Safari to the Clouds + Salinas Grandes & Purmamarca
Discover the road to the clouds, Purmamarca and Salinas Grandes in one day
Briefing
Is the Train to the Clouds the best way to travel Salta? Not always.
The Safari to the Clouds offers you the only possibility to combine the three most emblematic landscapes of the Argentine Northwest in one day. Start the day by traveling the Camino a las Nubes, a circular route that we will do in our private vehicle following the tracks of the famous Train to the Clouds. Leaving Salta, it passes through the Quebrada del Toro to San Antonio de los Cobres. Cross the Puna on Route 38 until reach the Salinas Grandes in Jujuy. Llamas and vicuñas are waiting for us on the way!
And finally, the highlight: the Cuesta de Lipán. A descent of 2,000 m in only 35 km passes from the desert landscape of the Puna to the most humid valleys in a matter of minutes, until you reach Purmamarca located at the foot of the Cerro de los Siete Colores.
Find out why making the road hides treasures you wouldn't see on the train.
Tour details
Included
- Transportation in special four-wheel drive minibus with bathroom.
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Merienda (Snack)
- Drinks on board (water - soft drinks - coffee - tea)
- Professional bilingual guides for all activities
Not included
- Drinks during lunch
Important information
Tour departure is subject to weather conditions. In case the tour is not available due to the weather, we will offer you three options: an alternative route for the same day, a change of date or a full refund of the reservation. Argentina is a country with 50% annual inflation. The prices indicated in Argentinean pesos for meals and entrance fees are only indicative and may vary.
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation! You can cancel this tour and you will receive 100% refund if you cancel more than 48 hours in advance. After this time, or in case you do not show up for the tour, no refunds will be given.
Tour itinerary
Day 1: Road to the Clouds, Salinas Grandes and Purmamarca
Beginning of the tour
We leave at 6.30 a.m. from the meeting point. We travel one hour by road until we reach Campo Quijano, where we stop for breakfast.
Campo Quijano
Hotel Las Lomitas awaits you with a buffet breakfast. Yum! You can have tea, coffee or mate cocido. For breakfast, you have at your disposal bread, croissants, cookies and toast. Combine them with butter, jam, and the Argentinean must: dulce de leche. If you wish, you can also try coca leaf tea: a fantastic natural and traditional remedy to avoid altitude sickness.
Quebrada del Toro
We accompany the Train to the Clouds tracks in Quebrada del Toro. Here we go down to see the viaduct, which makes an impressive contrast between the industrial iron and the rural landscape of the mountains.
Santa Rosa de Tastil
Santa Rosa de Tastil was once the largest Pre-Colombian city in Argentina. It existed even before the Incas arrived.
San Antonio de los Cobres
The town of San Antonio de los Cobres awaits us... with a delicious lunch! The chosen place is Hotel de las Nubes. We have an hour and a half to eat and enjoy the authentic gastronomy of the argentinian north.
Viaducto La Polvorilla
You are not alone on the road. From the window you are accompanied by the cutest animals of the Andes: llamas and vicuñas. You are on your way to Viaducto La Polvorilla, the highest point of the Train to the Clouds, at 4,200 meters above sea level... Feel the sky with your hands!
Salinas Grandes
It's time for the most classic postcard of northern Argentina: Salinas Grandes. This immense salar fascinates its visitors... And it's no wonder! The small mounds of salt and the pools of turquoise water generate spectacular views.
Cuesta de Lipán
One of the most striking phenomena of mother nature is how the the wildlife changes according to the altitude we are at. Be prepared: the vehicle climbs a zigzagging and steep stretch. At the top of the mountain, you have a view worthy of a great photograph.
Purmamarca & Hill of Seven Colors
In the afternoon we arrive at the picturesque village of Purmamarca, located at the base of the famous Hill of Seven Colors. This town is so beautiful, that great artists from Latin America have chosen it for music videos. Among them, Calle 13 and Chano from Tan Biónica.
Return to Salta
At 6 p.m., we start the return trip to Salta. You get a "merienda" on board of the bus -that amazing meal between lunch and dinner-. We are served an infusion with facturas, a sweet argentinian pastry. You arrive in the City of Salta at 8 p.m., with 390 miles covered and memories you'll treasure forever.
What to bring to Safari to the Clouds + Salinas Grandes & Purmamarca
- The places you will visit, and the north of Argentina in general, have a lot of thermal amplitude. In the morning and evening it can be quite cold and then during midday it can be hot. You also have to consider that in high altitude areas, the wind can be cold. That is why we recommend you dressing in several layers of clothing. This is what you should bring:Passport or ID card
- Warm clothing
- Waterproof jacket and umbrella (between December and March)
- Sunglasses (especially for Salinas Grandes)
- Comfortable footwear (if possible hiking shoes or snickers)
- Sunscreen
- Lip balm
- Personal hygiene items (remember that this is a full day tour)
- Cash (Argentinean pesos) for possible additional expenses such as crafts or soft drinks
- Camera
- Medication against altitude sickness (if deemed necessary).
Questions & Answers
Safari to the Clouds + Salinas Grandes & Purmamarca tour reviews with Howlanders
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