Tour to Salinas Grandes and Purmamarca

This day tour is interesting because it links two very different Andean stops, the blinding white of Salinas Grandes and the colorful hillside scenery of Purmamarca, all in one go. You’ll ride Route 9, make a quick early break for bathrooms and breakfast, then head up toward very serious altitude.

I especially like how the trip is well paced for a day tour, with a focused visit at the salt flats and guided time in Purmamarca. I also like the people side, the guides I saw mentioned by name, like Abel, Augustine or Agustín, and Jesi, tend to bring energy and practical info without turning it into a lecture.

One drawback to keep in mind: access to the Salinas can involve an additional cash fee at a specific entry point, and communication about this can be unclear. If you want this day to feel smooth, plan ahead and come ready with cash just in case.

Quick hits before you go

• Route 9 road trip vibes with a morning start (7:00 am) and an all-day rhythm
• Altitude building blocks, including time around Yala and a climb toward 4,170 meters
• Salinas Grandes time is focused, about 1 hour on site with admission handled by the tour
• Purmamarca gets guided structure, plus time to walk toward the 7 colors hill
• Smallish group size, capped at 46 travelers for easier movement
• You’ll be back in Salta late, so plan a light next day

Route 9 to the altiplano: why this tour works as a one-day plan

If you only have a single day to devote to the salt flats region, this is one of the most efficient ways to do it. You get vehicle time with stops built in, so you are not stitching together buses and transfers on your own. The route follows what many people come to see anyway, the drive between Salta and the Jujuy highlands, with the salt flats as the main photo moment.

You should also appreciate the “real day” approach. This is not a slow, stay-forever kind of outing. It is a full-day sampler where you take in the big sights, eat when you can, and then return to your accommodation. That rhythm suits many first-timers, especially if you want the highlights without committing to a multi-day circuit.

One more practical point: the tour uses an air-conditioned vehicle. That matters if your body clock is off from early pickup and if the return trip feels long. A comfortable ride is not glamorous, but it helps you stay human while you’re doing 14 hours of sightseeing.

The schedule, in plain English: pickup, breakfast stop, salt flats, Purmamarca, sunset return

The tour typically starts at 7:00 am and runs about 14 hours. In practice, you should assume a late return, since it’s built around getting you back to Salta capital and dropping you at your accommodation. One review noted timing around 7:40 pm, so mentally budget for a long day.

First leg: pickup and the Route 9 start

The day begins with searching for passengers at their accommodations, then you head onto Route 9. This is standard for tours based in Salta, but it means you should expect a bit of waiting time early on. If you’re the type who hates uncertainty, bring a snack and water for the first hours, even if you plan to eat at the first stop.

Stop 1: Yala, Los Nogales area for bathrooms and breakfast (about 15 minutes)

You’ll make a quick technical stop in a small town called Yala, connected with Los Nogales. It’s short, around 15 minutes, and it’s meant for two very practical needs: breakfast options and bathrooms.

This stop is underrated until you’re stuck on a long road with limited chances to pause. Use it well. Grab water, use the restroom, and take a moment to adjust to the morning altitude and air. Even a brief stop can make the next segment feel easier.

The climb: Lipan slope and reaching around 4,170 meters

After Yala, the route turns into a climb with a winding, curvy drive, described as a path of curves. The big highlight here is the altitude: you reach about 4,170 meters before descending toward the salt flats.

What this means for you:

• You might feel the altitude even if you’re fit. Take your time and don’t sprint for photos.
• Your breathing will feel different. Slow down and drink water.
• If you get lightheaded, tell your guide. This is why structured tours have guides.

Stop 2: Salinas Grandes for about 1 hour

You arrive at Salinas Grandes, described as the third largest salt flats in Latin America. You’ll spend about 1 hour enjoying the salt flats and learning about the area.

This is the core of the day, so it’s worth going in with the right expectations. One hour is enough to see the big “salt-white” effect, walk a bit, and take the classic photos. It is not enough to treat this like a hiking day. Think of it as a viewing and orientation window, not a deep exploration.

Stop 3: Purmamarca for about 2 hours, plus the 7 colors hill walk

Then you return to Purmamarca for about 2 hours. You’ll have time for lunch at your own expense, plus a town tour. Your guide stays available with recommendations, so you can ask where to eat and what to see without wandering aimlessly.

There’s also a walk option toward the 7 colors hill, mentioned as about a 20-minute walk. If you enjoy short walks with big payoffs, this is your moment. If you’re tired, the walk is optional, and you can still enjoy Purmamarca by focusing on the town and viewpoints you can reach without pushing your legs.

Return to Salta: sunset drive and accommodation drop-offs

On the way back, you head toward Salta along the same route and enjoy the return drive around sunset. Expect to be tired but satisfied, especially if you managed the salt flats and Purmamarca without rushing.

Salinas Grandes: the wow factor, the time limit, and the cash note you should not ignore

Salinas Grandes is the reason most people do this tour. Even with one hour on the ground, the visual impact is real. The guide time helps too, because the best salt-flat photos come from understanding how the surface works, where the best angles are, and what you should do carefully around the area.

What’s included, and what can surprise you

The tour description says the Salinas Grandes admission ticket is included. Still, some people were asked for an additional cash fee at the access point. One review mentioned needing around 4,000 ARS in cash and not receiving receipts at that specific entrance, plus another review mentioned a separate payment to walk on the salt flats.

I can’t tell you the extra fee will happen to you, but you should plan for it because you’re in a remote place and you can’t easily shop around. If you’re going to pack one “just in case” item for this day, make it some cash.

How to use your 1 hour well

When time is short, you want quick wins:

• Start with the best photo angles first, before you go too far.
• Keep an eye on your energy level at altitude.
• Move calmly, because the salt surface can feel odd underfoot and the air can make you less steady.

