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.

Day Trips from Salta: How to Plan, What to See, and Where to Stay

We’ve given you the three destinations and the broad strokes. Here’s the practical side — how to decide between a guided tour and a self-drive, how to sequence the days, what to eat, and where to sleep.

How to plan your Salta day trips

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 maximise time at viewpoints and often include tastings. You can find well-reviewed options — search Cafayate, Cachi, and Jujuy tours departing from Salta.
• Self-drive gives you stop-when-you-want freedom — which translates to a lot 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

• April–June and September–November: Clear skies, crisp light, and comfortable temperatures — the photographer’s ideal.
• December–March (summer): Lush greens and dramatic cloud build-ups; expect afternoon showers in some valleys.
• July–August (winter): Cold nights, bright days; pack layers and a warm jacket for the 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 over the vineyards.

How many days you need

• 1 day: Choose Cafayate for low-stress colour, or Jujuy + Salinas if you’re craving something lunar.
• 2 days: Pair Cafayate and Jujuy — leave Salinas for day two so you’re not rushing.
• 3 days: Do the full trio — Cachi, Cafayate, and Jujuy + Salinas — with time for leisurely lunches.

Route notes and unmissable stops

Cachi: cacti, open desert and a whitewashed village

The feel: A road movie. Zigzags, vast vistas, and a quiet 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.
• Piedra del Molino: Big-sky lookout; layer up — the wind bites.
• Los Cardones NP: Pullouts among giant cardón cacti; stay on paths, these plants are centuries old.
• Recta de Tin Tin: A 19 km ruler-straight road across high desert — your car’s best glamour shot.
• 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 rough patches after rain.

Cafayate: red gorges, rock formations and Torrontés tastings

The feel: A geology lesson that keeps surprising you — every bend reveals something new.

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. Try an echo.
• El Anfiteatro (The Amphitheatre): Natural acoustics you can feel — musicians often play here.
• Tres Cruces and 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 try wine helado — yes, wine-flavoured ice cream.

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

Jujuy: seven colours, a high pass and the salt flats

The feel: A painter’s palette meets lunar landscape. 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 the best light on the hill.
• Cuesta de Lipán: Serpentine switchbacks to ~4,170 m; use the pullouts for photos and deep breaths.
• Salinas Grandes: 215 km² of salt crust. Hire a local guide at the entrance — they know the surface, will watch your car, and can set up those classic perspective shots.

Altitude notes: You’ll crest 4,000 m+. Walk slowly, hydrate steadily, and hold off on alcohol until you’re back at lower elevation. If you’re altitude-sensitive, speak with your doctor about acetazolamide before the trip.

Timing: 9–11 hours with a lunch stop in Purmamarca or at a roadside comedor near the salt flats.

Which day trip is best?

Sample itineraries

One day out

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

Two days, two flavours

• Day 1 – Cafayate: Red gorges, wine tasting, relaxed driving. Overnight in Salta.
• Day 2 – Jujuy + Salinas: Go early, rest on the way back.

Three days, the full run

• Day 1 – Cachi: Take it slow — museum and plaza time included.
• Day 2 – Cafayate: Amphitheatre exploration; linger at a bodega.
• Day 3 – Jujuy + Salinas: Finish with the salt flats.

Where to stay

For the day trips, Salta city is the natural base. If you’re doing Cafayate as an overnight, there’s one property worth knowing about that’s directly tied to the bodega scene the article describes.

• Legado Mítico Salta Hotel Boutique (Salta city): A 4-star boutique set in a restored 1930s mansion 500 metres from Plaza 9 de Julio. Each of the 11 rooms is named after a mythical Argentine figure — the caudillo, the poet, the sculptor — with private patios or balconies, a library, fireplace and an inner courtyard. Genuinely atmospheric without being overpriced relative to the area. Free breakfast and multilingual staff who know the region well. Confirmed on Booking.com.
• Patios de Cafayate Wine Hotel (Cafayate): Set within the grounds of Bodega El Esteco — the same winery in our photos above — this hotel occupies a finca dating back to 1892. Vineyard views, evening Torrontés welcome drink, a restaurant serving regional cuisine, and a peaceful atmosphere that makes the long drive worth turning into an overnight. The perfect antidote to rushing back to Salta in the dark.

