Day Trips in Northwest Argentina

The rugged deserts and rock-sculpted valleys around Salta are some of Argentina's most impressive natural landscapes. This full-day tour offers non-stop photo opportunities as you explore the Calchaquí Valleys, look out over the Enchanted Valley from Bishop's Cliff, and see the gigantic cacti of the Los Cardones National Park.

Absorb the spectral landscapes of the UNESCO-listed Quebrada de Humahuaca on a full-day tour from Salta. Alongside an expert guide, travel through the scenic Argentinian countryside to Purmamarca Village, an indigenous town home to the majestic Seven Colored Hill. Travel back in time in Pucará’s Archeological Museum; marvel at the ancient religious paintings in Uquía Church; and gaze at the golden statues inside the Cathedral of Maimara.

Get a comprehensive, in-depth tour of Cafayate during this full-day tour from Salta. Spend 11 hours traveling through the Lerma Valley, viewing carved rock formations in the Quebrada de las Conchas and visiting a winery in Cafayate. Wine tasting and round-trip transportation from select Salta hotels are included.

Northwest Argentina is renowned for its extraordinary landscapes and unique Torrontes wine, and this full-day trip from Salta combines both into one tour. Journey through the dramatic Calchaquí Valleys; marvel at colorful rock formations such the Devil's Throat, the Amphitheater and The Castles in the Quebrada de las Conchas reserve; then indulge in wine tasting at some of Cafayate's most renowned wineries.

Trek through the Andes during this full-day tour from Mendoza. Ascend the summit of Lomas Blancas in the Cordon de la Plata region, an area filled with impressive, snow-capped peaks. Follow your experienced hiking guide on a low- to moderate-difficulty hike, learning about the native flora and fauna as you walk for 5-6 hours. Get breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and lush valleys from the summit of the 11,975-foot (3,650-meter) peak. Use of all equipment, lunch and round-trip transportation from Mendoza hotels are included.

Discover the beauty of the Cachi region on a full-day tour from Salta. Travel in a comfortable climate-controlled coach with a knowledgeable guide, passing through a mountainous landscape with views of Quebrada de los Laureles, Quebrada de Escoipe and the Enchanted Valley. Travel along the curvy Cuesta del Obispo road to reach the pass at Piedra del Molino, located within Los Cardones National Park, then arrive in Cachi where you see the Iglesia San Jose, the Museo Arqueológico (Archaeological Museum) and take in the charming town.

Explore the wild landscapes of northwest Argentina on this full-day Cachi tour from Salta. Journey through the Escoipe Gorge and the Enchanted Valley, drive the winding mountain road of Cuesta del Obispo, and marvel at the giant cacti of the Los Cardones National Park, then admire the colonial architecture and browse the handicrafts market of Cachi.

Savor the delicious wines and colorful scenery of one of the highest wine route in the world during this 10-hour trip near Cafayate. Explore this increasing popular wine-making region during tasting stops at two local wineries and a stop at the city's Museum of Vine and Wine. As you travel you'll also get to enjoy the area's mountain landscapes and the picturesque Las Conchas River Gorge.

Experience the 'Salinas Grandes,' a magical collection of salt flats in Northwest Argentina, during this 13-hour day trip from Salta. Explore some of the area's picturesque small towns before reaching this surreal landmark, an area where a landscape of shiny-white salt seems to extend to the horizon. You'll also stop by the village of Purmamarca on your way back to Salta.

Setting out on a 2-day journey through mountainous Argentina may seem overwhelming, but it's a breeze with a guide in the lead and all details arranged ahead of time. Visit highlights of the Humahuaca Gorge, including the Iruya Village, dating to the seventh century, as well as Uquia, Tilcara, and Purmamarca. Learn about the history, culture, and traditions of each location through your guide's in-depth commentary.

Discover the natural wonders of the Salta province during this full-day sightseeing and wine tasting day trip from Salta. Trek south of Salta into the rivers, mountains and gorges of the Calchaquí Valley. Stop at the Devil's Throat rock formation to snap some photos before continuing on to the winemaking town of Cafayate. You'll tour a winery and taste some local wines before making the return trip to Salta.

Discover the scenic landscapes of Purmamarca and Salinas Grandes on a full-day tour from Salta. Get an early start to travel to the Salinas Grandes salt flats and take in the otherworldly scenery. Continue to the Lipan Slope (Cuesta de Lipan) and marvel at the engineering that allows vehicles to ascend the steep mountain. In charming Purmamarca, your guide shows you the highlights of the village before you head to Humahuaca, located near the multicolored mountains known as the Serranias del Hornocal.

Discover the unusual landscape of Quebrada de Humahuaca on this 12-hour excursion from Salta. Travel along an ancient Incan route through multicolored canyons to this gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Stop at small indigenous villages like Humahuaca, Purmamarca and Tilcara to view historical adobe churches and ruins. Visit San Salvador de Jujuy, a small city situated among the wooded lowlands, before returning to Salta on Route 9.

Gaze at the vast expanse of the Salinas Grandes Salt Fields on an enriching full-day trip from Salta. Ascend to the vertiginous altitude of Puna and relish the heavenly tableau of salt fields alongside an expert guide. Receive an insightful introduction to the geology and agricultural history of the area and capture photographs of the unique landscape reminiscent of an Arctic plain. Enjoy the convenience of round-trip transportation from your Salta hotel on this tour.   

Visit the impressive natural attractions of the Calchaquí Valley on this full-day scenic drive. Enjoy a comfortable ride from Salta to the village of Cachi as you learn about the surrounding natural resources from your guide along the way. Stop at Payogosta and the Archaeological Museum of Cachi before returning to Salta through stunning Los Cardones National Park.

Get access to Laguna del Toro and the village of Santa Rosa de Tastil, both accessible by 4x4 vehicle, during this 11-hour tour from Salta. See the rare Andean flamingos in the lagoon and explore the ruins at the village's archaeological site. Boxed lunch and round-trip transportation from Salta hotels are included.

Travel to the Serranias del Hornocal viewpoint to experience the magnificently colored mountain range of northwest Argentina. Depart from Tilcara in a comfortable coach for the scenic 5-hour drive to Humahuaca, a town near the Serranias del Hornocal. Stop for a refreshing cup of coca tea before continuing up the mountain to the lookout area. Have time to walk around, soak in the incredible views and snap photos of the Quebrada de Humahuaca, a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its importance as part of the Camino Inca.

Discover the diverse landscapes of northwest Argentina on this full-day Cafayate tour from Salta. Journey through the Valley of Lerma, stop at a tobacco plantation to watch traditional production methods, and admire the dramatic red rock mountains of Quebrada de las Conchas, then enjoy wine tasting in Cafayate Town.

Drive up the legendary Route 7 through the Andes during this full-day tour from Mendoza. Explore the mountains with your local guide, stopping at sites like Potrerillos Lake, Uspallata, Penitentes, Puente del Inca, Las Cuevas and Aconcagua Park for impressive photo ops.  Enjoy breakfast in Upsallata and a traditional lunch of regional specialties like trout or kid goat.

Marvel at the diverse landscapes of northwest Argentina on this full-day tour from Salta. Drive along part of the famous Train to the Clouds; visit the mountain towns of Santa Rosa de Tastil and San Antonio de los Cobre; and marvel at natural wonders including the Salinas Grandes salt flats, the Puna de Atacama desert, and the Seven Colored Hill of Purmamarca.