The Quebrada de Humahuaca is a vast Andean valley of majestic natural beauty, declared a Cultural and Natural World Heritage Site. It represents a route that connects different towns and cultures, generating a rich cultural exchange. The Río Grande runs through this valley, witnessing the beauty of the surrounding hills, which are painted in ochre, green, and reddish colors.
On the way to Humahuaca, we first encounter Purmamarca, a naturally touristic town that, in addition to its great beauty, offers a recreational range from luxury hotels to cabins, hostels, and campsites, as well as restaurants and folk music venues. It is a town surrounded by an unmissable view. On one side is the Hill of Seven Colors, unique in the country; on the other is the Colorados, a 3 km long path that borders the town with reddish hills and fascinating natural rock formations.
The town features a permanent craft fair in the central plaza, where you will also find a colonial-style church. From here, we take National Route 52 along the incredible Lipán Slope to reach the Salinas Grandes.
Salinas Grandes is a vast expanse of salt flats located in northwestern Argentina, between the provinces of Jujuy and Salta. At about 3,450 meters above sea level, this dazzling white desert was formed millions of years ago when an inland sea evaporated. Today, it is famous for its unique landscapes and seasonal water mirrors that create a reflection of the sky, ideal for photographs.
In addition to its natural beauty, the Salinas Grandes offers a cultural experience, as it is managed by local communities that guide visitors and share knowledge about salt extraction and the region’s geology. It is a must-visit for those seeking unique landscapes and Andean culture.
After this incredible experience, we return to Purmamarca, where we spend the night. The next day, we continue along Route 9 to reach Tilcara, the archaeological capital of Jujuy province. It is an internationally renowned tourist icon. Its church has been declared a Historic Monument. In this town, you can visit the Archaeological Museum and the Pucará, a fortress built by the original inhabitants on rocks along the banks of the Río Grande, where you can see living quarters, interior paths, and a ceremonial area at the top. At the foot of the hill, there is a botanical garden featuring various species of local flora.
The town of Tilcara is also known for its Enero Tilcareño, a celebration of music and culture that brings together young people and tourists from around the world for shows that last through the night over several nights.
At the end of the tour, at 3,000 meters above sea level, we arrive in Humahuaca, the historical capital of the Quebrada. Humahuaca is the center of the Jujuy Carnival festivities. The town, with its distinctly colonial architecture, has several museums showcasing local crafts, folklore, paintings, and sculptures.
In the town hall, an ancient clock unveils a life-sized image of Saint Francis Solano (the first life-sized image of a saint in the world), which is revealed every noon to give its blessing, in memory of his visit to Humahuaca. At the top of the stairs leading from the plaza, you can see the Monument to the Warriors of Independence, which serves as a backdrop to a large amphitheater that hosts a musical gathering every year.
22 km from Humahuaca, we find La Serranía del Hornocal, a mountain formation known as "the Mountain of 14 Colors." Its extraordinary landscape is due to the arrangement of minerals in layers of multiple tones, creating a spectacular striped color effect.
At over 4,300 meters in altitude, the Serranía del Hornocal offers breathtaking views and is an ideal destination for those looking to appreciate the natural beauty and unique colors of the Andes. To visit, it is recommended to acclimate to the altitude and take advantage of nearby viewpoints to enjoy the landscape in its fullest expression.