Certamente são mais de sete, porque os vislumbres mágicos que esse imperdível argentino alcança não têm limites. A cor branca cobra protagonismo e a experiência só fica melhor quando se caminha por um cobertor sem fim no Noroeste. Estas são as razões pelas quais as Salinas Grandes estão no top 7 das Maravilhas Naturais do país.

In a region where the bright colours of the rainbow catch the attention of millions of tourists, finding a horizon of infinite white is a perfect match for the flood of attractions you get in the north of Argentina. From red, yellow, green and pink, which are the highlights of the high mountains, the colour scheme takes a 180-degree turn to return to the basics: a pristine, snowy white. This is the Salinas Grandes, a 525 km2 salt-filled blanket interrupted only by turquoise water trails and the deep blue sky.

It sounds like a dream, and indeed it is; few things can compete with this must-see from Argentina. Walking on a layer of salt that's up to half a metre thick becomes the favourite activity for any visitor. Best time to go? During the Argentine summer, from December to March, as there is a good chance of rain, which is synonymous with turquoise water puddles making the usual picture even more beautiful.

In 2019, the popular vote established seven landscapes from Argentina as Natural Wonders: the Perito Moreno Glacier, in Santa Cruz; the Talampaya National Park, in La Rioja; the Iguazu Jungle, in Misiones; the Mina Clavero River, in the sierras of Córdoba; the Nahuel Huapi National Park in Neuquén and Río Negro; Bañado la Estrella, in Formosa, and the imposing Salinas Grandes, between Jujuy and Salta. All skin-tingling landscapes that deserve to be recognised for their scenic beauty. So, why did the Salinas make it into the ranking? Well, that's quite simple:

1) It’s the Fourth-largest Salt Flat in South America.

This is a significant piece of information for further understanding the magnitude of this natural giant. The trophy on the podium goes to Bolivia's Salar de Uyuni, with a surface area of 10,582 square kilometres in the Altiplano. But this salt desert located between the provinces of Jujuy and Salta has nothing to envy its neighbour: walking on this vast white carpet amid crystal-clear water trails takes any visitor to another planet. 

The must-have item to fully enjoy this show is a pair of good sunglasses to protect you from the rays and the reflections generated on the ground. After that, the only thing left to do is to enjoy the kilometres that this natural wonder has to offer.

2) They Were Formed Approximately 10 Million Years Ago 

Nowadays, it's a white plain that looks at its best in the summer. But 10 million years ago, the Salinas Grandes were hidden in volcanic terrain. The tectonic plates of the continent collided with the Pacific, forming an endorheic basin between mountains. Volcanoes erupted, and salt water flowed down like a river into the basin. Over the years, these waters evaporated and the salt flats, as they are known today, were created. Deep down, this natural wonder was once a marshy lagoon, populated by aquatic flora and fauna. Today, it is nothing less than one of the most popular tourism destinations in the country.

3) They Are 3450 Metres above Sea Level

Walking all the way to the Salinas is exciting and reveals that the altitude increases every second. The adrenaline and the anxiety to discover the famous landscape also goes up. The truth is that the Salinas Grandes reach 3450 metres above sea level, so it is advisable to walk slowly, stop if necessary and drink plenty of water on a regular basis to stay hydrated. The altitude and strategic location allows you to see the famous Nevado de Chañi in the distance, the highest mountain in the Jujuy Andes (its highest peak is 5896 metres above sea level). If your trek is during the rainy season, you may get a prizeworthy picture by watching the reflection of the mountain over the pools of water that are formed.

4) The Stunning Scenery along the Route to Get there

It is common knowledge that the beauty of the North, with its fairytale-like panoramic views, will enchant anyone: the colourful mountains leading the way to a unique region in Argentina, the adobe buildings of the local villages, the imposing colours of the Hornocal, or even the mysticism of Purmamarca. It all results in the same thing: picturesque landscapes in reddish tones and a unique human warmth. With this scenery, it is no coincidence that the access to the Salinas Grandes is a reason for a visit in itself. National Route 52 starts at Purmamarca, crosses the Cuesta de Lipán and reaches the salt flats. You will need some free space on your phone, because there are plenty of pictures to take.

5) It Offers an Unforgettable Glamping Experience

An invitation that's hard to turn down. A date right in the middle of the salt plain with the stars and the dark sky as your witness. Sleeping in the Salinas Grandes is possible thanks to a deluxe camping experience offered by Pristine Camps, with a special care for nature and the environment, social awareness, gastronomy linked to local communities and an amazing clear sky in the country at the End of the World. The domes are located in the heart of this natural wonder and allow any fan of this type of accommodation to sleep among nature.

6) Cycling Is also Possible and Close to Local Communities

The standard visit consists of walking around the salt flat, taking pictures of its vastness and other details, and then setting off on the road again. But this is even better if you take the trip with local tourist guides. Visitors have more options and the experience is enhanced with bike rides, trekking, and picnics with regional food, as well as visits to the local communities and salt extraction sites. Just another alternative for those willing to delve into the white world of this Argentinean treasure.

7) They Hide an Ancient Bartering Tradition

During pre-Hispanic times, the Salinas Grandes were used for self-consumption or for commercial barter. This process consisted of carrying the salt on llamas and later on donkeys to be traded or sold in different places. This method is still used in the same way as in the past.