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Salta, Argentina
The best place to start your north Argentina itinerary is in Salta.
This is a great city and the perfect base to start exploring the north. The beautiful countryside paired with high-quality wines and delicious regional foods makes for a great experience.
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Humahuaca, Argentina
I recommend doing the longest journey first here and heading north along Route 9 to Humahuaca.
Don’t stop along the way as you’ll visit all the awesome places like Salinas Grandes on the way back.
Here you can find Argentina’s very own Rainbow Mountain (and depending on who you ask, better than the more famous one in Peru).
El Hornocal or the 14 Coloured Mountain, is just outside the town of Humahuaca, a 30-minute drive away.
It’s a great little day trip. You can find a cheap tour in town or drive there yourself if you have a car. If you can, turn up just in the late afternoon to experience the colourful mountain illuminated at sunset.
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Tilcara, Argentina
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Purmamarca, Argentina
Another short journey south is the third town on Route 9 – Purmamarca.
2 days here is a great amount of time to do the two best things:
Hill of 7 Colours – Whilst it doesn’t sound as impressive as the 14 Coloured Mountain, the hill is just as colourful, and you don’t need to take a tour to see this one. You can see it from anywhere in town but the best way is to walk along the Paseo de los Colorados, a 1.5 mile (3 km) easy trail for great views of this multi-coloured hill.
Salinas Grandes – Purmamarca is also a good base for a trip to Salinas Grandes – Argentina’s spectacular salt flat. You can visit by yourself if you have a car or book a tour and you will have lots of opportunities to get the famous perspective shots and marvel and the unique white landscape that stretches on for miles.
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San Salvador de Jujuy, Argentina
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Salta, Argentina
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Cachi, Argentina
Cachi is a small town perfect for a nights stop. There isn’t a lot to do here apart from eat good food, visit a bodega to try some regional wines and marvel at the beautiful countryside.
If you didn’t rent a car to explore Route 9 then now is the time to do it.
You will want your own transport for this next part of the journey as Route 33 is perfect for a road trip.
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Cafayate, Argentina
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Salta, Argentina