We are planning to spend two weeks in the vicinity of Salta/Purmamarca/Cachi/Cafayette. Do you know of any well-marked trails for scenic day hikes? We would be interested in national parks, estancias/lodges with short trails on premises, or trails that can be reached on foot from small towns. Thanks for any help you can give us.

We spent a couple of weeks in the area driving the Circuito Norte. We only hiked in a couple of places. One short hike we did do was in Purmamarca around the "Cerro de los Siete Colores" we picked up a guide map at the tourist office on the town square. It takes about 90mins and the best time for the colours is early morning.
A link to some photos.

http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog...6060/tpod.html

Another place was Finca la Paya a nice Finca about 8 miles outside of Cachi. We hiked for 2-3 hours around the farm some great views and a really nice place to stay with great food and friendly owners:

http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog...1200/tpod.html

Crellson -- Thank you so much, this is very useful information. I enjoyed reading your trip report and seeing your photos. I tried to find El Finca, which may now be called El Campo la Paya.... but couldn't located a website for them. Do you have one?

This is the only one I could find is: http://www.casadecampolapaya.com.ar/
I hope your Spanish is good because I couldn't find an English version! - If you email them, the daughters of the owner do speak very good English. Strongly recommend a reservation as they do get booked up.

There are plenty of hike trails all over, they all are very scenic... In Purmamarca you can do it yourself around Purmamarca and also in Chalala. Around Cafayate, Rio COlorado and the SHell Gorge or Quebrada de las Conchas, but also in Tilcara to the Devil`s throat, In Alemania, to the lagoon... and it all depends on the time of the year you come also. YOu have thousad of stunnign views all over.
Flintstones.

I forgot to advise... if you hike all over... you probably need more time!
Flintstones

Flintstones- Thank you - That's great advice.

Creliston- Thanks for the link to casa de campo!