Cerro de Sal Trekking in San Juan: Salt Formations & Mine

Salt slopes and an abandoned mine in a single morning trek

A 6-hour trek through the Quebrada de La Sal near San Juan, 40 km from the city, where you walk salt slopes studded with stalactites and stalagmites, visit an abandoned mine, and finish with water and mate to recover. Private transportation, trekking poles and a live guide in English or Spanish are included. Children from age 12 are welcome.

The experience

The Quebrada de La Sal sits in the Ullúm department, a salt formation that rises as a hill with slopes carved by water and time into stalactites and stalagmites of salt: a rarity in Argentine geography. You trek through these formations with trekking poles provided, moving at a pace that suits a moderate fitness level. The walk covers the slopes and leads to the Mina Abandonada, an old mine that marks the end of the climbing section.

Private transportation picks you up and brings you back to San Juan, so the day starts and ends without a transfer to arrange. A live guide speaks English or Spanish and walks with you throughout. Bottled water is carried along the route, and the trek finishes with mate, a traditional Argentine tea, and a bite to recover strength before the drive back.

What’s included

• Private transportation from San Juan.
• trekking poles.
• bottled water throughout the trek.
• a live guide in English or Spanish.
• mate and a light bite at the end.
• all fees and taxes.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 10:00

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (21 to 65 years) · Youth (12 to 20 years) · Under 12: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 3 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 5 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Posta Inca Adventures Expeditions

Is this one for you?The 6-hour commitment means you can fit this trek into a morning or early afternoon and still have the rest of the day free in San Juan. If you have less time or prefer a shorter outing, this full trek to the abandoned mine is not the fit, but if you want to see the salt formations and the mine without rushing, the single departure works as a complete half-day.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 20 years). Children under 12 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What exactly are the salt stalactites and stalagmites I'll see at Quebrada de La Sal?

The Quebrada de La Sal is a natural salt formation where water has carved the salt deposits into stalactite and stalagmite shapes over time, creating unusual rock-like structures made entirely of salt. They form the slopes you trek through on the way to the abandoned mine.

How difficult is the trek, and what fitness level do I need?

The trek requires at least a moderate level of physical fitness. It is not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health or for pregnant travelers. Trekking poles are provided to help with the slopes.

What's included in the 6-hour trek, and what should I bring?

Private transportation from San Juan, trekking poles, bottled water, and a live guide in English or Spanish are all included. Mate and a light bite are served at the end. Bring sun protection, sturdy hiking shoes, and wear layers: the trek covers 40 km from the city and involves climbing salt slopes.

Does the trek include lunch or other meals?

Lunch and breakfast are not included. The trek finishes with mate and a light bite to recover, but you may want to eat before or after the trek depending on the start time.