Salta & Jujuy: 4-Day Cafayate, Cachi, Salinas Grandes & Hornocal

Summary

From Cafayate’s vineyards to the salt flats and colored hills of Jujuy

You’ll travel from Salta through wild valleys to taste wine in Cafayate, walk among giant cacti near Cachi, crunch across the white salt flats of Salinas Grandes, and stare out over Hornocal’s 14 colors. Expect laughter with your guide, local food stops, and moments that linger long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

So, there we were — half-awake in the van leaving Salta, trying not to spill my mate while our guide Lucía joked about the “devil’s throat” being louder than my snoring (she wasn’t wrong). The road to Cafayate is all red cliffs and weird rock shapes — I swear one looked like a giant toad. We stopped at this tiny alfajor place for breakfast; I still remember the smell of dulce de leche mixing with dust and eucalyptus outside. Later, tasting Torrontés at a local winery felt almost too early but… well, when in Argentina.

The next day was Cachi. The drive up Cuesta del Obispo is all bends and big sky — my ears popped three times. We tried salame and cheese at some windswept stop where an old guy explained the difference between two types of goat cheese (I nodded along but honestly just ate both). At Los Cardones, the cacti stand like little green guards everywhere you look. Lunch in Cachi’s plaza was slow and sunny — I lost track of time watching kids chase dogs around a fountain.

Salinas Grandes was something else. You step out and it’s just white, everywhere — blinding under the sun. Some folks from Purmamarca showed us how they dig salt blocks; their hands were cracked but their smiles huge. The wind tasted salty on my lips. Afterward in Purmamarca, Lucía pointed us toward empanadas that were so good I bought extra for later (which lasted maybe ten minutes). The Hill of Seven Colors is real — not Instagram fake — but you have to squint a bit if it’s cloudy.

The last day was Humahuaca and Hornocal. That climb up to see the 14-colored mountain had me out of breath (okay, maybe more than a little), but standing there with everyone silent for a second… it hit me how far from home I was. Lunch in Humahuaca was noisy and full of spicy smells; someone played guitar nearby. On the way back to Salta, I watched dusk slide over the valleys through dusty glass and thought: I’ll probably never see colors like that again.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Cafayate and local attractions

• Depart from Salta to Cafayate
• Breakfast and alfajores factory stop
• Visit Devil’s Throat
• Visit the Amphitheater rock formation
• Winery tour and wine tasting
• Free time to tour Cafayate village and lunch
• Return to Salta and drop off passengers

Day 2 — Explore Cachi and surroundings

• Depart from accommodations to Cachi via National Route 68
• Breakfast stop at Bridge Bad Step
• Cheese and salami tasting at Bishop’s Hill
• Panoramic view at Millstone peak
• Guided tour of Los Cardones National Park
• Visit seasoning species and tasting
• Lunch and free time in Cachi village
• Return to Salta and drop off passengers

Day 3 — Salinas Grandes and Purmamarca visit

• Depart from Salta to Jujuy on Route 9
• Technical stop in Yala for breakfast
• Climb Lipan slope to Salinas Grandes
• One hour visit at Salinas Grandes salt flats
• Return to Purmamarca for lunch and free tour
• Optional walk to 7 Colors Hill
• Return to Salta and drop off passengers

Day 4 — Humahuaca and Hornocal tour

• Depart from Salta to Humahuaca ravine
• Stop in Purmamarca for photo and free time
• Visit and tour Tilcara town
• Visit Hornocal and view 14 Colors Hill
• Lunch and visit Humahuaca town
• Return to Salta and drop off passengers

Top questions

How many days is this tour from Salta?

This tour lasts 4 days with daily departures from Salta Capital.

Which destinations are included in the itinerary?

Cafayate, Cachi, Salinas Grandes, Purmamarca, Tilcara, Humahuaca, and Hornocal are all included.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes, pickup from your accommodation in Salta Capital is included each day.

Are meals or tastings part of the tour?

You’ll enjoy local tastings such as wine in Cafayate and cheeses near Cachi; lunch time is free at each main stop.

Is this tour suitable for families or people with limited mobility?

The tour is wheelchair accessible and suitable for all fitness levels; infants can join with specialized seats available.

Can I start this tour from Jujuy instead of Salta?

The standard itinerary starts/ends in Salta Capital but you can ask about departures from Jujuy.

What kind of vehicle is used for transport?

An air-conditioned vehicle is provided for all transfers between destinations.

How much time do we spend at each main attraction?

You’ll have about an hour at most major sites plus free time for lunch or exploring villages like Purmamarca or Humahuaca.

What’s included

Your days include hotel pickup and drop-off in Salta Capital every morning and evening, all entry fees and taxes covered along the way, comfortable air-conditioned transport between Cafayate, Cachi, Salinas Grandes, Purmamarca, Tilcara, Humahuaca and Hornocal—with guided tastings at local wineries or food stops before heading back each night.