What's the maximum altitude, and do I need to worry about altitude sickness?

The highest point is Piedra del Molino at 3,348m. Mild altitude sensitivity is possible at this height. If you're sensitive to altitude, arrive in Salta a day or two early to acclimatise, stay hydrated, and move slowly during the tour.

How much free time do I get in Cachi?

You have 2 hours to explore independently. This is enough to walk the main colonial streets, visit the local church, and grab lunch at a small restaurant, but not extensive.

What makes the Recta del Tin Tin special?

It's an 11km perfectly straight mountain road built by the Incas — one of the longest straight stretches in the Andes. It's a remarkable feat of ancient engineering and one of the tour's most memorable stretches.

What should I bring on this tour?

Layers (fleece/jacket), sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, comfortable walking shoes, water, and snacks. Temperatures drop sharply at altitude even on warm days at lower elevations.

Is Los Cardones National Park a hiking experience, or just a drive-through?

It's primarily a scenic drive through the park. You'll see the iconic cardón cacti and high-altitude ecosystem from the bus and during viewpoint stops; it's not an intensive hiking tour.

What time do we return to Salta?

Expect return between 19:00–19:30. Pickup is at 07:00 from within 15 blocks of the agency, so plan for an 11–12 hour day including drive time.

Excursión a Cachi y Parque Nacional Los Cardones 2

Salta, Argentina

Bus Tour

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About this activity

This full-day excursion climbs from Salta's lush Valle de Lerma through dramatic mountain passes to Los Cardones National Park and the colonial village of Cachi, nestled beneath a 6,320m snow-capped peak. You'll traverse 320km of Argentina's most striking high-altitude landscapes, including Inca-built roads and the country's only altitude-specific national park.

Dejando atrás el fértil Valle de Lerma, se asciende por la Quebrada de Escoipe para luego continuar por la imponente Cuesta del Obispo y Valle Encantado, rodeado de montañas. Luego de Piedra del Molino (3.400 m.s.n.m.) se atraviesa el Parque Nacional Los Cardones.

El mágico pueblito de Cachi situado al pie del nevado del mismo nombre de (6.320 m.s.n.m.) se caracteriza por sus fachadas de estilo colonial, con casonas asentadas sobre el borde de calles estrechas y empedradas.

Comienzo de búsqueda 07:00hs (rango de 15 cuadras de la agencia). Recorrido: Valle de Lerma, El Carril, El Maray (parada técnica), Valle Calchaquí, Quebrada de Escoipe, Cuesta del Obispo, Valle Encantado, Piedra del Molino (3348 mts), Recta del Tin Tin (11 km de largo trazada por los Incas), Parque Nacional los Cardones (único Parque Nacional de altura de Argentina), Mirador del Nevado de Cachi (6.380 mts) y 2 horas libres en Cachi. Regreso a Salta entre las 19:00 y 19:30hs. Recorrido total: 320 km. Altura máxima: 3348 mts. Duración: 12 Hs

Highlights

✓Drive the legendary Cuesta del Obispo and Inca-engineered Recta del Tin Tin (11km straight mountain road)
✓Explore Los Cardones National Park — home to towering cardón cacti in otherworldly high-altitude terrain
✓Reach Piedra del Molino viewpoint at 3,348m with panoramic mountain vistas
✓2 hours free time in Cachi to wander colonial cobblestone streets and visit local churches
✓Mirador del Nevado de Cachi — stunning views of the 6,380m snow-peaked mountain

Insider tips

★Bring layers and a jacket — temperature drops significantly above 3,000m; mornings are cold even in summer
★Pack snacks and water; stops are brief and options in Cachi are limited to small local restaurants
★Sit on the left side of the bus for the best views during the ascent through the quebradas

Good to know

•11–12 hour total duration includes 320km of driving; early 07:00 pickup (within 15 blocks of the agency) and return by 19:00–19:30
•Maximum altitude 3,348m — mild altitude sensitivity is possible; acclimatise beforehand if prone to soroche
•Wear comfortable walking shoes for cobblestone exploration in Cachi; sunscreen and sunglasses essential at height

Who it's for

Landscape and mountain enthusiasts seeking dramatic Andean sceneryCulture seekers interested in colonial architecture and mountain villagesPhotographers after high-altitude vistas and unique cardón ecosystemsAdventure travellers comfortable with long driving days and altitude exposure

Best time to visit

May to October (autumn/winter) offers clearest skies and stable mountain conditions. Early morning departure catches the best light on the peaks; avoid rainy season (December–February) when mountain passes can be hazardous.