3 Day Trips from Salta, Argentina Filled with Incredible Landscapes!

I’ve only seen a fraction of what Argentina has to offer, but from all the places I have travelled to so far, I believe that the province of Salta (and the surrounding area) is home to some of the most beautiful landscapes in the whole country. This part of Argentina looks as though it was painted by a mad artist looking to break any preconceived notions about the use of colour. I’m talking about hues so rich and so bold that you’ll question whether your eyes are playing tricks on you. If you’re looking to have your mind blown by the colours that can be found in nature, I suggest adding these 3 day trips from Salta to your South America itinerary:

Best Salta Day Trips: Northern Argentina Travel Options

Cachi: Cacti + Lonely Deserts

Cachi is a small city located in the province of Salta and it sits on the northern edge of the Calchaquí Valleys. The place itself feels more like a sleepy town than a city, and it doesn’t boast too much in terms of attractions, however, the beauty of this tour is the journey there.

Reaching Cachi involves zigzagging up La Cuesta del Obispo, whose peak stands at 3,348 meters; driving through Parque Nacional Los Cardones, a national park dotted with giant cacti; and then continuing along La Recta de Tin Tin, a straight stretch of road that looks as though it’s pulling you into the horizon.

The entire trip crosses through various microclimates, which means at the start of the journey you’ll be feeling the humidity as you zip through areas of lush vegetation, but then as you continue your ascent the climate will become drier and the landscape will turn into an arid desert.

Cafayate: Vineyards + Shades of Red

Yes, those colours are real! The tour to Cafayate is one that I have now done twice, and I enjoyed it just as much the second time around.

The road to Cafayate runs through Quebrada de las Conchas, which is a national reserve where the earth is a deep rust colour and where the mountains and rocks take on really distinct shapes. On the drive there you’ll spot The Amphitheatre, The Devil’s Throat, The Priest, Titanic, and many other sites that get their odd names because of their unusual shapes!

Cafayate is also known for its wine, so most tours involve a stop at a winery to sample the famed fruity Torrontés. If that’s not enough, once you reach the town, there’s a little ice cream shop next to the main square where you can sample wine gelato!

Jujuy: Painted Hills + Salt Flats

Jujuy is one of the longest day trips you can take from Salta, Argentina as it involves crossing over into another province, but the views alone are worth the long day.

The journey to Jujuy will take you along El Paseo de los Colorados, which is a 3 kilometre stretch of road that follows the Purmamarca River and brings you to the town by the same name. Purmamarca is known for its handicrafts, but most importantly, for its colourful hill, which bears the name El Cerro de Siete Colores (The Hill of Seven Colours). The hill gets its colours from marine sediments and each layer corresponds to a different time period. You’ll see shades of pink, white, brown, purple, orange, green, and mustard – a true painter’s palette found in nature.

From there you’ll slowly climb up to Altos de Morado, which is the highest point of the trip at 4,170 meters. Once you’ve completed the ascent you are well on your way to Salinas Grandes, a salt flat that is shared by the provinces of Salta and Jujuy. The salt flat extends for 215 square kilometres and sits at 3,400 metres above sea level. If you missed out on the Uyuni Salt Flats in Bolivia, this place is a close second.

Salta Road-Trip Guide: Routes, Tips, Food & Itineraries for an Epic North Argentina Escape

Northern Argentina doesn’t just ask you to visit. It dares you to drive it. Those painterly quebradas, lonely straights lined with cardones (giant cacti), and salt flats that swallow the horizon? Here is our practical guide to the most of your adventure!

How to plan your Salta day trips (without overthinking it)

Choose your wheels (tour vs. self-drive)

• Guided day tours are perfect if you don’t want to worry about mountain passes, one-lane curves, or the occasional herd of goats. They also maximize time at viewpoints and often include tastings.
• Self-drive gives you stop-when-you-want freedom (read: a shameless amount of photo breaks). Roads are mostly paved, signage is straightforward, and the scenery does the rest. Download offline maps before you go.

Best time to go

• Apr–Jun / Sept–Nov: Clear skies, crispy light, and comfortable temps—a photographer’s dream.
• Dec–Mar (summer): Lush greens and dramatic cloud build-ups; expect afternoon showers in some valleys.
• Jul–Aug (winter): Cold nights, bright days; pack layers and a warm jacket for high passes.

Base yourself in Salta (city)

It’s central, atmospheric, and perfect for pre- and post-road trip empanadas. If you’re splitting your time, a night in Cafayate breaks up the return drive and buys you a sunset in the vineyards.

How many days you actually need

• 1 day: Choose Cafayate for low-stress wow or Jujuy + Salinas if you’re craving the moon.
• 2 days: Pair Cafayate + Jujuy (leave Salinas for day two).
• 3 days: Do the full trio—Cachi, Cafayate, and Jujuy + Salinas—with leisurely lunches.

