From Jujuy: Salinas Grandes, Purmamarca & Los Colorados Hike

This day trip is interesting because it strings together three very different high-altitude scenes, and you get to hike through the parts locals actually walk. I especially like the way the route spotlights Purmamarca’s Seven Colors Hill and then quickly shifts to the big, blinding white of Salinas Grandes.

You’ll also get a real sense of the area’s culture, not just a photo stop, with time in Purmamarca for lunch and a chance to browse the craft market. One consideration: you go up to about 4,200 meters, and you spend real time on dirt roads and on foot, so it’s not a relaxed stroll.

Key highlights that make this route worth it

• Seven Colors Hill in Purmamarca: a guided climb with strong viewpoints along the way
• High-altitude salt views: a stop above the Salinas Grandes for wide, blue-sky contrast
• Los Colorados trail: a desert hike that leads you through the colorful mountain country
• Curated stops along the drive: Yala, Volcán, Tumbaya, plus a Seven Colors Hill viewpoint before hiking
• Bilingual guiding (Spanish and English): clear explanations during the hike and viewpoints
• Small-but-memorable community entrances: bring some cash for SALINAS GRANDES and PASEO LOS COLORADOS

Leaving Jujuy: the scenic drive that sets the tone

The day starts with a pickup in Jujuy at the YPF gas station on Vilcapugio 1986, in the San Salvador de Jujuy area. If you want zero stress, arrive about 15 minutes early and wait at the coffee shop by the meeting point.

Once the group is on board, you head through towns like Yala, Volcán, and Tumbaya. This matters because the road is part of the show here. You slowly transition from everyday mountain scenery into the dryer, higher, sharper world that makes Salta Province so visually dramatic.

The drive also includes a quick stop at a Seven Colors Hill viewpoint. This is a smart move because it primes your eyes before you ever lace up your shoes. The hill’s tones look different depending on sun angle, and having a guide along for the timing helps you catch the colors when they pop.

Practical note: the tour description mentions low-quality dirt roads, so expect some bounce. If you get motion sick, plan accordingly.

Seven Colors Hill: Purmamarca and the hike with real altitude

You arrive in Purmamarca, right at the base of the Seven Colors Hill, and this is where the tour shifts from sightseeing to hiking. The trail route is built around several named sections, including Cuesta del Lipán, Cuesta del Saladillo, and Abra de Potrerillos.

I like this style of hike because it’s not just “walk until a viewpoint.” It feels like you’re moving through a sequence of small changes in angle, terrain, and scale. Even if you’re not a hardcore hiker, those named climbs give you structure. You always know roughly where you are in the bigger picture.

At higher points, keep your eyes open for occasional wildlife mentioned for the area, like vicunas and llamas. That’s one of the reasons I enjoy guided hikes in places like this. You may not spot much on your own, but a guide can help you notice what’s actually there.

Also, the hike is at elevation. You’re not just dealing with “thin air” in theory. The tour description says you reach around 4,150 meters on the way up, and about 4,200 meters is the top elevation noted as part of the experience level. If you’re used to sea-level living, that can feel like the pace is slower than your legs want to go. Take it easy, breathe steady, and don’t treat it like a race.

Salinas Grandes: the white salt plain and the blue volcano pause

After the ascent, you hit a high viewpoint where the guide builds in time to enjoy Salinas Grandes. This is the moment you’ll remember later, even if you forget a few details of the trail.

The description calls it a spectacular white salt plain, and that white matters. It creates a strong contrast against the blue sky, and it also makes the horizon look razor-flat. In practical terms, it’s also a place where you can pause and let the altitude catch up with you in a controlled way. Don’t rush this segment. Take breaks, sip water if you have it, and give your body time to adjust.

The schedule includes about 45 minutes up at the top. During that time, you explore and admire the view of blue volcanoes. You’re also getting that “big picture” feeling that makes the earlier road and the Purmamarca hike worth it. You’re seeing how these features connect across distance, not just as isolated scenic stops.

One small caution: salt plains can be bright. Even if the air is cold, the sun can feel intense. The tour suggests sunglasses and sunscreen for a reason.

Purmamarca lunch and craft market time

On the way back down, you head to Purmamarca again, and the tour gives you free time for lunch. Lunch is not included, so plan to buy something on your own. This break is more than a convenience. It’s the only portion where you get to slow down and get a feel for town life.

