Jujuy & Salta: Hiking & Comfort

After breakfast, we’ll go on a scenic drive through the Calchaquí Valleys, reaching altitudes of up to 3,400 meters (11,155 feet) as we ascend Cuesta del Obispo. The views of Los Cardones National Park and the mountain pass’s expansive cactus-studded landscapes will mark us the contrasts with the valley left behind.  We’ll descend then to Cachi  (2500 mts.), a charming high-altitude village  in the Calchaquí Valleys. After visiting this ancient village, we’ll head to to the small village of Molinos (approx. 1:30 hs), where we’ll spend the night.

We’ll continue our Salta hiking tour by visiting the Acsibi caves.

The Acsibi Caves is a moderate trek (4-5 hours), guided adventure through stunning red rock canyons and narrow passages. Known for its surreal landscape, this area features vivid ochre and crimson cliffs and a series of sandstone arches and caves, formed by millennia of erosion. It’s a secluded trek offering an intimate encounter with Argentina’s natural wonders.

Trek Details: 4–4.5 hours / 8 kilometers approx. (5 miles) / Atitude: Starts around 2,280 meters (7,480 feet) in Cachi and reaches slightly higher terrain within the canyon.

Afternoon to relax by some of the vineyards around Molinos, and overnight in the village.

Today we’ll have another scenic drive through the Calchaqui Valley. This time we’ll head to Cafayate via Quebrada de las Flechas, where jagged, arrow-shaped rock formations rise from the desert landscape.  Approx. 3 hours.

Cafayate is the wine capital of Northern Argentina, and the idea is to relax at a wine lodge.

Unwind with a sunset wine tasting and brunch at a local vineyard, known for its fine Torrontés wines.

Our Salta hiking tour continues through Quebrada de las Conchas.

We’ll begin with a scenic drive through the Quebrada de las Conchas, until reaching a geological formation called La Yesera.

In La Yesera, we’ll embark on a guided trek (4 hours approx) through multicolored hills and layers of rock, where hues of red, yellow, and purple create an almost surreal landscape. La Yesera offers ample opportunities for photography, with awe-inspiring views over ancient rock formations that showcase the region’s unique geology.

Afterward, we’ll continue to Salta city (approx 3 hours), where we’ll stay this night.

After breakfast, we’ll enjoy driving up to the Salinas Grandes salt flats, reaching an altitude of 3,450 meters (11,320 feet), where the vast white salt plains stretch as far as the eye can see. Then, we’ll head to Purmamarca to explore the Hill of Seven Colors and the charming, Andean village atmosphere.

We’ll take the road that runs through the Puna (Altiplano) passing by San Antonio de los Cobres and other high-altitude sites.  This takes a full day. On the contrary, if you’d like a less-altitude road trip, there is a faster route (4 hours) to take.

Overnight in Purmamarca.

Today we’ll combine a scenic excursion in Humahuaca’s Gorge with a short hike, and a visit to the Hornocal Hill.

As we enter the UNESCO-listed Quebrada de Humahuaca, we’ll pause to enjoy a 3-hour trek (5 km, estimated altitude 2900 meters above the sea level) in the striking red canyons of Uquía, known as “Paseo de las Señoritas”. This trek is a gentle journey through rock formations and offers views over vibrant geological structures, ending with breathtaking vistas over the valley.

Afterward, we’ll visit the Serranías del Hornocal to witness the multicolored “Hill of Fourteen Colors” at over 4,300 meters (14,110 feet).

Return to Purmamarca and overnight.

Today we’ll venture to Iruya, a scenic town nestled among towering peaks at around 2,780 meters (9,120 feet). After exploring the village, we’ll embark on a short trek to San Isidro de Iruya, a quaint settlement reachable only on foot, with narrow, cobbled paths leading through dramatic Andean landscapes.

Overnight in Iruya

At an agreed upon time, we’ll head back to Purmamarca, and rest of the day to enjoy at leisure. If you’re on the mood, walk along the trail “Los Colorados”, which is a short circuit in the surroundings of the village.

Enjoy the views!

Overnight in Purmamarca

On the previous days, we have witnessed 3 out of the 4 eco-regions of Northwestern Argentina: Gorges (Quebradas), Valleys, and the Puna (Altiplano / High Plateau).

Today, we’ll head to the “Yungas” (Jungle), which is the fourth eco-region of the Northwest, and probably the least touristic of them.

Our destination will be the village “San Francisco”, in the province of Jujuy, about 4-5 hours from Purmamarca.

Overnight in San Francisco.

Today, we can enjoy some of the experiences in the surroundings of San Francisco, which could be:

• Jordán River Hot Springs: a remote, hidden oasis in the middle of the Yungas, surrounded by steep, rocky cliffs. Relax in natural hot spring pools nestled in the valley, an ideal spot to unwind after your days of exploration.
• Fuente del Jaguar, Tapir and de Los Loros fall: these are natural pools surrounded by the lush vegetation of the Yungas.
• Calilegua National Park.

Overnight in Purmamarca

At an agreed upon time, we’ll return in a private transfer to the city of Salta (approx 4 hours). Depending on the schedule, we can organize activities either in the Yungas or in the area of Salta city.

Overnight in Salta.

Private transfer to the airport, and end of this epic journey to Northern Argentina.

If you liked this tour, you may also like the following circuits:

Tours in Salta and Northern Argentina

Tour to the Puna Argentina (Altiplano) 

Salta Roadtrip

Patagonia Hiking Tours

Patagonia Tours

Patagonia Road Trips

Argentina Tours