Salta Road Trip and Northwest of Argentina

Salta Road Trip and Northwest of Argentina

Discover the heart of Northwestern Argentina at your own pace with this unforgettable Salta Road Trip. A self-drive journey is the ideal way to explore the region’s valleys, salt flats, and hidden villages. Whether you’re drawn to the rugged beauty of the Puna or the vineyards of the Calchaquí Valleys, we help you design a trip that is uniquely yours. We specialize in providing the insider knowledge and local support you need to explore the Northwest with confidence. Our goal is to act as your expert co-pilots: designing a route tailored to your interests while offering dedicated advice before and during your road trip.

For more curated journeys, visit our Argentina Road Trips page.

If you want more tours in Northern Argentina, check out our Northwest Argentina Holidays. But if you'd like to see all of our tours, visit our Argentina Custom Tours!

  • Personalized Itinerary
  • Local travel experts
Red sandstone rock formations near Cafayate under a stormy skySalinas Grandes PurmamarcaCerro de los 7 ColoresIruya and its white church nestled against steep cliffs in a deep mountain valleyRoute 40 salta ArgentinaPond reflecting autumn trees and mountains in Cafayate, framed by orange leavesGrace cafayateDirt road curving through jagged rock formations under storm clouds in Salta

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Salta

Welcome to Northwestern Argentina! Upon arrival at Salta Airport, you’ll pick up your rental vehicle and begin the short scenic drive to your selected accommodation. Take the rest of the day to settle in and explore the city at your own pace. We recommend visiting the historic MAAM Museum, taking the scenic cable car to Cerro San Bernardo, or admiring the colonial architecture surrounding Plaza 9 de Julio. For a more active afternoon, the nearby Quebrada de San Lorenzo offers peaceful trails through the lush yungas forest.

Salta - Cafayate

Get ready to begin your self-drive journey through the Calchaquí Valleys. Leaving Salta behind, the route takes you into the heart of Quebrada de las Conchas, where millions of years of erosion have sculpted the mountains into surreal red and orange formations. Along the way, admire natural landmarks such as the Amphitheater and the Devil’s Throat before continuing to Cafayate. The day concludes among vineyards with a tasting of the region’s renowned high-altitude wines.

Cafayate - Cachi

Following the legendary Route 40, your journey continues north from Cafayate toward Cachi. The landscape changes dramatically as you enter the Quebrada de las Flechas, a spectacular canyon where sharp rock formations rise toward the sky like a giant stone forest. The drive continues through the heart of the Calchaquí Valleys, passing historic villages and remarkable high-altitude desert scenery. By the end of the day, you’ll arrive in Cachi, a charming colonial town known for its whitewashed adobe buildings, cobblestone streets, and the snow-capped Nevado de Cachi towering in the background.

Cachi

We’ve left this day free for you to fully enjoy the colonial atmosphere and peaceful beauty of Cachi. If you’re looking for a more active experience, we highly recommend the Cuevas de Acsibi trek. This off-road adventure takes you into a hidden canyon of deep red sandstone, revealing a spectacular natural cathedral of rock that remains one of the region’s best-kept secrets.

Cachi - Salta

Leaving Cachi behind, your route crosses Los Cardones National Park, a high-altitude plateau covered with thousands of giant cacti standing like silent sentinels. One of the highlights of the day is the descent along Cuesta del Obispo, a winding mountain road with breathtaking views over the valley below. By evening, you’ll return to Salta for a well-deserved night of rest.

Salta - Purmamarca

It’s time to head to the clouds! Ascend the winding Cuesta de Lipán, climbing above 4,000 meters above sea level before descending into the dazzling white expanse of the Salinas Grandes salt flats. On your way back down, arrive in the magical village of Purmamarca, nestled beneath the iconic Hill of Seven Colors. Spend the remainder of the day browsing the local artisan market or strolling along the vibrant Paseo de los Colorados before enjoying a relaxing evening in the heart of the village.

Purmamarca

Continue your Salta Road Trip through the Quebrada de Humahuaca, a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with ancient multicolored villages and remarkable landscapes. Visit the historic ruins of Tilcara and the colonial church of Uquía before continuing to the vibrant town of Humahuaca. From there, ascend to the breathtaking Serranías del Hornocal, also known as the 14-Colored Mountain, where you’ll witness its jagged rainbow-hued peaks at their most spectacular. After taking in the scenery, return to your accommodation in Purmamarca.

Purmamarca - Salta

When you’re ready to head south, the road leads back toward Salta for one final evening in the region. You’ll spend the night in the peaceful countryside, allowing you to enjoy a relaxing conclusion to your journey away from the bustle of the city center.

Salta OUT

Your Northwestern Argentina road trip comes to an end today. Make your way to the airport to return your rental vehicle before boarding your departing flight.

Where to Stay

Some places where you could stay, from unique premium lodges to classic accommodations.

Let's plan your personalized experience

Beyond BA Latam is a local travel agency based in Argentina that designs personalized tours in Argentina, Chile and Antarctica. We are very proud to work with a knowledgeable team capable to design trips based on your interests and traveling style. We are able to bring you a different and more enjoyable experience.

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My dream was to go to Patagonia. I was planning it for a long time but decided to find someone who could help me with it. I was assigned with Lucila and this is when my dream stared coming true. She was the most attentive, helpful, and caring person. Listened to every concern I had and paid attention to all my wishes regarding how I want this trip to be like. When the itinerary was ready and the trip booked, she made sure everything was going smoothly. While in Argentina, I can't think of anything that went not according to plan. All the trips, pick-ups, activities were perfectly planned and Lucila was always within reach in case I had any questions. Honestly, this trip was a dream come true and the service quality impeccable. Now, I can't imagine planning my next trip to Argentina with anyone else

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Victoria at BA Travel organized the most incredible trip down to the smallest details and connected us to wonderful local guides where needed. She really went the extra mile to make sure everything went smoothly and that is was the kind of trip that I would enjoy. I have traveled all over the world and have used a variety of services and I am so impressed with BA Travel and highly recommend them.

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Enjoyable experience in Patagonia Beyond BA , especially Alvaro, our advisor, did a great job helping plan our itinerary in Patagonia. Alvaro was very responsive and gave us good insights/advices during the planning process. At the onset and everyday we received reminders/updates on our drivers and activities for the next day. The whole trip was arranged smoothly and local operators/guides and drivers were all reliable and helpful. We enjoyed our trip and will definitely use them again if I go back to Argentina.

I suppose that Beyond BA got its name… I suppose that Beyond BA got its name from the fact that its organization of trips is BEYOND any expectations one can imagine. Their professionalism is of the highest standards. Lucila (our contact) followed us from the very beginning throughout our journey with her support and advice. All the reservations, flights, guides were as scheduled. It was amazing. To everyone that wishes to visit Argentina, only one travel agency: Beyond.....

Victoria and the team were Exceptional!!! Every email I sent was promptly answered, bookings and payments made easy with Beyond BA and Victoria's professionalism. Highly recommended to book through Beyond BA. Our tour was to Patagonia for hiking and it was an amazing experience. Great value for money. One of the most organised I've been on. Only having to carry day packs on the hikes was a bonus and the camp grounds were comfortable and an experience in its self. There was 3 of us and Victoria secured us triple rooms when not camping. Can not recommend Beyond BA highly enough and Victoria, thank you

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