Route notes & unmissable stops

Cachi: cardones, lonely roads & slow-motion villages

The feel: A road movie. Think zigzags, vistas, and a whitewashed pueblo where time loiters.

Classic route: Salta → Cuesta del Obispo → Piedra del Molino (3,348 m lookout) → Parque Nacional Los Cardones → Recta de Tin Tin → Payogasta → Cachi.

Where to pull over:

• Quebrada de Escoipe: Misty green curves to warm up your photography fingers.
• Piedra del Molino: Big-sky lookout; layer up—the wind bites.
• Los Cardones NP: Pullouts among giants; stay on paths, these cacti are elders.
• Recta de Tin Tin: A 19 km ruler-straight road—your car’s glamour shot belongs here.
• Cachi pueblo: Plaza, adobe church, and the Archaeological Museum Pío Pablo Díaz for context.

Lunch ideas: Order locro (hearty Andean stew), humitas (steamed corn parcels), or empanadas salteñas (juicy, cumin-forward and baked).

Timing: Full day, 9–11 hours with stops. Roads are paved but expect some patchy sections after rain.

Cafayate: amphitheatres, red rock cathedrals & Torrontés tastings

The feel: A geology lesson that keeps yelling “turn around!”—every bend reveals a new sculpture.

Classic route: Salta → Quebrada de las Conchas (RN68) → Cafayate → vineyards → back to Salta (or overnight).

Pull-over bingo in the quebrada:

• Garganta del Diablo (Devil’s Throat): A vaulted, vertical chasm. Echo your best operatic note.
• El Anfiteatro (The Amphitheatre): Natural acoustics you can feel—musicians often play here.
• Tres Cruces / Los Castillos: Lookouts for layered reds and castle-like formations.
• El Obelisco, El Fraile, El Sapo: Rocks that look like… exactly that.

In town: Stroll the plaza, sip Torrontés (fragrant, fruity, uniquely local), and chase it with wine helado (yes, ice cream).

Timing: 8–10 hours return with lots of photo stops, or make it a 1-night escape to watch golden hour over vines.

Jujuy: seven colours, high passes & the great white salt

The feel: A painter’s palette meets lunar daydream. High altitude, higher drama.

Classic route: Salta → Purmamarca (Cerro de los Siete Colores) → Cuesta de Lipán (high pass) → Salinas Grandes → return via Purmamarca.

Stops to savour:

• Purmamarca: Wander the artisan market and do the Paseo de los Colorados loop (easy, 45–60 min). Go early for pastel light.
• Cuesta de Lipán: Serpentine switchbacks to ~4,170 m; pullouts for photos (and deep breaths).
• Salinas Grandes: 215 km² of salt crust. Hire a local guide at the entrance—they know the crust, will watch your car, and take those hilarious perspective shots.

Altitude notes: You’ll crest 4,000+ m. Walk slowly, hydrate, and skip alcohol until you’re back low. If you’re sensitive, consider acetazolamide (after chatting with your doctor).

Timing: 9–11 hours with a lunch stop in Purmamarca or roadside at a salt workers’ comedor (basic, hearty).

Which day trip is “best”?

Quick mini-itineraries

One day, low stress & high wow

• Cafayate focus: Leave Salta 8 a.m.; stop at Garganta del Diablo + Amphitheatre; picnic at Tres Cruces; lunch + Torrontés tasting in Cafayate; gelato; back by sunset.
• Or Jujuy focus: Leave 7 a.m.; Purmamarca stroll + Paseo de los Colorados; up Cuesta de Lipán; Salinas Grandes photo fun; late alfajores in Purmamarca; return.

Two days, two flavours

• Day 1 – Cafayate: Red rocks, tastings, relaxed driving. Overnight Salta.
• Day 2 – Jujuy + Salinas: Go early, nap on the way back.

Long weekend trio (my favourite)

• Day 1 – Cachi: Take it slow, museum + plaza time.
• Day 2 – Cafayate: Amphitheatre sing-along; linger at a bodega.
• Day 3 – Jujuy + Salinas: Finish with a salt-flat mic drop.

