Travel tips for your road trip through Salta Province and Cafayate – exploring off the beaten tourist paths in northwestern Argentina
- Feb 28
- 5 min read
Salta, “the Beautiful” - that’s the nickname given to this city and region in Argentina. If you’re traveling through Argentina, you should definitely plan a few days to several weeks to discover the stunning Salta region.
The Salta Province in northwestern Argentina is one of the most diverse regions in South America. Colonial towns, arid high-altitude deserts, fertile valleys, cactus landscapes, colorful rock formations, and some of the highest wineries in the world are located just a few hours apart. Salta is ideal for travelers who want to experience Argentina beyond the classic routes. Those seeking nature, vast open spaces, and authentic encounters will find perfect conditions here for a true off-the-beaten-path adventure. Particularly appealing is the combination of nature experiences, a road trip, and a multi-day horseback trek through the region’s spectacular landscapes.
10 Days of Horseback Trailride Adventure in Salta
One of the most intense experiences in northern Argentina is a multi-day horseback trek through the Escoipe region. Through Untamed Trails, I arrange a 10-day ride, with 8 consecutive days spent in the saddle. This adventure is designed for experienced riders with good balance, surefootedness, and no fear of heights.
The route leads through the impressive Quebrada de Escoipe, a region of enormous scenic diversity. You begin in the fertile Lerma Valley, known for its tobacco production. From there, you ride into green mountain ranges, steadily climbing higher into an increasingly remote world. Giant cardón cacti shape the landscape. The vastness and silence are striking.
One of the highlights is crossing a mountain pass at around 3,000 meters. The trail demands focus and experience in the saddle, rewarding you with spectacular views. Afterwards, you descend toward Potrero de Díaz, a small village where some of the few schoolchildren still ride to school on horseback. During breaks, these kids sometimes organize horse races against their teachers’ wishes…
To conclude, the route leads over one final mountain to the Agua Negra River, where you spend another night surrounded by untouched nature before returning to the ranch on the last day.
Price from USD 2,250 per person.
This horseback adventure in Salta is not a luxury ride, but a true nature experience for experienced riders who want to discover Argentina in an intense and authentic way.
Salta – Colonial Architecture and Culture
The city of Salta is also called La Linda (“the Beautiful”). A full day is enough to explore the main sights. At the heart of the city lies Plaza 9 de Julio, home to the cathedral and the historic Cabildo of Salta. Highly recommended is the Museo de Arqueología de Alta Montaña (MAAM), which displays the famous Inca high-altitude mummies. For a panoramic view over the city, take the cable car up to Cerro San Bernardo. One thing that was highly recommended to me but I didn't manage to experience myself yet is a dinner in the local restaurant La Casona del Molino, where you experience a super authentic evening with good food and music from the region (don't forget to make a reservation though).
Salta is also the ideal starting point for road trips in every direction and offers various options for renting a car. At the time, we rented our Toyota Hilux from Fit Car Rental and were completely satisfied with our experience.
Salta Road Trip: The North – Purmamarca, Salinas Grandes and Humahuaca
North of Salta begins one of the most impressive regions of Argentina. The village of Purmamarca is famous for the Cerro de los Siete Colores, a mountain with seven distinct color layers. The light is particularly beautiful in the early morning.
The Salinas Grandes, Argentina’s largest salt flat, lie at around 3,400 meters above sea level. The vast white expanse feels surreal and creates a striking contrast to the colorful surrounding mountains.
Further north lies Humahuaca, the center of the historic Quebrada de Humahuaca, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For centuries, this region was an important trade route between the highlands and the lowlands. The combination of Indigenous culture, colonial history, and spectacular Andean landscapes makes this part of Argentina truly unique.
I wholeheartedly recommend this accommodation near Tilcara, close to Purmamarca. The setting is stunning, the rooms are comfortable, and the hosts are wonderful people. If you have the chance, don’t miss the shared, home-cooked dinner – it’s your opportunity to discover the local cuisine of the region and have a conversation with Francisco. The morning walk with his llamas is also an absolute highlight you shouldn’t miss.
Salta Road Trip: From Salta to Cachi – Quebrada de Escoipe, Los Cardones National Park and Ruta 40
The drive from Salta to Cachi is one of the most impressive road trips in the northwest.
The route leads through the Quebrada de Escoipe and continues into Los Cardones National Park. Vast fields of towering cacti stretch across the high plateau, with the Andes rising in the background. Cachi itself is a quiet, whitewashed town with colonial charm. Along the way, local goat cheese and llama salami are sold – perfect for a scenic picnic.
From Cachi, the legendary Ruta Nacional 40 continues south toward Cafayate. The section south of Cachi is exceptionally beautiful, but requires a suitable vehicle and good weather conditions. At the time, despite the higher cost, we deliberately rented a 4WD pickup to feel confident driving this stretch. It is advisable to check with the police in Cachi about the current road conditions. The upper section of Ruta 40 north of Cachi is generally not recommended. If you are looking for adventure and breathtaking landscapes, you will love this route. The absolute highlight: the Quebrada de las Flechas, a moon-like rock landscape that you pass through shortly before reaching Cafayate when coming from Cachi.
Salta Road Trip: Cafayate – High-Altitude Wines and Red Rock Landscapes
South of Salta lies Cafayate, known for its high-altitude wines, especially Torrontés. Many bodegas offer wine tastings. But Cafayate is not only convincing from a culinary perspective.
The drive through the Quebrada de las Conchas is one of the most beautiful routes in the region. Red rock formations, bizarre geological shapes, and wide valleys define the landscape. Hikes, small viewpoints, and photo stops are worthwhile along the entire stretch.
The combination of wine, nature, and tranquility makes Cafayate the perfect counterbalance to the harsher highlands in the north.
Weather and Best Time to Visit Salta
The best time to visit the Salta region is from April to November.
The summer months from December to March bring more frequent rainfall, especially at higher elevations. Roads can be more difficult to navigate during this time. During the day, temperatures are usually pleasantly warm, but it is significantly cooler at higher altitudes. At night, temperatures can drop sharply, particularly in the Andean regions around the Salinas Grandes. The ten-day horseback trek in this region also takes place once a month from April to November and can be booked through Untamed Trails. If you’re interested, feel free to get in touch – I’m happy to answer your questions or give you tips on what else you can experience in this region.
Getting Around – Renting a Car Is the Best Choice in Salta
For a trip through Salta Province, I clearly recommend renting a car. Many of the most beautiful places are remote, and spontaneous stops are part of the experience.
There are buses running between Salta, Cafayate, and Humahuaca. Alternatively, day trips can be booked. However, if you want flexibility and plan to explore more remote areas such as Cachi or the Ruta Nacional 40, you should definitely rent a car. For certain routes, a vehicle with higher ground clearance or four-wheel drive is highly recommended, such as a Toyota Hilux or a comparable model, like the one we had.
Conclusion – Salta as a True Off-the-Beaten-Path Adventure
Salta Province combines culture, Andean landscapes, desert scenery, wine regions, and authentic rural life within a relatively small area. When paired with a multi-day horseback trek through the Escoipe region, it becomes an intense travel experience that goes far beyond classic Argentina itineraries.
Those seeking nature, vast open spaces, and genuine encounters will find Salta to be one of the most exciting and beautiful regions in South America.
