Adventure in the Great Salt Flats in the White Desert





Description
Salinas Grandes & Purmamarca: A journey to the heart of the white desert Explore the surreal beauty of the Salinas Grandes, the vast salt desert in Jujuy, on this full-day tour. Accompanied by an expert local guide, you will discover stunning landscapes and the cultural importance of salt mining for Andean communities. The trip is a constant visual adventure: marvel at the 7 Colors Hill in Purmamarca, walk the meandering ascent of the Lipan Hill to 4,170 meters above sea level and walk on the endless white salt crust. Along the way, get ready to capture amazing photos of llamas and vicuñas in their natural habitat. This includes: Daily departures : 7 : 00 AM (Duration : 12 hs). Comfort : Door-to-door pickup at your accommodation. Experience : Professional guide in local history and traditions. Nature : Wildlife sighting and the best panoramic points.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Salinas Grandes : A Surreal Landscape in Jujuy, Argentina Discover Salinas Grandes, a vast white desert of over 200 km2 in Jujuy, Argentina, known as the “White Sea” of South America. This ethereal landscape, formed by salt crystals, creates unique optical illusions in the sunlight and offers an almost mystical experience. The tour includes the ascent of Lipan Hill and a stop in Purmamarca to admire the iconic Cerro de los Siete Colores. With door-to-door service and local guide, you can walk on salt, capture stunning photos and get to know the artisanal extraction process, a vital part of the economy and tradition of indigenous communities. During the journey, it is common to spot flames and vicuñas, while enjoying constant changes of light that transform the environment. More than a tourist destination, Salinas Grandes is a cultural and natural treasure that invites you to connect with the greatness of the Andean world.
Experience the spectacular beauty of the Cuesta de Lipán, one of the most emblematic and scenic mountain passes in Argentina. This legendary stretch of National Route 52 is a true engineering masterpiece. Through a series of winding curves, the route ascends from the colorful village of Purmamarca (2,100 meters above sea level) to the impressive heights of the Abra de los Potrerillos (4,170 meters above sea level). As you climb over 2,000 metersl, you will witness an amazing transformation of the landscape: from the intense reds of the Quebrada de Humahuaca to the vast high desert of the Puna. This fully paved route is the gateway to the famous Salinas Grandes and offers panoramic viewpoints that are the dream of any photographer. Although the path is smooth, the altitude makes the journey an exciting and unique experience. It’s not just a road; it’s a front row seat to admire the rawest and most majestic geography of Northern Argentina.
A natural masterpiece in Purmamarca Witness the vibrant soul of northwest Argentina at the Cerro de los Siete Colores. Rising majestically behind the ancient village of Purmamarca, the Hill of the Seven Colors is a geological wonder that looks more like a painting than a landscape. Formed over 600 million years of mineral sedimentation, its spectacular layers of terracotta, turquoise, violet and gold create an astonishing contrast against the deep blue of the Andean sky. This iconic landmark is the heart of the UNESCO-listed Humahuaca Gorge. Whether you’re strolling through the town’s artisan market or walking the Los Colorados Trail — a gentle 3-kilometer path that surrounds the mountain — you’ll find breathtaking perspectives in every corner.
Trail Los Colorados : A journey through Martian landscapes Enter a world of deep reds and towering rock formations on the Paseo de los Colorados. Located just a few minutes walk from the center of Purmamarca, this 3-kilometer circuit is one of the most accessible and visually stunning hikes in Northern Argentina. The trail winds behind the famous Seven Colors Hill, taking you through a hidden valley of crimson cliffs, natural monoliths and a dramatic desert landscape that will make you feel like you are on another planet. Unlike the steep climbs typical of the Andes, Los Colorados is a smooth and mostly flat road, making it perfect for travelers of all physical conditions. As you walk, you will discover unique perspectives of the geological layers and the silent beauty of the Puna ecosystem, all under the shadow of the majestic mountain peaks.
Travel back in time in Purmamarca, where ancient traditions and natural beauty meet. At the foot of the Cerro de los Siete Colores, this "Historic Village" of dirt streets and adobe houses is the jewel of the Quebrada de Humahuaca, a UNESCO Heritage Site. Beyond the landscape, it is a cultural center. Its artisan market offers textiles, ceramics and silver jewelry. Whether enjoying a patty on a rock or soaking up the silence of the mountains, Purmamarca offers an atmosphere of magic that will accompany you forever.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
Passengers are picked up as long as they are in the 20 (twenty) block area around the agency, starting from homemade street 468 As long as they are within a 20 - block area around the agency, starting from Caseros Street 468
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(8)
This tour has the appeal for anyone who likes cultural history and adventure. My fiancé and I enjoyed every single moment of the tour. The breathtaking views are stunning and very unique.
Very good experience, we went in February 2026. We visited Salinas and Purmamarca. The guide Jorge and the driver Pedro were very good and are super recommended!
Excellent!!! We went with Pablo had a lot of fun and learned a lot more!! The seller Cesar also excellent and we advise places to buy and eat super rich!!! Thank you.
Beautiful experience, beautiful scenery, Pablo, a super coordinator, made the trip very fun and above all gave us recommendations for height in addition to a lot of very interesting info. I don't want to forget Ezekiel, a superdriver who returned us to the hotel in time and safely. We had a nice day.
Beautiful experience! The guide Pablo was great, he took care of us with the tips for height.
Excellent the tourist guide of Pablito put the 10 recommended!!!
We did the Hornacal. Very good tour, and stop times. I play us as a guide Paul, and the truth is that excellent, you know, communicates it in a very pleasant way, and makes the trip really entertaining. Driver Emanuel was extremely correct in his handling, being that we had a busy day on the road. Thank you very much for all the excursions, everything well organized. Impeccable in every way. Very well the guides and the drivers who touch us on the previous three excursions.
Amazing experience in the Salinas Grandes, very photographable, recommend destination and equipment of Destino Salta.



