Salinas Grandes Jujuy
A vast, surreal expanse of white salt stretching to the horizon, offering otherworldly landscapes and breathtaking photo opportunities.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden hour for stunning photos
Salinas Grandes Jujuy
Best Time
Golden hour for stunning photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vast, surreal expanse of white salt stretching to the horizon, offering otherworldly landscapes and breathtaking photo opportunities.
"An unusual and surreal place with unique landscapes! Highly recommend!"
🚗 Hire a Local Guide
Follow a local guide on a motorcycle for unique photo ops & history. Essential for the best experience!
💰 Bring Cash for Fees
Entrance fees and bathroom facilities often require cash. ATMs are scarce, so come prepared.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Vast Salt Flats
The main expanse of Salinas Grandes
An otherworldly landscape of pure white salt stretching to the horizon. Perfect for surreal photos.
Salt Exploitation Pools
Designated areas within the salt flats
Geometric patterns of salt pools used for extraction, creating unique visual lines and textures.
Reflections on Flooded Salt
Areas with shallow water after rain
When flooded, the salt flats become a giant mirror, reflecting the sky for breathtaking, surreal images.
Cuesta del Lipán Viewpoints
Along RN52 approaching Salinas Grandes
Scenic overlooks offering panoramic views of the winding mountain road and the vast salt desert below.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Altitude Acclimatization is Key
Prepare for Intense Sun and Reflection
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Hire a Local Guide
Follow a local guide on a motorcycle for unique photo ops & history. Essential for the best experience!
💰 Bring Cash for Fees
Entrance fees and bathroom facilities often require cash. ATMs are scarce, so come prepared.
☀️ Sun Protection is Crucial
High SPF sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, and long sleeves are a must due to intense sun & reflection.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Drink plenty of water to combat the high altitude. Coca leaves can also help with acclimatization.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Hire a Local Guide
Follow a local guide on a motorcycle for unique photo ops & history. Essential for the best experience!
💰 Bring Cash for Fees
Entrance fees and bathroom facilities often require cash. ATMs are scarce, so come prepared.
☀️ Sun Protection is Crucial
High SPF sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, and long sleeves are a must due to intense sun & reflection.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Drink plenty of water to combat the high altitude. Coca leaves can also help with acclimatization.
📸 Unique Photo Ops
Take advantage of the salt blocks, signs, and reflections for memorable, creative photos.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Salinas Grandes for its surreal, otherworldly beauty and incredible photo opportunities, especially during sunset or after rain. The unique landscape and the experience of exploring the vast salt flats are highly recommended. Some travelers note the importance of preparing for high altitude and intense sun.
"Sept.25: we passed the Salinas Grandes on our way to the Chilean border.
We booked on the spot a tour with a guide for ARS12.000 = a bit more than €7 p.p. Even the kiosk where we bought our tickets was made from salt blocks.
The road to getting here from Jujuy is an incredibly high altitude mountain driving. Once there we followed a local guide (Anibal): he was on a white motorcbike & you follow in your car.
Such an unusual & surreal place. The guide was fantastic explaining the history.
We stopped @2 different places, 1st were the long rectangular shaped basins; were we took pictures with signs of Jujuy, dinosaur & with banana.
A few minutes drive further we arrived @a salt lake; again some posing pictures with reflections in the water. These salt lakes are @height of 3.450 meters above sea level.
There’s also local food for sale which was incredibly delicious! Wonderful experience with unique landscapes! Highly recommend!
There is a paid clean bathroom for only ARS500 = €0.30 & you get some toilet paper."
Petra (Pitch)
"Northern Argentina will always be a beautiful place to discover and visit again. Salinas Grandes in Jujuy is a magical place. The guides we had were very kind and patient!! We enjoyed it as a family!! 😍🥰"
Shulamit Marín
"Unmissable place to visit. You can do a tour guide with your véhicule , a local will explain everything and take the best pictures 🤙 not to forget there is a spot where you can park, camp, run on the Salar and even do a wild salt bath , enjoy !"
Estelle Ohanian
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Salinas Grandes is accessible via RN52 from Purmamarca (approx. 65km) or from Salta. The drive involves high-altitude mountain roads like the Cuesta del Lipán, offering scenic viewpoints. Renting a car is a popular option for flexibility.
Yes, Salinas Grandes can be visited as a day trip from Salta, though it's a long drive. Many tours depart from Salta, or you can drive yourself if you have a rental car.
The road, particularly the Cuesta del Lipán, is a high-altitude mountain road with many curves and steep inclines. It's paved but requires careful driving.
Yes, organized tours are widely available from Purmamarca, Tilcara, and Salta. These tours often include stops at scenic points along the way.
From Purmamarca, the drive is about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on stops. From Salta, it's a longer journey, typically 3-4 hours one way.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, there is typically an entrance fee to access the main areas of Salinas Grandes. It's advisable to have cash on hand as payment methods can vary.
For independent travel, no advance booking is usually required for entry. If you opt for a guided tour, booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak season.
