Planning a trip to Salta & Jujuy for the long weekend (May 1st Puente)

[meghann]

Hi everyone! Has anyone done this recently? I’m wondering if it’s better to rent a car and explore on my own, or go with a guided tour.
Would love any tips, places not to miss, things to avoid, or anything else I should know!

 

[shonda]

Hey there! I did something similar a few months back. It really depends on your travel style and how much driving you want to do.

Personally, for exploring at your own pace and getting to more remote spots, renting a car is awesome. It gives you so much freedom to stop wherever you want, change your plans on the fly, and discover less touristy corners. There are some incredible scenic routes that are totally worth driving.

However, if you'd rather relax and have someone else handle the logistics and info, a guided tour can be a great option. Sometimes, local guides have knowledge and connections that lead you to unique experiences you wouldn't find on your own. Plus, if you're going to areas with tricky roads or that you don't know well, a guide can be safer.

Some places you absolutely can't miss in Salta and Jujuy:

• The Humahuaca Gorge (Jujuy): Stunning! Don't miss Purmamarca and the Hill of Seven Colors, Tilcara and its Pucará (pre-Incan fortress), Humahuaca and its Independence Monument.
• Salta City: A beautiful colonial city with a rich history. Wander through its center, the Cathedral, the Cabildo (old city hall), and go up San Bernardo Hill for panoramic views.
• The Calchaquí Valleys (Salta): Cafayate and its wineries (you HAVE to try the Torrontés!), the Quebrada de las Conchas (with incredible rock formations like the Amphitheater and the Devil's Throat), and charming towns like Cachi and Molinos.
• The Salinas Grandes (between Salta and Jujuy): A vast, white salt flat that will take your breath away. Perfect for creative photos!
• Iruya (Salta): A town perched on the side of a mountain that you reach via a winding road with spectacular views.

I hope you enjoy those days there!

 

[normandie]

Hey! So glad you're planning a trip there! I was just in Salta and Jujuy about a month ago, and I can tell you it's absolutely worth going. The natural beauty and the culture are just amazing.

Adding to what I mentioned before about renting a car versus taking tours, here are some important tips I picked up during my trip:

Specific tips for Salta and Jujuy:

• Car rental: Consider a vehicle with good clearance if you plan on going to areas with unpaved roads (like the road to Iruya or some parts of the Calchaquí Valleys). This is key! Some of those roads can be pretty rough.
• Altitude: Remember that some areas are at high altitudes (like the Puna). Take it easy at first, stay hydrated, and avoid heavy meals. Seriously, altitude sickness can be a pain if you're not prepared!
• Weather: The weather can vary a lot between day and night, and between different regions. Bring layers, even in summer. I went from wearing short sleeves to a fleece in the same day!
• Food: You absolutely have to try the empanadas salteñas (savory pastries), locro (hearty stew), humita en chala (corn paste cooked in corn husks), and the high-altitude wines! The food scene is a real highlight!
• Handicrafts: Salta and Jujuy are rich in local crafts. It's a great place to buy authentic souvenirs! There are incredible artisan markets!

I hope these tips help you plan your trip. Enjoy Salta and Jujuy, it's an unforgettable destination!

 

[tamy]

Hey! For your long weekend trip to Salta and Jujuy, especially since it'll be a busy tourist time, going with a rental car is definitely the way to go for maximum freedom. You can totally make your own schedule, deciding how long to hang out in each spot and skipping the crowds you'd probably run into on guided tours. Picture just pulling over whenever you spot some amazing hidden gem that tour buses can't even get to, that's the beauty of having your own wheels. Plus, the drives up north are seriously stunning, and you'll want to stop all the time for pics! If a place is looking too packed, no sweat, you can just cruise on and maybe hit it up later or find some cool, less crowded alternative. So yeah, for this long weekend, having your own car will give you the flexibility to really experience Salta and Jujuy at your own pace and dodge those tourist hordes.

 

[Ron]

Hi Meghan, having a car was definitely the way to go for checking out the different towns around there (I only did Jujuy myself). Just a heads-up though, the roads can get pretty rough, and you might even run into some flooding, so just keep in mind if you're cool with driving in that kind of stuff. And even if you do rent a car, think about grabbing a ride for things like the Hill of 7 Colors (Note: the user mentioned "Mountain of 14 Colors" but likely meant the famous "Hill of 7 Colors" in Purmamarca), the road up to that viewpoint is super windy and narrow, we caught a ride from Purmamarca itself.