Salta & Jujuy Travel Guide: Where History, Culture, and Nature Collide

Salta and Jujuy, two of Argentina’s most stunning and culturally rich provinces, are known for their breathtaking mountain landscapes, indigenous heritage, colonial history, and lively folkloric traditions.

From the colorful Quebrada de Humahuaca to the charming colonial streets of Salta, this region offers breathtaking scenery, local traditions, and mouthwatering cuisine.

📍 Top Attractions in Salta & Jujuy

1️⃣ Quebrada de Humahuaca – A UNESCO Heritage Valley

🏜 Why Visit?

A stunning valley with colorful rock formations and ancient villages.
Once part of an Inca trade route, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Home to indigenous communities, vibrant markets, and historical sites.

📷 Photo Opportunity: The valley with its multicolored mountains in the background

🎟 Tip: Visit in the early morning for the best lighting and fewer crowds.

2️⃣ Cerro de los Siete Colores (Hill of Seven Colors)

🌈 Why Visit?

A breathtaking multicolored mountain located in Purmamarca.
Formed over millions of years, creating layers of vibrant hues.
One of the most photographed places in Argentina.

📷 Photo Opportunity: A panoramic view of the colorful hill from Purmamarca

🎟 Tip: Hike up El Porito viewpoint for an unforgettable sunrise view.

3️⃣ Salinas Grandes – Argentina’s White Salt Desert

🏜 Why Visit?

A massive salt flat stretching over 12,000 km², resembling a white desert.
Perfect for creative perspective photography.
A surreal landscape best visited after rain when the salt flats create a mirror effect.

📷 Photo Opportunity: Walking on the endless white salt flats under a blue sky

🎟 Tip: Wear sunglasses and sunscreen, as the reflection can be intense.

4️⃣ Salta City – The Colonial Jewel of the North

🏛 Why Visit?

One of Argentina’s most beautiful colonial cities, known as “Salta la Linda” (Salta the Beautiful).
Features Spanish-style architecture, cobbled streets, and lively plazas.
Visit the San Francisco Church, Salta Cathedral, and MAAM Museum (Museum of High Altitude Archaeology).

📷 Photo Opportunity: The pink façade of Salta Cathedral illuminated at night

🎟 Tip: Take the Tren a las Nubes (Train to the Clouds) for a high-altitude railway experience.

5️⃣ Purmamarca – The Most Charming Andean Village

🛍 Why Visit?

A quaint Andean village with adobe houses and a lively artisan market.
Surrounded by breathtaking mountain scenery.
A great place to buy handwoven textiles, pottery, and local crafts.

📷 Photo Opportunity: Walking through the colorful market with the mountains in the background

🎟 Tip: Try empanadas salteñas at a local café while enjoying live folk music.

6️⃣ Cafayate – Argentina’s High-Altitude Wine Paradise

🍷 Why Visit?

One of the best wine regions in Argentina, famous for Torrontés white wine.
Surrounded by stunning red rock formations and vineyards.
Visit Bodega El Esteco or Piattelli Vineyards for wine tastings with a view.

📷 Photo Opportunity: A vineyard framed by desert mountains at sunset

🎟 Tip: Try a Torrontés wine pairing with local goat cheese.

7️⃣ Hornocal – The Mountain of 14 Colors

⛰ Why Visit?

A breathtaking multicolored mountain range, even more spectacular than Cerro de los Siete Colores.
Located near Humahuaca, it reaches 4,761 meters above sea level.
Offers a truly unique geological wonder.

📷 Photo Opportunity: A drone shot of the zigzagging, rainbow-hued mountains

🎟 Tip: The drive is steep—hire a local guide or take a 4×4 tour for safety.

8️⃣ Tilcara – The Oldest Andean Town in Argentina

🏺 Why Visit?

Home to Pucará de Tilcara, an ancient pre-Inca fortress.
A great place to experience indigenous traditions and local festivals.
Visit El Garganta del Diablo (Devil’s Throat), a stunning canyon waterfall.

📷 Photo Opportunity: The ancient ruins with panoramic mountain views

🎟 Tip: Take a llama trekking tour for an unforgettable Andean experience.

🚆 How to Get to & Around Salta & Jujuy

✈ By Air:

Fly into Martín Miguel de Güemes International Airport (SLA) in Salta.
Jujuy also has a small airport (JUJ) for domestic flights.

🚍 By Bus:

Comfortable long-distance buses connect Salta and Jujuy to Buenos Aires, Córdoba, and Mendoza.

🚖 By Car:

Renting a car is the best way to explore the valleys and small villages.

🚞 By Train:

Take the Tren a las Nubes for an epic journey into the high-altitude Andes.

🌦 Best Time to Visit Salta & Jujuy

☀ Dry Season (April–November): Best for hiking, sightseeing, and clear skies.
🌸 Spring (September–November): Perfect for wildflower blooms in the mountains.
🌦 Rainy Season (December–March): The landscapes turn lush green but expect heavy rains.

🕰 Opening Hours: Most attractions and parks open from 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM.

🍽 What to Eat in Salta & Jujuy

✅ Empanadas Salteñas – Traditional oven-baked empanadas filled with beef or cheese.
✅ Humita – A savory corn-based dish wrapped in corn husks.
✅ Tamales Norteños – A delicious Andean-style tamale.
✅ Locro – A hearty Andean stew with corn, beans, and meat.
✅ Coca Tea – A natural herbal tea used to combat altitude sickness.
✅ Torrontés Wine – A refreshing white wine produced in the region.