A wide expanse of cracked, dry earth under a vibrant blue sky with scattered clouds, surrounded by distant mountains. The scene depicts an arid desert landscape reminiscent of the striking vistas near Cafayate in Salta.

The Northern Express: Salta, Cafayate & Purmamarca

*Example by 4 travelers in 4★ accommodation, low season. Flights priced separately. Get a quote for 1 to 99+ below

Summary - The Northern Express: Salta, Cafayate & Purmamarca

Northern Argentina Tour Extension

Visit Salta, Cafayate, Humahuaca & Purmamarca on this “Northern Express” Northwest Argentina Tour. Go wine tasting in Cafayate, known for its delicious Torrontes wines, and admire the vibrant colors of the deserts of Jujuy and the Quebrada de Humahuaca, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2003. Spend the night in the tranquil town of Humahuaca at the foot of the Hill of Seven Colors. The landscape here is spectacularly rich in reds, browns, purples – well, at least seven colors! Click for Salta Tours and more!

Note: This is a tour extension, combine this tour with one of our full package tours.

Highlights

  • Salta
  • Cafayate
  • Purmamarca
  • Hill of Seven Colors
  • Quebrada de Humahuaca

Included

  • 5-Nights accommodations
  • All breakfasts
  • All tours, transfers, entrance fees, and excursions
  • English-speaking guides

Sample Itinerary

A large, historic church with two bell towers and arched windows stands in an empty plaza lined with trees under a cloudy Salta sky at dusk.
Day 1

Arrive in Salta, one of the most important cities in the Argentine northwest region. Meet your guide and take a half-day city tour. Absorb a panoramic view of the city from the top of the San Bernardo Hill. Descend to Belgrano Square and gain some local knowledge of key cultural monuments such as the Cathedral, the Historic Museum of the North and the Town Hall. Search for a bargain and chat to vendors at the artisan market and purchase local Andean handicrafts for family and friends back home.

Towering red rock formations rise dramatically against a bright blue sky near Cafayate, with a sparse layer of green vegetation at the base and distant mountains on Salta’s scenic Wine Route in the background.
Day 2

Discover historical landmarks and manicured vineyards in the Cafayate region of northwestern Argentina. Travel 189km from Cafayate to Salta, passing by Cerrillos, La Merced and other small, rural villages along the way. Admire the ravines Las Conchas and Los Médanos, stop at Alemania to see the last station of the Belgrano Railway and visit Guachipas and its wall-painted caves. Once in Cafayate, visit a winery and take a wine-tasting tour before returning to Salta in the late afternoon.

Rooftop pool area with white lounge chairs and a small table, overlooking a Salta cityscape with mountains in the background under a clear blue sky. Rolled towels and a drink are placed on the table and chairs.
Day 3

Head north of Salta to visit the striking Salinas Grandes between Salta and Jujuy provinces. These extensive salt flats seem like a blinding white desert stretching for miles. Enjoy a guided tour to learn about this fascinating natural phenomenon and then transfer to Purmamarca and check-in at your hotel.

Colorful, jagged mountains in Argentina’s Land of Contrast reveal layers of red, pink, white, and beige rock formations under a clear blue sky, creating a striking and vibrant landscape.
Day 4

Awake in peaceful Purmamarca which lies at the foot of the renowned Hill of Seven Colors in the Quebrada de Humahuaca, a colorful valley of ravines and ringed by mountains. Purmamarca is known as the “red heart of the Quebrada de Humahuaca.” Explore this picturesque area, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2003. Visit the ancient Pucara fortress in the nearby town of Tilcara and learn about the Tilcara civilization that once inhabited the region. Return to your hotel in Purmamarca.

Cracked dry land stretches across a barren landscape under a vibrant blue sky with wispy clouds, distant mountains on the horizon, evoking the arid beauty of Cafayate and Purmamarca in Salta.
Day 5

Take in the last views of the rainbow-colored Hill and the city of Purmarmarca, and take a transfer back to Salta. Check into your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.

Close-up view of the front section of a white airplane on an airport tarmac in Argentina, the Land of Contrast, showing its cockpit windows, nose, one engine, and landing gear.
Day 6

Enjoy your final few moments in the Salta and Cafayate regions. After breakfast, your guide will escort you to the Salta airport for your flight home or onto your next destination.

The Northern Express: Salta, Cafayate & Purmamarca
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Becky & Larry Motchenbaugh

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Marion Forgie

"We had a great time and felt like we really saw so much. We found the people without exception very nice and helpful. The guides were outstanding, and again so helpful...."
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Rachel Heise

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Estimated Tour Price Without Flights

Prices vary according to several factors including: season, number of people traveling, shared vs private excursions, when you book and rooming arrangements. These are from prices based on low season.

We can customize anything for any time of year! Contact us for an exact quote for your trip.

⭐⭐ - ⭐⭐⭐
Budget
From US
$1515
Per Person
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Basic
From US
$1774
Per Person
⭐⭐⭐⭐➕
Superior 👍
From US
$2292
Per Person
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Deluxe
From US
$2600
Per Person

*Budget generally includes excursions in group, Superior & Deluxe private excursions, & Basic is a best mix (varies by itinerary & excurion)

Note: ALL itineraries are 100% customizable to create your perfect trip!

⭐⭐ - ⭐⭐⭐
Budget
From US
$1491
Per Person
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Basic
From US
$1799
Per Person
⭐⭐⭐⭐➕
Superior 👍
From US
$2513
Per Person
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Deluxe
From US
$2816
Per Person

*Budget generally includes excursions in group, Superior & Deluxe private excursions, & Basic is a best mix (varies by itinerary & excurion)

Note: ALL itineraries are 100% customizable to create your perfect trip!

⭐⭐ - ⭐⭐⭐
Budget
From US
$1226
Per Person
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Basic
From US
$1473
Per Person
⭐⭐⭐⭐➕
Superior 👍
From US
$1885
Per Person
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Deluxe
From US
$2187
Per Person

*Budget generally includes excursions in group, Superior & Deluxe private excursions, & Basic is a best mix (varies by itinerary & excurion)

Note: ALL itineraries are 100% customizable to create your perfect trip!

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