Today we suggest an optional full day tour to see the magnificent salt flats at Salinas Grandes, the largest in Argentina, travelling for 5.5-hours via the small town of San Antonio de Los Cobres and the indigenous village at Purmamarca.
We depart from Salta and travel towards San Antonio de los Cobres, following the route of the 'Train to the Clouds', which allows you to admire this marvellous feat of engineering with its many curves and zig-zags cutting deep into the Quebrada del Toro gorge. Enjoy the bright blue skies and multi-coloured hills covered with cacti and shrubs, in this pristine Andean environment.
On arrival at San Antonio de los Cobres we visit the La Polvorilla Viaduct, which rises 63 m above the ground at an altitude of 4,197 m. Built between 1930 and 1932, this was a great work of engineering in its time.
We continue our journey northwards along the old Route 40 to the magnificent Salinas Grandes salt flats situated at the foot of the Sierras de Córdoba Mountains. This spectacular 200 square mile (525 sq. km) salt plain is located some 11,000 ft (3,350 m) above sea level, with a salty crust of up to 20 inches (0.5 m) thick in places. On a bright day you will need sunglasses to take in the blinding contrast between the brilliant white expanse of cracked and crusty salt and the bright blue sky.
After enjoying this amazing scenery, we descend through the winding Cuesta de Lipán (a series of steep zigzags in the road) to the Valley of Purmamarca. Here you will find an indigenous Indian village, nestled in the enchanting landscapes of the Cerro de los Siete Colores (Hill of Seven Colours). The old adobe parish church, dedicated to Saint Rosa of Lima, dates from 1648 and is a national monument. The main square has an artisan market, which brings together local craftsmen with their wood carvings, tapestries, woven rugs and wide variety of medicinal and aromatic herbs. We then drive 4-hours back to Salta.
Note: This excursion travels to a very high altitude, so take precautions for altitude sickness.