Cafayate, Hornocal y Salinas: Senderos Andinos 1

Cafayate, Hornocal y Salinas: Senderos Andinos

Salta, Argentina
Day Trips & Excursions
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About this activity

A three-day journey through Argentina's northwestern highlands, combining dramatic canyon landscapes, colonial mountain villages, and otherworldly salt flats. This circuit showcases the diverse geology and cultural heritage of Salta and Jujuy provinces in a single immersive experience.

Este viaje de tres días te invita a descubrir lo mejor del norte argentino. El primer día recorrerás la espectacular Quebrada de las Conchas hasta llegar a Cafayate, tierra del sol, el vino y los viñedos, rodeada de formaciones naturales como La Garganta del Diablo y El Anfiteatro. El segundo día explorarás la Quebrada de Humahuaca en Jujuy, visitando pueblos emblemáticos como Purmamarca, Tilcara y Humahuaca, además de ascender en 4x4 al imponente Cerro de 14 Colores (Hornocal). Finalmente, el tercer día te llevará a las Salinas Grandes, un inmenso desierto blanco de sal, con paradas en Purmamarca y su famoso Cerro de los Siete Colores. Un recorrido ideal para quienes buscan combinar naturaleza, cultura y los paisajes más asombrosos del noroeste argentino.

Highlights

  • ✓Drive through Quebrada de las Conchas to Cafayate wine region with iconic rock formations (Garganta del Diablo, Anfiteatro)
  • ✓4x4 ascent to Hornocal (Cerro de 14 Colores)—a multi-hued mountain with panoramic Andean views
  • ✓Explore UNESCO-listed Quebrada de Humahuaca: colonial towns of Purmamarca, Tilcara, and Humahuaca
  • ✓Cross the vast Salinas Grandes salt flat—blindingly white desert landscape at high altitude
  • ✓Visit Purmamarca's Cerro de los Siete Colores (Hill of Seven Colors) and local craft markets

Insider tips

  • ★Book the 4x4 portion early—vehicle space is limited and weather can affect high-altitude access to Hornocal
  • ★Bring high SPF sunscreen and sunglasses; the salt flats reflect intense UV radiation and the altitude (3,500+ m) intensifies sun exposure
  • ★Stay hydrated and eat light meals at altitude to minimize soroche (altitude sickness); avoid alcohol on day two
  • ★Visit wine bodegas in Cafayate during morning hours before afternoon heat; many close by 4 PM

Good to know

  • •Wear layers and bring a windproof jacket—temperatures drop sharply at high elevations, especially in early morning and evening
  • •High-altitude terrain (Hornocal and Salinas Grandes reach 3,500–4,000 m): not recommended for those with severe altitude sensitivity or respiratory conditions
  • •Most meals included; vegetarian/dietary requirements should be noted at booking
  • •Road conditions are unpaved in parts; expect bumpy 4x4 sections and 2–3 hour stretches between stops
  • •Confirm pickup location and time with supplier 24 hours before departure

Who it's for

Adventure and nature photographers seeking dramatic landscapes and geological diversityCultural explorers interested in indigenous heritage and colonial Andean villagesActive travelers comfortable with high altitude and unpaved terrainWine enthusiasts wanting to combine viticulture with mountain trekking

Best time to visit

April to October offers stable weather, clear skies, and comfortable daytime temperatures (15–25°C); avoid December–February (summer rain season in the highlands). Early morning starts maximize photography light and minimize afternoon cloud cover at high-altitude viewpoints.

Frequently asked questions

Available
From€101
per person