What to pack and prepare

Sun and altitude kit

• High-SPF sunscreen and lip balm
• Wide-brim hat or cap and sunglasses
• Layers — T-shirt, fleece, windproof shell
• Refillable water bottle (hydrate more than you think you need to at altitude)
• Light scarf or buff for dust and sun
• Basic meds — ibuprofen, and your altitude plan if needed

Tech and photo bag

• Phone with offline maps downloaded before you leave Salta
• External battery and cable
• Camera with spare memory card and extra battery
• Microfibre cloth — dust is everywhere on the high roads
• GorillaPod or small tripod for salt-flat perspective shots
• Zip bags for electronics — salt is corrosive, especially at Salinas

Car and road prep

• Full tank before leaving Salta — petrol stations thin out quickly
• Paper copies of your licence, insurance, and rental contract
• Cash for rural markets, roadside snacks, and local guides at Salinas
• Emergency snacks — nuts, fruit, crackers
• Headlamp or torch for late returns
• A bag for rubbish — pack it in, pack it out

What to eat

• Empanadas salteñas: small, juicy, baked; order carne cortada a cuchillo (knife-cut beef) where possible.
• Humitas and tamales: corn-based, steamed in husks; humitas are creamy, tamales can be meatier.
• Locro: thick stew with corn, beans, squash and sometimes chorizo — the right call after a long mountain pass.
• Llama or goat: tender, lean, grilled; common across the northwest.
• Quesillo with cayote jam: fresh cheese with a sweet, stringy squash jam — works as dessert or afternoon snack.
• Torrontés: the floral white wine Cafayate is genuinely famous for.
• Wine helado: a novelty that actually works — Torrontés and Malbec flavours are the classics.

Rural eateries often have a daily menú — simple, cheap, and worth saying yes to.

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 conditions and avoid dirt detours if you’re not experienced on unpaved mountain roads.

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 travellers do fine with a slow pace, steady hydration, and light meals. If you’ve had altitude issues before, talk to your doctor about acetazolamide and plan this day after you’ve had at least a day or two at moderate elevation in Salta.

Is it better to self-drive or take guided tours?

Both work well. Self-driving wins for flexibility and photo stops; tours are better for worry-free days, curated stops, and local context — particularly useful on the high-altitude Jujuy run. Many travellers mix both: tour to Salinas, self-drive to Cafayate and Cachi.

Are the roads paved and safe?

RN68 (to Cafayate) and RN33/RP33 (to Cachi) are paved; expect curves, occasional potholes, and views that tempt you to brake — use the pullouts. The route to Salinas includes major paved highway climbs with guardrails. Avoid driving after dark outside of towns.

Can kids do these day trips?

Yes, with altitude caution on the Jujuy/Salinas day. Pack layers, snacks, and sun protection, plan for frequent stops, and be ready to turn around if someone feels unwell at altitude. Cafayate is the most straightforward (short walks, ice cream), Cachi is mellow, Salinas is magical but highest.

How much time should I plan at Salinas Grandes?

About 60–90 minutes works well: hire a local guide, take your perspective shots, walk gently on the crust, and soak in the silence. The drive up the Cuesta de Lipán and the viewpoints along the way are half the experience.

Do I need to book winery tastings in Cafayate in advance?

For popular bodegas and high season or weekends, reservations are smart. Smaller wineries generally welcome walk-ins for tastings. If you’re self-driving, taste lightly or designate a sober driver — the roads between Cafayate and Salta demand your full attention.

Will my phone have signal on the drives?

Expect patchy coverage in the quebradas, on the high passes, and at the salt flats. Download offline maps for Salta and Jujuy provinces 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 itself. Far fewer toward Cachi and none at Salinas Grandes. Always start with a full tank from Salta and top up in any town you pass through.

What should I wear for a full day out?

Layers: breathable T-shirt, mid-layer fleece, windproof shell, comfortable trousers, sturdy trainers or light hikers, wide-brim hat, and sunglasses. Even in summer, high passes are cold; the sun is intense year-round at these altitudes.

Is cash necessary?

Bring 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 carry fees. Withdraw in Salta before you leave.

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

Regulations change frequently and many protected areas restrict drone use. Winds can be brutal at altitude, and salt is corrosive to equipment. If you want to fly, ask locally first, keep well clear of any wildlife, and be brief and considerate — or simply enjoy the landscape without the overhead view.

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