Salta & Jujuy Colored Valleys Loop
A self-drive loop from Salta covering the Hill of Seven Colors, Salinas Grandes, Quebrada de las Conchas, Cafayate, and Cachi.
The most classic self-drive loop in Northwest Argentina. Head north to Jujuy to see the Quebrada de Humahuaca and the Salinas Grandes salt flats, then drive south to the wine region of Cafayate, and finally return via the unpaved sections of Route 40 to Cachi. Most of the route lies above 2,000 to 3,000 meters, peaking over 4,000 meters; starting low and ascending gradually helps with acclimatization. Perfect for those who want to avoid long flights to Patagonia and love landscape photography and road trips.
The rainy season runs from December to February, during which mountain roads and the unpaved road to Hornocal may be disrupted.
Day by day
Day 1 · Arrive in Salta Old Town
Salta City（Plaza 9 de Julio、Salta Cathedral、Museum of High Altitude Archaeology (MAAM)、Church of San Francisco, Salta、Cerro San Bernardo & Cable Car）
Take a taxi from the airport to the Old Town (about 20 minutes). Sights are within walking distance. Take the cable car up the hill in the evening.
The Museum of High Altitude Archaeology (MAAM) is usually closed on Mondays; check opening hours before visiting.
Stay: Historic Centro
Day 2 · North to Purmamarca
Quebrada de Humahuaca（Church of Santa Rosa de Lima, Purmamarca、Cerro de los Siete Colores, Purmamarca、Paseo de los Colorados）
Pick up your car and drive along National Route 9 through the cloud forest (about 180 km, taking around 3 hours).
Stay: Purmamarca
Day 3 · Tilcara to the 14-Color Mountain
Quebrada de Humahuaca（Pucará de Tilcara、Quebrada de Humahuaca & Humahuaca Town、Serranía de Hornocal）
Drive north along the gorge and back (about 160 km round trip). The final unpaved stretch is about 25 km and takes 1 hour each way.
The viewpoint is at an altitude of about 4,000 meters. The light is best in the afternoon; aim to ascend no later than 15:00.
Stay: Purmamarca
Day 4 · Cuesta del Lipán & Salinas Grandes
Quebrada de Humahuaca（Cuesta de Lipán、Salinas Grandes） → Salta City（Tren a las Nubes & La Polvorilla Viaduct）
Drive over the Lipán Pass to the salt flats, then return to Salta via San Antonio de los Cobres (about 325 km total).
The Train to the Clouds usually runs on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays; check schedules in advance. Take precautions against altitude sickness as you pass above 4,000 meters.
Stay: Historic Centro
Day 5 · Quebrada de las Conchas to Wine Country
Cafayate（Quebrada de las Conchas (Garganta del Diablo & Anfiteatro)、Plaza 20 de Febrero & Cafayate Cathedral）
Drive along National Route 68 to Cafayate (about 180 km, taking around 5 hours with multiple stops along the way).
Stay: Old Town around the Main Square
Day 6 · Cafayate Winery Day
Cafayate（Museum of Vine and Wine、Bodega El Esteco、Piattelli Vineyards、Río Colorado Seven Waterfalls）
Explore wineries in town and the nearby countryside by bicycle, taxi, or on foot; all are within 10 km.
Do not drive after wine tasting. Lunches at popular wineries must be booked in advance.
Stay: Old Town around the Main Square
Day 7 · Route 40 to Cachi
Cafayate（San Carlos、Quebrada de las Flechas & Angastaco） → Salta City（Cachi）
Drive along the unpaved gravel section of Route 40 (about 160 km). The road conditions are slow, taking over 4.5 hours.
Gravel roads can become slippery after rain. Fill up your tank before setting off, as there are few services along the way.
Stay: Cachi
Day 8 · Los Cardones National Park & Return to Salta
Salta City（Los Cardones National Park、Cuesta del Obispo）
Drive along Route 33 across the straight road, descend via Cuesta del Obispo, and reach the airport (about 160 km, taking 3 to 4 hours).