What to pack & prep

Sun & altitude kit

• ☐ High-SPF sunscreen + lip balm
• ☐ Wide-brim hat / cap + sunglasses
• ☐ Layers (T-shirt, fleece, windproof shell)
• ☐ Refillable water bottle (hydrate, hydrate)
• ☐ Light scarf/buff (dust, sun)
• ☐ Basic meds (ibuprofen, your altitude plan if needed)

Tech & photo bag

• ☐ Phone with offline maps downloaded
• ☐ External battery + cable
• ☐ Camera + spare card + extra battery
• ☐ Microfiber cloth (dust gets everywhere)
• ☐ GorillaPod or mini tripod for salt-flat illusions
• ☐ Zip bags for electronics (salt = corrosive)

Car & road sanity

• ☐ Full tank before leaving Salta (stations thin out)
• ☐ Paper copies of license, insurance, rental contract
• ☐ Cash for rural markets, roadside snacks, guides
• ☐ Emergency snacks (nuts, fruit, crackers)
• ☐ Headlamp/flashlight (late returns happen)
• ☐ Trash bag (pack it in, pack it out)

What to eat (beyond the empanada—though please eat those too)

• Empanadas salteñas: small, juicy, often baked; carne cortada a cuchillo (knife-cut beef) is the move.
• Humitas & tamales: corn-based, steamed in husks; humitas are creamy, tamales can be meatier.
• Locro: hearty stew with corn, beans, squash (and sometimes chorizo)—perfect post-high-pass.
• Llama or goat: tender, lean, grilled; common in the northwest.
• Quesillo + cayote jam: fresh cheese with a sweet, stringy squash jam—dessert or merienda.
• Torrontés: floral white wine, proudly Cafayate.
• Wine helado: novelty that actually hits—Torrontés and Malbec flavours are classics.

Tip: Rural eateries often have a daily menú—simple, cheap, delicious. Ask what’s cooking; say yes.

FAQ: Salta Day Trips

Do I need a 4×4 to visit Cachi, Cafayate or Salinas Grandes?

No. In normal conditions, a standard sedan is fine for all three classic routes. After heavy rain some stretches may be rough—ask your hotel or rental company about current road conditions and avoid dirt detours if you’re not experienced.

How serious is the altitude on the Jujuy + Salinas day?

You’ll crest ~4,170 m on Cuesta de Lipán and spend time around 3,400 m on the flats. Most travelers do fine with a slow pace, hydration, and light meals. If you’ve had issues before, talk to your doctor about acetazolamide and plan this day after you’ve spent at least a day or two at moderate elevation (like Salta).

Is it better to self-drive or take tours?

Both work beautifully. Self-driving wins for flexibility and photo stops; tours shine for worry-free days, curated stops, and local storytelling (especially helpful on high-altitude days). Many travelers mix both: tour to Salinas, drive to Cafayate/Cachi.

Are the roads paved and safe?

RN68 (to Cafayate) and RN33/RP33 (to Cachi) are paved; expect curves, occasional potholes, and jaw-dropping vistas that tempt you to brake—use pullouts. The route to Salinas includes major paved highway climbs with guardrails. Avoid night driving outside towns.

Can kids do these day trips?

Yes, with altitude caution on the Jujuy/Salinas day. Pack layers, snacks, and sun protection, plan frequent stops, and be ready to pivot if someone feels unwell. Cafayate is the most kid-friendly (short walks, ice cream), Cachi is mellow, Salinas is magical but higher.

How much time should I plan at Salinas Grandes?

About 60–90 minutes is perfect: hire a guide, snap your perspective shots, walk gently on the crust, and soak in the silence. The drive itself (and the high-pass views) are half the fun.

Do I need to book winery tastings in Cafayate?

For big-name bodegas and high season/weekends, reservations are smart. Many smaller wineries welcome walk-ins for tastings. If you’re self-driving, taste lightly or designate a sober driver—roads demand your full attention.

Will my phone have signal on the drives?

Expect patchy coverage in the quebradas, high passes, and salt flats. Download offline maps for Salta Province and Jujuy before leaving, and share your route with someone at your hotel.

Are there petrol stations on the way?

Yes on RN68 (to Cafayate) and in towns like Alemania, La Viña, and Cafayate. Far fewer toward Cachi and none at Salinas Grandes. Always start with a full tank and top up in towns.

What should I wear for a full day out?

Think layers: breathable T-shirt, mid-layer fleece, windproof shell, comfortable pants, sturdy sneakers or light hikers, wide-brim hat, sunglasses. Even in summer, high passes can be chilly; the sun is fierce year-round.

Is cash necessary?

Bring cash (small bills) for rural markets, roadside snacks, parking, and local guides at Salinas. Many cafés and wineries take cards, but ATMs can be scarce or charge fees. Withdraw in Salta before you go.

Can I fly a drone at the salt flats or in the quebradas?

Regulations change and many protected areas restrict drone use. Even where allowed, winds can be brutal and salt is corrosive. If you choose to fly, ask locally, avoid crowds and wildlife, and keep it brief and respectful—or skip it and enjoy the serenity.

Have you travelled in Northern Argentina?
What were some of the highlights?