Salinas Grandes
Get ready to enjoy one of the most amazing landscapes of the Puna, in the North of Argentina.
A white ground, a blue sky, a blazing sun. Step on a salt sea 3,400 meters high. You will be surprised at one of the strangest and most solitary spots of the country. A salt plain which extends into two provinces and is more than two hundred square kilometers. Tour around and feel its immensity. Stay until the end of the day and gaze at its magical sunset.
Do you know the origin of Salinas Grandes? Its sea-basin was covered with salt water that came from a volcano, between five and ten million years ago. As time went by, the water evaporated and the salt field was formed. Explore it. See the pools where the salt to be industrialized is processed. Visit a restaurant built with salt. Take handcraft and souvenirs made with this white mineral. Discover one of the best ten landscapes along Ruta 40.
Geographic location: Provinces of Jujuy and Salta.
How to get there: From Purmamarca, Jujuy, via Ruta Nacional 52 (distance: 66 km). You can go by car or rent a transportation service in town or from tour operators in the region. During the journey, you go through Cuesta de Lipán, which reaches 4,170 meters above sea level.
Area: 212 sq km
Altitude: 3,450 meters above sea level (average).
Climate: Arid, with dry season and rainy season. Wide temperature range.
Recommended length of stay: 1 to 2 days.
Recommended clothing and gear: Warm clothes, sunglasses and a hat or cap.