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Argentina's Northwest: the Day-by-Day Itinerary

The seven-coloured hill rising behind Purmamarca village
Photo: Bernard Gagnon · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

The Northwest is Argentina's high-desert corner. Rainbow-striped hills rise over adobe villages in the Quebrada de Humahuaca, cactus forests line the road to Cafayate, and the world's highest vineyards pour torrontés beside colonial plazas.

Argentina's Northwest is a 800 km loop (self-drive). It works best as 4–7 days; the plan below is the 6-day version for April, built from 78 verified places, with real road-routed transit times, opening hours and daylight checked.

Customize this plan → 4-day plan · 6-day plan · 7-day plan · best time to go

6
days
845 km
distance
15.4 h
driving
31
curated stops

💡 Good to know for this plan

Day 1 Salta → Purmamarca

2h32 transit · wraps up ~16:32
🌡 -6.9–22.2°C · 🌧 ~7 rain days · ☀ 11.4h light
09:00
MAAM Museummuseums & heritagehistory & sagashiking
Encounter the hauntingly preserved Llullaillaco Children in a gripping exhibit.
50 min · Salta · AR$16,000 (February 2026)
open: Tu-Su 11:00-18:30; guided tours at 12:00 and 18:00
09:50
Pajchamuseums & heritagelocal & traditional
Discover a vibrant world of traditional art, textiles, and jewelry from South and Central America.
50 min · Salta
10:40
Explore Salta Museum Complexmuseums & heritagehistory & sagas
Engage with interactive displays that bring Salta's cultural history to life.
50 min · Salta
open: 10.00 to 20.00 Tuesday to Sunday and public holidays.
14:02
Cerro de Siete Colores
See the stunning, multicolored hills shifting hues with the light.
90 min · Purmamarca
15:32
BienMeSabe
Taste rich, generous Italian-inspired dishes loved by locals.
60 min · Purmamarca · AR$20,000
Overnight: Purmamarca
e.g. Bebo Vilte

Day 2 Around Purmamarca

no transit — linger day · wraps up ~14:00
🌡 -6.9–22.2°C · 🌧 ~7 rain days · ☀ 11.4h light
09:00
Museo El Tribuno Guillermo Pajarito Velardemuseums & heritage
Step into a colorful tribute to a patron of tango and the arts in a charming house-museum.
50 min · Salta
open: M-F 10:00-14:00, 15:00-18:00; Sa 10:00-14:00
09:50
Cabildo Histórico de Saltahistory & sagas
Admire elegant colonial columns and historic architecture under a grand plaza sky.
50 min · Salta
10:40
Museum of President Jose Evaristo Uriburumuseums & heritage
Walk through the childhood home of a distinguished president and jurist.
50 min · Salta · Free
11:30
Cerro San Bernardo
Feel the thrill as the cable car ascends, offering panoramic city vistas.
50 min · Salta · AR$25,000 round trip a bit less for one
12:20
5asec laundry
Feel the crisp, clean scent of freshly laundered clothes.
50 min · Salta · AR$175 for a load
open: M–Sa 08:00–22:00, Su 09:00–21:00
13:10
Iglesia San Francisco
Marvel at the vibrant red and ivory basilica and its towering, ornate spire.
50 min · Salta
Overnight: Purmamarca
e.g. Bebo Vilte

Day 3 Tilcara

0h27 transit · wraps up ~15:07
🌡 -6.9–22.2°C · 🌧 ~7 rain days · ☀ 11.4h light
09:27
Museo Iruretamuseums & heritagelocal & traditional
Admire vibrant local art capturing the landscape and people.
50 min · Tilcara
10:17
Garganta del Diablohiking
Hear the roar of a hidden waterfall while hiking through lush trails.
90 min · Tilcara · AR$30 for taking the stairs. But if you
11:47
Pucaráhistory & sagas
Explore well-preserved ruins with sweeping views of colorful hills.
50 min · Tilcara · AR$12,000 foreigners, (supposedly free e
open: 09:00-18:00
12:37
Indigenous Cemeterylocal & traditional
Notice tombs adorned with dried or paper flowers in serene silence.
50 min · Tilcara
13:27
La Islamuseums & heritage
Walk through ancient Precolumbian graves scattered along the Quebrada.
50 min · Tilcara
14:17
Museo Atelier Terry
Discover paintings by famed artist Terry set against Tilcara's backdrop.
50 min · Tilcara
Overnight: Tilcara
e.g. Tierra Andina Hostel · Hosteria La Morada

See the remaining 3 days of the 6-day plan →

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