Argentina
Salinas Grandes, a jewel in Jujuy!
Salinas Grandes is one of the must-sees in Jujuy. A majestic place worthy of including in your travel itinerary to this province. It is a white sea of glass.
Like any province, Jujuy has a gem. It is Salinas Grandes, a white sea of glass turned into the third largest salt flat in South America with an area of more than 12,000 hectares. Without a doubt, a fascinating scene that you cannot miss if you travel to this Argentine province.
Located 4,000 meters above sea level, it is approximately 5 to 10 million years old, when the basin was completely covered with waters coming from a volcano.
The formation of this site was the product of the gradual evaporation of water and its components, resulting in an average thickness of 30 centimeters.
But that is not all. In addition to common salt, deposits of borates originated in the salt flats and their surroundings. They are salts that have metallic elements and have very useful properties for the manufacture of atomic reactors and missiles, thanks to their low density and extreme hardness.
HOW TO GET TO SALINAS GRANDES?
Salinas Grandes de Jujuy is located on National Route 52, the same one that reaches the famous Paso Nacional de Jama (international crossing between Chile and Argentina). The closest town -from which we recommend you should access- is Purmamarca. Click on the link and find out more details!
On the way between Purmamarca and Salinas Grandes, you must cross the famous Cuesta de Lipán, with a maximum height of 4,170 meters. The route is paved all the way and is in excellent condition. The distance is 66 kilometers. Another option is from San Salvador de Jujuy. In this case, there are 131 kilometers that separate the capital of the province with the Salinas Grandes.
There is currently no public transportation to get to Salinas Grandes. In this sense, we invite you to get in touch with our travel specialists, who will be able to coordinate the transfer services and any other services you want: excursions, accommodations and much more.
THE VISIT TO LAS SALINAS IN JUJUY
Once in Salinas Grandes, there is a parador for visitors on one side of the route. In this place, those who travel by their own means have the possibility to park their cars. There is also a handicraft market where souvenirs and pieces made with salt are sold. From there, you can enter to visit the interior of this majestic salt flat.
There, you will find the pools from which the workers extract the salt for later trade. In general, these workers also serve as guides and companions, providing accurate information to tourists about this incredible place.
Not in vain, we suggest doing the visit to Salinas Grandes in Jujuy through a guided excursion. For that, you have the option to book the activity with us and hire one of the travel itineraries to Jujuy that we have prepared for you. There is one for every type of traveler. Consult the options and choose based on your tastes, available days and attractions that are combined with this destination.
To visit the salt flat, we have to recommend that in addition to water, you wear dark sunglasses to be able to see better without the interference of the white glow produced by the reflection of the sun on the salt. Also, keep in mind that walking on this floor can be a great challenge as there are fine parts that can come off easily. Salinas Grandes is a jewel in Jujuy that you cannot miss.
