Situated in the heart of Argentina’s northwest, the breathtaking landscapes of Jujuy beckon adventurers to embark on an unforgettable exploration. This 8.5-hour tour takes travelers on a journey through the region’s natural wonders, from the dazzling Salinas Grandes salt flats to the charming village of Purmamarca and the scenic Los Colorados trail. Whether you’re marveling at the Seven Colors Hill or enjoying the rich Andean culture, this experience promises to leave a lasting impression. But the real question is, are you ready to uncover the hidden gems of this remarkable destination?
Key Points
- Comprehensive 8.5-hour tour exploring Jujuy’s natural wonders, including Salinas Grandes, Purmamarca village, and Los Colorados trail.
- Visits scenic viewpoints like Seven Colors Hill and offers opportunities to hike and explore the landscapes.
- Allows visitors to immerse in the charming Andean town of Purmamarca, browsing local crafts and enjoying traditional cuisine.
- Hike to Salinas Grandes, the world’s highest salt flats, provides stunning views of blue volcanoes and possible sightings of wildlife.
- Tour includes pickup/drop-off, transportation, and a bilingual guide, but excludes food, drinks, and gratuities.
Overview of the Tour
This tour offers a comprehensive exploration of Jujuy’s natural wonders, showcasing the region’s stunning landscapes and cultural highlights.
Priced at $42 per person, the 8.5-hour adventure takes visitors to the iconic Salinas Grandes salt flats, the vibrant Purmamarca village, and the awe-inspiring Los Colorados trail.
With pickup and drop-off in San Salvador de Jujuy, the tour includes transportation, a bilingual guide, and access to breathtaking viewpoints like the Seven Colors Hill.
Visitors can expect a well-organized itinerary, comfortable transportation, and the opportunity to enjoy the area’s natural beauty and local culture.
Looking for more options in Jujuy? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.
Highlights of the Itinerary
The tour’s itinerary boasts a lineup of captivating highlights, beginning with a visit to the Seven Colors Hill. This scenic viewpoint offers breathtaking vistas of the multicolored mountains.
Next, travelers will explore the charming village of Purmamarca, where they can enjoy the local culture and enjoy a leisurely lunch.
The main event is the hike to the Salinas Grandes, the world’s highest salt flats, at an altitude of 4,150 meters.
The tour concludes with a trek along the Los Colorados Trail, showcasing the region’s striking desert landscapes.
Exploring Salinas Grandes and the Salt Flats
As visitors ascend towards the Salinas Grandes, the sheer vastness of the salt flats comes into view.
At an elevation of 4,150 meters (13,615 feet), the salt plain stretches as far as the eye can see, its brilliant white surface glistening under the sun.
Hikers spend around 45 minutes exploring this unique landscape, taking in the stunning views of the blue volcanoes in the distance.
Along the way, they may spot local wildlife like vicuñas and llamas roaming the arid environment.
The return hike to Purmamarca provides ample opportunity to admire the region’s natural beauty.
Discovering Purmamarca Village
After exploring the vast Salinas Grandes, the tour moves on to the charming village of Purmamarca.
This quaint Andean town is known for its adobe houses, cobblestone streets, and the iconic Seven Colors Hill. Visitors can stroll through the local market, browse artisan crafts, and savor traditional cuisine.
The guide provides time for independent exploration, allowing travelers to enjoy the town’s rich cultural heritage.
Purmamarca offers a glimpse into the daily life of the Andean people, complementing the dramatic landscapes experienced earlier in the day.
More Great Tours NearbyHiking the Los Colorados Trail
From Purmamarca, the tour continues to the Los Colorados Trail, a 30-40 minute hike through the region’s distinctive desert landscapes.
Trekkers ascend the Cuesta del Lipán, Cuesta del Saladillo, and Abra de Potrerillos, spotting local wildlife like vicuñas and llamas along the way.
Trekkers ascend the Cuesta del Lipán, Cuesta del Saladillo, and Abra de Potrerillos, spotting local wildlife like vicuñas and llamas along the way.
They’ll spend around 45 minutes at the top, marveling at the blue volcanoes and sprawling salt plain.
The return hike to Purmamarca allows time to explore the local crafts and culture.
With stunning desert vistas, this moderate hike is a highlight of the Salinas Grandes tour.
Hiking Experiences and Trail Details
The tour’s hiking experiences offer visitors a chance to explore the region’s stunning desert landscapes at high elevations.
Trekkers will ascend the Cuesta del Lipán, Cuesta del Saladillo, and Abra de Potrerillos, taking in views of blue volcanoes and the vast Salinas Grandes salt flat. Along the way, they may spot local wildlife like vicuñas and llamas.
At the top, hikers will spend about 45 minutes enjoying the panoramic vistas before descending back to Purmamarca.
The return hike provides opportunities to browse local crafts and souvenirs in the village.
Tour Inclusions and Exclusions
The tour includes pickup and drop-off from Jujuy, as well as transportation in a bus or minivan.
The tour includes pickup and drop-off from Jujuy, as well as transportation in a bus or minivan.
A bilingual guide, fluent in both Spanish and English, accompanies the group throughout the day.
However, the tour doesn’t cover the cost of:
-
Food and drinks
-
Gratuities
It’s also not suitable for children under 5 years, pregnant women, or individuals with mobility impairments.
Customer Feedback and Ratings
Based on 43 reviews, customers have given this tour an overall rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars.
Guides were praised for their effort and knowledge, scoring 4.5 out of 5. The transportation also received high marks at 4.5 for comfort.
Customers felt the tour offered good value for money, rating it 4.5 out of 5.
While most had positive experiences, some noted language accessibility issues and desired more time flexibility during the tour.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Weather Like During the Tour?
The weather during the tour is typically dry and sunny, with temperatures ranging from mild to cool. Visitors should dress in layers and bring sun protection, as the high elevation can make the conditions quite intense.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?
The tour does not include food and drinks, so you can bring your own. However, there are options to purchase food and drinks during the tour stops in Purmamarca village. Bringing a packed lunch or snacks is allowed.
How Long Is the Drive From Jujuy to the Tour Sites?
The tour itinerary doesn’t specify the exact drive time, but it notes that the pickup location is in San Salvador de Jujuy. Depending on the starting point, the drive to the main attractions like Salinas Grandes and Purmamarca is likely around 1-2 hours each way.
What Are the Bathroom Facilities Like at the Different Locations?
The bathroom facilities at the different locations vary. Purmamarca village has basic public restrooms, while the Salinas Grandes and Los Colorados hiking areas have more limited options. Visitors should be prepared to use basic facilities or find discreet natural areas during the tour.
Is There an Option to Extend or Customize the Tour?
While the tour has a set itinerary, the provider may be able to accommodate requests to extend or customize the experience. Tourists should inquire about any flexibility when booking the tour.
The Sum Up
This Jujuy tour offers a remarkable opportunity to explore the stunning landscapes of northern Argentina. Travelers will marvel at the breathtaking Salinas Grandes, enjoy the charming Purmamarca village, and hike the scenic Los Colorados trail. With comfortable transportation, a knowledgeable guide, and an affordable price, this 8.5-hour adventure is a must-do for anyone seeking to discover the natural beauty and rich cultural heritage of the Andean region.
You can check availability for your dates here: