Planning Your Salta Scenic Drive Routes

Northern Argentina is a land of great contrast and beauty. You will move from lush green valleys to arid mountain peaks in hours. Driving yourself is the best way to see remote spots. You can stop whenever you want for photos. Many of the best self-drive itineraries from Salta Argentina focus on two main loops. One loop goes south toward the vineyards. The other loop goes north toward the high salt flats.

At a glance:

• Day 1: Salta to Cafayate via Route 68.
• Day 2: Cafayate to Cachi via the rugged Route 40.
• Day 3: Cachi back to Salta through Los Cardones.
• Day 4: Northern excursion to Purmamarca and Salinas Grandes.

Planning is key because of the changing altitudes. The sun is very strong in the high desert. Always carry extra water and wear layers of clothing. For most of these routes, a standard car works well. However, a high-clearance vehicle is better for the gravel sections of Route 40. Check local weather reports before heading into the mountains.

Day 1: The Red Rocks of Quebrada de las Conchas

Start your morning by heading south on National Route 68. This road connects the city of Salta to the town of Cafayate. It is one of the most famous Salta scenic drive routes in the country. The drive takes about three hours without stops. However, you will want to spend much more time exploring. The red canyons here look like they belong on Mars. You will see deep red sandstone formations everywhere.

Day 1: Morning: Leave Salta early to avoid traffic. Stop at the Devil’s Throat and the Amphitheater. Afternoon: Continue driving through the Quebrada de las Conchas stops along the highway. Evening: Arrive in Cafayate and enjoy a local Torrontés wine. Logistics tip: The road is fully paved and easy to drive.

The Amphitheater is a natural rock formation with perfect acoustics. You might find local musicians playing flutes inside. Further down the road, look for the Castles and the Toad rock formations. Information about these geological wonders is available online via Argentina Travel resources. By late afternoon, the sun makes the red rocks glow. This provides the best lighting for professional-looking travel photos.

Cafayate is the heart of the regional wine industry. It is much higher and drier than Salta city. The town has a charming main square with many restaurants. You should visit at least one winery before dinner. Use a Cafayate wine region guide to choose the best estates. Most bodegas offer tours in English and Spanish. Always book your wine tastings in advance.

Day 2: Driving the Rugged Route 40 to Cachi

The second day brings a change in terrain and tempo. You will leave the paved roads for the legendary Route 40. This is one of the longest and most famous roads in Argentina. The stretch between Cafayate and Cachi is particularly beautiful. It passes through the Quebrada de las Flechas. Here, sharp rock fins point toward the sky at steep angles. The road is mostly gravel and dirt in this section.

Day 2: Morning: Depart Cafayate and head toward the village of Angastaco. Afternoon: Drive through the pointed rocks of the Arrow’s Gorge. Evening: Settle into the quiet village of Cachi. Logistics tip: Drive slowly on the gravel to avoid flat tires. Check your spare tire before leaving Cafayate.

This route is much slower than the previous day. You should allow five to six hours for the drive. Small white villages like Molinos offer great places for a lunch break. You can see traditional weaving and crafts in these towns. The silence of the desert is very peaceful here. Many people consider this the most authentic part of the Salta scenic drive routes. It feels very remote and untouched.

Cachi is a colonial gem with white buildings and cobblestone streets. It sits at about 2,500 meters above sea level. You may feel the effects of altitude here. Drink plenty of water and avoid heavy meals at night. The Cachi village travel guide suggests visiting the ancient church. The roof is made of cactus wood, which is very rare. The town square is perfect for a relaxing evening stroll.

Day 3: Majestic Views and Cactus Forests

Today you will return to Salta via a different mountain pass. This drive takes you through the heart of the Andes mountains. You will reach high altitudes before descending back into the green valley. The highlight is passing through a massive forest of cacti. Some of these plants are hundreds of years old. The contrast between the giant cacti and the distant peaks is incredible.

Day 3: Morning: Explore the Tin Tin Straight, a perfectly flat road built by the Incas. Afternoon: Walk among the giant cacti in the national park. Evening: Drive down the winding Cuesta del Obispo towards Salta. Logistics tip: Be prepared for tight curves and steep drops on the descent.

The Los Cardones park guide explains the local ecology. This protected area is home to wildlife like guanacos and condors. Keep an eye on the sky for these massive birds. The highest point of the drive is Piedra del Molino. It sits at 3,348 meters above sea level. On clear days, you can see for miles in every direction.

The descent down the Cuesta del Obispo is thrilling. The road zig-zags down the mountainside through lush clouds. Lush greenery replaces the dry desert as you lose altitude. The temperature will rise as you get closer to Salta. This transition is very dramatic and fast. You will arrive back in the city by late afternoon. This completes the southern loop of your road trip.

Day 4: Exploring the High Altitude Salt Flats

For your final day, take a northern excursion into Jujuy province. This area is home to some of the most famous sights in Argentina. You will see the Hill of Seven Colors in Purmamarca. The colors in the rock are caused by different minerals. It looks like a painting come to life. The village itself is very colorful and full of local markets. Many shops sell high-quality llama wool products.

Day 4: Morning: Drive north from Salta to the village of Purmamarca. Afternoon: Climb the Lipan Slope to reach the high salt flats. Evening: Return to Salta for a final local dinner. Logistics tip: This is a long day of driving, so start early.

After seeing the village, continue driving west. You will climb a series of steep switchbacks called the Cuesta de Lipán. Each turn offers a better view of the valley below. At the top, the road flattens out onto the Puna plateau. Soon, a white horizon will appear in the distance. This is the Salinas Grandes salt flats, a vast expanse of white salt.

Walking on the salt flats is a surreal experience. The white ground reflects the sun very intensely. You must wear sunglasses and sunblock here. You can take creative perspective photos on the flat surface. Small pools of turquoise water show where workers harvest the salt. It is a quiet and beautiful place to end your trip. Make sure you fuel up in Purmamarca before heading to the flats.

Safety Tips for Salta Scenic Drive Routes

Driving in Northern Argentina is generally safe for tourists. However, you must respect the mountain environment. Roads can be narrow and often have no shoulder. Some sections of Route 40 are prone to flooding during summer rains. Always ask locals about current road conditions before leaving. They have the most updated information on closures or repairs. Safety is the top priority for any mountain trip.

Managing altitude is a major factor on these routes. Some of these Salta scenic drive routes exceed 3,000 meters in elevation. You should drive slowly and avoid sudden movements. If you feel dizzy, stop and rest. Chewing coca leaves is a local remedy used by many drivers. You can buy them at small shops throughout the province. Keeping hydrated is also very important for altitude sickness.

Before you go, read up on local traffic laws. Is it safe to drive around Salta for foreigners? Generally, yes, but you must be alert. Animals like goats and donkeys often wander onto the road. Police checkpoints are common but usually just check for documents. Always have your license and rental papers ready. For more heritage details on the region, visit the Lonely Planet Salta guide.

Gas stations are far apart in the desert. Never let your tank drop below half full. Fill up at every opportunity in towns like Cafayate or Cachi. Cell phone service is also very spotty in the mountains. Download offline maps before you leave the city. This will ensure you can navigate even without a signal. With these tips, you will have a safe and amazing journey.