You can feel the Andes change with every mile. This full-day outing from Jujuy strings together Purmamarca’s Seven Colors Hill views and the Salinas Grandes salt flats, then finishes with a desert hike on Los Colorados. It’s a lot to do in one day, but the route makes sense if you like big scenery and a guide who explains what you’re actually looking at.

I especially like two things: the stops at multiple viewpoints (so you’re not stuck waiting for one perfect moment), and the combination of hikes with real time at key elevations—about 45 minutes at the top where you can take in the salt flats and volcanic forms. The one drawback is that you’ll be dealing with high altitude (up to around 4,200 meters) and some driving on rough dirt roads, so you need to go in fit and prepared.

Key Highlights You’ll Actually Notice

• Seven Colors Hill viewpoints above Purmamarca, before and during the main hike
• Cuesta del Lipán, Cuesta del Saladillo, and Abra de Potrerillos as part of the ascent route
• The Salinas Grandes viewpoint at about 4,150 meters, with time to breathe and look
• Wildlife you might spot along the trail, like vicunas and llamas
• A 30–40 minute walk on the Los Colorados trail through desert between mountains
• Bilingual guidance (Spanish and English) to connect the scenery to the place

From Jujuy to the High-Altitude Circuit

The day starts with pickup in San Salvador de Jujuy, and that matters more than you might think. When you’re going far into Salta Province, being collected and dropped off keeps you from losing time figuring out transport—and it gives your guide the chance to run the schedule smoothly.

After pickup, you’ll drive through small towns on the way, including Yala, Volcán, and Tumbaya. These stops aren’t the main reason to go, but they help set the tone: this is a long, scenic drive into remote terrain where the big attractions feel earned, not rushed.

You’ll also get an early taste of the destination with a stop at the Seven Colors Hill viewpoint, where the mountain’s color bands can look striking when the sun hits right. It’s a smart move because it prepares you for what you’ll see later from below in Purmamarca—your eyes start noticing the tones before you even start walking.

Purmamarca’s Seven Colors Hill: First Look, Then the Real Climb

Purmamarca sits right at the foot of Cerro de los Siete Colores (Seven Colors Hill). This is one of those places where the views are both the attraction and the teacher: the rock layers and color shifts are what you’re there to notice, and your guide’s job is to help you read the scene instead of just looking at it.

First, you arrive in Purmamarca and start the hike from the base of the hill. The route is described with several named sections—Cuesta del Lipán, Cuesta del Saladillo, and Abra de Potrerillos—which is useful because it breaks the climb into chunks. You’re not just going up blindly; you’re moving through distinct segments of terrain.

Along the way, keep an eye out for occasional wildlife like vicunas and llamas. You won’t get a guarantee, but this is exactly the kind of landscape where spotting one animal can turn the hike into a memory you replay for years.

Altitude check you should take seriously

You’ll reach around 4,150 meters (13,615 feet), and the tour notes that you get up to about 4,200 meters overall. That’s high enough that pace and breathing matter. If you tend to get winded, plan to slow down and let your body adjust.

The good news: the tour builds in a real pause at the top—about 45 minutes—so you’re not constantly moving. That time is for views, photos, and letting the altitude settle.

Salinas Grandes: White Salt, Blue Sky, and Strange Geometry

Now for the wow factor: the Salinas Grandes salt flats. At high elevation, the salt plain becomes a kind of mirror—white ground stretched wide, with the sky pushing deeper blue behind it. The contrast is the point.

You’ll be spending about 45 minutes at the top, using that break to explore the area and admire the view of the salt flats and nearby volcanic formations described as blue volcanoes. This is the part of the day where many people go quiet, not because it’s boring, but because it’s unusual. The scene looks simple at first—white and sky—then your brain starts working out distance, texture, and shape.

A practical note: at this altitude, conditions can shift. Even if the day feels sunny in town, you can get hit with stronger sun on open flats and colder air near peaks. That’s why sunscreen and a hat are non-negotiable, and sunglasses help a lot around reflective surfaces.

The Los Colorados Trail: Desert Walk Between Mountains

After the altitude and the salt flats, you’ll head back toward Purmamarca and get free time for lunch (not included). This break is valuable because it’s not just for eating—it’s also for recovery. A lot of people underestimate how draining high-elevation walking can be until they’re on flatter ground again.

During lunch time, you can stroll through Purmamarca’s narrow streets, look back toward the mountain, and visit the craft market. If you want small gifts that actually match the place—handicrafts and local items—this is the moment. Don’t wait until later in the day when you’re tired.

Then comes the second hike: a 30–40 minute walk on the Los Colorados trail. This is described as moving through surrounding desert landscapes between the mountains. Compared with the earlier climb, this section feels more like a steady walk through open terrain rather than a big elevation push.

