tour makes its way to the breathtaking Salinas Grandes, a vast salt flat located in the province of Jujuy.

The stark, otherworldly landscape of the salt flat is a mesmerizing sight, with the bright white expanse stretching out as far as the eye can see.

Visitors can:

• Snap stunning photos of the unique natural wonder
• Stroll across the crunchy salt surface and marvel at the sheer scale of the flat
• Purchase traditional salt-based crafts from local artisans

This captivating natural attraction offers a chance to take in the region’s geological wonders and indigenous culture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Request a Specific Departure Time for the Tour?

Yes, you can request a specific departure time for the tour. The tour offers flexible booking options, allowing you to make reservations without upfront payment and choose a departure time that suits your schedule.

Are There Options for Vegetarian or Gluten-Free Meals?

The tours include food and drink, but specific dietary requirements like vegetarian or gluten-free meals aren’t explicitly mentioned. It’s best to check with the tour operator about accommodating any special dietary needs.

Can I Take Photographs During the Wine Tasting?

Yes, visitors can take photographs during the wine tasting. The tours allow participants to capture the winery’s scenery and the wine tasting experience, as long as they don’t interfere with the activity.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour by an Additional Day?

Yes, the tour can be extended by an additional day. Travelers have the flexibility to customize their itinerary and add extra time to explore the region further, according to their interests and preferences.

What Type of Vehicle Is Used for the Tour Transportation?

According to the information provided, the tour transportation is provided via an air-conditioned Mercedes-Benz minivan. This comfortable and reliable vehicle is used to transport guests throughout the 3-day guided excursions in Salta and Jujuy Provinces.

Recap

Salta’s guided day trips offer a unique opportunity to take in the region’s breathtaking natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Visitors can explore renowned wineries, marvel at colonial architecture, and wander the stunning Salinas Grandes salt flat, all while enjoying the comfort of air-conditioned minivans and insightful commentary from bilingual guides. With flexible booking options and attractions included, these tours provide an unforgettable experience in Argentina’s northwest.

You can check if your dates are available here: