Our most recommended things to do in Purmamarca

From Salta: Full-Day Trip to Salinas Grandes and Purmamarca

1. From Salta: Full-Day Trip to Salinas Grandes and Purmamarca

Discover Argentina's breathtaking natural beauty on this full-day tour. After getting picked up from your hotel in Salta, begin the journey towards the neighboring province of Jujuy, passing through the towns of Volcán and Tumbaya along the way.  Your first stop of the day is at the beautiful town of Purmamarca, one of the most picturesque villages in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Quebrada de Humahuaca. Visit the town's vibrant main square and perhaps pick up some souvenirs at one of the many surrounding craft stands. Afterward, enjoy a visit to the breathtaking and aptly-named 7 Color Hill. Later, continue your ascent along the majestic Cuesta del Lipan to reach the Salinas Grandes, one of the 7 Wonders of the Argentine Republic. Here, enjoy some free time to admire the unique salt planes and famous pools. Finally, return to Purmamarca, and break for lunch at one of the many traditional restaurants before returning to Salta.

From Salta: Cafayate, Humahuaca & Salinas Grandes 3-Day Tour

2. From Salta: Cafayate, Humahuaca & Salinas Grandes 3-Day Tour

DAY 1: Depart Salta and head south along Provincial Route 68, offering panoramic views of the farms and tobacco plantations of the Lerma Valley. Admire the new and old tobacco chimneys made of adobe and clay, and see tobacco leaves being dried under the sun. Pass the town of Alemania and marvel at the red mountains and rock formations of attractions such as the "Devil´s Throat" and "House of the Parrots." Upon arrival in Cafayate, visit 1 winery to learn more about the local wine industry and famous Torrontes wines. After lunch, journey back to Salta via a different route to see a completely different landscape from the morning drive. Day 2: On this full-day tour you’ll travel from Salta city to San Salvador de Jujuy. This is where your adventure begins, with visits to the towns of La Quebrada de Humahuaca. The first of the towns on the itinerary is Purmamarca, with the spectacular Cerro de Siete Colores (Hill of 7 Colors) rising behind it. Take a walk to the principal square, where craftsmen display and sell their work. Afterward, visit the church, which played an important role in local history. From the road, you’ll be able to see the Paleta del Pintor Hill, before arriving in Humahuaca town. Enjoy a break for lunch and take some time to explore the town. Admire the impressive Monumento de la Independencia (Independence Monument). As you make your way back to Salta, you'll visit a chapel built 700 years ago that has an altar covered in gold. You’ll also get to see priceless paintings of the Cusco School and a small monument marking the imaginary line of the Tropic of Capricorn. Stop in Tilcara town for a walk to its main square and church. There will also be time here to visit the Anthropology Museum. The final stop on the tour is Las Ruinas Incaicas del Pucara de Tilcara. These ruins date back to society even older than the Incas. Day 3: Discover Argentina's breathtaking natural beauty on this full-day tour. After getting picked up from your hotel in Salta, begin the journey towards the neighboring province of Jujuy, passing through the towns of Volcán and Tumbaya along the way.  Your first stop of the day is at the beautiful town of Purmamarca, one of the most picturesque villages in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Quebrada de Humahuaca. Visit the town's vibrant main square and perhaps pick up some souvenirs at one of the many surrounding craft stands. Afterward, enjoy a visit to the breathtaking and aptly-named 7 Color Hill. Later, continue your ascent along the majestic Cuesta del Lipan to reach the Salinas Grandes, one of the 7 Wonders of the Argentine Republic. Here, enjoy some free time to admire the unique salt planes and famous pools. Afterward, return to Purmamarca and break for lunch at one of the many traditional restaurants before returning to Salta.

From Salta: 4-Day Trip in Salta Province & Salinas Grandes

3. From Salta: 4-Day Trip in Salta Province & Salinas Grandes

DAY 1. Tour to Cafayate. Travelling the Provincial Route 68, exploring panoramic views of the farms and tobacco plantations of the Lerma Valley. Pass the town of Alemania and marvel at the red mountains and rock formations of attractions such as the "Devil´s Throat" and "House of the Parrots." Upon arrival in Cafayate, visit 1 winery to learn more about the local wine industry and famous torrontes wines. Following lunch, journey back to Salta via a different route to see a completely different landscape from the morning drive. DAY 2. Tour to Cachi. Travel the Provincial Route 68 and then the Provincial Route 33 to pass the dramatic Gorge of Escoipe and Los Laureles. Next, start your journey along the famous winding road of the Cuesta del Obispo (Bishop's Slope). Admire the magnificent rock formations en route to the summit at 3,348 masl. Travel through the Parque Nacional los Cardones ("National Park of the Cactus") Arrive in the beautiful town of Cachi in time for lunch. Then, stroll through streets of perfectly-preserved colonial architecture. Visit the town church in Central Plaza, and go to the historical museum showcasing the history of the Aboriginal communities. DAY 3. Tour to Salinas Grandes. Begin the journey towards the neighboring province of Jujuy, passing through the towns of Volcán and Tumbaya along the way.  Your first stop of the day is at the beautiful town of Purmamarca, one of the most picturesque villages in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Quebrada de Humahuaca. Visit the town's vibrant main square and perhaps pick up some souvenirs at one of the many surrounding craft stands. Afterward, enjoy a visit to the breathtaking and aptly-named 7 Color Hill. Later, continue your ascent along the majestic Cuesta del Lipan to reach the Salinas Grandes, one of the 7 Wonders of the Argentine Republic. Here, enjoy some free time to admire the unique salt planes and famous pools. Afterward, return to Purmamarca and break for lunch at one of the many traditional restaurants before returning to Salta. DAY 4. Tour to Hornocal. Travel in the comfort of an air-conditioned van and enjoy the beautiful scenery along the National Route 9 on the way to Jujuy province where we visit the Quebrada de Humahuaca, a narrow mountain valley declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2003. Stop in Purmamarca and admire the Hill of Seven Colors and its striking red and orange hues before exploring the main square and local craft stands. Continuing along Route 9, we reach the town of Humahuaca, located at 2,939 meters above sea level. Wander down to the Church of La Candelaria and visit the Independence Monument before enjoying free time for lunch. After lunch, enjoy 45 minutes of free time to explore Hornocal and its Hill of Fourteen Colors. Return along Route 9 to Salta City.

Hornocal: Tour of the 14 Colors Mountain & Humahuaca´s Gorge

4. Hornocal: Tour of the 14 Colors Mountain & Humahuaca´s Gorge

Embark on an adventure that will take you through striking landscapes and scenic villages. The tour commences as you travel to Purmamarca village which rests at the base of the Seven Colors Hill, a stunning multi-hued mountain. Journey to Maimará, a small village nestled in the shadow of the Monolith Painter’s Palette. Admire the stunning red, yellow, orange, and pastel hues of the Monolith. Visit Pucará de Tilcara, a fort built in the 12th-century by the Omaguaca tribe who were later conquered by the Incas. Stop in the sleepy town of Uquía, which is notable for its historic church which boasts paintings of gun-toting angels. Pause at the Tropic of Capricornio, the most southerly latitude at which the sun can appear directly overhead at noon. Enjoy a short visit to Humahuaca's town en route to the main destination - the 14 colours mountain of Hornocal. In Humahuaca you will switch from your van or bus and hop into a 4x4 all-terrain vehicle as you travel to Hornocal. Hornocal is part of the calcareous formation called Yacoraite that extends from the province of Salta, crossing the Quebrada de Humahuaca and then the Bolivian Altiplano to Peru. Upon your return, you will meet up with the rest of your group.

From Salta: Salinas Grandes, Purmamarca & Los Colorados Hike

5. From Salta: Salinas Grandes, Purmamarca & Los Colorados Hike

After departing from central Salta, drive through the picturesque towns of Yala, Volcán, and Tumbaya. On the way, stop at the Seven Colors Hill viewpoint to appreciate the wonderful views of the multi-hued mountain illuminated by the sun. Arrive in the magical village of Purmamarca at the base of the Seven Colors Hill. Start by ascending the slopes of Cuesta del Lipán, Cuesta del Saladillo, and Abra de Potrerillos. Keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife including vicunas and llamas along the way. When you reach 4,150 m above sea level, be dazzled by the Salinas Grandes - a spectacular white salt plain which creates a striking contrast with the blue sky. Spend about 45 minutes at the salt plain taking in the breathtaking views.  Follow the trail back to Purmamarca where you will have free time for lunch (not included in the tour price). Take the opportunity to stroll through the charming narrow streets, admire views of the mountain, and explore the craft market. Next, enjoy a 30-40 minute hike along the stunning Colorados trail which leads into the surrounding desert landscapes between the mountains. At the end of the tour, return to Salta on the bus where your tour will end.

