Full-Day Tour to Salinas Grandes and Purmamarca From Salta

Exploring the breathtaking landscapes of northern Argentina is a must-do for adventurous travelers. This full-day tour from Salta to Salinas Grandes and Purmamarca offers a chance to marvel at the region’s natural wonders, from the expansive salt flats to the vibrant 7-color mountain. With scenic drives, cultural interactions, and stunning vistas, it’s an opportunity to take in the unique beauty of this remarkable destination. However, the long travel times and limited dining options require careful planning for an enjoyable experience.

Key Points

• A full-day tour from Salta to Salinas Grandes and Purmamarca, priced from $34 per person with a maximum group size of 23.
• Key highlights include visiting the picturesque town of Purmamarca, exploring the Salinas Grandes salt flats, and interacting with local artisans.
• Transportation is provided via an air-conditioned vehicle, with pickup within 15 blocks of Plaza 9 de Julio between 7-7:45 AM.
• The tour is not wheelchair accessible, and infants must sit on laps; it is not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with serious medical conditions.
• Based on 98 reviews, the tour has an overall rating of 4.2, with positive feedback on knowledgeable guides and stunning scenery, but some complaints about long driving times and insufficient time at key stops.

Tour Overview and Details

This full-day tour from Salta takes travelers to the stunning Salinas Grandes salt flats and the picturesque town of Purmamarca.

Priced from $34 per person, the 13-hour tour has a maximum group size of 23.

Pickup is within 15 blocks of Plaza 9 de Julio between 7-7:45 AM.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and infants must sit on laps.

It’s not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with serious medical conditions.

The itinerary includes entrance fees to Salinas Grandes.

Lunch isn’t included, but drinks and tips are additional costs.

Travelers should prepare for altitude and motion sickness.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour takes visitors to the picturesque town of Purmamarca, where they’ll marvel at the 7-color mountain.

The itinerary also includes:

A scenic drive along La Cuesta de Lípan, offering breathtaking views of the rugged Andes.

• A scenic drive along La Cuesta de Lípan, offering breathtaking views of the rugged Andes

• Exploration of the vast Salinas Grandes, the iconic salt flats that stretch as far as the eye can see

• Opportunities to interact with local artisans and learn about their traditional crafts

• Chances to capture stunning photographs of the unique landscapes

• Ample time for visitors to explore these destinations at their own pace.

Transportation and Logistics

For transportation, the tour utilizes an air-conditioned vehicle to ferry participants throughout the day’s itinerary.

The pickup details are communicated to travelers the day before the activity.

The tour allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, providing flexibility.

Importantly, the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and infants must sit on laps.

Plus, the tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with serious medical conditions due to the significant driving time and high-altitude destinations.

Traveler Experiences and Reviews

Travelers have shared a range of experiences and reviews for this tour. The tour receives a 4.2 rating based on 98 reviews.

Positive comments praise the tour’s knowledgeable guides, such as Ximena and Leonardo, and the stunning scenery. However, some travelers report issues with language barriers, as guides sometimes have limited English proficiency.

Knowledgeable guides like Ximena and Leonardo showcase the stunning scenery, but language barriers can present challenges for some travelers.

There are also complaints about the long driving times and insufficient time at stops, particularly in Purmamarca.

Recommendations include:

• Prepare for altitude sickness

• Expect a long day with significant travel time

• Bring quick snacks for Purmamarca

• Enjoy the unique cultural and natural attractions

Altitude and Motion Sickness Precautions

Because the tour involves significant elevation changes and driving, it’s crucial for travelers to take precautions against altitude and motion sickness.

The tour takes visitors to high altitudes, which can cause symptoms like headaches, dizziness, and nausea. To mitigate these issues, the guide recommends bringing coca leaves, which are widely used in the region to help with altitude adjustment.

Plus, travelers prone to motion sickness should consider bringing medication or using motion sickness wristbands.

Long Driving Times and Stop Durations

The tour involves significant driving time, with travelers spending a large portion of the day in transit.

This tour requires extensive driving, with travelers spending much of the day in transit.

While the scenery along the way is stunning, some reviewers have noted that the duration at key stops, like Purmamarca, felt rushed:

• Long driving times, up to 13 hours total

• Complaints about insufficient time at stops, especially in Purmamarca

• Recommendations to brace for the extensive travel involved

• Suggestion to bring snacks for the journey, as restaurant service can be slow

• Feedback that the tour packs a lot into one day, leaving limited time to fully explore each location.

Dining and Refreshment Considerations

Lunch is not included in the tour cost, so travelers will need to plan accordingly. Dining options at the various stops may be limited or slow, so it’s wise to pack snacks and beverages. The table below outlines some key considerations for refreshment needs during the tour:

| Location | Dining Options | Recommendations |

|———-|—————-|—————–|

| Purmamarca | Slow restaurant service | Bring quick snacks |

| Salinas Grandes | Limited on-site options | Pack water and light refreshments |

| During Driving | No planned stops | Ensure adequate hydration and snacks |

Travelers should be prepared for the potential altitude and lengthy travel times by staying hydrated and nourished throughout the day.

Stunning Landscapes and Cultural Experiences

Though the tour involves significant driving time, travelers are rewarded with stunning landscapes and unique cultural experiences throughout the day.

The tour highlights include:

• Visiting the otherworldly Salinas Grandes, the vast salt flats that glisten under the sun

• Admiring the striking 7-color mountain in Purmamarca, a picturesque Andean village

• Traversing the dramatic Cuesta de Lípan, a winding mountain road with breathtaking vistas

• Taking in the local culture by interacting with the salt miners in Salinas Grandes

• Exploring the charming streets and artisan markets of Purmamarca, showcasing traditional crafts

These diverse experiences provide a well-rounded taste of the region’s natural splendor and cultural richness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Professional Cameras Allowed on the Tour?

Professional cameras are generally allowed on the tour. However, it’s best to check with the tour operator beforehand, as they may have specific policies regarding the use of cameras and other equipment during the excursion.

Can We Request Stops for Photography Along the Way?

Travelers can request stops for photography along the way, though the tour’s schedule may limit available time. It’s best to communicate any special photography needs with the tour operator in advance to accommodate them when possible.

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t have a strict dress code, but comfortable, layered clothing and sturdy walking shoes are recommended. Dressing in casual, weather-appropriate attire will ensure you’re prepared for the various outdoor activities and environments throughout the day.

Is There Wi-Fi Available in the Vehicles?

The tour provider does not mention if there is Wi-Fi available in the vehicles. Given the long driving times, having access to Wi-Fi could be convenient, but it’s not guaranteed as part of this tour experience.

Can We Purchase Souvenirs at the Salinas Grandes?

Visitors can purchase souvenirs from local vendors at Salinas Grandes. There are stalls selling a variety of handcrafted items, including woven goods, pottery, and salt-related products. Travelers are advised to bring cash for these purchases.