Argentina has so Much to Showcase

Whist visiting Argentina, I had my bucket list – Buenos Aires, Patagonia and, of course, the wine producing area around Mendoza. However, another completely overlooked region of Argentina and also a very authentic part of Argentina is the northern region.

Not only is the overall landscape incredible here, it is also home to Salinas Grandes, the second largest salt plain in South America. This spectacular natural phenomenon is most definitely worth including in your itinerary and just to make it easy, I have got you covered below.

Consider taking Domestic Flights

The easiest and fastest way to get to this stunning part of Argentina is to fly to Salta. I flew into Salta from the magnificent Iguazú Falls on the border between Brazil and Argentina. You can equally fly from other cities in Argentina and even some Latin American countries, However, the main hub would be from Buenos Aires.

Argentina is such a vast and long country that in order to see as much as you can, domestic flights are very popular. I combined driving with domestic flights in order to cover as much ground as possible.

My 6 Day Itinerary to Salinas Grandes

Day 1 – Arrive in Salta by Domestic Flight from Iguazú Falls, Argentina

I picked up a 4×4 at Salta airport through Hertz. Although regular cars can easily make this particular road trip, I knew that I wanted to go deeper into the salt plains. The 4×4 is more costly but for my purposes it worked very well.

It was easy navigating out of the airport and into the city of Salta. The airport is only about 20 minutes from the city (10km/6 miles) and the driving was straighforward. I’d booked the Alejandro I for 3 nights in order to explore Salta before setting off.

Depending upon your time of arrival, enjoy a stroll around this colonial city or try out one of the suggested eateries below.

Day 2 – Exploring Salta

Salta, known as “La Linda” (The Beautiful), is one of Argentina’s most culturally rich destinations. Its mix of colonial architecture, vibrant culture, and stunning natural landscapes make it popular among travellers.

Key sights include:

• Plaza 9 de Julio – the heart of Salta. Full of colonial architecture, street performers and outdoor cafes and restaurants.
• Salta Cathedral – with its ornate design.
• Cabildo de Salta – this historic town hall houses the Museo Histórico del Norte, showcasing local history and culture.
• Museo de Arqueología de Alta Montaña (MAAM) – famous for its well-preserved Incan mummies discovered on top of the Andes.
• San Bernardo Hill – take the teleférico (cable car) for panoramic views of Salta and its surrounding mountains. You can also hike up (approx 1 hour) if you’re feeling slightly more active.

Fancy a Bite to Eat well I’ve Got You Covered

Try traditional empanadas salteñas at local eateries such as Doña Salta or La Criollita. Alternatively, if you feel like sampling the traditional folklore (peña folklórica) then this is a very popular option in Salta. Whilst you dine, you’ll be entertained by traditional musicians and dancers.

These restaurants get very busy with tourists and locals alike. It would be advisable to book or ask your hotel to reserve a table for you. Good options include Peña La Vieja Estación, Peña Boliche Balderrama,
Peña La Casona del Molino, Peña La Panadería del Chuña .

Day 3 – Salta to Tilcara (200km/124 miles) and 3.5 to 4 hours driving

Take National Route 9 (RN-9) north from Salta.

Highlights en Route

* Quebrada de Humahuaca

This stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site stretches for about 96 miles along the Río Grande and is famous for its breathtaking landscapes, cultural heritage, and historical significance.

The Quebrada was an essential part of the Qhapaq Ñan, the vast Inca road system. During Argentina’s War of Independence, the valley was a key battleground, with towns like Humahuaca playing a strategic role.

The Quebrada is, nowadays, particularly famous for its vibrant, multicoloured hills and unique rock formations caused by millions of years of geological activity.

The valley has been inhabited for over 10,000 years and is still home to indigenous communities who maintain their traditions, crafts, and festivals. Villages like Purmamarca, Tilcara, and Humahuaca have adobe houses, vibrant markets, and colonial-era churches.

Driving on to Tilcara

On this itinerary, I had decided to pass the turning to Salinas Grandes, in order to stay the evening in Tilcara. This meant a 1/2 hour journey that would have to be retraced the following day.

If you would prefer not to do this then you would turn off the Route 9 at Purmamarca and stay in Purmamarca for the evening (see below accommodation options). Pick up on my itinerary again on Day 5.

I, however, had heard that Tilcara was an interesting and vibrant town. It had a bohemian, artsy vibe, with a mix of locals, travellers, and artists creating a lively cultural scene which I thought I’d explore. I probably wouldn’t be coming back to this part of Argentina so it was an easy decision. One I was happy to have made!

Local markets sell handmade crafts, textiles, and pottery, making it an excellent spot to buy authentic souvenirs.

Accommodation for 2 nights

Las Marias Boutique Hotel was a superb find. Upon arrival, you may wonder where you are going but the hotel proved to be a hidden gem. It is easily walkable into the vibrant town which offers a number of great local dining options, cafes and little shops.

Day 4 – Tilcara – Enjoying Local Life

I really liked the feel of Tilcara. Set in the shadows of the Andes, the small community felt a million miles away from regular city life. Its a walkable town with little adobe houses, cobblestone streets, and a laid-back atmosphere.

It’s easy to spend an afternoon wandering through its shops, cafés, and art galleries. Local markets sell handmade crafts, textiles, and pottery, making it an excellent spot to buy authentic souvenirs.

Delicious Andean Cuisine

Additionally, whilst here, you’ll sample the delicious Andean cuisine, a real highlight of Tilcara.

Try Humita (corn-based dish wrapped in corn husks); Tamales (steamed cornmeal filled with meat or vegetables); or Locro (hearty stew).Many restaurants serve these dishes with a modern twist, often accompanied by live folk music.

Day 5 – Tilcara – Salinas Grandes (75km/46 miles) and 1.5 to 2 hours driving

Take National Route 9 (RN-9) back south to the junction with National Route 52 (RN-52) west. Take Route 52 towards Purmamarca and follow to Salinas Grandes.

Set off early after breakfast for this full day’s itinerary.

You will drive through Purmamarca. This is a great stop for refreshments and a quick walk around the famous Hill of Seven Colours (Cerro de los Siete Colores).

Purmamarca, itself, is a picturesque village but its more famous for the vibrant layers of sedimentary rock in hues of red, orange, yellow, and green that frame it. Visit early morning or late afternoon for the best light on the hill.

Furthermore, it’s another great place to experience local Andean culture, browse artisanal markets, and enjoy traditional Argentine cuisine.

The Approach to Salinas Grandes

Driving through Purmamanca, you will soon start ascending the spectacular Cuesta de Lipán, a mountain road with hairpin turns that climbs to 4,170m above sea level. En route, you can stop off at viewpoints for incredible photo opportunities. Abra de Potrerillos is the highest point of the trip and the view over the Andes is just wonderful.

After the climb, the road gently descends into a vast, flat expanse of blindingly white salt flats. There’s a parking area where you can leave your car and explore the flats on foot or you can take your car (with a guide) on to the flats.

See my article on Salinas Grandes under my Destinations index.

Salinas Grandes to San Antonio de los Cobres

After your Salinas Grandes experience, you can head back to Purmamanca on the same Route 52 until you meet the Route 9 junction, where you’ll turn right (southwards) to San Salvador de Jurjuy / Salta. The return journey will take you about 3 1/2-4hrs.

My suggestion, however, given you are on this northern Argentinian road trip adventure is to drive to San Antonio de los Cobres!

Take Route Provincial RP 79 towards San Antonio de los Cobres, and then follow RN 40/RN1V40 to your destination. The journey should take just under 2hrs.

After your long day in the car, you’ll be ready for a rest. That’s good as this remote, high-altitude town is somewhat stark. It is one of the highest settlements in Argentina.

Surrounded by arid desert landscapes, vast plains and rugged mountains, you’ll feel as if you’ve just walked on the set of a western movie.

Accommodation for the night

Hotel de las Nubes is probably your best option as this is not a town that is overflowing with hotels!

Day 6 – San Antonio de los Cobres – Salta – (165km/103 miles) and 2.45 hours driving

The main reason for returning to Salta via San Antonio de los Cobres is to ride on the Tren a las Nubes (Train to the Clouds). This is an iconic railway which traverses breathtaking viaducts and high-altitude terrain, including the famous Polvorilla Viaduct.

This bridge is one of the highest railway bridges in the world and with its narrow tracks it is a stunning feat of engineering. It also offers incredible views and photo opportunities.

The ‘Train to the Clouds’ is a popular tourist attraction. Tourists come for a day trip from Salta by bus to San Antonio de los Cobres to ride on this scenic railway. However, you will just have to go to the train station in town for a 1200 departure. The round trip is about 3hrs.

Following your rail journey, it is now time to hot-foot it back to Salta.

Take RN 51 directly to Salta. Around 2.40 hours

This is a full itinerary with considerable distances covered. However, the diverse landscapes you go through and the adventure it provides is so rewarding. As you transverse through this part of the Andes you will be in awe of the magnificent natural world we live in. Enjoy!