The Salinas Grandes de Jujuy, located at over 4,000 meters above sea level, are much more than a viral postcard.
This ancient salt flat, the third largest in South America, presents itself as a hypnotic natural setting, where the brightness of the salt, the geological history, and ancestral practices intertwine in a touristic experience with identity.
How to get there: a scenic journey through the Cuesta de Lipán
The salt flat is located 190 kilometers from San Salvador de Jujuy, and can be accessed by crossing the Cuesta de Lipán, a high-altitude route that offers spectacular landscapes but may cause altitude sickness in sensitive individuals.
It is recommended to take the journey with organized tours, especially on the first visit, and to bring coca candies as a traditional ally.
An infinite plain that became a digital icon
Upon arrival, visitors encounter a white surface that seems to have no end.
The entrance fee is $8,000 per person and includes the accompaniment of local guides, who also serve as expert photographers in creative captures, such as people “inside” bottles or “holding” giant objects. These images have become a trademark on social media.
Salinas Grandes de Jujuy: a landscape with millions of years of history
Beyond the visual appeal, the Salinas Grandes have a geological origin dating back between 5 and 10 million years.
The evaporation of volcanic waters left mineral deposits that now form a 30-centimeter thick salt crust, capable of supporting the transit of medium-sized vehicles.
Ancestral extraction and respect for the land
The ponds are filled with groundwater, the Andean sun accelerates evaporation, and salt blocks are manually extracted.
A portion of this salt is given as a ritual offering, as a sign of respect and gratitude towards nature. Local guides proudly explain the cultural and spiritual value of this process.
Community tourism with local services and knowledge
Managed by indigenous communities, the tourist center offers:
- Clean bathrooms ($500)
- Typical meals, such as the famous tortillas at $3,000
- Local crafts and beverages
- Specialized guides offering tours focused on history, spirituality, and ancestral knowledge
An experience that combines landscape, culture, and sustainability
A visit to this salt flat becomes a dual experience: on one hand, a breathtaking landscape that invites playing with the camera; on the other, a living lesson in sustainable tourism, where local communities lead development with respect for their traditions and the environment.
Cover photo: La Ruta Natural
