Salta in 3 Days for Seniors - Colonial Cachi and Los Cardones National Park
In Collaboration with La Quebrada Turismo. Updated on February 12, 2026.
Three-day guided minivan tour from Salta visiting the Lerma Valley, Cuesta del Obispo, Los Cardones National Park and colonial Cachi (day 1); the Quebrada de Humahuaca towns including Purmamarca, Maimará, Tilcara, Uquía and Humahuaca (day 2); and the high-altitude Cuesta de Lipán, Salinas Grandes and Purmamarca (day 3). Comfortable vehicle with frequent technical stops. Lunches are free time in-t
This itinerary was created in collaboration with La Quebrada Turismo, inspired by the tour 3 Day Tour from Salta to Cachi, Humahuaca and Salinas Grandes. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Colonial Cachi and Los Cardones National Park
- Cuesta del Obispo and Piedra del Molino viewpoint
- Purmamarca and the Cerro de los 7 Colores
- Pucará de Tilcara and the Paleta del Pintor in Maimará
- Tropic of Capricorn photo stop and Humahuaca town center
Itinerary
Day 1
Salta → Cachi day trip. Scenic ascent through Lerma Valley, Quebrada de Escoipe, Cuesta del Obispo, Los Cardones National Park. Two hours free in colonial Cachi for lunch and walking.
Meeting & pickup — Plaza 9 de Julio (Salta)
Meet in central Salta for passenger pickup and briefing. Pickup window is between 07:00–07:45; guide confirms exact pickup location the day before.
Tips from local experts:
- Have government ID accessible for the guide at pickup; the meeting area is within 15 blocks of Plaza 9 de Julio.
- Dress in layers — mornings in Salta can be cool; remove layers as the sun warms the vehicle.
- Bring a small daypack with medication and a light snack to access during the first hour of the drive.
Drive through Lerma Valley toward Quebrada del Escoipe
Scenic transfer south through the fertile Lerma Valley en route to El Carril and the Quebrada del Escoipe. Technical stops available for restrooms and quick purchases.
Tips from local experts:
- Use the vehicle restroom stops to minimize walking at workaday roadside shops; drivers pause for brief breaks.
- Keep medications in your daypack—stops are short and spaced along the route.
- If you are sensitive to motion, sit facing forward and focus on distant points through the windshield.
Cuesta del Obispo & Valle Encantado — photo and short walk
Stop for photos and to enjoy the dramatic mountain road (Cuesta del Obispo) and Valle Encantado viewpoints. Short, low-effort walks only.
Tips from local experts:
- Wear a hat and sunglasses—the sun is stronger at higher elevation and shade is limited.
- Carry a light jacket; wind can be cool at viewpoints even on sunny days.
- Avoid steep trails; guide will point out safe, short viewing areas suitable for limited mobility.
Piedra del Molino viewpoint and entry through Los Cardones National Park
Pass Piedra del Molino (~3,400 m) and continue through the cacti-dotted Los Cardones National Park; brief stops for photos and to enjoy the landscape.
Tips from local experts:
- Move slowly on uneven surfaces; footwear with good grip is recommended for short photo stops.
- Sip water frequently to reduce mild altitude effects; small sips work best at higher elevation.
- Bring a small towel or scarf as wind-blown dust can irritate eyes—use sunglasses as extra protection.
Roadside town — local grocers and peppers drying
Short stop to see local roadside goods (peppers drying) and small grocers — typical regional scene and quick shopping opportunity.
Tips from local experts:
- Use this brief stop to stretch legs and use restrooms; stalls accept cash—carry small bills.
- If you have dietary restrictions, ask vendors about ingredients; many items are fresh and local.
- Limit purchases to light items; storage space in the vehicle is limited and temperatures vary.
Free time in Cachi — 2 hours for lunch and walking
Arrive in colonial Cachi at approximately noon. Two hours free time to have lunch and walk the cobbled streets and small town center.
Tips from local experts:
- Choose ground-floor seating if stairs are difficult; many small restaurants have level access to the street.
- Carry local cash for small artisan purchases; ATMs are limited in small towns.
- Plan your meet-up time with the guide—there will be a firm departure time to keep the schedule.
