Situated in a very fertile valley, that still bears the founder´s name "Lerma", is, of all the provincial capitals, the city that has best preserved its patrimony of colonial architecture, such as the San Bernardo Convent, the San Francisco Church, and the Cabildo (city hall) with its graceful row of arches. During this half day tour you will have the opportunity of visiting these and other important sites.

Full Day tour to Humahuaca Gorge visiting Purmamarca, typical village from where one of the most colorful and beautiful landscapes of the north-west, surrounded by green trees and mud brick-houses, can be appreciated: Seven Colors Mountain. Going up we shall reach the Pucara de Tilcara: although in "quechua" language Pucara means fortress, it really used to be an "omoguaca" (aborigines who inhabited this place during the X Century) village. During the way back to Salta, there will be a visit to Jujuy city, capital of Jujuy Province.

The trip departs from Salta to the South, with tobacco plantations to the right and to the left hand. Continuing, we will cross the Quebrada del Río Las Conchas or Quebrada de Cafayate, with spectacular and natural formations like the amphitheater, characterized by its particular acoustics. We will finally arrive into Cafayate, where we will have a special sightseeing of the town and its wine cellars, that produce the "torrontés", a typical Argentinean white fruity wine.

Departure on our way to Purmamarca by route 9 visiting San Antonio de los Cobres & Salinas Grandes.
One of the most interesting aspects of this remote region is the culture of its people, who from the pre-Hispanic times, could adapt to the hard conditions. Little towns like San Antonio de los Cobres, Tolar Grande y Santa Rosa de los Pastos Grandes have kept the Incas’ traditions. Such is the origin of some customs like the celebration of Pachama, “Misachicos” and “Señaladas”.
Photo-Safaris. Photography fans will be delighted by the huge deserts of salt, the volcanoes and snow-capped mountains, the clear skies, the blinding sun and the majesty of llamas and vicuñas.

From Salta, we take the Quebrada del Toro up to Santa Rosa de Tastil. After the visit to this incredible archaeological site, we keep on to San Antonio de los Cobres. This was the last stop of the “Train to the Clouds” (at the moment out of service) before La Polvorilla Viaduct. After a stop we will continue to the “Salinas” one of the biggest concentrations of Salt in the country and continue to Purmamarca.


Purmamarca is a typical village from where will be able to admire a fabulous and colorful landscape: Cerro de los Siete Colores (Seven Colours Hill) surrounded by green trees and the mud brick-houses. Pucara de Tilcara – in aborigine language means fortress. It really used to be an omaguaca village (aborigines who inhabited this place during the 10th Century).

From Salta going south one passes ancient sites in order to enter the Cuesta del Obispo in its highland setting. The road begins to ascend zigzagging upwards to the Piedra del Molino (Mill stone) at 3600 meters above sea level. On the left is a route to the Valle Encantado (Enchanted Valley) with its special configurations. Later the Recta del Tin- Tin is reached, a straight road, which has existed since pre- Hispanic times.  The Nevado de Cachi can just be discerned in silent vigil over the valley towns of Payogasta and Cachi. Towards the south are Seclantas, and Molinos: the plan of the town is completely irregular, with houses made of adobe and roofs of clay, mud and straw big arcades and porticos.  The town excels as a historical monument, because it was built in 1639, with its church and the inn. The "cardon" can be seen, it is a giant cactus that thrives at an altitude of between 6500 and 11500 feet and which fruit fed the indigenous population in times gone by. Its abundance in the area is such that it has given its name to the National park and where vicuñas and lamas run free. Return to Salta.