Salta 3-Day Trip Review: Salinas Grandes & Hornocal (2024)

So, are you thinking of taking off on a three-day trip from Salta to Salinas Grandes and Hornocal in Argentina? Actually, it’s almost a spectacular little getaway, and it really gives you a taste of what the northwest part of Argentina is all about. Is that expansive salt flats, those rainbow mountains, and winding roads? Just be prepared to be completely stunned.

First Day: Kicking Off from Salta and Going to Purmamarca

Your little adventure gets going in Salta, the starting-off point for that excursion, of course. Now, just make sure you fill up with gas, you know grab a few snacks, and maybe make sure your camera’s charged because there’s scenery aplenty coming right up. So, in a way you will hit the road toward Purmamarca. As you drive you will watch the terrain switch from what seems to be rich green valleys to the rugged terrain which seems pretty much colored like rusty-red, and that shows why this region has something a bit special. I want to also mention this because you need to watch for those quirky roadside stops where they often sell empanadas and mate. If you want to enjoy some local food, you will like it!

Arrival in Purmamarca

Purmamarca’s quite like one of those little charming villages. When you see it, so, you’ll like that it’s nestled at the foot of the Cerro de los Siete Colores (the Seven Colors Hill), almost painting this magical postcard image. Yet, it would be beneficial if you just take your time wandering those cobblestone streets, you could have a look around that central plaza, you could potentially check out that local church. The pace of life is a bit calmer there which allows one to truly absorb this spot that has cultural substance.

Cerro de los Siete Colores at Sunset

As I was saying the thing to do in Purmamarca, of course, is watch that sunset over Cerro de los Siete Colores. So, the setting sun actually casts those colorful shadows over those slopes to amplify each tone and curve of that rock formation, creating one stunning exhibit of pretty much all those geologic forces that have happened throughout a passage of geological history. Almost definitely that’s the experience, it’s one that will have you thinking for a bit.

Day 2: Climbing Towards Salinas Grandes

Get going early, if possible! You will get an experience that you like more and appreciate, just giving you adequate opportunity to enjoy. Right after a tasty breakfast, you are heading west in a way, up into the Andes where, it’s almost certain, the air seems cooler and thinner.

Ascending the Cuesta de Lipán

Actually, there are very few experiences matching a drive on the Cuesta de Lipán. So that is just the windy bit of the road that goes high enough offering what is probably panoramic landscapes to snap pictures of along the drive. You get what seems to be an evolving series of picturesque viewpoints to where llamas graze as you continue your ascent through this changing altitude. The views aren’t always perfect – that might well come as part and parcel that authentic trekking adventure, which brings certain levels of spontaneity and wonder you know!

The Vast Expanse of Salinas Grandes

As you get to Salinas Grandes, that sight becomes, basically, surreal. You will just understand what it’s like with such pure whiteness expanding straight to what might be the skyline creating many opportunities to take great photographs. Have some fun exploring the seemingly countless polygon shaped salt ponds. Then observe people working with dedication processing this treasured natural source. Are you one to wonder a bit? It will definitely amaze at that amount of pure raw product available.

Afternoon Return and Exploration of Tilcara

So, once you are through experiencing those Salinas Grandes you are likely returning back towards Purmamarca. Right then, you should make a visit to Tilcara, which in some respects offers one contrasting atmosphere that provides more archaeological adventures at Pucará de Tilcara fortress, a well restored pre-Inca ruin positioned high atop hilltops offering far reaching glimpses that let anyone grasp this specific valley’s strategic magnitude.

Day 3: Marching Up to Hornocal and Returning to Salta

The last day really gets an early start, to drive on from Humahuaca heading up, into that well-known, steep Hornocal mountain range where those who want to take great pictures should find themselves. That destination presents more of a climb, but the prizes awarded come from mind blowing landscapes as I was saying before that’s so true.

Witnessing the Serranía de Hornocal

So, is the Hornocal truly one special location to look upon? So, you’re likely getting yourself into a drive pretty close, and is that you who appreciates viewing these craggy faces highlighting the numerous geological time periods via their striped patterns and colors? A little photo session at dawn really offers a little light, adding extra detail, and contrast! So, if that does not appeal to some then maybe spending one relaxed visit to learn anything regarding geology plus taking stunning landscapes should almost convince someone of taking one of these tours sometime.

Humahuaca: A Step Back in Time

Following being in Hornocal that following quick pit stop usually means driving over towards Humahuaca – an area distinguished by a rich past observable through all those antiquated buildings and quaint narrow walkways, almost guaranteeing insight regarding local culture through historic exploration.

The Drive Back to Salta

Right following Humahuaca that trip then takes the path turning returning toward Salta getting an event to reflect about incredible times. In that location perhaps make quick diversions again to admire previously seen perspectives from distinct angles almost making those lasting thoughts with spectacular appeal for future safekeeping.

Tips and Recommendations for your Trip

So, you have that trek mapped, huh? Alright just be thoughtful of those helpful hints so a three day journey really will feel like a total adventure that one should plan for carefully so things might work out smoothly – no big problems you know?

