How long is the actual walking involved?

The itinerary includes walking sections at multiple stops—village exploration in Purmamarca and Yala, the Cuesta de Lipán pass, and time spent at Salinas Grandes—but it's not a continuous trek. The 8-hour total includes 2–3 hours of scenic driving. Expect moderate walking on relatively gentle terrain; exact difficulty depends on individual fitness.

Is 4,170 metres altitude a serious concern?

At this elevation, some travellers experience mild altitude effects (headache, shortness of breath). Starting early allows gradual acclimatisation. Drink water, avoid alcohol, and take it easy on arrival. Those with pre-existing respiratory or heart conditions should consult a doctor beforehand.

What's included in the price?

Round-trip transfers from San Salvador de Jujuy (9am) or Purmamarca (10:30am), guided touring, and lunch with regional cuisine are standard. Confirm exact inclusions (e.g. beverages, entrance fees to specific sites) with the supplier when booking.

Can I join from Purmamarca instead of Jujuy?

Yes—pickups begin at 10:30am from Purmamarca. This saves travel time if you're already in that town but reduces total exploration time slightly.

Windproof and insulated layers, sunscreen (SPF 50+), a hat, sunglasses, comfortable walking shoes with grip, plenty of water, and any personal altitude remedies. The high desert is cold and exposed with intense UV; even on warm days at lower elevations, peaks are freezing.

Is lunch vegetarian or can it be adapted?

Lunch emphasises traditional regional dishes with llama meat. Inform the operator of dietary requirements at booking to arrange alternatives; vegetarian and vegan options are becoming more common in Purmamarca but should be confirmed in advance.

Jujuy: Salinas Grandes and Purmamarca

San Salvador de Jujuy, Argentina

Day Trips & Excursions

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About this activity

An 8-hour full-day excursion from San Salvador de Jujuy that combines high-altitude exploration of Salinas Grandes—Argentina's most visited salt flat at 4,170 metres—with scenic stops through charming Andean villages and the iconic Hill of the 7 Colours in Purmamarca. This journey showcases the dramatic landscapes of the Argentine Puna, from colonial mountain towns to vast white salt pans.

A high altitude walk that takes us to see the most visited salt flat in the North of Argentina, passing through the most picturesque towns in the area. Delight your adventurous spirit with the most striking landscapes of the Argentine Puna. Duration: 8 hours Round trip transfers from Jujuy or Purmamarca. Maximum height 4170 masl. Passengers from 3 years old. Search by S.S. from Jujuy from 9am. Search for Purmamarca starting at 10:30am.

We will travel to the Salinas Grandes, a territory shared between Salta and Jujuy; the best way is through the province of Jujuy. In this way, you will be able to enjoy the best landscapes at their best, where you will take incredible postcards! We will leave from the city of San Salvador, taking the RN 34 road in the province of Jujuy where we will have the opportunity to see a little piece of the Quebrada de Humahuaca, we will visit picturesque towns such as Yala, Volcán, Purmamarca where we will find the majestic Hill of the 7 Colors; we enter the incredible Cuesta de Lipán, where we will take 4,170 meters above sea level and we will be able to appreciate its spectacular flora and fauna; We arrive at the Salinas Grandes, where we can appreciate all its magnitude and take the most beautiful and creative selfies. We return to the town of Purmamarca, where you can have lunch with the best regional dishes where llama meat predominates and also get to know the acclaimed town of Purmamarca, with its picturesque and rustic streets, with uphill paths. The guide will invite you to take a walk with him to see Paseo Los Colorados. After this, the way back is undertaken. During the tour there are stops to walk and take pictures!

*In case of leaving from Purmamarca, they will not visit the stops between the city of Jujuy and that point.

Highlights

✓Salinas Grandes salt flat at 4,170m with sweeping panoramic vistas
✓Hill of the 7 Colours (Cerro de los 7 Colores) in Purmamarca
✓Cuesta de Lipán mountain pass with rare Puna flora and fauna
✓Picturesque villages: Yala, Volcán, and Purmamarca's rustic colonial streets
✓Quebrada de Humahuaca UNESCO World Heritage landscape
✓Regional cuisine lunch featuring traditional llama dishes

Insider tips

★Book early pickups (9am from Jujuy or 10:30am from Purmamarca) to maximise daylight hours at high altitude
★Bring layers and windproof jackets—altitudes above 4,000m are cold and exposed, even in summer
★Visit Purmamarca's artisan market in the main plaza before or after lunch for authentic local crafts and llama textiles
★The Salinas Grandes reflects like a mirror after rainfall; timing around seasons can offer dramatically different photo opportunities

Good to know

•Children from 3 years old are welcome; parents should monitor younger children for altitude effects
•Includes round-trip transfers from either San Salvador de Jujuy or Purmamarca
•Comfortable walking shoes essential for uneven terrain at high altitude; bring sun protection (SPF 50+), water, and snacks beyond provided meals
•Allow time to acclimatise at high elevation; not recommended for those with serious altitude sensitivity or recent heart/lung conditions

Who it's for

Adventure and landscape photographers seeking dramatic high-altitude sceneryFamilies with school-age children (3+) interested in accessible trekking and cultural villagesNature enthusiasts keen on unique ecosystems (Puna flora/fauna) and geological featuresTravellers based in Jujuy wanting a structured full-day cultural and natural immersion

Best time to visit

May to September (autumn/winter) offers clearest skies and stable weather for high-altitude travel, though mornings can be crisp. December to February (summer) brings occasional afternoon rain but dramatic cloud formations over the salt flats; avoid midday glare by starting early.