Excursions

Pampa Grande is located at excursion distance from some of the most stunning landscapes in Argentina. Notably the Calchaqui valleys, Cafayate, Molinos, Cachi, Parque national Los Cardones, salt lakes etc… This includes a mix of natural geological wonders and ancient culture. Package trips can be organised to these destinations.

Salta Province Map

DAY 1 : Leave Pampa Grande to Cafayate. This is heading for the South of the province along Route 68. On the way you will pass through the Quebrada de las Conchas, a spectacular canyon with unique geology and some memorable landmarks, including the Garganta del Diablo (Devil’s Throat), the Anfitheatro (Amphitheater) and La Punilla and Los Castillos, where red rocks remind one of a castle. In Cafayate, a mayor wine producing area, known for Torrontes, an aromatic white wine, explore the wineries and the little town. There are ample hotels with golf or wine themes.

DAY 2 : From Cafayate you have the option of staying in Molinos, Colomé, or Cachi. you are now heading back North on the mythical Route 40. The first stop in the Calchaquies Valleys is San Carlos. The church is the largest in the valleys and reflects a time when San Carlos disputed the honour with Salta to be the capital of the province. The altars are adorned with remarquable popular imagery.

The next stop is Molinos, a small village with a richly decorated little church and a refurbished traditional hacienda (Hacienda Molinos) that is a mandatory stop for lunch or a night. It was home to the last governor of Salta appointed by the king of Spain (18c).

Your next option is going to Colomé, known for its high altitude vineyards and Bodega Colomé where you can stay and enjoy an unique museum dedicated to world famous American artist James Turrell.

The next stop is Cachi. Here at the foot of the Nevada de Cachi (5000m) is a colonial Spanish style village with a historical central Plaza. Here is the entrance to the Archeological museum that has 5000 pieces covering 10.000 years. There are a few nice boutique hotels to spend the night.

DAY 3 : From Cachi you have the option of returning to Salta or Pampa Grande or continuing northwards on Ruta 40.

The first option implies turning right on Route 33 and crossing Parque National Los Cardones (a spectacular desert landscape with a cacti forest). The road keeps going up until you reach 3348m. From here there is a breathtaking descent down the Cuesta del Obispo with views of the Valle Encantado (Enchanted Valley) and into the sub-tropical forests below to join the main road at El Carril. From here it is 2 hours to Pampa Grande or 40 min to Salta city.

The second option is remaining on Route 40 and driving North to San Antonio de los Cobres. This is a bleak mining and lama wool weaving village and the destination of the famous Tren a Las Nubes (Train to the Clouds) railway line. From here you will leave Route 40 and head for Tres Morros and Salinas Grandes crossing into the Province of Jujuy. This is a vast white salty desert covering 212 km2. The laguna de Guayatayoc almost united to the Salinas is home to different species of flamingos. From here you drive down and spend the night in Purmamarca in the Quebrada de Humahuaca, a world heritage site. The town is known for the Cerro de los Siete Colores ( the Seven Colours Hill) and a buzzing handicraft market.

DAY 4 : from Purmamarca you can head north as the Incans once did and explore the colourful sculptured valley landscapes of the Quebrada de Humahuaca. On the way you will pass the villages of Tilcara that has an archeological museum and pre-Incan ruins and Humahuaca to see the local cathedral and some paintings from the Cuzco school. There are plenty of other more remote villages to visit depending on how much time one has. It is possible to return to Salta on the same day on the winding Route 9, which provide stunning views of the biodiversity of the Yungas (subtropical mountain forests).

DAY 5 : an extra day would provide more time for the Quebrada and time to visit San Salvador de Jujuy. It could also be an opportunity to visit the National Park of Calilegua. This is the largest preserved area in Argentina dedicated to the preservation of tropical mountain forests. The park is home to 50% of all bird species in the country (270 identified and maybe 230 more…) . It is also home to the the Jaguar (largest predator of the americas but a rare sight) and the Tapir.