On paper, four days might seem like enough. In reality, five days is the sweet spot to handle the driving distances, adjust to the altitude, and really soak in the views without feeling rushed. We planned for four days and definitely felt the pinch of being too rushed.
Getting ready for your departure from Salta
Salta is the perfect base for organizing this loop. The city is pleasant, well-equipped, and makes it incredibly easy to pick up a rental car.
Where to rent a car in Salta?
We rented from FOX Car Rental / Alquiler de Autos and had a great experience. The team knows the region inside out and gave us very clear advice on:
- which roads are unpaved
- which ones to absolutely avoid, especially Route 79 towards the Salinas Grandes
- how to adjust your driving on dirt stretches
Buenos
Aires
Salta
Where to stay in Salta?
Trotamundos Salta Hostel is still a fantastic option. It’s a cozy, family-run hostel with traditional evenings and plenty of great tips. A perfect base camp both before and after your loop. We absolutely loved the warm welcome!
Day 1: From Salta to Cafayate via the Quebrada de las Conchas
This first day is already nothing short of spectacular.
The must-see spots on the road to Cafayate
- Quebrada de las Conchas
Free access
A stunning series of red and ochre rock formations sculpted by wind and water that are beautiful to admire along the way.
Recommended stops:
- Garganta del Diablo
- El Anfiteatro
- Los Castillos
Each stop is right off the road, so there’s no need for any strenuous hiking.
What is there to do once you reach Cafayate?
Cafayate is famous for its vineyards and its signature grape variety, Torrontu00e9s.
Must-sees:
- Local Bodegas
Free entry or tastings between 10,000 and 16,000 pesos depending on the winery - Main Plaza for a laid-back evening
Where to stay:
- Hostels or small hotels in the town center. Unfortunately, we couldn’t stay overnight, so we don’t have a specific spot to recommend.
Cafayate is the perfect spot for a peaceful first night before you tackle Route 40.
Day 2. From Cafayate to Cachi via Route 40
A longer day of driving, but easily one of the most beautiful stretches of the Salta loop.
Top sights along Route 40 heading towards Cachi
- Quebrada de las Flechas
Free access
An almost lunar landscape, with sharp rock formations pointing straight to the sky. - Recta del Tin Tin
A perfectly straight road cutting right through the heart of Los Cardones National Park. - Parque Nacional Los Cardones
Free access
Thousands of giant cacti scattered across a quiet and incredibly impressive valley.
The town of Cachi
This is a peaceful little Andean village, perfect for slowing down. It’s a simple but lovely place to stop and unwind.
What to see:
- Iglesia San José
- Museo Arqueológico de Cachi
Entry is around 1 500 pesos
- A small local inn or hospedaje
Cachi is an excellent spot to break up the loop and get some rest.
Day 3. From Cachi to Salinas Grandes
This is the longest stretch of the drive, steadily climbing in altitude as the landscapes turn more arid. Be sure to avoid Route 79 unless you are driving a 4×4 pickup, otherwise you run a real risk of getting bogged down on a rough section of the road.
Sights to catch on the road to Salinas Grandes
- Cuesta del Obispo
Free access
A spectacular, winding road with gorgeous viewpoints along the way. - Piedra del Molino
Sitting at around 3 300 meters, it’s the perfect spot to pull over for a break. - Salinas Grandes
Entry to walk out onto the salt flats is 10 000 pesos per person. Cash is king here: they don’t accept cards and there are no ATMs nearby.
This is a massive working salt desert standing at over 3 400 meters. A short guided tour is included in your entry.
Quick tip: protect yourself from the sun, the glare off the salt is incredibly strong.
Where to stay after Salinas Grandes:
- Lodges or small guesthouses on the way down to Purmamarca or Tilcara
Sleeping at a slightly lower altitude will help you adjust much better.
Day 4. From the Salinas to Tilcara and the Quebrada de Humahuaca
We head back down gradually, and the air becomes much easier to breathe.
Top sights around Tilcara
- Purmamarca and the Hill of Seven Colors
Free access
Best visited early in the morning or late in the afternoon. - Pucará de Tilcara
Entry around 2 000 pesos
An ancient pre-Hispanic fortress offering great views over the valley.
Tilcara
A lively town, deeply rooted in Andean culture. Depending on the time of year, you might catch some evening festivities! Be sure to ask the locals—they love to chat! We truly loved spending our evening in this town.
Where to sleep:
- Tilcara Mistica Hostel: We found this hostel that just changed hands, and the new owners are incredibly welcoming. Having traveled a lot themselves, they know exactly what backpackers need! A great spot for a fun yet laid-back evening.
Day 5. From Humahuaca back to Salta
It will take you about an hour and a half to drive up to Humahuaca. Once there, take the road heading towards the viewpoint for a gorgeous final climb. Afterward, depending on how you’re feeling, you can make your way back down to Salta, which takes about 3 to 4 hours depending on traffic.
Spots to see
- Humahuaca
A World Heritage-listed town
Altitude: around 4,350 meters - Mirador de la Serranía del Hornocal
Entry fee: about 1,500 pesos
A spectacular, multicolored mountain range accessible by a dirt road. Best done only if the weather is clear.
Watch out for altitude sickness—Tristan had migraines during our 2 days up there. Long story short, keep hydrated and take things easy.
Head back to Salta in the afternoon or at the end of the day.
The Salta Jujuy loop is not a road trip to be rushed. It’s a journey where the altitude, the light, and the landscapes dictate the pace. Over five days, you take the time to look around, stop, breathe, and above all, avoid rushing through the drive.
Looking at the bigger picture, this loop between Salta and Jujuy tells a story that goes far beyond a simple succession of landscapes. Long before the Spaniards arrived, these valleys and high plains were already trade routes for Andean peoples like the Diaguitas, Omaguacas, or Atacamas, who lived in close harmony with the altitude, the climate, and the seasons.
Later on, the Inca Empire integrated this region into its vast network of trade routes, some traces of which can still be seen today.
With colonisation, northern Argentina became a strategic hub connecting Upper Peru to the rest of the continent, used for transporting minerals, livestock, and goods. This history of constant movement can still be felt everywhere you go—in the villages, the markets, the architecture, and the local traditions.
Travelling here means following a path shaped for centuries by adaptation, exchange, and life at high altitudes, which makes this loop feel even more profound once the engine is turned off and the silence returns.
Our interactive map
Find all our recommended spots, safety zones, and points of interest directly on our Google Maps.
Pro tip: If you’re not sure how to use our Maps, we’ve put together a handy guide to help you out!
Find all our addresses, safety zones, and points of interest directly on our Google Maps map.
Tip: If you’re not sure how to use our Maps maps, we’ve put together a dedicated article to help you out!
What will the weather be like for your trip?
What should you know before setting off on the loop?
Got questions? We may have the answers!
The Salta – Jujuy loop in photos
Summaries
FAQ : vos questions
A standard car is perfectly fine if you drive carefully, but I’d definitely avoid it if heavy storms are in the forecast.
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