5 Ways to Get From Salta to Jujuy

There is no doubt that Jujuy has become almost as popular a tourist destination as Salta, which is why it should definitely be on your Argentina travel itinerary. Jujuy is located in the extreme northwest of Argentina, on the border with Chile and Bolivia, and has one of the richest cultures in Argentina. This beautiful province has a large indigenous population and unique and breathtaking landscapes, totally different atmosphere from southern and central Argentina. Why should it be on this list of places to visit? Jujuy is home to some of the most famous attractions in northwestern Argentina, such as Purmamarca and the Seven Colors Hill, the Salt Flats, the Quebrada de Humahuaca and the Inca fort Pucará de Tilcara. Located only 60 km from Salta, there is no excuse not to visit Jujuy. To help you plan your trip, we have listed five ways to get from Salta to Jujuy, along with the pros and cons of each route.   [caption id="attachment_18081" align="aligncenter" width="675"] Jujuy, a province with privileged landscapes in Northern Argentina / Photo: Angelo D'Amico, canva pro.[/caption]

1. Take the scenic route along the "Camino de la Cornisa"

The "Camino de la Cornisa" used to be National Highway 9, which has now been replaced by a much wider and faster highway that runs from Salta to Jujuy. It is a long and scenic route through tropical forests and up a mountain through very narrow roads. In many sections, the road is so narrow that there is not enough room for two cars to pass, so it is essential to pay close attention to traffic and use the horn at every turn. Pros and cons: The Corniche Road takes you through some absolutely breathtaking natural scenery and, in addition, you will hardly encounter any other vehicles on the road. However, this route requires a lot of patience, as it takes twice as long as the highway and the risks are greater, as the sharp curves make it considerably more dangerous. Be sure to avoid taking this route in bad weather conditions, especially when it is very foggy.  

2. Zoom along the highway

If the scenic route from Salta to Jujuy is too long and slow for you, you can opt for the faster and flatter Route 66 highway. This road, which turns east from Salta and winds its way around the mountains to Jujuy, takes about an hour and a half and is by far the fastest way to reach the province.   [caption id="attachment_18082" align="aligncenter" width="675"] Route 66: the scenic route from Salta to Jujuy / Photo credit: FernandoPodolski, canva pro.[/caption]   Pros and cons: The highway is ideal for those who have a limited schedule and want to get to Jujuy as quickly as possible. However, don't expect picturesque scenery like on the Camino de la Cornisa. You can also expect much more traffic driving on this road.  

3. Go as part of a Tour

You can take day trips to Jujuy from Salta to visit the main attractions in the region. Some options include a full-day excursion to the Quebrada de Humahuaca, which takes you through the colorful landscapes of Jujuy's Quebrada de Humahuaca. You will have the opportunity to visit some of Jujuy's main attractions, such as the Cerro de los Siete Colores and the ancient Inca ruins of Pucará, before returning to Salta via a traditional Salta town.   [caption id="attachment_18083" align="aligncenter" width="675"] Quebrada de Humahuaca: Jujuy's impressive Quebrada / Photo: Skouatroulio, canva pro.[/caption]  

Pros and cons: Traveling to Jujuy from Salta as part of a tour is an excellent way to see the best of the province, while alleviating the amount of organization and effort required to plan your own trip. It is also the most comfortable way to travel and has the advantage of getting insider information from tour guides. However, for those who prefer to take things more slowly, a day trip restricts the amount of time that can be spent at each of Jujuy's famous sights.

 

4. Get on a bike

For the adventurous, there is another option for biking from Salta to Jujuy. There is a bike path that leads out of the city and onto Route 9, through wonderful, aromatic pine forests. In addition to the magnificent scenery, you will come across animals such as horses grazing along the way, adding to the beauty and charm of the region. Pros and cons: This bike ride will take you about half a day, so it is only for those who have both the time and the physical ability to pedal such a distance. However, it is a wonderful way to experience the beautiful scenery while being outdoors and totally immersed in nature.  

5. Getting on a bus

Most bus companies go from Salta to Jujuy via the Panamericana, away from the mountainside, which is a longer distance but the buses take only two hours to get there. The bus operates as a local colectivo and makes several stops to pick up passengers in other cities before arriving in Jujuy. Bus schedules can be consulted on platform 10.   [caption id="attachment_18084" align="aligncenter" width="675"] The route to Jujuy passes through breathtaking scenery / Photo: Daboost, canva pro.[/caption]   Pros and cons: By taking a bus from Salta to Jujuy you can experience how the locals travel. It is more authentic and affordable than taking a tourist bus, but it is also slower and much less comfortable. There are many options for getting from Salta to Jujuy, whether you are looking to rent a car or take a local bus, the adventurous option of biking, or the more comprehensive option of booking a tour from Salta. Whichever option you choose, make sure your camera battery is well charged, because you'll want to capture the surreal landscapes of northwestern Argentina all along the way.  

For more information on what to do in Salta and Jujuy, visit Argentina4u.

 

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By: Daytours4u.com Content Team, updated 2022.