You can stroll through the narrow streets, get more viewpoints of the surrounding mountain, and check out the craft market. This is where the day starts to feel less like a checklist and more like a place you’re visiting.

If you want to make the most of the time, do two things early: eat something simple and then wander. Once you sit down with a meal, it’s easy to lose track of time, and later you still have a second hike.

Los Colorados trail: the desert hike that finishes with big views

After lunch, you continue with a second hike, about 30 to 40 minutes along the Colorados trail. This part is shorter than the earlier climb, which helps you recover from the day’s main altitude push. But it’s still a real hike, not a walk in the park.

The trail leads into surrounding desert landscapes between the mountains. The name Los Colorados fits the vibe: think warm, earthy tones and dramatic variation as you move through the area. You’ll likely feel the difference from the salt-flat viewpoint, because the textures are different and the colors are more earth-based than bright white.

This segment is also the payoff for having done Purmamarca first. With the Seven Colors Hill fresh in your mind, the Colorados trail feels like a natural extension. You’re seeing how multiple places around the same region share a similar “color and scale” language, but express it in different materials.

When the second hike ends, you head back to Jujuy to finish the day.

What $42 buys you, and why that value can be real

At $42 per person, the price feels reasonable if what you want is guided access to three signature areas without handling the transport yourself.

Here’s what you’re getting for the money:

• Pickup and drop-off in Jujuy
• Transportation by bus or minivan, depending on group size
• A bilingual guide in Spanish and English
• Guided hiking time plus structured stops, including the pre-hike viewpoint

Food and drinks are not included, so you’ll spend a bit more on lunch. You’ll also want cash for community entrances, about $5 total, for SALINAS GRANDES and PASEO LOS COLORADOS.

The real value is in the coordination. This is not a place you casually “figure out” quickly, especially if you’re short on time and not traveling with a car. The guide also helps with pacing at altitude and makes it easier to enjoy the viewpoints instead of just sprinting from one photo to the next.

One more detail: one review highlighted that the trip was really well organized, with guides like Eric and Martin providing lots of info about history, landscape, and what to look for. Even if you’re not sure who you’ll get, it’s a good sign that the guiding quality is taken seriously.

Pace, altitude, and comfort tips that will save your day

This tour isn’t described as suitable for everyone, and you should take that seriously. It reaches up to about 4,200 meters, involves hiking, and includes dirt roads. It’s also not recommended for:

• People with limited mobility
• Children under 5
• Pregnant women

Even if you’re fit enough, altitude is still altitude. I’d plan your effort like this:

• Start the climbs slower than you think you need
• Keep breathing steady and stop if you feel lightheaded
• Don’t rely on adrenaline to “fix” thin air
• Bring the basics the tour suggests: comfortable shoes, sunglasses, sun hat, and sunscreen

The “bring your shoes” part sounds obvious, but it’s crucial. You’re on trails at elevation, and grip matters more than fashion.

Also, the tour notes that you should provide a contact number for the local partner. That’s mostly about being reachable during the day, especially if plans shift due to road conditions. It’s a small step that can prevent big confusion.

How the guides shape what you see

One of the best parts of this kind of route is the difference between watching scenery and understanding it. You get a bilingual guide in Spanish and English, and that helps you follow what’s going on without missing context.

In particular, reviews mention guides such as Martin, described as having a ton of information about the area, including history and landscape details. Another mention credits Eric for expert guidance through mountains and breathtaking scenery. Even if your guide’s style differs, the pattern is clear: you’re meant to leave with more than photos.

There’s one practical consideration too: one review complained that bus audio was low quality and that the bus was old and dirty. If you’re sensitive to audio issues on long rides, you might want to download music or podcasts for the ride. Still, the important info should come from the guide during stops.

Should you book the Jujuy to Purmamarca, Salinas Grandes, and Los Colorados hike?

Book this tour if you want a guided day that hits the three headline sights of the region, Seven Colors Hill, Salinas Grandes, and Los Colorados, with time to actually hike and not just stare out a window. The price is fair for the transport, bilingual guidance, and the structure that makes altitude days easier to manage.

Skip it or choose something gentler if you know you won’t handle 4,200 meters, if walking on trails is a challenge, or if you’re traveling with very young kids or during pregnancy, since the tour is not recommended for those situations.

If you’re a moderate walker and you can handle dirt roads and sun, you’ll likely love how the day builds from color hill viewpoint, to salt plain scale, to a desert trail finish. Bring good sun protection, pace yourself on the climbs, and treat the altitude like the main event.