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PurmamarcaOutdoor activities

Our most recommended Purmamarca Outdoor 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.

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

2. 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

3. 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.

From Jujuy: Salinas Grandes, Purmamarca & Los Colorados Hike

4. 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.

From Jujuy: Day Trip to Quebrada de Humahuaca

5. From Jujuy: Day Trip to Quebrada de Humahuaca

Meet your group at the meeting point in Jujuy. From there, take a ride to Purmamarca, a small town at the base of the Seven Colors Hill, a stunning multi-hued mountain. Then, discover Maimará, a small village nestled in the shadow of the Monolith Painter's Palette, a multicolored geological formation made up of stunning red, yellow, orange, and pastel hues. Next, 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, notable for its historic church boasting paintings of gun-toting angels. Make your next stop at the Tropic of Cancer, the most southerly latitude at which the sun can appear directly overhead at noon. Head on to Humahuaca and admire the multicolored Quebrada de Humahuaca mountain, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This mountainous gorge or "quebrada" runs for nearly 100 miles (155 kilometers) along the Grande River and up into Bolivia.

Salta: 3-Day Trip to Cachi, Humahuaca, and Salinas Grandes

6. Salta: 3-Day Trip to Cachi, Humahuaca, and Salinas Grandes

Spend 3 days exploring landscapes of Salta & Jujuy. Day 1. Tour to Cachi. Depart Salta and journey along Provincial Route 68, traveling through the small towns of Cerrillos, La Merced and El Carril. Then, drive along 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 and natural walls en route to the summit at 3,348 meters above sea level. Look for condors flying above, and marvel at the majesty of the "King of the Sky." Get a stunning view of El Valle Encantado ("The Enchanted Valley"), where the scenery is like something out of a fairytale. Notice how the landscape changes as you leave the sub-tropical valleys to go to Recta del Tin Tin, built during the time of the Incas. Travel through the Parque Nacional los Cardones ("National Park of the Cactus"), named for its abundance of cardon grande cactus bush formations. 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. Pick up some souvenirs in the craft market and enjoy some free time to shop before the return drive to Salta. Day 2. Tour to Humahuaca. Leave Salta to visit some of the towns in the Quebrada de Humahuaca. Arrive in Purmamarca and take a walk through the central square where local craftsmen display their work. Get back on the road and travel to the UNESCO World Heritage Listed city of Humahuaca. View the Monumento a los Héroes de la Independencia and indulge in a traditional lunch after exploring the winding streets. Make your way back to Salta with several stops along the way. Enter into a chapel built 700 years ago with an altar of gold and admire priceless paintings of the Cusco school. Discover Incan relics at the Dr. Eduardo Casanova Archaeology Museum in the city of Tilcara and uncover a society even more ancient at the ruins of Pucará de Tilcara, before arriving back in Salta. Day 3. Tour to Salinas Grandes. 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. The order of the excursions is at the disposal of the passengers and availability of places. You choose the dates, but the order of the excursions may change depending on the availability of the agency

From Jujuy: Tour to Salinas Grandes and Purmamarca

7. From Jujuy: Tour to Salinas Grandes and Purmamarca

The service begins with the search of the Passengers for their Central Hotels of the City of San Salvador de Jujuy The search time for Hotels and Accommodations is between 8:00 am and 8:45 am. Passengers must be ready from 8:00 am. The first stop is in Purmamarca on the banks of the river to photograph the majestic hill of seven colors. Then we ascend the Cuesta de Lipán where we are going to make technical stops to contemplate the zigzag path that outlines the hills and culminates at 4170 m.a.s.l. We will continue on our way until we reach the Salinas Grandes where we walk through the Salar. If passengers are interested, they can add a visit to the Salinas Grandes Water Pools. Later we return to Purmamarca Town where passengers will have free time to have lunch and tour the town of Purmamarca and visit the Cerro de 7 Colores. Before embarking on the return path, which is the same one that was taken during the outward journey, we will take a 2-hour walk through the "Paseo de los Colorados", located behind the Cerro de 7 Colores. The Tour ends around 07:00 pm, at which time we will return to the City of San Salvador de Jujuy and bring the Passengers to their Hotels or Accommodation.

From Salta: Local Landscape, Winery, and Culture Tour

8. 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

Hornocal: Full-Day Tour to the Hill of Seven Colors

9. Hornocal: Full-Day Tour to the Hill of Seven Colors

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. Important: this tour is only available in Spanish and passengers must be at the agency office; Caseros 420 at 6.30 am. This is because it is the longest excursion.

From Salta: Day Trip to Quebrada de Humahuaca

10. From Salta: Day Trip to Quebrada de Humahuaca

Embark on an adventure that will take you through striking landscapes and scenic villages. Meet at the local partner’s office near the Plaza 9 de Julio de Salta. If you select the pick-up option, enjoy the convenience of being picked up from your hotel in Salta. Drive to the 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 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 Capricorn, the most southerly latitude at which the sun can appear directly overhead at noon. Visit Humahuca and admire the multi-colored town and culture, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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What people are saying about Purmamarca

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.

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.

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!!