Jujuy: Salinas Grandes and Purmamarca

6. Jujuy: Salinas Grandes and Purmamarca

A high altitude tour that takes us to see the most visited salt flat in the North of Argentina, passing through the most picturesque towns in the area. Delight your adventurous spirit with the most shocking landscapes of the Argentine Puna. Duration: 8 hours Round trip transfers from Jujuy or Purmamarca. Maximum altitude during the tour: 4170 masl. Passengers have to be 3 years old or older. Pick up from San Salvador de Jujuy starting at 9am. Pick up from Purmamarca starting at 10:30am. We will travel to the Salinas Grandes, a territory shared between Salta and Jujuy. In the way through Jujuy, you will be able to enjoy the best landscapes at their best, where you will take incredible postcard pictures! We will depart from the city of San Salvador, taking the National Road 34 in the province of Jujuy where we will have the opportunity to see a little piece of the Humahuaca Gorge, we will visit picturesque towns such as Yala, Volcán, Purmamarca where we will find the majestic Hill of the 7 Colors. We will then enter the incredible Cuesta de Lipán, where we will reach 4,170 meters above sea level and we will be able to appreciate its spectacular flora and fauna. Finally, we'll arrive at the Salinas Grandes, where we can appreciate all its magnitude and take the most beautiful and creative selfies. Before the tour ends, we'll return to the town of Purmamarca, where you can have lunch and try the best regional dishes with llama meat and also get to know the acclaimed town of Purmamarca, with its picturesque and rustic streets, with uphill paths. The guide will invite you to take a walk with them to see Los Colorados. *In case of departure from Purmamarca, we will not visit the stops between the city of Jujuy and that point.

From Jujuy: Salinas Grandes, Purmamarca & Los Colorados Hike

7. From Jujuy: Salinas Grandes, Purmamarca & Los Colorados Hike

After pickup from the meeting point in Jujuy, take a drive through the picturesque towns of Yala, Volcán, and Tumbaya. On your way, make a stop at the Seven Colors Hill viewpoint and marvel at the wonderful views of the multi-hued mountain illuminated by the sun. Then, arrive in the village of Purmamarca at the base of the Seven Colors Hill where you'll begin your hike. Start by ascending the slopes of Cuesta del Lipán, Cuesta del Saladillo, and Abra de Potrerillos. Make sure to pay attention to occasional local wildlife including vicunas and llamas along the way. When you reach 4,150 meters (13,615 feet) above sea level, take in impressive views of the Salinas Grandes, a spectacular white salt plain that creates a striking contrast with the blue sky. Spend about 45 minutes at the top exploring the blue volcanoes and admiring the breathtaking views. On the return hike, follow the trail back to Purmamarca where you'll have free time for lunch (not included in the tour price). Take the opportunity to stroll through the charming narrow streets, admire views of the mountain, and explore the craft market. After lunch, enjoy a 30-40 minute hike along the stunning Colorados trail, which leads into the surrounding desert landscapes between the mountains. At the end of the tour, return to Jujuy.

Jujuy: Quebrada de Humahuaca, Tilcara and Purmamarca

8. Jujuy: Quebrada de Humahuaca, Tilcara and Purmamarca

A ride through an impressive gorge, with hills full of colors due to thousands of years of oxidation of the minerals within them. Towns, culture and its people are the protagonists of the tour. Duration: 8 hours. (approx.) Round trip transfers to and from meeting points. Total mileage: 128 km. Maximum height 3012 meters above sea level. Pick up from San Salvador de Jujuy from 09:00 a.m. We will travel to Humahuaca City, a Unesco-declared World Heritage Site, on the outskirts of the province of Jujuy. This tour will allow us to appreciate the most impressive colors of the Argentine North, its culture, its unique towns and its people. We will start from San Salvador de Jujuy, visiting Purmamarca as the first stop where we will find the majestic 7-colors Hill; Tilcara; Humahuaca, the largest town in the gorge; Uquía, a small town where the church of San Francisco de Paula is located, dating from the 17th century, where the ancient paintings of the Arcabuceros Angels reside; Huacalera, where we step on the imaginary line of the Tropic of Capricorn and finally: The Painter's Palette in Maimará. The longest stop will be in Humahuaca City, where you can have lunch and try the best regional dishes with llama meat. You'll also get to know the town, where culture and history takes over the streets. Carnival is a main theme in this place, since it is the epicenter of this celebration. After lunch, we start our way back, alternating the stops if necessary. *In case of departure from Purmamarca, we will not visit the stops between the city of Jujuy and that point. *In case of departure from Tilcara, we will not visit the stops between Jujuy and that point.

