Purmamarca

Written by David Garcia, Keith Roberts, Maria Gaulto
05/08/2025
Explorers trek through the vivid red hills of Purmamarca, Argentina, under a bright sky.
Agustin Devani, Pexels

Purmamarca is a tranquil village nestled at the foot of the vibrant Cerro de los Siete Colores, offering a captivating blend of natural beauty and deep-rooted Andean culture. It serves as an ideal base for exploring the stunning landscapes of northern Argentina, including nearby salt flats and other colorful mountains.

The central plaza is a hub of activity with a daily handicraft market, fostering a relaxed environment for casual social exchanges with locals and other travelers. While not a party destination, it offers opportunities to observe local life and engage in small group experiences.

Top 3 Things to do in Purmamarca

Activities in Purmamarca largely revolve around appreciating the unique geological formations of the region and immersing in the vibrant local culture.

1. Explore Cerro de los Siete Colores and Paseo de los Colorados

The Hill of Seven Colors, a backdrop to the village, features distinct bands of color, formed over millions of years from various mineral compositions. The best views are often in the morning light when the sun illuminates the different hues. A walk along the 'Paseo de los Colorados' is a circular route around the base of this hill, offering dynamic perspectives of the landscape as it changes with light and angle. This easy walk typically takes about 1 to 1.5 hours to complete, allowing visitors to appreciate the geological wonder up close.

Cost: Access to general viewpoints and the Paseo de los Colorados walk is often free, although some specific viewpoints may have a small entrance fee, around 100-200 Argentine Pesos (as of early 2024), which can fluctuate.

Transport: This activity is entirely within walking distance of Purmamarca village center.

2. Wander the Purmamarca Handicraft Market and Central Plaza

The heart of Purmamarca is its central plaza, which transforms into a lively handicraft market daily. Here, local artisans display and sell a wide array of handmade goods, including vibrant textiles, pottery, and jewelry, reflecting the rich Andean culture of the region. This is an ideal place to find unique souvenirs and observe daily local life. Adjacent to the market stands the historic Iglesia de Santa Rosa de Lima, an adobe church that is a testament to the village's deep-rooted history.

Cost: Browsing the market is free; costs vary based on purchases. There is no entrance fee for the church.

Transport: Both the market and the church are centrally located and easily accessible on foot within the village.

3. Day Trip to Salinas Grandes (Great Salt Flats)

A striking natural wonder, the Salinas Grandes are vast white salt flats that extend as far as the eye can see, creating a surreal and often dazzling landscape against the blue sky. This popular excursion from Purmamarca includes a scenic drive along the Cuesta de Lipán (Lipan Slope), which offers impressive panoramic views and reaches high altitudes, providing opportunities to spot local wildlife like vicuñas and llamas. Upon arrival, local guides are available to provide insights into the formation of the salt flats and assist with creative perspective photography.

Cost: The cost for a shared van or tour from Purmamarca generally ranges from approximately 7 to 15 USD, though prices can fluctuate with the Argentine Peso. An entrance fee to the salt flats is typically around 2 USD, which may be charged by local communities. Some tours from Salta that include Purmamarca and Salinas Grandes can range from 36 to over 100 USD, depending on inclusions.

Transport: Salinas Grandes is not within walking distance. Shared vans or 'combis' depart from Purmamarca, often near the bus station, when they reach capacity (around 15 people). The round trip takes approximately 4 hours, with about 1 hour spent at the salt flats. Direct buses are also available once daily, taking about 1 hour and 14 minutes. Taxis offer a faster, more direct option, with costs varying but generally higher than shared transport.

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