Technical stop (Chicoana or El Carril) en route back to Salta
Short technical stop on return to Salta for restroom or a quick purchase before city arrival.
Tips from local experts:
- Use restroom facilities during this short stop; downtown Salta arrival may be later and facilities could be crowded.
- Keep valuables with you when stepping away from the vehicle for a quick shop run.
- If you need assistance with mobility, ask the driver to park as close as possible to the facility entrance.
Day 2
Full day exploring the Quebrada de Humahuaca towns: Purmamarca, Tilcara (Pucará), Uquía, Maimará, Huacalera and Humahuaca with photo stops, cultural visits and a two-hour lunch in Humahuaca.
Morning meeting & departure from Salta
Pickup in Salta and departure toward San Salvador de Jujuy with technical stops planned en route.
Tips from local experts:
- Confirm pickup location with the guide the evening before; be ready within the pickup window.
- Bring personal medications and any altitude-sensitive items in a daypack for quick access.
- Have a small snack handy for the first morning stretch; breakfast options may be limited during the drive.
Drive toward Volcán (technical stop)
Transfer with a scheduled brief technical stop at the town of Volcán for restroom and small purchases.
Tips from local experts:
- Use this stop to top up water and sunscreen—shop selections may be limited beyond Volcán.
- If you require assistance boarding/disembarking, let the driver know before the stop.
- Keep walking to a minimum at high altitude; rest before continuing the route.
Purmamarca — Cerro de los Siete Colores (photo stop)
Photographic stop at the Hill of Seven Colors overlooking the town. Short stop (approximately 20–30 minutes).
Tips from local experts:
- Arrive early in the visit window for softer light and cooler temperatures—shade is limited.
- Keep a close eye on personal items in busy photo vantage points and markets nearby.
- If walking into town, choose flat routes along the main street; cobbles can be uneven for mobility aids.
Tilcara — Pucará de Tilcara (site visit)
Visit the Pucará fortress site in Tilcara. Short guided photo and interpretive stop; limited walking over archaeological terrain.
Tips from local experts:
- The archaeological site has uneven ground—wear sturdy shoes and move at a comfortable pace.
- Ask the guide for bench or shaded rest spots if you need frequent breaks.
- Carry water and move slowly on any steps to reduce exertion at altitude.
Uquía — village church and ceramics (short visit)
Quick stop to visit the historic village church and local ceramic workshops in Uquía.
Tips from local experts:
- Respect local customs inside churches—photos may be allowed but keep voices low.
- If buying ceramics, ask shopkeepers about fragile handling for transport back to Salta.
- Use this short stop to sit and rest; interiors often provide shaded seating away from the sun.
Humahuaca — two hours free for lunch and town visit
Two hours free time in Humahuaca to have lunch, rest and walk the main square and streets.
Tips from local experts:
- Choose restaurants with ground-floor seating if stairs are a challenge; confirm accessibility with staff.
- Store larger purchases in vehicle trunks during the lunch to avoid carrying them while walking.
- Plan to return to the vehicle at the scheduled time—late returns delay onward stops for the group.
Maimará — Paleta del Pintor (photo stop)
Photographic stop at Maimará’s color banded hills — short stop for photos and brief commentary.
Tips from local experts:
- Step carefully when moving off the road for photos—terrain can be uneven and dusty.
- Protect camera equipment from dust; keep bags zipped between stops.
- If you need to remain seated, advise the guide and they will point out a convenient vantage from the vehicle.
Huacalera — Tropic of Capricorn photo stop
Short photographic stop at the Tropic of Capricorn marker in Huacalera.
Tips from local experts:
- The marker is roadside and has minimal facilities—use restrooms at prior stops if needed.
- Sun protection is essential—bring sunscreen and a hat for this exposed short stop.
- If mobility is limited, remain near the vehicle where the guide will point out accessible viewpoints.
Technical stop — Tumbaya
Short scheduled break in Tumbaya for restroom, stretching, or a quick purchase.
Tips from local experts:
- This stop is brief—use it for necessary restroom visits and to stretch legs.
- If you require assistance getting in/out of the vehicle, notify the driver before arrival.
- Carry small change for any quick purchases at local kiosks.