Salta: Salinas Grandes with Purmamarca

9. Salta: Salinas Grandes with Purmamarca

This full day tour departs from Salta. We will discover the most interesting places. Marvel at the 7-colors hill. Pose for creative and imaginative photos at the amazing white salt pans of Salinas Grandes, and why not buy some souvenirs at the famous Purmamarca handicraft market. Get surprised by the natural wonders. Look for colorful handicrafts in the Purmamarca market. This tour visits: San Salvador de Jujuy, Volcán, Purmamarca, Cuesta del Lipán, Abra del Potrerillo, Chañi Snowpeek, 40 minutes to 1 hour of free time in Salinas Grandes. Return to Purmamarca and 2 free hours there. Within those 2 hours, you will have the chance to participate in the Paseo de los Colorados (between 30 to 40 minutes).

Jujuy: Quebrada de Humahuaca with Hornocal

10. Jujuy: Quebrada de Humahuaca with Hornocal

A tour through an impressive gorge, where colors predominate on the hills, thanks to thousands of years of oxidation of the minerals in them. The towns, landscapes, culture and its people are the main protagonists of this tour. Duration of the tour: 8 hours. (approx.) Round trip transportation to and from meeting points. Total mileage: 127 km. Maximum altitude reached during the tour: 3012 meters above sea level. Pick up from San Salvador de Jujuy starting at 9am. We will travel to Humahuaca city, an Unesco-declared World Heritage Site, towards the outskirts of Jujuy, just a few kilometers away from the border with Bolivia. This tour will allow us to appreciate the most impressive colors of the Argentine North, its culture, its unique towns and its people. We will depart from the city of Jujuy, taking National Road 9 to later enter and have the opportunity to know the great Humahuaca Gorge, recognized for its imposing landscapes and its picturesque towns such as Volcán, Purmamarca where we will find the majestic Cerro de los 7 Colores; Tilcara; Humahuaca, the largest town in the gorge; Uquía, a small town where the church of San Francisco de Paula is located, dating from the 17th century, where the ancient paintings of the Arcabuceros Angels reside, coming from Cuzco-Peru, painted at the time of colonization; Huacalera, where we step on the imaginary line of the Tropic of Capricorn and finally, La Paleta del Pintor in Maimará. We'll be have 2 free hours in Humahuaca, where you can have lunch and try the best regional dishes with llama meat and also get to know the town, where culture takes over the streets. Carnival is a main theme in this place, since it is the epicenter of this celebration. After lunch, we start our way back, alternating the stops. Once you arrive in Uquía, you'll be boarding a 4WD vehicle, and then the road to Hornocal will begin to enjoy these magnificent panoramic views. On the way back there is a stop in Humahuaca for 20 minutes. It is recommended to bring lunch or snacks to eat since there is no time to stop at a restaurant in Humahuaca *In case of departure from Purmamarca, we will not visit the stops between the city of Jujuy and that point. *In case of departure from Tilcara, we will not visit the stops between Jujuy and that point.

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What people are saying about Purmamarca

Overall rating

4.5 / 5

based on 442 reviews

If you are travelling to Argentina’s Nortwest, you must visit Salinas Grandes and Purmamarca. It’s a beautiful place. Also you get the best views and pictures. I also have to praise the Nordic tour guides and drivers. They know the area and how to help in the event of feeling sick. I travelled with my two children (18 and 3 years old) and they absolutely helped when my little one was feeling nauseous. Don’t be afraid, you are in great hands! We loved this experience and are looking forward to visit again.

Our guide Angie was knowledgeable and entertaining telling us about the history and legends of the the area. The views are breathtaking, the lunch suggestion delicious and quickly served. The visits to Purmamarca, Tilcara and Humahuaca were hurried. There was a lot to see and no time to walk to the historic sites. Recommend travelers break up the trips into two visits.

Wonderful! Very cool experience to visit the Salt Flats and unlike anything we have done before. The town of Purmamarca is very small - our guide had a great recommendation Kuntur (sp?) for lunch. As a heads up, it is a very long drive both directions - definitely takes the entire day. Would recommend the tour to anyone visiting the area.

Had three amazing tour guides (Fernando, Eduardo, and Maria). They were all very passionate and informative about the geography, fauna, and people of the areas we drove through/visited. We really enjoyed that there were many beautiful stops along the way.

I travelled with my two children (18 and 3 years old). We all enjoy the scenery, the people in the small towns, the music and art. The Nordic tour guide knew the area and was very patient with everyone.