Altitude Adjustment: Invest a couple of days getting at ease due to possible thin Andean skies. So, ingest what might hydrate you well enough just, as much as possibly avoid high strength and intense exercise instantly while going over certain height constraints or maybe challenges.
Dress in Layers: Weather habits do switch considerably which is to say mornings stay kind as evenings descend into chilly temps, that probably entails hauling garments offering enough adjustments according specific settings like light waterproof coats which may offer appropriate safeguards towards unexpected situations of course.
Sun Protection: At greater levels with bright sunlight getting at most require safety; put sunglasses including top rated UVA/UVB cover with high SPF creams for vulnerable locations particularly those areas easily reaching sun due constant exposure or direct vulnerability to ultraviolet or UVC light.
Cash is King: Somewhat from certain distant territories particularly from villages close to which a reliance often exists regarding having currency regarding most dealings even if those card capabilities usually exist; one could expect one possessing a diverse stockpile mostly through smaller denomination particularly anytime going in some locations offering modest facility reach or perhaps connection limitations concerning those sophisticated electronic avenues concerning cost exchanging such places commonly met far among specific terrains over such area often impacted primarily throughout those challenges linked directly with infrastructural undergrowths
Stay Connected (When Possible): Purchase local SIM that makes online tracking really not a hassle as long when visiting such location that really needs safety regarding updates including navigational objectives whilst at moments having internet is obviously not always offered particularly any time you happen traversing the much far from spots which calls mostly preparation when needed!
Respect Local Customs: Embrace this diverse land; by regarding the ways to treat its cultural landmarks (such with regard for historic buildings/sacred spots plus typical conventional behaviors displayed almost all citizens or community associates in turn exhibiting goodwill increasing potential valuable interactive dialogues/engagements!) that helps create stronger better bonds also building respect!

What to Eat Along the Way

Part your excursion could focus largely with finding fantastic regional specialties in turn making culinary pleasures essential towards capturing local essence when going thru Argentina’s territories here’s whatever things ought absolutely always include whenever out visiting several must grab spots that enhance experiences greatly from some locations throughout…

Empanadas Salteñas: This comes among favorites located throughout all those Northwestern sections during Argentina; filled often and either diced juicy pieces whether of some cut from the meat, diced cooked veggies just similar chopped up spiced potatoes after folding into that flaked dough that gives rise with just little half-moon pocket form making an easy handy treats appropriate both meal parts! Each mouthful releases distinct juicy textures and spices!
Humitas and Tamales: These kind typically found coming out regional specialized stores mostly using what happens sweet yellow-like pure corns usually prepared finely combined with pumpkin/cheese seasoning by sometimes including some fresh spices wrapped usually and specifically also placed directly down using leafy wrappings from each corn husk when steamed making the taste become savory. Each version of each choice varies around according given preparing traditions adopted during several cooking communities making distinctive variances across areas.
Locro: A dense stew ideal during wintry days consisting essentially including ingredients, for instance potatoes pumpkin dried meats and corns resulting with warm fulfilling sensation – perfect considering temperatures common above Andean regions given how satisfying that option really seems like through cool atmospheric happenings usually observed during some point with that journey’s length itself during that cold region.
Queso de Cabra: This sort can consist from creamy soft tastes from a cheese deriving made direct using either fresh goat usually sold most neighborhood stalls that produce distinctive tasting creamy versions either great for combined into many smaller regional cuisine versions. Often find just on dishes either by having sliced from as appetizers/within just regional specialized recipes.
Mate: More than almost anything drinking this local style; yerba partner consumed between one container while utilizing straw demonstrates traditional value amongst folks. Enjoy at leisure perhaps also offer locals at places/during moments mostly around bonding with a cultural gesture mostly out to this community members showing common connections including offering pleasant socializing times shared including those living that specific landscape for an amazing lasting memories!

What to Bring on Your Trip

When just thinking around these requirements so your 3 day experience gets enjoyable and free out there are vital considerations which probably ought ensure an acceptable safe relaxed comfortable situation

Comfortable Hiking Shoes: Because exploration necessitates wandering often a significant amount this strong wear-proof gear actually comes totally useful through some challenging environments we anticipate being upon.
Layers of Clothing: Climate patterns demonstrate quick alterations and as something; package diversities – consider lightweight fleece warm coating protective to offer adjustableness relating towards cold/warm atmospheres without issues or setbacks happening.
Sunscreen and Lip Balm with SPF: This very higher elevations brings boosted sun damage. Implement UV protecting plus lip safeguarding product against cracking since all parts in these scenarios could turn terribly quick, sadly making a trip annoying versus enjoyable during those outside fun things undertaken!
Hat and Sunglasses: Just another strategy that has blocking the harsh brightness with greater locations – those sunglasses help provide safeguard those delicate regions to aid towards comfort plus lessening strain. The broad border reduces further sun shining mainly during eyes including preventing heat problems to some degree from sunlight directly upon certain outdoor events
Reusable Water Bottle: Remaining nicely hydrating key plus altitudes – take something to keep that refill easily since there could potentially only a hardly many locations around various stretches there. Carry something reusable and do great from natural reserves while trying less impact just so one participates mostly inside conscious excursion tactics whenever traversing around
Camera: A better choice is record beautiful scene. A reliable cam phone means great memories!
Small Backpack: Something easily which contains only these basics to remain mobile so these ventures remain free to bother one.
Basic First Aid Kit: Very small inconveniences possibly might well develop or flareup always ready together mostly with the bandage – relief for mild to intense cuts pains etc – take medications just under your physician prescriptions primarily throughout far remote lands/locales.
Snacks: Particularly anytime taking more lengthiest outings/perhaps the alternatives stay small at specific factors having basic things readily seems crucial. Something power based (just for fruits the protein bars nuts) offers that continual strength especially always that height while wandering across great terrains throughout this terrain around there!

Basically with great advance and packing right mostly this 3 journey just through Salta/across both these expansive majestic landmarks should usually change into amazing adventure mostly always bearing strong permanent marks regarding everything traveled from across Argentina!! Stay prepared to always allow all surroundings excite each perspective/keep constantly excited for a new discovery!