Return transfer to Salta
Drive back to Salta crossing the final stretch of the Quebrada de Humahuaca with scheduled technical stops as needed.
Tips from local experts:
- Keep essential belongings in a small bag for quick access upon arrival in Salta.
- If you feel unwell during the return, inform the guide immediately for a stop.
- Expect arrival in Salta in the early evening; arrange any onward transport or dinner with that timing in mind.
Day 3
Salta → Purmamarca → Cuesta de Lipán → Salinas Grandes → Purmamarca → return to Salta. High-altitude puna landscapes and the third-largest salt flat in Latin America.
Morning pickup in Salta
Morning pickup in Salta. Confirmed pickup time will be communicated the day before; departure begins promptly.
Tips from local experts:
- Be ready within the agreed pickup window; the group departs early to reach high-altitude sites in good light.
- Bring layered clothing—temperatures vary from the city to the puna at 4,000 m.
- Have small bills for restroom stops and snacks in smaller towns en route.
Drive via RN9 / RN34 toward General Güemes and Purmamarca
Transfer through agricultural and small-town landscapes en route to the Quebrada and Purmamarca; short technical breaks scheduled.
Tips from local experts:
- Use restroom and refreshment stops early—options are limited once ascending toward the puna.
- If prone to motion sickness, request a front-seat position when booking, if available.
- Keep cameras accessible for roadside landscapes—stops are brief but photogenic.
Small technical stop — Tumbaya
Brief restroom and stretch break in Tumbaya before reaching Purmamarca.
Tips from local experts:
- This is a short stop—use it for restroom needs and basic stretching to ease the drive.
- If you need assistance entering or exiting the vehicle, ask the driver to position the vehicle near the facility.
- Carry water and a hat for immediate use when stepping out of the vehicle.
Purmamarca panoramic photo stop (morning light)
Short panoramic stop for photos of the hill from the roadside viewpoint; roughly 20 minutes to capture morning colors.
Tips from local experts:
- Morning light changes the hill colors quickly—have camera ready to make the most of the 20-minute stop.
- Use sunblock and sunglasses even on cool mornings; UV increases with altitude.
- Avoid long walks in this brief stop; remain near the vehicle if mobility is a concern.
Cuesta de Lipán — high mountain drive
Winding ascent into the puna along Cuesta de Lipán, reaching approximately 4,170 m with viewpoints and fauna/flora observation opportunities.
Tips from local experts:
- Move deliberately and avoid sudden exertion at high altitudes; slow walking preserves breath.
- Bring cash for any small vendors at high-altitude stops—card machines are rare.
- If you have respiratory or cardiovascular concerns, inform the guide before the ascent.
Salinas Grandes — free time to explore (45–60 minutes)
Visit to the Salinas Grandes salt flat area. Free time to walk short marked paths, photograph salt sculptures and view the vast white plain (entrance is handled locally).
Tips from local experts:
- Wear comfortable shoes and sunglasses; glare on the salt is intense—bring sun protection.
- The salt surface can be rough and uneven—short walks only; keep to compacted paths where present.
- Carry lightweight waterproof covers for cameras and phones—the salt can be abrasive to electronics.
Return to Purmamarca — two hours free for lunch and town visit
Drive back down to Purmamarca. Two hours free time in town to have lunch, rest and shop at the crafts market.
Tips from local experts:
- When choosing lunch, request low-salt options if you have dietary sodium restrictions—local dishes can be salty.
- Carry any fragile crafts purchases in a separate bag for careful transport back to Salta.
- Confirm the rendezvous point and time with the guide before dispersing for lunch or shopping.
Return transfer to Salta (end of tour)
Return drive to Salta crossing the last section of the Quebrada de Humahuaca. Technical stops available as needed.
Tips from local experts:
- Keep any necessary evening medications in your daypack for easy access upon arrival.
- Inform the guide if you need assistance with final transfers to hotels or transport in Salta.
- Expect an early-to-mid evening arrival in Salta; arrange onward connections with this timing in mind.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 3 |
| Highlights | 5 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Seniors |
| Transfers | 8 |
| Restaurants | - |
| Total Activities | 17 |
| Total Places | 25 |
| Activities Types | Transfer, Attraction, Outdoor, Break, Neighborhood, Culture |