14 Days in Salta

Begin your 14-day adventure in Salta, the capital of the province, often referred to as 'Salta la Linda' due to its beautiful colonial architecture and picturesque setting in the Lerma Valley. After settling into your accommodation, head straight to the heart of the city, Plaza 9 de Julio. This vibrant square is surrounded by historic buildings, including the stunning Salta Cathedral, known for its ornate pink and gold facade. Take your time to admire the intricate details of the cathedral and the nearby Cabildo, which houses the Historical Museum of the North. In the afternoon, visit the MAAM (Museum of High Altitude Archaeology), where you can learn about the fascinating Inca history of the region and see the remarkably preserved mummies of the Llullaillaco children. As evening approaches, take the teleférico (cable car) up to Cerro San Bernardo for panoramic views of the city as the sun sets. End your first day by experiencing Salta's famous nightlife at a traditional peña on Calle Balcarce, where you can enjoy live folk music, dancing, and delicious local cuisine, including the region's famous empanadas.

On your second day, take a short trip just outside the city to the lush, green suburb of Villa San Lorenzo. Located at the foot of the mountains, this area offers a refreshing contrast to the bustling city center. Enjoy a morning hike through the Quebrada de San Lorenzo, a beautiful nature reserve with trails that wind through dense subtropical forest alongside a clear mountain stream. It's a perfect spot for birdwatching and enjoying the tranquility of nature. After your hike, return to Salta city for lunch and spend the afternoon exploring the local markets. The Mercado San Miguel is a bustling hub where you can find everything from fresh produce and regional spices to traditional textiles and handicrafts. It's an excellent place to pick up souvenirs and interact with the friendly locals. In the late afternoon, visit the San Francisco Church, easily recognizable by its striking red and gold tower, which is one of the tallest in South America. For dinner, try another local specialty, locro, a hearty Andean stew, at a cozy restaurant in the city center.

Today, embark on a spectacular journey following the route of the famous Tren a las Nubes (Train to the Clouds). While the full train journey is an option, driving or taking a tour along the parallel Route 51 allows for more stops and photo opportunities. The road winds its way up through the Quebrada del Toro, a stunning gorge with colorful rock formations and ancient ruins. As you ascend, the landscape transforms from lush valleys to the arid, high-altitude Puna. Stop at the pre-Inca ruins of Santa Rosa de Tastil, one of the largest archaeological sites in Argentina, to learn about the ancient civilizations that once thrived here. Continue your journey to the small mining town of San Antonio de los Cobres, located at an elevation of over 3,700 meters (12,000 feet). The highlight of the day is the breathtaking La Polvorilla Viaduct, a massive steel structure that spans a deep canyon. The sheer scale of the viaduct and the stark beauty of the surrounding landscape are truly awe-inspiring. Return to Salta in the evening, taking in the changing colors of the mountains as the sun goes down.

Leave Salta behind and head north into the neighboring province of Jujuy, entering the spectacular Quebrada de Humahuaca, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Your destination for the day is the picturesque village of Purmamarca, nestled at the base of the famous Cerro de los Siete Colores (Hill of Seven Colors). The drive itself is incredibly scenic, with the mountains displaying a vibrant array of reds, pinks, greens, and yellows. Upon arriving in Purmamarca, take the Paseo de los Colorados, a short and easy hiking trail that loops behind the village, offering stunning, up-close views of the colorful rock formations. The contrast of the bright mountains against the clear blue sky is a photographer's dream. Spend the afternoon wandering through the village's dusty streets, browsing the vibrant artisan market in the main square, where you can find beautiful woven textiles, pottery, and other local crafts. As the sun sets, the colors of the mountains become even more intense, providing a magical end to the day. Stay overnight in one of Purmamarca's charming adobe boutique hotels.

