Knowing how to get to the Salinas Grandes is easier than many travelers think. Sometimes, due to a little lack of knowledge, we book an excursion. Other times, because we think the road is dangerous, we choose a prearranged package. Or people believe they don’t have time to visit them. But this is not the case. The road to reach the Salinas Grandes is accessible, and best of all, it’s incredible.
You leave Purmamarca by car and slowly ascend the Cuesta de Lipán. Suddenly, the Quebrada de Humahuaca opens before your eyes, and you stop to appreciate one of the most beautiful panoramas in the country. You get back in the car and continue your journey. And something appears: a white sea at about 3500 meters above sea level. You won’t see anything like it anywhere else in Argentina.
This scenic route awaits you in Jujuy. At Rentennials we know that traveling to the Salinas Grandes is something many want. That’s why we leave you this complete guide to know how to get to the Salinas Grandes by car.
Where are the Salinas Grandes and why are they worth visiting?
The Salinas Grandes are located in the province of Jujuy, about 70 km from Purmamarca, one of the most emblematic and beautiful towns in Argentina. Located in the Jujuy puna, the Salinas Grandes are one of the landscapes that dazzle any visitor.
Formed millions of years ago, this white mantle that extends for kilometers is not only special for its beauty but also one of the places to learn about the lifestyle of the native communities of our country. Even today, the people who inhabit these lands work at the Salinas and invite you to get to know them through a guided tour.
At what altitude are the Salinas Grandes?
The Salinas Grandes are located at 3350 meters above sea level. But beware, this will not be the highest altitude you will be at. The road that leads to the Salinas, National Route 52, reaches up to 4170 meters above sea level. Don’t worry, with the necessary precautions, you will be able to avoid altitude sickness.
What is the best route to get to the Salinas Grandes by car?
The only road that takes you to the Salinas Grandes is National Route 52. It’s true, if you go from Salta, sometimes Google Maps suggests another route through the Salta puna, but don’t trust it. It’s definitely the route that goes up the Cuesta de Lipán from Purmamarca, and if you decide to follow it, you will reach the border crossing with Chile.
From Salta Capital
From the city of Salta to the Salinas Grandes, you have to take National Route 9. Once you pass San Salvador de Jujuy, about 100 more kilometers await you. In Purmamarca, you must turn onto National Route 52 and begin the slow ascent until you reach the Salinas Grandes.
It’s about 255 km in total, which takes about four hours with some stops.
Here we leave you the suggested route.
A secret: from Salta you can take the old National Route 9, popularly called the “cornice road.” It is fully paved and, going slow, you can do it comfortably. The best part is that it crosses the yungas, and you will find a very different landscape.
From San Salvador de Jujuy
From San Salvador de Jujuy, you have to take National Route 9 until the intersection with RN 52. There you turn left, pass through Purmamarca, and continue your journey until you arrive at the impressive Salinas.
It’s 132 km, which takes approximately 2.5 hours. Go slow, enjoying the landscape because no one rushes you.
We leave you the map with the route.
Another secret: if you decide to take your time, on the way to Purmamarca are the Termas de Reyes. Hot springs in the middle of the yungas. You get there by turning left in Villa Jardín de Reyes, just about 20 km from San Salvador de Jujuy.
From Purmamarca
Perhaps the best option: stay overnight in Purmamarca and leave early towards the Salinas Grandes. It’s 70 km, but since it is a mountain road with curves and hairpin turns, it usually takes about an hour and a half. Getting there is easy: you only have to take RN 52 and ascend slowly until you reach the Puna, where the Salinas Grandes are.
This is the map of the route.
Other options: from Tilcara or some town in the Quebrada de Humahuaca
The Quebrada de Humahuaca has many towns to stay for a few nights and then the next day leave for the Salinas Grandes. Maimará, Volcán, or Tumbaya are some of the small towns that have accommodation options.
Tilcara and Humahuaca are the two largest cities in the Quebrada, so they are also good bases to get to the Salinas Grandes.
The road? Always take National Route 9 heading to Purmamarca. And from there, National Route 52 straight to the Puna.
The scenic road to get to the Salinas Grandes
The scenic route from Purmamarca to the Salinas Grandes is one of the most beautiful in the country. First, you slowly ascend through a winding curve and hairpin turns. Then, the mountains open and give way to the impressive white sea formed by the salt flats.
The good thing: National Route 52 is fully paved and in good condition.
