Salinas Grandes is the name of a salt flat on the border of the Argentine provinces of Salta y Jujuylocated in the north of Argentina. Distant 66 km from Purmamarca and accessed through National Route 52, they extend over an area of 212 km² in the Jujuy department of Tumbaya and in the Salta department of La Poma, at an average altitude of 3450 meters above sea level.

Due to the high altitude, the Salinas Grandes de Jujuy are practically the base level of an endorheic basin that continues to the north in the Guayatayoc Lagoon, a strongly salty and alkaline lagoon. To the south and east, these salt flats are separated from the Quebrada de Humahuaca by the Chañi mountain range, while to the north and west their limits become more diffuse in the Puna Salada desert.

The origin of the Salinas Grandes de Jujuy and Salta dates back to a long period between 5 and 10 million years ago. During this extended period, the basin of this salt flat was covered by waters with a large amount of salts coming from volcanic activity. The gradual evaporation of such salty continental waters gave rise to this salt flat, which has a crust with an average thickness of 30 cm.

To make this excursion to Salinas Grandes, we leave Salta towards the town of Tastil arriving then to San Antonio de los Cobres. Then we take a break for lunch. And we cross route 40 until we reach the Salinas Grandes, right on the border between Salta and Jujuy. Then, we start the descent through Cuesta de Lipán where condors are usually sighted. We arrive at the typical town of Purmamarca and its Cerro de los Siete Colores.

Finally we return to Salta by highway, ending our excursion to Salinas Grandes.

Remarks:

• Children up to 3 years old are free. From 4 years old to 6 years old pay "children" rate. From 7 years of age and older pay "adult" rate.