Prepare for a dramatic change of scenery as you ascend the winding Cuesta de Lipán, a spectacular mountain pass that reaches an altitude of 4,170 meters (13,680 feet). The drive offers breathtaking views of the Quebrada de Humahuaca below. As you cross the pass and descend onto the high plateau, you'll be greeted by the blindingly white expanse of the Salinas Grandes, one of the largest salt flats in Argentina. The sheer scale of the salt flats is mesmerizing, stretching as far as the eye can see against the backdrop of the Andes. Take time to walk on the hexagonal salt crusts, visit the salt extraction pools, and have fun taking perspective-bending photographs. You can also purchase small souvenirs carved from salt by local artisans. After exploring the salt flats, return via the same route to the Quebrada de Humahuaca and continue north to the town of Tilcara. In the late afternoon, visit the Pucará de Tilcara, a partially reconstructed pre-Inca fortress situated on a hill overlooking the valley. The site offers fascinating insights into the region's history and panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

Continue your journey north through the Quebrada de Humahuaca to the town of Humahuaca, the largest settlement in the valley. The town retains a strong indigenous character, with narrow cobblestone streets, adobe houses, and a lively atmosphere. Visit the Monumento a los Héroes de la Independencia, a massive bronze monument that dominates the town and commemorates the local indigenous people who fought in the Argentine War of Independence. Explore the local market and the historic church in the main square. In the afternoon, take a 4x4 excursion or drive carefully up the unpaved road to the Serranía de Hornocal, also known as the Hill of 14 Colors. This spectacular mountain range features incredible jagged peaks displaying a mesmerizing array of colors, far surpassing the Hill of Seven Colors in scale and vibrancy. The viewpoint is located at over 4,300 meters (14,100 feet), offering a breathtaking panorama that is undoubtedly one of the highlights of Northern Argentina. Return to Tilcara or Humahuaca for the night, enjoying a traditional Andean dinner.

Today, embark on an adventurous detour to the remote and enchanting village of Iruya. Located in the province of Salta but only accessible via Jujuy, the journey to Iruya is an experience in itself. The unpaved road winds through dramatic mountain scenery, crossing the Abra del Cóndor pass at 4,000 meters (13,120 feet) before descending steeply into a hidden valley. Iruya is a picture-perfect village with steep, narrow cobblestone streets and colonial-style houses clinging to the mountainside, surrounded by towering peaks. The setting is incredibly dramatic and feels completely isolated from the rest of the world. Spend the day exploring the village, visiting the iconic blue-domed church, and hiking to the Mirador de la Cruz for a stunning panoramic view of the town and the surrounding canyon. For the more adventurous, a hike to the even more remote village of San Isidro offers further exploration of this rugged landscape. Enjoy the peace and tranquility of this unique location before spending the night in one of the local guesthouses.

After a peaceful morning in Iruya, begin your journey back south towards Salta. Instead of taking the main highway, opt for the scenic Route 9, known as the Camino de Cornisa. This narrow, winding road cuts through the dense, subtropical Yungas forest, offering a stark contrast to the arid landscapes of the Quebrada de Humahuaca. The road is incredibly lush and green, with ferns, mosses, and epiphytes clinging to the trees, and it provides excellent opportunities for birdwatching. The drive is slow and winding, but the scenery is absolutely worth it. Stop at the Dique La Ciénaga or Dique Las Maderas, two picturesque reservoirs surrounded by forest, for a picnic lunch or a short walk. Arrive back in Salta city in the late afternoon. Use this evening to relax, perhaps enjoying a leisurely dinner at a nice restaurant in the city center, or catching up on any sights you may have missed during your first two days. Prepare for the next leg of your journey into the Calchaquí Valleys.

Depart Salta and head southwest into the stunning Calchaquí Valleys. The journey begins on Route 68 before turning onto Route 33, which takes you up the spectacular Cuesta del Obispo (Bishop's Slope). This winding mountain road offers breathtaking views of the lush Valle Encantado (Enchanted Valley) below. At the top of the pass, Piedra del Molino, you'll reach an altitude of 3,348 meters (10,984 feet). From here, the landscape changes dramatically as you enter the Los Cardones National Park, a vast high-altitude desert covered with thousands of giant candelabra cacti (cardones). Drive along the Recta del Tin Tin, a perfectly straight 18-kilometer stretch of road originally built by the Incas. Continue to the charming colonial village of Cachi, characterized by its white adobe houses, cobblestone streets, and the beautiful 18th-century San José Church, which features a roof made of cactus wood. Spend the afternoon exploring the town, visiting the Pio Pablo Díaz Archaeological Museum, and enjoying the relaxed, timeless atmosphere of this high-altitude oasis.

