Salinas Grandes and Purmamarca Full Day Tour from Salta 1
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Salinas Grandes and Purmamarca Full Day Tour from Salta

(5)
Salta, Argentina
Day Trips & ExcursionsNature ToursArts & Culture
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About this activity

Combine two of Argentina's most striking landscapes in a single full-day expedition from Salta: the pastel-hued colonial village of Purmamarca and the otherworldly Salinas Grandes salt flats at 3,458m elevation. This tour showcases both cultural heritage and dramatic high-altitude geology, with the thrilling Lipan Pass mountain drive as your link between them.

Get an early start to travel to Purmamarca where your guide will show you the highlights of the village before you head to the Lipan Slope (Cuesta de Lipan) and marvel at the engineering that allows vehicles to ascend the steep mountain. 

Once at the Salinas Grandes salt flats, you will have free time to take pictures and enjoy this unique natural environment, where the large extension of white salt contrasts with the blue of the sky.

Highlights

  • ✓Explore Purmamarca's colonial architecture and main plaza surrounded by artisan markets
  • ✓Drive the famous Lipan Pass (Cuesta de Lipan)—a steep, engineered mountain road with panoramic views
  • ✓Walk across vast white salt hexagon formations at Salinas Grandes
  • ✓Unobstructed photography opportunities with dramatic sky-to-salt contrast
  • ✓Learn about traditional salt harvesting methods still used in the region

Insider tips

  • ★Bring sunscreen and sunglasses even in cooler months—the white salt reflects intense UV rays at high altitude
  • ★Arrive early in Purmamarca to browse artisan shops before the main tour group crowds build up
  • ★The salt flats are stunning in both clear and partly cloudy conditions; timing flexibility often beats perfect weather
  • ★Stay hydrated during the day; altitude is significant and dehydration symptoms appear quickly

Good to know

  • •11-hour full day; bring layers—temperatures drop significantly at 3,458m elevation
  • •Comfortable walking shoes recommended for uneven salt flat terrain
  • •Early morning departure from Salta; confirm exact pickup time and location the day before
  • •Tour includes vehicle and guide; lunch and entrance fees not always included—verify with operator
  • •The Lipan Pass is a well-maintained but winding mountain road; those with motion sensitivity may want to sit near the front of the vehicle

Who it's for

Landscape and nature photographers seeking dramatic contrastsAdventure seekers comfortable with high-altitude driving and walkingCultural travellers interested in colonial Argentine villages and indigenous heritageCouples and small groups looking for a full sensory day outside Salta city

Best time to visit

April to October offers the most stable weather and clearest skies; December to February brings summer rains that can affect mountain road conditions. Early morning departures (typical for this tour length) provide the best light for salt flat photography.

Frequently asked questions

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From€62
per person