Towns of Salta and Jujuy travel guide in Argentina

Here is the ultimate Guide to the Towns of Salta and Jujuy ! You’re essential to get to know the charm of Northern Argentina lies in its small towns, tucked between incredible mountain formations and valleys. You might come to this part of the country to see the multi-hued mountains and the large salt flats, but it is the villages and the people that will make you fall in love with this corner of Argentina. 

Whether you’re hiring a car and road tripping across the north-west corner by yourself, or you’re taking day trips from Salta city, these are some of the towns of Salta and Jujuy you’ll encounter along the way.

Travel tips: Read our article and discover Why You Should Rent a Car in Northern Argentina!

Get to know the famous Uyuna Salt Flat in Argentina / Photo: Kamchatka

CAFAYATE

Cafayate is the wine capital of Northern Argentina and a firm favourite for travellers. The picturesque town is surrounded by lush green vineyards, creating the feel of an oasis. With lots of hotels, hostels, bed and breakfasts and camping spots, it’s the ideal spot to relax for a few days, whatever your budget.

There are plenty of activities to choose from: go wine tasting, relax at a café on the beautiful central square, go hiking to the Cascadas del Rio Colorado (a series of waterfalls) or explore the unreal Quebrada de Cafayate rock formations on the route between Salta and Cafayate.

Travel tips: Discover Salta, Cafayate y San Antonio de los Cobres here!

It's not all desert landscapes; Cafayate is home to lush green vineyards / Photo:xeni4k

CACHI

One of the most charming and unique places in this region is Cachi, a beautiful colonial village known for its gorgeous white adobe buildings. Besides the beauty of the town itself, it’s the route to get there that offers the real wow factor. The drive through the Calchaquí Valley, particularly through the Quebrada de Escoipe, the Cuesta del Obispo pass and the Valle Encantado, makes up for the bad roads with incredible scenery.

The perfect way to visit Cachi is either with a guided day tour or as part of a driving loop combining Cafayate and San Antonio de los Cobres.

SAN ANTONIO DE LOS COBRES

The small mining town of San Antonio de los Cobres is famous because of its location along the route of the famous Train to the Clouds (Tren de las Nubes). It’s one of the highest towns in Argentina in terms of altitude, sitting at 3.775 metres above sea level. Not many tourists choose to stay over in the town, although it is a good stop over town if you’re driving from Cachi to Salinas Grandes / Purmamarca.

Travel tips: Get your ticket for the Train to the Clouds ! The must-do tours in Northern Argentina!

The Calchaquí Valley tour is simply spectacular / Photo: ajlber

HUMAHUACA

Humahuaca lies north of Tilcara, in Jujuy province, and is close to the Bolivian border. It is one of the largest towns in the area and is located in the Quebrada de Humahuaca, a long valley that is part of the Camino Inca.

The main reason for visiting is to see the canyon with its spectacular mountains, but the town itself is also scenic and peaceful. Sightsee the white-washed colonial houses, pick up some unique souvenirs, and take a walk up to the Monumento de la Independencia (Monument to the heroes of the Independence).

Travel tips: Enjoy the Quebrada de Humahuaca and all its magic colors with daytours4u! 

TILCARA

One of the most bustling small towns north of Salta is Tilcara. Located between San Salvador de Jujuy and Humahuaca in the Northern Argentina, this town has blossomed, with lots of restaurants, cafés and bars, and plenty of hostels to accommodate the crowds that fill it during the busy Carnival season.

Besides the narrow cobbled streets and great vibes, the drawcard to staying here are the Pucará de Tilcara ruins. This pre-Incan settlement located on a hill on the outskirts of town is a must to visit. There is also a great 4-hour walk to the Garganta del Diablo (Devil’s Throat) waterfall. If you’re driving, make sure you fill up your tank at Tilcara’s gas station - it’s the only one you’ll see in a while.

Travel tips: Your Perfect 3-Day Salta Itinerary is ready, discover it now!

Visit Tilcara and tour its spectacular landscapes, be amazed by its colorful mountains / Photo: Global_pics

IRUYA

Tucked spectacularly into a mountain pass is the remote village of Iruya, in northern Salta. It’s considered by many to be the most magical town in the region. It’s only reachable through Jujuy along a 46km dirt road.

Locals don’t recommend you do this drive yourself but take a bus instead. The windy road to reach the town can be dicey but offers some incredible views. If you have time, try to stay over a night or two here to take advantage of the great hiking around the town.

PURMAMARCA

This enchanting little village is famous for its incredible mountain backdrop - Cerro de los Siete Colores (the Hill of Seven Colours). Many people pass through on their way to the Salinas Grandes salt flats, but they’d be missing out two wonderful walking trails around the tiny town, to see the hill (and the many other magnificent mountains around it) from different angles. The village of Purmamarca is small with a beautiful central square, great handicrafts and a number of comfortable accommodation options.

Purmamarca is a mix between rocky desert and green valleys, simply unique / Photo: alessandro_pinto

While in an ideal world you’ll have time in your itinerary to take your time driving through all these incredible small towns of Salta and Jujuy, this might not be possible for your vacation. Luckily, you can visit most of these towns on day trips from Salta, or can choose to do a short trip to just a few villages of your choice.

Travel tips: Experience Salta through its traditions: folklore, dancing and singing. Feel the energy and lose yourself in the peña with the Folkloric Tour!

Looking for more tours and activities in and around Salta? Visit our travel blog full of travel articles and our catalogue of South american experiences!

 

By: Daytours4u.com Team Content