Northwest Argentina Day Trips: Top 5 Unforgettable Escapes

So, you’re thinking about seeing Northwest Argentina, that very special place, huh? That’s such great news. Northwest Argentina presents almost too many things to check out, specifically when your time’s, you know, quite limited. It’s true that seeing the primary urban hubs is just great, right? That’s obvious. But venturing beyond opens, too, an avenue into experiencing the region’s true essence. This article plans to carefully lay out top-notch day trip recommendations from some of the major Northwest Argentina cities, mostly designed with every level of traveler in mind. Think scenic landscapes, vibrant culture, and flavors, truly something to sink your teeth into.

1. Cafayate: Vineyards and Vistas

Well, have you thought about vineyards? Cafayate tends to be known, right, for its high-altitude vineyards and the production of Torrontés, that really fragrant white wine that’s popular in this region. About a 3 to 4-hour drive from Salta, or so I’ve heard, this day trip offers an intoxicating blend, right, of wine tasting and amazing landscapes. The drive, in some respects, itself will show amazing rock formations in the Quebrada de las Conchas (Shells Gorge), just breathtaking views you won’t soon forget, seriously.

Visiting Cafayate mostly consists, too, of hitting local bodegas (wineries). Establishments like Bodega El Esteco and Domingo Molina are definitely a must. Quite a few give guided tours and, obviously, tasting sessions. This tends to allow visitors to sample their varietals and come to a greater appreciation of winemaking, really something for the wine-lover out there, isn’t it? In the town proper, you’ll find, too, a relaxed ambiance with craft markets and delicious restaurants specializing, mostly, in regional cuisine.

Read our full review: Cafayate Wineries Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Book a Cafayate Wine Tour)

2. Humahuaca: Journey Through the Valley

Arguably, Humahuaca gives a step, that is, back in time through its fascinating landscapes and historic villages. More or less, this destination is located within the Quebrada de Humahuaca, a narrow mountain valley designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Arguably, its inclusion reflects a rich cultural landscape and over 10,000 years of human history. A bit, a drive from Salta to Humahuaca tends to be about 3 hours, making it just perfect for a longer, that is, day trip, basically.

While there, be sure, too, to take some pictures around the main plaza. And see the Independence Monument; pretty incredible, actually, how detailed it is. Very impressive too are the historic buildings, right? Their architecture, really, offers insight into this place’s colonial past. This location, sometimes, plays home to artisan markets where regional crafts might be found, seriously something that can pique the interest of those shoppers out there, anyway. For anyone hoping to stretch out their experience, Tilcara’s Pucará—an old pre-Inca fortification—tends to be near Humahuaca, really, and provides breathtaking sights over that valley there. Very cool, eh?

Read our full review: Humahuaca UNESCO Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Visit the Humahuaca Valley)

3. Cachi: A High-Altitude Haven

Anyway, consider taking a drive, you know, up to Cachi, right? About 157 km (98 miles) from Salta, actually, this beautiful location is really perfect if your plans involve taking the scenic route. The trek runs nearly five hours. Along Provincial Route 33, that runs via the Escoipe Gorge and then into that breathtaking Cuesta del Obispo. Expect lots of winding turns. The views tend to just be stunning, really—worth your consideration, even for folks prone to carsickness, by the way!

Oh, wow—in Cachi you will get some glimpses, at least, of colonial architecture, pretty picturesque! Or just hit El Museo Arqueológico. Anyway, Cachi also plays host, often, to smaller regional artisan exhibitions; keep some time clear to see if they may, mostly, be showing while you’re around. Cachi really gives anyone keen on high-altitude destinations just what they need! Quite beautiful.

Read our full review: Cachi Colonial Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (See colonial Cachi)

4. Purmamarca: The Seven Colors Hill

Arguably, Purmamarca really makes for just a visually stunning journey and brings you very up near a hill, so they say. About, nearly, three hours up near Salta, anyway, this quite picturesque village brings with it the majestic Cerro de los Siete Colores (Hill of Seven Colors) and it just dominates the skyline. It certainly has got a lot of character, right, in its multi-hued splendor! Now there’s, like, a place to photograph, I tell you!

The plaza, pretty, too, is surrounded just as much with local craft stalls and restaurants which have authentic Northwest Argentine tastes. Visitors often hike around that scenic village streets and see that old church up close; right near town is the Paseo de los Colorados trail. Often a shorter route for visitors eager simply, very, quickly get immersed, right, in the terrain, specifically without doing anything taxing.

Read our full review: Purmamarca Trail Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Hike in Purmamarca)

5. Salinas Grandes: A Surreal Salt Flat Experience

Anyway, should seeing something unusual catch your interest, try heading out from Salta over towards Salinas Grandes; these will certainly be the spectacular salt flats, you’re very apt to love them! It is somewhat around a four-hour trek, actually, through winding roads so expect plenty of driving, too. What might you get to experience out over the expansive salt area? Oh, that’ll feel virtually nothing other than out of that amazing world of ours.

Don’t pass up photo ops. Many people love, mostly, bringing playful effects; since there happens to be that perfectly crisp, or seemingly flat area, any pics can come across great! Very, very often vendors can sell handicrafts molded out, nearly, as actual salt goods, really. If you enjoy capturing nature around you, or, truly, feel enthusiastic when it’s about out-of-the-way natural attractions, there might virtually, virtually, not be a superior daytime visit from, right around that Salta locality.

Read our full review: Salt Flats Salta Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (See Argentina’s salt flats)