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los Cardones National Park

los Cardones National Park: Our most recommended tours and activities

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

1. 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.

From Salta: Local Landscape, Winery, and Culture Tour

2. From Salta: Local Landscape, Winery, and Culture Tour

1.Meet your guide at your hotel and settle into the van before setting out from Salta. Take in 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 such as the Devil's Throat and the Parrots' House. Upon arrival in Cafayate, visit a winery to learn more about the local wine industry. Sample various wines. A highlight is the Torrontés, a variety that originated in Argentina. Experience a completely different landscape on your drive back to Salta. 2. Travel Provincial Route 33 and enjoy vistas of the Escoipe river's dramatic gorge and Los Laureles. Journey along the famous winding road of Cuesta del Obispo. Admire the magnificent rock formations en route to the summit. Ride through the Parque Nacional los Cardones. The park's name comes from its abundance of cardon grande cactus bushes. In the town of Cachi, you will have time to explore and find a spot to enjoy lunch. During your free time, stroll through streets of colonial architecture. Visit the church in Central Plaza or a museum devoted to local history. Browse shops and find a souvenir before the return drive to Salta. 3.Visit Purmamarca, with the spectacular Hill of 7 Colors rising behind it. Check out works by local craftsmen in the city's main square. Pay a visit to the church, important in local history. Break for lunch in town (costs not included) and explore. Admire the Paleta del Pintor Hill from the road and the impressive Monumento de la Independencia. Visit a chapel built 700 years ago featuring an altar covered in gold. See priceless paintings of the Cusco School and a small monument marking the Tropic of Capricorn. Stop in Tilcara for a walk to its main square and church. End your day's tour at Las Ruinas Incaicas del Pucara de Tilcara. Learn about the people who first lived on the site at the museum before returning to Salta. 4. Journey towards Jujuy, passing through the towns of Volcán and Tumbaya along the way.  Experience the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Quebrada de Humahuaca, once a major trade route thousands of years ago. Return to Purmamarca. Experience the town's vibrant main square if you missed it the day before. Maybe pick up some souvenirs at one of the many craft stands. Enjoy a visit to the breathtaking Hill of 7 Colors. Continue your ascent along the Cuesta del Lipan to reach the Salinas Grandes, considered one of the 7 Wonders of the Argentine Republic. Enjoy some free time to admire the unique salt planes and famous pools. Back in Purmamarca, take some time for lunch at one of the many traditional restaurants. Explore some more of the town before returning to Salta. You choose the dates, but the order of the excursions may change depending on the availability of the agency

From Salta: 3-Day Cafayate, Cachi, and Humahuaca Guided Trip

3. From Salta: 3-Day Cafayate, Cachi, and Humahuaca Guided Trip

Spend 3 Days exploring breathtaking natural landscapes in the Salta and Jujuy regions. Tour a local winery in Cafayate, discover Los Cardones National Park, visit the iconic Seven Colors Hill, and stroll through traditional towns, such as Cachi and Humahuaca. Day 1Get picked up from your hotel in Salta and drive over to the Quebrada de las Conchas to see the imposing red rock formations. Visit a local winery at Calchaquies Valley, learn about their process, and enjoy a complimentary tasting. Visit Cafayate town and its landmarks before returning to Salta. Day 2Head over to Cuesta del Obispo for panoramic views from the mountains. See the diversity of cacti at Los Cardones National Park. Walk around Cachi, a small town with colonial architecture, and head back to Salta. Day 3Start the day with a visit to Purmamarca town, the magnificent Seven Colors Hill, and the local market. Move on to the picturesque towns of Tilcara and Humahuaca and explore the churches, local landmarks, and surroundings. Finish off your 3-day journey with a drive back to Salta. You choose the dates, but the order of the excursions may change depending on the availability of the agency

Salta: Cafayate, Cachi, and Salinas Grandes Guided Day Trips

4. Salta: Cafayate, Cachi, and Salinas Grandes Guided Day Trips

Spend 3 days exploring the main attractions surrounding Salta with a driver and guide. Go wine tasting in Cafayate. Take in the cacti of Los Cardones National Park and the colonial architecture of Cachi. Explore the picturesque town of Purmamarca, the Hill of Seven Colors, and the Salinas Grandes. Day 1:After pickup from your hotel, head south along Provincial Route 68. Take in panoramic views of the farms and tobacco plantations of the Lerma Valley. See tobacco leaves drying in the sun. Pass the town of Alemania and marvel at red mountains and rock formations, including the "House of the Parrots." Upon arrival in Cafayate, visit a winery to learn about the local wine industry and famous Torrontés wines. Discover the winemaking methods used and sample some of the wines. Following lunch, travel back to Salta via a different route to see a completely different landscape from the morning drive. Day 2: Depart Salta and drive through the small towns of Cerrillos, La Merced, and El Carril. Then, pass the dramatic Escoipe Gorge and Los Laureles. Next, take the winding Cuesta del Obispo (Bishop's Slope) to the peak at 3,348 meters above sea level. Admire magnificent rock formations en route. Travel through Los Cardones National Park and marvel at its flourishing Cardon Grande cacti. Arrive in the beautiful town of Cachi in time for lunch. Then, stroll through the streets, admiring the perfectly-preserved colonial architecture, including the stunning town church in the central plaza. Next, visit the museum to discover the history of the indigenous communities in the Calchaquí Valley. Pick up some souvenirs in the craft market and enjoy some free time to shop before the return drive to Salta. Day 3:Head to the neighboring province of Jujuy, passing through the towns of Volcán and Tumbaya on the way. Stop at Purmamarca, one of the most picturesque villages in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Quebrada de Humahuaca. Visit the vibrant main square and buy souvenirs at one of the many craft stands. Afterward, visit the breathtaking and aptly-named Hill of Seven Colors. 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 flat and famous pools. Afterward, return to Purmamarca and break for lunch at one of the many traditional restaurants before returning to Salta. You choose the dates, but the order of the excursions may change depending on the availability of the agency

Other Sightseeing Options in los Cardones National Park

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What people are saying about los Cardones National Park

Overall rating

4.9 / 5

based on 8 reviews

The purchased set of tours turned out to be a great choice. Each of the trips exceeded our expectations. I must admit that the next 4 days were filled from 7 to 19-21. The distances to individual attractions are long and the drive is long. All the pilots were great: thank you Fernando, Ana and Walter. Your information in English was clear and understandable. The cars are new, although it must be admitted that traveling in the front is more comfortable. Stops for attractions and technical breaks, no problem. The choice of this form of sightseeing is, in my opinion, the best opportunity to commune with the surrounding natural wonders. You are picked up from your hotel and dropped off, I am only interested in admiring the surroundings and the culture. I recommend it to active tourists.

Eine sehr gute Tour, wenn man alle Hauptsehenswürdigekiten in den Provinzen Jujuy und Salta in ein paar Tagen sehen möchte! Die Tour-Guides sind sehr bemüht, wissen und erzählen Vieles und sprechen sowohl Englisch als auch Spanisch hervorragend. Man ist in einem Mini-Van unterwegs und nicht in einem großen Bus - und das für diesen Preis! Übrigens: Nicht wundern: die einzelnen Tagestouren können in einer beliebigen Reihenfolge stattfinden.

Great activities accompanied by very competent guides, breathtaking landscapes, if you hesitate go for it!

Simply a great tour. Really recommended. It was a dream!!