First stop: Purmamarca
If you come from Salta, Jujuy, or some town in the Quebrada, you can’t miss making a short stop in Purmamarca. Our recommendation is to stay a whole day enjoying this northern town.
Second stop: Abra de Potrerillos
Once you have decided to start the ascent, the landscapes gradually change. Before your eyes, the Quebrada de las Sepulturas and Lipán open.
Soon you will reach the highest point: Abra de Potrerillos. It is located at 4170 meters above sea level, and there is a special place to leave your car. You can park and enjoy the imposing and beautiful landscape.
Kilometers after continuing driving on RN 52, the Puna appears. And further ahead, the Salinas.
How to visit the Salinas Grandes?
Once you get to the Salinas Grandes, it’s time to explore them. The first thing is to park the car in the designated area for vehicles. There you will pay the entrance fee and begin the guided tour with a member of the local community (it is mandatory to do the tour with a guide).
Community tourism in the Salinas Grandes
Part of the magic of the Salinas is that you must explore them with a guide. With the town’s guides, you will learn about the salt production process, its importance for their community, and the history and culture of the region.
A trip is not just about visiting destinations but returning home with a different spirit.
How much time do you need to get to know the Salinas Grandes?
A complete visit to the Salinas takes about two hours. Of course, you can stay as long as necessary, but keep in mind to avoid returning after dark.
Best time to visit the Salinas Grandes
We recommend arriving at the Salinas Grandes in the morning. This is for several reasons. First, the light is perfect for the photographs you can take on the way there. On the other hand, a good plan is to eat something light at the Salinas to fully enjoy the landscape.
If you go in the afternoon, which is another option, avoid returning without natural light. The road is winding, and driving at night is not recommended. Also, when the sun sets, temperatures drop a lot (especially if you go in winter).
Best season to visit the Salinas Grandes
From April to November is an excellent time to tour the Salinas. In winter, temperatures can be quite low, so we recommend bringing warm clothes.
You can also go in summer, but keep in mind it’s rainy season, and the weather can worsen the experience.
What’s beyond the Salinas Grandes?
It seems strange that few dare to go beyond the Salinas, but why not? It’s true, in front of you is only the immense plain of the puna. But deciding to travel a few more kilometers takes you to places few tourists reach.
Susques
The town of Susques is only 70 km from the Salinas Grandes. Here you can stay overnight to experience the other side of the Puna. There are no big attractions, and maybe that’s what makes it different. You can visit its historic church, the plaza, and get into the lifestyle of the puna.
There are small family restaurants and lodging to spend the night. The next day you can start your return.
Important! The National Route 40 is right in Susques. To the north, you reach La Quiaca; to the south, Cafayate in Salta. But keep in mind it’s in poor condition and all gravel. If you do it, make sure it’s with a 4×4.
Tips for driving in the mountains
One certainty is that driving in the mountains is necessary to get to the Salinas Grandes (unless you hire an excursion). Experience is built by driving, so here are some tips to keep in mind:
- On steep ascents, go in second or third gear to give oxygen to the engine.
- On descents, we recommend using second (or third) gear depending on how steep the slope is. Why? The key is to “brake with the engine,” meaning the engine’s revolutions slow you down.
- Related to the above, it’s essential to press the brake as little as possible to avoid wearing it out (that’s why “engine braking” is used).
- In curves, always keep your side.
- Never overtake a car or truck if there is a double yellow line.
How to avoid altitude sickness?
Sometimes the altitude affects us, but we can always do something to avoid it:
- Drink water (but not excessively)
- Eat light before ascending
- Move slowly and without hurry
- Acclimate a few days before in Purmamarca or another place in the Quebrada.
Recommendations for visiting the Salinas Grandes
Before leaving, keep these tips in mind so that your trip to the Salinas Grandes is unique:
- Bring warm clothes, but also light clothing
- Put on sunscreen
- Wear a hat
- Always have sunglasses at hand
- Bring water.
Rent a car with Rentennials and enjoy the road to the Salinas Grandes
A white mantle on a plain at 3500 meters above sea level. Not everywhere can you find it, but yes in Argentina. Getting to the Salinas Grandes, walking them, meeting their local community, their customs, and history. Jujuy has it all.
And if you rent a car with Rentennials everything becomes simple. A few clicks and you have a car to tour Jujuy with total freedom. Because traveling at your own pace and without rush is an experience more and more people want to have.
