Menu
A day trip from Salta to Salinas Grandes and Purmamarca is a popular excursion that typically lasts between 11 to 12 hours, offering visitors a chance to experience some of the most stunning natural landscapes in northern Argentina. These tours usually begin early in the morning, with pickup times ranging from 6:30 AM to 7:40 AM, depending on the specific tour operator. Guests are generally collected from their hotels in central Salta, though some companies may require meeting at a designated spot if staying outside the city center.
The journey takes you through picturesque towns and along scenic routes, including the famous “Train to the Clouds” railway line. Key stops on most itineraries include the town of Purmamarca, known for its vibrant craft market and the iconic Hill of Seven Colors. From there, tours ascend the winding Cuesta del Lipan to reach Salinas Grandes, one of Argentina’s most impressive salt flats. Visitors typically spend around 45 minutes to an hour exploring this vast white expanse, with opportunities for unique photo ops.
Throughout the day, bilingual guides (usually Spanish and English) provide information about the region’s geology, history, and culture. The tours often include stops at various viewpoints for photos and to observe local wildlife such as llamas, vicuñas, and condors. Lunch is generally not included in the tour price, but a stop is made in Purmamarca or another local town where travelers can purchase food at their own expense.
These day trips are designed to accommodate a range of travelers, though they may not be suitable for those with mobility issues or young children due to the long travel times and high altitudes reached (up to 4,170 meters above sea level). Comfortable clothing, sun protection, and carrying water are highly recommended due to the varying temperatures and intense sun at high altitudes.
Price ranges for these tours typically fall between $30 to $80 USD per person, with slight variations depending on the specific itinerary and operator. It’s advisable to book in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, as these tours are popular and tend to sell out. Most operators offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour date, allowing for some flexibility in travel plans.
Overall, these day trips provide an efficient way to experience the diverse landscapes of the Salta region, from colonial towns to otherworldly salt flats, all within a single day’s journey from the city.
Los Cardones National Park is a unique and captivating protected area located in the Salta Province of northwestern Argentina. Established in 1996, this high-altitude park covers an area of approximately 65,000 hectares and is named after its most iconic inhabitant, the cardon grande cactus (Echinopsis terscheckii).
The park is situated in the transitional zone between the humid subtropical forests of the east and the arid Andean highlands to the west. This location creates a distinctive ecosystem that supports a variety of plant and animal species adapted to the harsh, semi-arid conditions. The park’s elevation ranges from about 2,700 meters to over 5,000 meters above sea level, contributing to its diverse microclimates and landscapes.
The cardon cacti, after which the park is named, are the most striking feature of the landscape. These massive columnar cacti can grow up to 10 meters tall and live for hundreds of years. Their presence creates an otherworldly atmosphere, often likened to a scene from a classic Western film. The cacti play a crucial role in the local ecosystem, providing food and shelter for various animal species and serving as an important cultural symbol for indigenous communities.
Beyond the iconic cacti, the park’s flora includes other adapted plant species such as churqui, algarrobo, and various xerophytic shrubs. The vegetation changes with altitude, transitioning from cactus-dominated areas to high-altitude grasslands known as “puna” at higher elevations.
The park’s fauna is equally diverse and adapted to the challenging environment. Visitors might spot guanacos, a wild relative of llamas, grazing on the sparse vegetation. Other mammals found in the park include pumas, Andean foxes, and vicuñas. The birdlife is particularly rich, with species such as Andean condors, eagles, and hummingbirds calling the park home. Various reptiles and amphibians also inhabit the area, having adapted to the extreme temperature fluctuations and limited water resources.
Los Cardones National Park is not just ecologically significant; it also holds great cultural and historical importance. The area has been inhabited by indigenous peoples for thousands of years, and evidence of their presence can be seen in ancient rock art sites scattered throughout the park. The famous Inca Trail, known locally as Qhapaq Ñan, passes through the park, serving as a reminder of the region’s rich pre-Columbian history.
One of the most notable features within the park is the Recta del Tin Tin, a remarkably straight 18-kilometer stretch of road believed to have been originally laid out by the Incas. This ancient route, now part of Route 33, cuts through the heart of the cactus forest, offering travelers a unique perspective on the landscape.
The park faces several conservation challenges, including habitat fragmentation, overgrazing by domestic livestock, and the potential impacts of climate change. Efforts are ongoing to balance the preservation of this unique ecosystem with sustainable tourism and local economic needs.
For visitors, Los Cardones National Park offers a range of experiences. Hiking trails allow for close exploration of the cactus forests and provide opportunities to observe wildlife. The park’s high vantage points offer breathtaking views of the surrounding Andes mountains and valleys. Photography enthusiasts find the park particularly appealing, especially during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset when the light dramatically transforms the landscape.
Los Cardones National Park represents a vital protected area in Argentina, preserving a unique high-altitude desert ecosystem. Its striking landscape, dominated by the towering cardon cacti, offers visitors a glimpse into an environment that seems almost alien yet is teeming with life adapted to its harsh conditions. As part of the larger network of protected areas in northwestern Argentina, Los Cardones plays a crucial role in conserving the region’s biodiversity and cultural heritage, making it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and those interested in the interplay between natural and human history.
©2024 all rights reserved Guided Day Trips