Even if you’re not a long-hiker, this segment is a good payoff: you get to keep experiencing the geology and terrain textures, but at a manageable length.

Transportation, Timing, and What the Group Ride Feels Like

This is a long day—about 510 minutes (a little over eight hours). When you choose tours like this, the trade is clear: you’re packing in multiple regions instead of one slow area.

That can work well if:

• you want variety in one outing, and
• you’re okay with being in a vehicle for stretches, and
• you don’t mind walking at elevation.

The transport is by bus or minivan, depending on group size, with pickup and drop-off from Jujuy. In a small minivan, you may have an easier time hearing the guide. In a larger bus, you may find the sound system doesn’t carry as well.

One review noted an issue with poor audio quality on the bus and mentioned that the vehicle can feel old/dirty. That’s not the kind of thing that ruins the day, but it is worth knowing if you’re someone who hates straining to hear commentary during transit.

What’s Included (and What You Must Plan For)

Let’s keep it simple:

Included:

• Pickup and drop-off from Jujuy
• Transport in a bus or minivan
• A bilingual guide in Spanish and English

Not included:

• Food and drinks

That means you should plan for lunch on your own during the free time in Purmamarca. The good part is you get time for it, so you’re not scavenging on the road.

Also important: the tour asks you to bring cash (about $5) for entrance fees charged by local communities for Salinas Grandes and Paseo Los Colorados. You don’t want to arrive empty-handed and then scramble for payment while everyone else is moving on.

What to Bring: Your Comfort Kit for Sun, Altitude, and Dirt Roads

The tour’s essentials are pretty clear, and I agree with all of them. Bring:

• Passport or ID card
• Comfortable shoes (traction matters on dirt and uneven terrain)
• Sunglasses
• Sun hat
• Sunscreen

And I’d add one personal sanity check: bring water if you can in your own way, even though it’s not listed as included. Also consider layers. High elevations and open, windy salt flats can make temperature swings feel bigger than you expect.

Because the day includes driving on low-quality dirt roads, you’ll also want to be comfortable in transit. If you’re sensitive to bumps, a light layer and a travel pillow can help you reset between stops.

Who This Trip Fits Best

This outing is best for people who can handle altitude and uneven terrain. The tour explicitly says it’s not recommended for people with limited mobility, children under 5, and pregnant women.

So who should book?

• If you like spectacle + guided explanations and you’re okay with hikes of different intensities in one day, this is a strong match.
• If you want an organized way to see multiple landmarks—Seven Colors Hill, Salinas Grandes, and Los Colorados—without planning each segment yourself, you’ll appreciate the structure.
• If you’re traveling with someone who wants photos, the day gives you multiple chances at different viewpoints and terrains.

On the other hand, if you’re mainly looking for a gentle walk with minimal elevation, you might feel the pace is too demanding. The top elevation and climbing sections are the reality here.

A Quick Note on the Guides You’ll Meet

You’ll travel with a bilingual guide (Spanish and English-speaking). In one account, the guide was Martin, and the experience emphasized how much he explained about history and the scenery. Another name you may see linked with guidance is Eric.

That tells me something important: you’re not just paying for transport and photos. You’re paying for someone to help you make sense of why the terrain looks the way it does and what to notice while you’re there.

Should You Book This Tour?

I’d book it if you want one day that covers three big “wow” areas: Seven Colors Hill, Salinas Grandes, and Los Colorados. The value is solid for what you get—guided transport from Jujuy plus time at key viewpoints—especially because you’re not doing this as separate logistics projects.

Skip it if altitude walking is a hard no for you, or if you need accessibility accommodations. Also, if the bus ride environment bothers you (noise, cleanliness, hearing the guide), keep your expectations grounded and be ready with your own comfort plan.

If you go in prepared—with sun protection, proper shoes, cash for entrance fees, and a calm pace—you’ll come away with the kind of scenery that stays in your head: white salt flats, color-banded hills, and desert terrain under bright mountain light.

FAQ

How much does this tour cost?

The price is $42 per person.

How long is the experience?

The duration is 510 minutes (a little over eight hours).

What is included in the price?

Pickup and drop-off from Jujuy, transportation in bus or minivan, and a bilingual guide (Spanish and English) are included.

Where do I meet the group in Jujuy?

Meet at the YPF gas station located at Vilcapugio 1986, Y4607EKF San Salvador de Jujuy. Go to the coffee shop to wait for the bus and your group, and arrive 15 minutes early.

What should I bring, and do I need cash?

Bring ID/passport, comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a sun hat, and sunscreen. Bring cash (about $5) for entrance fees charged by local communities for Salinas Grandes and Paseo Los Colorados.

Is this tour suitable for kids or mobility limits?

It is not recommended for children under 5 and is also not suitable for people with limited mobility. The tour also lists pregnant women as not suitable.