2-week roadtrip in the North-West of Argentina

🌲 You like nice hikes off-beaten tracks and want to discover nature’s wonders ? Let’s go then !

Get your gym shoes on and go on a road trip to discover le North-West of Argentina. This itinerary of two weeks will be full of history and traditions. An authentic experience !

Itinerary of this two weeks roadtrip in North-West of Argentina

Salta > Purmamarca > Humahuaca > Salinas Grandes > San Antonio de los Cobres > Cachí > Cafayate > Salta

🚗 We recommend for this itinerary to rent a car from Hertz. , It’s possible to rent it in one city and return it in another without exorbitant prices and limiting hidden costs.

📗 You want to buy a paper travel guide ? We recommend this one ! In our opinion, it is the most complete, the most visual and the most up to date !

🗺 Need a road map to prepare your itinerary ? We recommend this one, the most detailed and the most pleasant to read !

The itinerary : step by step

What to do in Salta ?

The city of Salta is THE ideal place to explore the Nort-West of Argentina. Thanks to its touristic qualities, the city significantly grew over the last few years.

• Take a nap on a shady bench on Plaza 9 de Julio (again ?? Is this referring to Julio Eglesias ? You know Enrique’s father …?).
• Get to know General Güemes (or what’s left of him I should say), the hero of the independence, in the cathedral.
• Want to learn more about the history of the region ? Head to the Cabildo (town hall in english) where you’ll find the Museo Historico del Norte, don’t forget to admire its colonial architecture.
• You like death-related stuff ? Go to Museo de Arqueologia de Alta Montana (MAAM) where the bodies of 3 mummified children are kept (light hearted ? stay away !).
• Take the cable car up to Cerro San Bernardo.
• If you haven’t tasted empanadas yet, better take the chance in Salta. Stuffed with meat, veggies or other ingredients, these small savory pastries will please everyone at Doña Salta restaurant.
• Drink some Coca. No, not your usual American soda, here it is a herbal tea infused with coca leaves. It’s recommended when in the mountains to fight altitude sickness !
• Spend a night in the heart of Salta‘s culture and take part in the peñas where singers and musicians will make you dance all night long.

What to do in Purmamarca ?

A UNESCO World heritage, Purmamarca is part of Quebrada de Purmamarca. If you are curious, Purmamarca actually means “Virgin Land” in quechua and “small lion” in inca.

• You want a souvenir from Argentina ? Go to the market and get yourself a poncho ! It takes place everyday on Plaza Centrale 9 de Julio.
• The must-see : El Cerro de los Siete Colores. This outstanding mountain of 7 colors, you’ll be surprised by its changing colors (depending on the sun). There are beautiful pictures to be taken !
• Taste papas andinas (different color potatoes) or agnolottis (traditional stuffed raviolis).
• Taste the goat cheese tiramisu at El Churqui restaurant.
• Spend a musical night with your friends or family at Peña El Rincón de Claudia Vilte.

What to do in Humahuaca ?

Humahuaca is the biggest ville in the Quebrada de Humahuaca region. Authentic, it hosts the february carnaval and the many visitors that go with it. 

• Walk around the paved streets and admire the traditional houses.
• Step in the Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria cathedrale.
• Go up the tall stairwell and get to the Monument of Independence and the Santa Bárbara Tower.
• Art lovers, head to the Estudio Museo Ramoneda, it has many local artists’ artwork. A little bit further is the Museo de Arte « Nicasio Fernández Mar », a sculpture museum.
• 10km / 6.2 miles away, discover the  old Native American village of Coctaca‘s ruins.
• Less than an hour away from the village, go to Mirador del Hornocal and be amazed by the outstanding scenery.

What to do in the Salinas Grandes ?

Salinas Grandes is a must-see if you are nearby. It is considered to be one of the largest salt desert in the world, Salinas Grandes has breathtaking sceneries. Get your sunglasses on, put some sunscreen on and let’s go !

• Meet the local wildlife : flamingos, llamas and suris.

• Explore the Salinas Grandes by night it’s even prettier ! At sunset, admire the colorful salt desert and enjoy a beautiful natural show.

What to do in San Antonio de los Cobres ?

San Antonio de los Cobres is a small town in the middle of the desert in puna salteña.

• Learn about the locals’ rituals and beliefs at the Museo Ėtnico y Arqueológico.
• Discover the church and its colorful mosaics.
• Eat so local goat cheese at the Hosteria de los Nubes.
• You’ve always wanted to taste llama meat ? Head to the Quinoa Real restaurant.
• Walk through the village’s street and get a feel of the local way of life.

What to do in Cachi ?

A charming and quaint village. 

• Step in San José Church and admire its colonial architecture.
• The Archeological Museum Pio Pablo Diaz is one of the most beautiful in the region, you will learn about the history and culture of the valleys.
• Have a pic-nic under the pine trees at 9 de Julio Square. 
• You want to get an great overview of the village ? Go to the cemetery on top of the hill, you will get a 360 view over the valley.
• Taste some delicious local cheese, queso norteño.
• Less than an hour away, discover Los Cardones National Park, where cacti and tall canyons will take your breath away.

What to do in Cafayate ?

Cafayate is a must-see on the wine route, but most importantly one of the loveliest regions of Argentina.

• Go enjoy the regional wines, the torrontés, in the many wineries of the city.
• To learn even more about wine, go to the Museum of the Vine and Wine, where you will also be able to taste regional wines (the trip is not over, do not have to much of it !)
• Enjoy local dishes at Macacha restaurant.
• Get yourself some local products at the marketplace.
• Not far from Cafayate, go discover Quebrada de las Conchas, a long canyon where you can admire beautiful sceneries.

What to do in Salta ?

And we’re back ! We promised we’d come back and here we are, enjoy your last few days to the fullest ! 

• Take a nap on a shady bench on Plaza 9 de Julio (again ?? Is this referring to Julio Eglesias ? You know Enrique’s father …?).
• Get to know General Güemes (or what’s left of him I should say), the hero of the independence, in the cathedral.
• Want to learn more about the history of the region ? Head to the Cabildo (town hall in english) where you’ll find the Museo Historico del Norte, don’t forget to admire its colonial architecture.
• You like death-related stuff ? Go to Museo de Arqueologia de Alta Montana (MAAM) where the bodies of 3 mummified children are kept (light hearted ? stay away !).
• Take the cable car up to Cerro San Bernardo.
• If you haven’t tasted empanadas yet, better take the chance in Salta. Stuffed with meat, veggies or other ingredients, these small savory pastries will please everyone at Doña Salta restaurant.
• Drink some Coca. No, not your usual American soda, here it is a herbal tea infused with coca leaves. It’s recommended when in the mountains to fight altitude sickness !
• Spend a night in the heart of Salta‘s culture and take part in the peñas where singers and musicians will make you dance all night long.

Learn more…

• Check out all the practical informations you need to know about the country by clicking here.
• Book a car rental at the best price, by this website, we recommend.
• To book a flight at the best price, we recommend you this website.

If you have more information, good deals, or any advice to share about this itinerary, leave a comment bellow ! Our team will be happy to hear about your experiences !