San Antonio de los Cobres Day Trip from Salta 1
San Antonio de los Cobres Day Trip from Salta 2
San Antonio de los Cobres Day Trip from Salta 3
San Antonio de los Cobres Day Trip from Salta 4
San Antonio de los Cobres Day Trip from Salta
San Antonio de los Cobres Day Trip from Salta
San Antonio de los Cobres Day Trip from Salta 7
San Antonio de los Cobres Day Trip from Salta
Stop at the rural village of Santa Rosa de Tastil
San Antonio de los Cobres Day Trip from Salta
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San Antonio de los Cobres Day Trip from Salta

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Salta, Argentina
Day Trips & ExcursionsCity ToursNature ToursCultural Tours
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About this activity

A 10-hour mountain journey from Salta into the high Andes, combining dramatic gorge scenery, pre-Incan ruins, and a remote mining town with views of an iconic 19th-century railway viaduct. This trip showcases Argentina's geological and cultural contrasts in a single day.

As you climb in elevation during the drive, travel through Quebrada del Toro’s dense greenery and breathtaking gorge dotted with cacti. Cross viaducts and bridges, including Alisal and Chorrillo, and visit the pre-Incan archaeological gem of Santa Rosa de Tastil. 

Explore the quiet mining town of San Antonio de los Cobres, from where you’ll capture views of Polvorilla Viaduct.

Highlights

  • ✓Drive through Quebrada del Toro gorge with towering rock formations and cactus-studded slopes
  • ✓Visit Santa Rosa de Tastil, a pre-Incan archaeological site with preserved structures and artefacts
  • ✓Cross historic colonial-era viaducts including Alisal and Chorrillo bridges
  • ✓Explore San Antonio de los Cobres, a quiet high-altitude mining settlement frozen in time
  • ✓Photograph the Polvorilla Viaduct, a striking 1920s railway engineering landmark

Insider tips

  • ★Bring layers and a windbreaker—temperatures drop significantly as you gain elevation; the town sits at 3,640m above sea level
  • ★Pack snacks and water; facilities in San Antonio de los Cobres are basic, and the drive is long with few stops
  • ★Arrive early in the morning to maximise daylight for photography, especially at Polvorilla Viaduct

Good to know

  • •10-hour excursion includes 4+ hours of driving; expect a full-day commitment
  • •High altitude (3,600m+) may cause mild soroche (altitude sickness); acclimatise in Salta first if possible
  • •Wear sturdy, closed-toe hiking shoes for exploring archaeological sites and uneven terrain
  • •Limited mobile signal and few amenities in the mining town; bring cash as card facilities are scarce

Who it's for

Photography enthusiasts and landscape loversHistory and archaeology buffs interested in pre-Incan sitesAdventure travellers seeking remote, off-the-beaten-path experiencesCultural explorers wanting to understand Andean mining heritage

Best time to visit

Visit May–October for stable weather and clear skies ideal for photography. Avoid December–February (summer rains can affect road conditions). Early morning departures maximise daylight in the gorge and at Polvorilla.

Frequently asked questions

Available
From€501
per person