Salinas Grandes & Purmamarca: Day Trip from Salta with Paseo de los Colorados

Summary

Purmamarca’s colors, wild salt flats, and winding Lipán roads in one day

You’ll walk beneath Purmamarca’s colored hills, cross wild mountain roads on Cuesta del Lipán, and step onto the vast white salt flats at Salinas Grandes with a local guide. Expect moments of silence, laughter with new friends, and time to wander on your own — all in one day from Salta.

What’s the experience like?

First thing I noticed was the dry air — it sort of clings to your skin in Purmamarca, even before you get out of the van. We’d left Salta early (I barely remember the coffee), and suddenly there we were, standing in front of Cerro de los Siete Colores. The colors are real — not some Instagram filter — but what surprised me more was how quiet it felt. Our guide, Martín, pointed out the layers in the rock and told us how each color meant a different age. I tried to take a photo but ended up just staring for a while instead.

We wandered through town for a bit. There’s this smell of fresh bread from one of the little bakeries, and old women selling woven things by the plaza. I bought a scarf I probably didn’t need (the woman smiled when I hesitated over my Spanish). Then Martín led us along Paseo de los Colorados — it’s not long but it feels like another planet behind that hill. Dusty red earth underfoot, sun on your neck, a few dogs trotting after us. Someone started laughing about how their shoes were turning pink.

The drive up Cuesta del Lipán is something else — switchbacks that make your stomach drop if you look down too long. We stopped at one of those viewpoints where everyone just stands quietly for a second because there’s nothing else to do. Wind in your ears, nothing but sky and those endless hills rolling off into nowhere. Then finally you reach Salinas Grandes: blinding white salt as far as you can see, so bright it almost hurts your eyes. I tried licking my finger after touching the ground (don’t judge me) — yup, pure salt.

I still think about that silence out on the flats. Just wind and crunching footsteps, everyone spread out like tiny dots on an empty canvas. On the way back Martín played some folk music from Jujuy on his phone and told stories about growing up nearby; I only caught half of it but honestly that felt right somehow.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Purmamarca and Salinas Grandes

• Stop in Purmamarca town
• Walk to base of Cerro de Siete Colores
• Tour and walk Paseo de los Colorados
• Stop at Cuesta del Lipan for photos
• Visit Salinas Grandes and Salt Pileons

Top questions

How long does the day trip from Salta to Salinas Grandes take?

The full-day excursion typically lasts around 12 hours including stops at Purmamarca and Paseo de los Colorados.

Is hotel pickup included in this tour?

Yes, pickup is included from central locations in Salta Capital.

Do you visit both Purmamarca and Salinas Grandes on this trip?

Yes, both Purmamarca (with Cerro de Siete Colores) and Salinas Grandes are visited during the day trip.

Are entry fees or taxes included?

All fees and taxes are included in the tour price.

Is this tour suitable for children or infants?

Yes, infants can join; prams or strollers are allowed and infant seats are available if needed.

What should I wear for visiting Salinas Grandes?

Comfortable clothes, sun protection (hat/sunglasses), and sturdy shoes are recommended due to strong sun and uneven terrain.

Is lunch provided during this excursion?

No lunch is mentioned as included; bringing snacks or buying food in Purmamarca is suggested.

Does this tour include walking or hiking?

You’ll have free time for walking around Purmamarca and a short walk along Paseo de los Colorados; moderate fitness is fine.

Are there any health restrictions for this tour?

This tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal/cardiovascular issues due to altitude and road conditions.

What’s included

Your day includes air-conditioned vehicle transport from Salta with pickup, all entrance fees and taxes covered along the way; there’s free time to explore Purmamarca’s plaza at your own pace before visiting Cerro de Siete Colores, plus guided walks at Paseo de los Colorados and plenty of stops for photos crossing Cuesta del Lipán before reaching Salinas Grandes’ salt flats—then return transport back to Salta by evening.