If you want the classic Instagram-style shots, realize you may spend time waiting your turn for the angle you want. Use the hour with purpose.

Souvenir shops can close on holidays

One review noted that on Christmas Day, souvenir shops at the salt flats were closed, and the site felt unusually open, like you had more space to yourselves. That’s a normal risk with remote attractions and holiday calendars, so don’t base your plans on shopping there. Base your plans on the views.

Purmamarca in 2 hours: a compact town stop that pairs well with a short walk

Purmamarca is often the second big reason people keep this day tour on their shortlist. It has a “small town with strong scenery” feel, and the walk option to the 7 colors hill is a great match for travelers who want something active without committing to a full hike.

Why the 2-hour stop can feel just right

Two hours sounds short. But for a day like this, it’s a reasonable balance. You need time to:

• Stretch your legs after the long drive
• Grab food (and you should budget for lunch since it is not included)
• Get a guided overview so you know what to prioritize

If you only had Salinas and no Purmamarca, the day would feel like one big photo stop. Purmamarca adds variety: color, town streets, and a viewpoint walk.

A possible drawback: Purmamarca can feel shopping-heavy

One criticism was that Purmamarca is mainly a shopping destination and that two hours might feel excessive if you’re not interested in browsing. That doesn’t mean you won’t have fun. It means you should plan your own “focus.”

If shopping is not your thing, aim your time at:

• The walk toward the 7 colors hill
• Photo stops in the direction your guide recommends
• A simple lunch, then back to the viewpoints

That way you get the best of Purmamarca without feeling trapped in stalls.

The guides and drivers: what you should look for on the day

The tour quality often comes down to your guide and driver, and the reviews shared names that deserve attention. People mentioned Abel as a great guide, praised Horacio for driving, and also highlighted Augustine or Agustín for being enthusiastic and informative. Jesi was another guide specifically named for knowledge and joy.

Why this matters to you:

• A good guide handles timing and altitude pacing without making it feel stressful.
• An attentive driver makes the curvy climb feel less like a roller coaster.
• Clear recommendations in Purmamarca save you time and help you avoid wasting energy.

If you meet your guide early, ask one simple question: what are the two must-do photo spots in Salinas Grandes and what’s the best pace for the 7 colors hill walk? You’ll get more value than just taking pictures.

Vehicle comfort, group size, and long-day stamina

This tour caps at 46 travelers. That’s not tiny, but it’s a size where you still have a good chance of moving efficiently and hearing what the guide says.

You also get an air-conditioned vehicle, which is a real comfort factor on long days. The “stays comfortable” part matters because you’re doing altitude, then salt flats, then town walking, then a sunset return. If you’re prone to getting cranky when you’re tired, bring snacks and keep your water within reach when the schedule allows.

One more thing: expect the day to stretch. Reviews showed the outing can run from early morning to evening, so schedule nothing demanding the next morning.

Price and value: $37 is cheap, but read the fine print on fees

At $37 per person, this tour can feel like a bargain for a full day that includes vehicle transport and admission. It’s also booked about 28 days in advance on average, which usually signals that people feel the day is worth it.

But value depends on your expectations. The tour includes air-conditioned vehicle and all fees and taxes per the provided details. Yet multiple reviews described extra payments on-site related to Salinas access, and one mentioned an added cash requirement around 4,000 ARS.

So how do you judge the value fairly?

• If your day stays as described with no surprises, this is excellent value for Salinas Grandes and Purmamarca in one shot.
• If extra cash is requested, the overall cost can rise. Still, it might remain worth it compared with self-planning, because you’re paying for transport, timing, and guidance.

My practical advice: treat the listed price as the baseline, and bring a little extra cash for the unexpected at remote access points. It turns a stressful moment into a minor inconvenience.

Who should book this tour, and who should skip it

This tour is a good fit if:

• You want Salinas Grandes and Purmamarca in one day from Salta
• You like road trips with a guide and set stops
• You’re okay with a long day and short time at each main attraction

It might not be ideal if:

• You hate uncertainty around entrance fees at remote sites
• You want lots of time to hike or linger at Salinas Grandes
• You prefer a deeper Purmamarca experience beyond town browsing and a short hill walk

If you’re traveling with kids or anyone sensitive to altitude, you’ll want to be cautious. The tour says most travelers can participate, but altitude is still altitude, so bring a realistic attitude and consider how you handle steep, high places.

Should you book Salinas Grandes and Purmamarca with this operator?

My take: this is a strong choice if you want the highlights without self-planning. The combination of Salinas Grandes (with a guided visit) and Purmamarca (with a short walk option) is exactly the kind of one-day mix that helps first-timers feel confident in the region.

Book it if you:

• Want a structured day with a guide and driver who are praised for enthusiasm and organization
• Like the idea of seeing the salt flats even if you only get about an hour
• Can handle a late return and a long ride

Think twice or go prepared if you:

• Are counting every peso and dislike any chance of extra cash requests
• Want long stays and deep exploration at each stop

If you book, do one smart thing before you go: pack some cash for potential on-site access costs at the salt flats. It can prevent the kind of day-killer moment that turns a great view into a frustrating memory.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

The tour starts at 7:00 am.

How long is the tour from Salta?

It lasts about 14 hours.

Is lunch included in the price?

No. Lunch is listed as not included, though you do get time in Purmamarca to eat.

What’s included in the tour price?

The tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle and all fees and taxes (with an admission included for Salinas Grandes).

Do I need tickets for Purmamarca?

Purmamarca is listed as admission free on the tour, and the time there includes a town tour.

How big is the group?

The tour has a maximum of 46 travelers.

Are there any restrictions for participation?

The tour indicates that most travelers can participate.

Are service animals allowed?

Yes, service animals are allowed.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience start time.