4 days · 3 nights · private
A Taste of the Argentine Northwest
Cloud forest, the Quebrada de Humahuaca, the Salinas Grandes, Route 40 and the Cafayate wine valleys in one private loop from Salta.
USD 2,132 for 1 to 4 travellers
Day-by-day itineraryTravel guide · Altitude
Altitude sickness in Salta & Jujuy
Salta city sits at 1,187 m, but the classic trips climb fast: the Salinas Grandes are at 3,450 m, the Cuesta de Lipán tops out at 4,170 m and the El Hornocal viewpoint is at about 4,350 m. Altitude sickness (soroche, in Spanish) can start above about 2,500 m. The best prevention is to go up gradually and sleep lower, which is much easier on a trip of several days than on a day trip from Salta.
- Risk starts
- Sleeping above about 2,500 m
- Highest point
- Abra del Acay, 4,895 m, on Route 40
- Usual signs
- Headache, nausea, dizziness, tiredness
- Best defence
- Go up slowly and sleep lower
How high is each place?
| Place | Altitude |
|---|---|
| Salta city | 1,187 m |
| Cafayate | 1,683 m |
| Purmamarca | 2,324 m |
| Tilcara | 2,465 m |
| Cachi | 2,531 m |
| Humahuaca | 2,939 m |
| Piedra del Molino, top of the Cuesta del Obispo | 3,348 m |
| Salinas Grandes | 3,450 m |
| San Antonio de los Cobres | 3,775 m |
| Cuesta de Lipán, top | 4,170 m |
| El Hornocal viewpoint | about 4,350 m |
| Abra del Acay, Route 40 | 4,895 m |
How do I acclimatise?
Go up in steps. Spending two or three nights around 2,500 m, in towns like Tilcara or Cachi, before going higher protects you well. Drink water, avoid alcohol for the first 48 hours and walk slowly at the viewpoints.
Why does a multi-day trip help?
A day trip from Salta to the salt flats goes from 1,187 m to over 4,000 m and back in a few hours. On a longer trip you sleep in the valleys and reach the high passes rested. Pablo's 4-day trip sleeps in Tilcara, at 2,465 m, before the Cuesta de Lipán, the Salinas Grandes and the Abra del Acay.
What if I feel unwell?
Tell Pablo. Going down 300 m or more usually helps quickly. If you have a heart or lung condition, talk to your doctor before travelling to high altitude, and ask them about preventive medication.
Sources: Heights: Wikipedia, argentina.travel and TodoJujuy. Advice: CDC Yellow Book, High-Altitude Travel and Altitude Illness. This page is general information, not medical advice.
Travel with Pablo
See it on a private trip
On Pablo's multi-day trips you sleep in the valleys between the high stops, and he adapts each day to how you feel.
2 days · 1 night · private
Quebrada de Humahuaca & Salinas Grandes
The coloured mountains of Jujuy, El Hornocal and the salt flats, without rushing them into a single day.
USD 1,066 for 1 to 4 travellers
Day-by-day itineraryMore travel guides: Best time to visit Salta & Jujuy · Self-drive or private guide in Salta · Salta & Jujuy driving distances · El Hornocal guide · Salinas Grandes guide · Cafayate wine guide · Cachi guide · Quebrada de Humahuaca guide · 5-day Salta & Jujuy itinerary
Plan your trip
Write to Pablo
Tell him your dates, how many you are and what you'd like to see. Your message opens in WhatsApp, ready to send, and Pablo replies with the itinerary and a quote for your private group.
- WhatsApp+54 9 387 543-6476
- Instagram@travelingsalta
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- Based inSalta, Argentina · pickup at your hotel or the airport