Today, you'll drive one of the most spectacular sections of the legendary Ruta 40, connecting Cachi to Cafayate. This unpaved route winds through the heart of the Calchaquí Valleys, passing through small, historic villages like Seclantás, known for its traditional weavers who make the famous red and black Salta ponchos, and Molinos, home to a beautiful colonial church and the former home of the last royalist governor. The absolute highlight of the day is the Quebrada de las Flechas (Gorge of the Arrows). Here, the landscape transforms into a surreal, lunar-like environment with jagged, arrow-shaped rock formations jutting out of the earth at sharp angles. The bizarre geology and the play of light and shadow make this one of the most unique and photogenic landscapes in Argentina. Take your time driving through the gorge, stopping frequently to explore and take photos. Arrive in Cafayate in the late afternoon, a picturesque town surrounded by vineyards and the center of the region's wine industry.

Cafayate is famous for its high-altitude vineyards and is the undisputed capital of the Torrontés grape, a crisp, aromatic white wine unique to Argentina. Spend the day exploring the town and visiting several of the local bodegas (wineries). Many wineries are located within walking distance or a short bike ride from the town center. Start your day at the Museo de la Vid y el Vino (Museum of the Vine and Wine) to learn about the history and process of winemaking in the region. Then, embark on a tasting tour. Visit historic bodegas like Vasija Secreta or El Esteco, as well as modern, state-of-the-art facilities like Piattelli Vineyards, which offers stunning views of the valley. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at one of the winery restaurants, pairing delicious regional cuisine with excellent local wines. In the afternoon, relax in the town's beautiful main square, browse the artisan shops, and be sure to try the famous wine ice cream (helado de vino) – available in both Torrontés and Malbec flavors – at a local heladería.

Leave Cafayate and begin your journey back to Salta city via Route 68, which takes you through the spectacular Quebrada de las Conchas (Gorge of the Shells). This deep valley is renowned for its incredibly vibrant red rock formations, carved by wind and water over millions of years. The drive is a geological wonderland, with numerous designated stops to admire the unique shapes. Highlights include the Anfiteatro (Amphitheater), a massive natural rock enclosure with incredible acoustics where local musicians often play; the Garganta del Diablo (Devil's Throat), a deep, narrow canyon; and other formations like El Sapo (The Toad), El Obelisco (The Obelisk), and Los Castillos (The Castles). Take your time exploring these natural wonders, as the changing light throughout the day dramatically alters the colors of the rocks. The drive through the gorge is considered one of the most scenic routes in Argentina. Arrive back in Salta city in the late afternoon, completing your epic loop through the Calchaquí Valleys.

After many days of travel and exploration, use your penultimate day to relax and soak in the culture of Salta city at a leisurely pace. Start your morning with a visit to the Güemes Museum, dedicated to General Martín Miguel de Güemes, a local hero of the Argentine War of Independence. The museum uses modern, interactive exhibits to tell the story of his life and the region's history. Afterward, take a stroll through the Parque San Martín, a large green space perfect for a relaxing walk or a paddleboat ride on the lake. For lunch, head to a local parrillada to enjoy a traditional Argentine barbecue, featuring high-quality cuts of meat. In the afternoon, you might choose to do some final souvenir shopping, perhaps picking up a traditional Salta poncho or some local silver jewelry. Enjoy your final evening in Northern Argentina with a farewell dinner at one of Salta's top restaurants, reflecting on the incredible landscapes and experiences of the past two weeks.

Your 14-day adventure in Northern Argentina comes to an end today. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time for a final morning stroll around Plaza 9 de Julio, grabbing a coffee and a medialuna (croissant) at a local café while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of the city one last time. If time permits, visit the San Bernardo Convent, one of the oldest buildings in the city, known for its beautifully carved wooden door. Pack your bags, ensuring you have safely stowed all your souvenirs and memories. Head to the Martín Miguel de Güemes International Airport for your onward journey or flight home. As you leave, you'll carry with you the unforgettable images of colorful mountains, vast salt flats, giant cacti, and the warm hospitality of the people of Salta and Jujuy.