Base yourself in the Quebrada de Humahuaca and the region's biggest highlights are all within day-trip reach, from a blinding salt flat over a 4,170m pass to a rainbow ridge at 4,350m and a steamy cloud forest. This ranked list covers the trips worth building a day around. Save any of them to your itinerary.
The Best Day Trips from Jujuy
1
Outdoor
Salinas Grandes from Purmamarca
Drive west from Purmamarca over the switchbacking Cuesta de Lipan (4,170m) to the vast Salinas Grandes salt flats. Vicuna sightings, surreal high-altitude scenery, and a blinding white salt pan, the classic Jujuy day trip.
60km west of Purmamarca via Cuesta de Lipan (4,170m)Half day
2
Outdoor
Serranias del Hornocal Excursion
From Humahuaca, a 25km dirt-road climb to the Mirador del Hornocal at 4,350m for the 14-coloured mountain, more dramatic and far less visited than Purmamarca's seven colours. Go before noon for the best light.
25km east of Humahuaca, 4,350m altitudeHalf day from Humahuaca
3
Outdoor
Yungas Cloud Forest Hike
Head east into Calilegua National Park's yungas cloud forest, a lush green world of orchids, toucans, and howler monkeys that contrasts sharply with the dry gorge. About 120km from Tilcara.
Calilegua National Park or San Francisco areaHalf to full day
4
Experience
Termas de Reyes Hot Springs
Natural thermal baths in a mountain gorge 19km from San Salvador de Jujuy. Soak in hot mineral pools, rustic and free upstream or maintained at the historic hotel, after days on the road.
19km north of San Salvador de JujuyHalf day
5
Outdoor
Drive the Quebrada de Humahuaca
If you have a single day, drive the whole Quebrada de Humahuaca on RN 9, stopping at Purmamarca, Maimara, Tilcara, and Humahuaca. A 130km ribbon of coloured mountains and Andean villages along an ancient trade route.
RN 9 from San Salvador de Jujuy to Humahuaca (130km)Full day (or 2-3 days with overnight stays)
FAQ
- What is the best day trip from the Quebrada de Humahuaca?
- The Salinas Grandes salt flats are the standout day trip, reached by driving west from Purmamarca over the spectacular Cuesta de Lipan pass at 4,170m. The 14-coloured Serranias del Hornocal near Humahuaca is an equally unmissable, if more rugged, alternative.
- Can I visit the Salinas Grandes and the Hornocal in one day?
- It is not advisable. They lie at opposite ends of the region, the Salinas Grandes west of Purmamarca, the Hornocal east of Humahuaca, and both are long, high-altitude trips. Plan a separate day for each, ideally on consecutive days from a central base like Tilcara.
- How far is the yungas cloud forest from the Quebrada?
- Calilegua National Park, which protects the largest remaining yungas cloud forest, is about 120km east of Tilcara. It makes a long but rewarding day trip, or a worthwhile overnight, for the dramatic contrast between the dry gorge and the lush forest.
Make it your trip
Save these places and build your own San Salvador de Jujuy itinerary in TripBox.