Salta Three-Day Excursions: Cafayate, Cachi & Salinas Grandes Tour from Salta
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
3 days (12–14 hours per day)
Fitness Level
Suitable for travelers in reasonable condition—able to spend long days on a vehicle with short walks; prepare for high-altitude exertion.
Overview
Three full days from Salta take you through the rust-red canyons of Quebrada de las Conchas, the colonial calm of Cachi and the blinding expanse of Salinas Grandes. Long drives, short walks and big vistas make this a concentrated introduction to northwest Argentina’s landscapes and culture.
Salta Three-Day Excursions: Cafayate, Cachi & Salinas Grandes Tour from Salta
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You meet the van before dawn in Salta's Plaza 9 de Julio, the city still holding its last cool breath. The driver checks names, luggage clinks, and the road curls away from colonial facades into high desert—first toward the red-banded cliffs of Quebrada de las Conchas, then up the slow grades of the Calchaquí Valley and, finally, into the thin-air grandeur of the Salinas Grandes.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Acclimatize before high passes
Spend a day in Salta at moderate pace before the Salinas Grandes section—the route climbs above 4,700 m and mild altitude symptoms are common.
Bring cash for community fees
Small contributions are requested to enter parts of Salinas Grandes and optional sites like the Piletones; carry local currency.
Sun protection is non-negotiable
High-altitude UV is intense—sunglasses, SPF 50, a wide-brim hat, and lip balm will make long photo stops tolerable.
Comfortable, broken-in footwear
Short hikes on rocky viewpoints and saline crusts call for sturdy walking shoes with good grip, not just sandals.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Andean condor
- vicuña
History
The Calchaquí Valley and surrounding high plains were traveled by pre-Columbian peoples and later integrated into colonial trade routes; Cachi retains colonial-era architecture and craft traditions.
Conservation
The salt flats and fragile highland ecosystems are vulnerable to off-road damage and litter; visitors are asked to stay on designated tracks and support local community-managed access fees.
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Adventure Hotspots in Salta
Recommended Gear
Sturdy walking shoes
Grip and foot protection for rocky viewpoints, winery grounds and salt flats.
High-SPF sunscreen & sunglasses
Protects against strong UV at high altitudes and on reflective salt surfaces.
Reusable water bottle with filter or purifier
Staying hydrated is critical, especially on long, dry stretches and at altitude.
Light windproof jacket
Evenings and high passes can be cold and windy—layering keeps you comfortable.
fall specific