Salinas Grandes is generally accessible during daylight hours. There are no strict opening or closing times for the natural landscape itself, but tours operate on set schedules.
Yes, there are bathroom facilities available, but they are usually paid. It's recommended to carry small denominations of cash for these services.
While not a designated campground, some visitors have mentioned the possibility of wild camping. However, it's best to check local regulations and be prepared for remote conditions.
📸 📸 Photography
The golden hours around sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting for photography. If it has rained recently, the flooded salt flats create incredible mirror-like reflections.
You can capture vast, surreal landscapes, unique geometric patterns of salt pools, reflections on flooded salt, and creative shots using the salt blocks and signs.
Yes, many local guides offer photography assistance, helping you find the best angles and capture stunning shots, especially during sunset.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscape. A polarizing filter can help manage glare from the salt. Don't forget extra batteries as the cold can affect them.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check with local authorities or your tour operator before flying a drone to ensure compliance.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, local food is often for sale at Salinas Grandes, with vendors offering delicious regional specialties. It's a great way to experience local cuisine.
Expect hearty regional dishes. Some visitors have enjoyed incredibly delicious local food offerings.
While there might not be formal restaurants, there are usually local vendors selling food directly within the salt flats.
It's always a good idea to bring some snacks and plenty of water, especially given the remote location and altitude.
Yes, you can bring your own food for a picnic. It's a unique setting for a meal, but remember to pack out all your trash.
🎫 💡 Onsite Experience
The main activities include marveling at the vast salt flats, taking unique photos, learning about salt extraction, and enjoying the surreal landscapes.
Absolutely! It's a unique and surreal natural wonder, offering incredible photo opportunities and a memorable experience of the Puna region.
Wear comfortable, layered clothing. Include warm layers as temperatures can change, and sturdy shoes for walking on the salt. Don't forget sun protection!
A visit to Salinas Grandes typically takes 2-3 hours, but you could easily spend longer if you're enjoying the photography or taking a guided tour.
Yes, there are unique glamping experiences like Pristine Camps offering luxury domes right in the heart of the salt flats for an unforgettable stay.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider hiring a local guide who can make the experience more engaging for younger visitors with stories and interactive photo opportunities. The drive up the Cuesta del Lipán also offers exciting views and a sense of adventure. While the altitude might require some adjustment, many families report enjoyable visits.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Utilize local guides who can lead you to the most photogenic spots and assist with creative compositions. Don't forget your wide-angle lens to capture the immense scale and consider a polarizing filter to manage glare. Be prepared for the intense sun and bring extra batteries for your camera.
🚗 Road Trippers & Adventurers
Be prepared for high-altitude driving and ensure your vehicle is in good condition. Consider hiring a local guide upon arrival for a more insightful experience and unique photo opportunities. The surreal landscape offers a stark contrast to other destinations in the region, making it a memorable part of any itinerary.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Journey: Cuesta del Lipán
Travelers often describe the drive as spectacular, with hairpin turns and stunning vistas at every bend. It's crucial to drive cautiously and be aware of the changing road conditions. The air becomes thinner as you ascend, so taking it slow and drinking plenty of water is highly recommended. Many tours make specific stops at designated miradors (viewpoints) for photo opportunities and to admire the sheer scale of the landscape.
Altitude Considerations on the Cuesta
As you climb the Cuesta del Lipán, the altitude can become noticeable. Symptoms of altitude sickness can include headaches, nausea, and dizziness. Travelers are advised to chew coca leaves, stay hydrated, and avoid strenuous activity upon arrival. The journey is as much a part of the experience as the destination itself, offering a dramatic prelude to the stark beauty of Salinas Grandes.
Photography Magic in the Salt Flats
Local guides play a crucial role in enhancing the photographic experience. Many guides, often on motorcycles, will lead visitors to the best spots for unique shots. They can help you pose with salt blocks, signs, or within the geometric patterns of the salt extraction pools. The golden hour around sunrise and sunset provides the most dramatic lighting, casting long shadows and painting the sky with vibrant colors, making it an ideal time for capturing stunning images.
Essential Photography Tips
To make the most of your photography session, consider bringing a wide-angle lens to capture the immense scale of the salt flats. A polarizing filter can help manage the intense glare from the salt and water. Protect your camera gear from dust and the elements. Remember to also protect yourself with sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses, as the sun's reflection off the salt is extremely intense.
Unique Stays: Glamping in the Salt
These glamping sites provide a comfortable and sustainable way to experience the Puna. Imagine waking up to the vast white expanse stretching out before you, with the silence broken only by the wind. It's an opportunity to disconnect and reconnect with nature in a truly unique setting. While not for everyone, this type of accommodation offers a profound connection to the landscape.
Planning Your Overnight Stay
If you're considering an overnight stay, be prepared for remote conditions. While glamping offers comfort, the surrounding environment is wild and exposed. It's advisable to book in advance, especially during peak seasons. This experience is perfect for those seeking tranquility and a deep immersion in the stark beauty of Salinas Grandes.


Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit