From Salta: Hornocal Hills and the Hill of 14 Colors

Nestled in the heart of Argentina’s stunning northwestern region, the Hornocal Hills, also known as the "Hill of 14 Colors," offer a breathtaking natural wonder. Departing from the vibrant city of Salta, adventurers embark on a full-day exploration of this captivating landscape, traversing the diverse Serranías del Hornocal and Quebrada de Humahuaca. With a comfortable 4×4 vehicle as their guide, they’ll discover the region’s cultural treasures and unparalleled vistas, leaving them with an unforgettable experience. But the true allure of this journey lies in the promise of what awaits, as the Hill of 14 Colors unveils its mesmerizing display.

Good To Know

• A full-day tour from Salta, Argentina to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Hornocal Hills, also known as the Hill of 14 Colors.
• The tour includes a 4×4 vehicle transfer to reach the panoramic viewpoint at an elevation of 4,350 meters.
• Along the way, the tour stops at notable towns and landmarks like Purmamarca, Tilcara, Humahuaca, and Uquía.
• Travelers must bring their own lunch, as no restaurant stops are included, but snack breaks and scenic picnicking opportunities are available.
• The tour has an overall rating of 4.0 out of 5 stars, with positive feedback on the beautiful vistas and knowledgeable guides, but some issues with communication and itinerary changes.

Tour Destination and Duration

The tour takes travelers on a captivating journey to the Hornocal Hills, also known as the Hill of 14 Colors, located within the Serranías del Hornocal and the Quebrada de Humahuaca, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The full-day tour departs from Salta, Argentina, and includes multiple stops along the way. Travelers can expect panoramic views at an elevation of 4,350 meters.

The tour has a maximum capacity of 23 participants and is priced from $72.97 per person, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience.

Departure and Technical Stops

Departing early morning (07:00 am) from Salta, the tour makes technical stops for restroom breaks and snacks, such as a 15-minute pause at Volcán.

This allows travelers to stretch their legs and refuel before continuing the journey through the stunning landscapes of the Serranías del Hornocal and the Quebrada de Humahuaca, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The tour itinerary is designed to make the most of the day, providing ample opportunities to explore the region’s natural wonders and cultural highlights at a comfortable pace.

Key Stops Along the Route

After the technical stops, the tour heads to Purmamarca, where travelers can marvel at the stunning Cerro de los 7 Colores, a multicolored mountain range that showcases the region’s unique geological formations. Next, the tour visits the historical town of Tilcara, followed by Humahuaca, the largest town in the ravine. Uquía offers a glimpse into the past with its ancient paintings of Arquebusier Angels. The tour then stops at Huacalera, where travelers can see the imaginary Tropic of Capricorn line. The final key stop is Maimará, known as "La Paleta del Pintor" for its vibrant, multi-hued hills.

Key Stop	Highlight
Purmamarca	Cerro de los 7 Colores
Tilcara	Historical town
Humahuaca	Largest town in the ravine
Uquía	Ancient paintings of Arquebusier Angels
Huacalera	Imaginary Tropic of Capricorn line
Maimará	"La Paleta del Pintor"

4×4 Transfer to Hornocal

Transferring to a 4×4 vehicle after Uquía, travelers embark on a panoramic journey towards the Hornocal Hills.

This off-road segment provides unparalleled vistas as the rugged terrain leads to an elevation of 4,350 meters. The 4×4 allows access to viewpoints that showcase the vibrant, layered colors of the Hornocal landscape.

Along the way, the guide shares insights about the geological formations and history of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The thrilling ride culminates at the iconic Hill of 14 Colors, where ample time is allotted for capturing the breathtaking scenery and exploring this natural wonder up close.

Scenic Views and Experiences

The 4×4 ride culminates at the iconic Hornocal Hills, also known as the Hill of 14 Colors. This stunning geological formation offers panoramic vistas at an elevation of 4,350 meters.

Visitors can expect:

• Awe-inspiring views of the multicolored mountain range, a true feast for the eyes.
• Opportunities to capture breathtaking photographs of the vibrant landscape.
• Time to explore the area and learn about the geological history from the knowledgeable guide.
• A chance to immerse in the serenity of the remote location, away from the hustle and bustle.
• An unforgettable experience that showcases the natural beauty of Argentina’s Serranías del Hornocal.

Lunch and Dining Options

During the tour, travelers must bring their own food for lunch, as no restaurant stops are planned. This allows the group to maximize their time exploring the stunning Hornocal Hills and other highlights along the Quebrada de Humahuaca.

While the tour doesn’t include a formal lunch, it provides ample opportunities for snack breaks and scenic picnicking. Travelers should plan accordingly and pack a hearty meal to enjoy against the breathtaking backdrop of the multicolored hills.

This self-catered approach ensures the tour maintains its efficient pace and allows participants to fully enjoy the natural wonders of the region.

Reviews and Feedback

Based on the available reviews, the overall rating for this tour stands at 4.0 out of 5 stars, calculated from 9 customer evaluations.

Positive comments highlight the tour’s beautiful vistas and the knowledgeable guide, with 5-star ratings praising the experience. Travelers also appreciate the tour’s efficiency for those with limited time in Salta.

However, some negative feedback mentions issues with communication from the company and changes to the itinerary without prior notice.

• Beautiful vistas and great tour guide (5-star ratings)
• Efficient for those with limited time in Salta
• Issues with communication from the company
• Changes in the itinerary without prior notice
• Overall rating of 4.0 out of 5 stars

Accessibility and Confirmation

According to the information provided, this tour is not wheelchair accessible, but it is stroller accessible. Infants must sit on laps during the tour. The confirmation for the tour is received at the time of booking.

Accessibility	Confirmation
Not wheelchair accessible	Received at time of booking
Stroller accessible	–
Infants must sit on laps	–

The tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle, all fees and taxes, and visits to the key attractions along the tour route.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit the Hornocal Hills?

The best time to visit the Hornocal Hills is during the dry season, typically from April to October. The weather is mild, and the vibrant colors of the hills are most pronounced during this period.

Do I Need Any Special Gear or Equipment for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t require any specialized gear. Comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, and a hat are recommended to enjoy the scenic views at the Hornocal Hills. The tour provides transportation and access to the key attractions.

How Difficult Is the Hiking Level During the 4×4 Transfer to Hornocal?

The 4×4 transfer to Hornocal doesn’t involve hiking, as travelers are transported by off-road vehicle. However, the scenic viewpoints require moderate walking on uneven terrain at high altitude, which could be challenging for some.

Can I Purchase Food and Drinks During the Tour?

The tour itinerary doesn’t include any restaurant stops, so travelers need to bring their own food and drinks for lunch. However, there are brief technical stops where snacks and restrooms are available.

Are There Any Photography Tips for Capturing the Best Shots at the Sites?

The tour suggests bringing your own lunch, as there are no planned restaurant stops. For photography, the guide can advise on the best angles and lighting to capture the vibrant colors and panoramic views at the Hornocal Hills.

The Sum Up

The Hornocal Hills, or the Hill of 14 Colors, offer a breathtaking and unforgettable experience at an elevation of 4,350 meters. Travelers will explore the vibrant landscapes of the Serranías del Hornocal and Quebrada de Humahuaca, with opportunities for photography and immersion in the region’s natural and cultural wonders. This tour is a must-do for adventure seekers visiting Salta.