5-Day in Northern Argentina: Salt Flats & Mountains

Explore Argentina’s Northwest: vibrant Salta, surreal salt flats, red rock valleys, and the colorful Quebrada de Humahuaca.

Tour at a glance

Duration
5 days
Price from
USD 960 per person
Location
Buenos Aires, CABA, Argentina
Guide languages
Spanish, English
Full tour information

Let yourself be swept away by Argentina’s legendary Northwest! Wander through Salta, a vibrant city framed by lush valleys and colonial charm. Journey into the breathtaking Calchaquí Valleys, where towering red rock formations and endless vineyards create unforgettable vistas. Marvel at the surreal Salinas Grandes, a vast white desert stretching to the horizon. Then, immerse yourself in the iconic Quebrada de Humahuaca in Jujuy, where colorful hills and ancient villages honor a rich cultural heritage.

For over 20 years, Signature DMC has specialized in crafting unforgettable experiences, not just trips. Recognized as one of the best in Argentina and South America, we connect cultures through extraordinary journeys.

What's included

  • Breakfast x 4
  • 3 nights' accommodation in a 4* hotel in Salta (Standard Room)
  • 1 night accommodation in a 4* hotel in Purmamarca (Standard Room)
  • City Tour in Salta
  • Full-day Excursion to Cafayate
  • Full-day Excursion to Salinas Grandes & Purmamarca
  • Full-day Excursion to Quebrada Humahuaca
  • Professional Bilingual Guide (English/Spanish) in Excursions
  • Transfer to/from Salta Airport
  • Transfer to/from Buenos Aires Airport (If flight option is selected)
  • Round-trip Airfare from Buenos Aires in Economic Class (If flight option is selected)

Not included

  • Tickets to parks, museums, churches, or tourist sites not mentioned in the itinerary.
  • Tips for guides, drivers, and other service stuff.
  • Meals not specified in the itinerary.

Itinerary

  1. Departure from Buenos Aires and Arrival to Salta

    Transfers from your Buenos Aires hotel to the airport and Airfare from Buenos Aires to Salta (If Flight option is selected)

    Arrive in Salta, a city where vibrant culture and stunning landscapes come together. A driver will greet you at the airport and take you directly to your hotel in the heart of the city—make sure your flight lands before 2:00 PM

    Later, step out and dive into Salta’s rich history with a shared tour through its charming colonial streets. Admire the majestic Cathedral and the intricate San Francisco Church, then soak up the energy at Plaza 9 de Julio, a hub of local life and color. Next, head up Cerro San Bernardo for sweeping views that capture the essence of the surrounding Andes and Lerma Valley. End your day in the peaceful village of San Lorenzo, where you can explore the Artisan Market and discover handcrafted treasures made by local artisans.

    Overnight in Salta

  2. Full-day Excursion to Cafayate

    Your day begins with a morning pickup from your hotel as you head toward the heart of the Lerma Valley, passing vast tobacco fields and charming colonial villages along the way.

    You’ll marvel at extraordinary rock formations shaped over millennia by wind and water—surreal natural sculptures.

    Upon arrival in Cafayate, you’ll discover a picturesque town nestled among towering mountain ranges, famous not only for its world-class wines but also for its unique blend of colonial architecture and vibrant local culture. Stroll through its peaceful streets and take in the breathtaking landscapes of the Calchaquí Valleys, where striking red rock formations and lush vineyards create a stunning contrast against the blue sky.

    Overnight in Salta.

  3. Full-Day Excursion to Purmamarca and the Salinas Grandes

    Today, you'll head to the province of Jujuy to journey through the Quebrada de Humahuaca, a region of breathtaking natural beauty and deep cultural heritage. The route leads to the charming village of Purmamarca, where you'll be captivated by the majestic Hill of Seven Colors, a natural wonder that paints the landscape in vibrant hues. Visit the town’s colonial church and stroll through the lively artisan market in the main square, where local identity comes to life through traditional textiles, ceramics, and flavors.

    Afterwards, continue your journey up the winding Cuesta de Lipán to reach the dazzling Salinas Grandes. This vast salt flat—one of the most striking landscapes in Argentina’s Puna highlands—offers an unforgettable vista of endless white merging with an intensely blue sky. You may even witness the traditional salt-harvesting methods still practiced by local communities.

    Overnight in Purmamarca.

  4. Full-day Excursion to Quebrada de Humahuaca

    From the charming village of Purmamarca, we will set off on an unforgettable journey through the Quebrada de Humahuaca, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This region in northern Argentina captivates with its unique landscapes and vibrant cultural heritage, where multicolored mountains, ancient geological formations, and ancestral traditions blend seamlessly in every corner. We’ll travel through cobbled-street villages where communities proudly preserve their indigenous roots and living customs.

    Along the way, we’ll make a brief stop at the historic Posta de Hornillos before continuing to Huacalera, where we symbolically cross the Tropic of Capricorn. We’ll visit the church of Uquía, renowned for its striking paintings of the Archangel Warriors, masterpieces of the 17th-century Cuzco school.

    Upon arriving in Humahuaca, we’ll explore its impressive Cathedral and the Monument to Independence, also known as “El Indio,” a tribute to the Indigenous peoples of the region. After free time for lunch, we’ll begin our return journey, admiring the natural canvas of the Painter’s Palette that frames the picturesque village of Maimará. Finally, we will head back to Salta

    Overnight in Salta

  5. Transfers and Return to Buenos Aires

    Start your day enjoying the final moments of your stay in Salta. At the agreed time, your transfer will be waiting to take you from your hotel to Salta Airport.

    Flights from Salta to Buenos Aires and transfers from the airport to your hotel in Buenos Aires (If the flight option is selected).

Meeting point

  • Salta Airport — Acceso A Aeropuerto, Salta

Know before you go

  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Rates do not apply to special dates such as Christmas and New Year's.
  • Children must be accompanied by an adult.
  • Infants only pay taxes and airfares.
  • For flights, infants (under 2 years old) must sit on an adult's lap as they are not entitled to a separate seat.
  • The order of the activities included in your itinerary may be affected due to operational, climatic, or logistical factors.
  • This package is non-refundable and cannot be modified or canceled.
  • Optional flights are confirmed in economy class subject to availability. A supplement applies if a higher booking class is required due to lack of availability.
  • Please bear in mind that beginning and ending time may vary according to flight availability. 
  • Rates are per person. If you are a solo traveler, you will have single occupancy. If there are two or more travelers, you will have double or triple occupancy. If single occupancy is required, we can certainly provide a quote.
  • Please note that during this trip, we will be traveling through high-altitude areas. We recommend: drinking plenty of water, avoiding alcohol and smoking, not engaging in physical exertion (walk slowly and rest when needed), and eating light meals.
  • During the excursions, we will travel along long stretches of dirt and gravel roads, which may be more uneven and less comfortable than paved roads
  • Please note that during this trip, we will be traveling through high-altitude areas. We recommend: drinking plenty of water, avoiding alcohol and smoking, not engaging in physical exertion (walk slowly and rest when needed), and eating light meals. We are not responsible for any changes or modifications that need to be made due to the lack of information submission or incomplete or incorrect information provided. Any adjustments that involve extra costs will be at the passenger’s expense. Before traveling and/or purchasing your ticket, we recommend that you check with the relevant embassy or consulate for the necessary documentation to travel (travel documents, customs, health, among others). You can also consult the International Air Transport Association (IATA) website. It is the passenger's responsibility to be informed about the requirements set by the different authorities.

See live availability in the booking calendar.

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