A car tour of the Quebrada de Humahuaca: colors, stories and flavors of the north

In Jujuy you will encounter one of the most spectacular landscapes in Argentina. Salt flats, colorful hills and a dazzling culture.

Are you looking for a different trip? La Quebrada de Humahuaca is one of those destinations that combine history, landscapes and a cultural identity that make the experience complete. Start in Salta or Jujuy, continue through Purmamarca and ascend to the Salinas Grandes at almost 3,500 meters above sea level. Continue through Tilcara, Humahuaca and the incredible Hornocal mountain range.

The best thing is that everything is very close and easily accessible. On a journey of about 200 kilometers in total, you will discover one of the most beautiful corners of Argentina. In addition, there are accommodations of different types and gastronomic experiences to taste local dishes.

Rentennials allows you to travel freely. Start by renting a car in Jujuy or Salta and embark on the tour along the routes of northwest Argentina. So that you don’t miss anything, here we tell you the best things to do in the Quebrada de Humahuaca.

 Where is the Quebrada de Humahuaca and what is it?

In the northeast of Argentina, in the province of Jujuy, is the Quebrada de Humahuaca, an impressive valley that opens up as the Rio Grande de Jujuy runs. It is about 155 kilometers in which you will always be surrounded by the Andes mountains. The landscapes are arid, colorful and ascend until reaching the Puna, the famous plateau. In turn, there are many small valleys that connect to each other.

The color palettes of the ravine are unique in the world. Reddish, ochre, purple, green and many more tones can be seen in its hills and mountains.

These landscapes are marked by the passage of history. The native peoples, the Incas, the Spanish and then the fight in the wars for independence make these lands an ideal place to better understand the history of Argentina. For this reason, the Humahuaca Ravine is also a site of great cultural and historical value, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2003.

A car tour of the Humahuaca Ravine

Renting a car in Salta or Jujuy is the first step to thoroughly get to know these beautiful places that the north of the country has for you. You can fly to the airport in Salta or Jujuy and, from there, take the National Route 9 to Purmamarca, the ideal place to base yourself and explore the gorge.

From Salta to Purmamarca by car

From the city of Salta, getting to Purmamarca, the most picturesque town in the Humahuaca Gorge, is very simple. The fastest way is to take National Route 9, then National Route 34, pass through the city of San Salvador de Jujuy and, finally, begin to enter the gorge. These routes cover 188 km. Here you can find the suggested route.

If you like mountain roads, there is a very interesting alternative: the old National Route 9. To make this journey, you do not have to deviate from this route and continue straight ahead. It is shorter (157 km), but the road is winding and, at the same time, beautiful. Here you will find the route to take by car.

From Jujuy to Purmamarca by car

From the city of San Salvador de Jujuy to Purmamarca is only 65 km along National Route 9.

If you like greenery and a different landscape, we recommend that you stop for a few hours, or why not a few days, in the Yungas of Jujuy.

 Termas de Reyes and the Yungas of Jujuy

When we talk about Jujuy, the image of mountains covered by intense green vegetation rarely comes to mind. Just a few kilometers from the capital are the Termas de Reyes, a thermal complex with a hotel immersed in a spectacular landscape.

A little further on is the Potrero de Yala Provincial Park, a great destination to enjoy nature and bird watching.

Getting to both places is totally worth it. Provincial Route 4, the access road, is one of those routes that leaves you with your “mouth open.”

 What to visit in the Quebrada de Humahuaca

The classic tour includes all the must-see places in the Quebrada de Humahuaca. Some are more massive than others, such as the famous Cerro de los Siete Colores, or you can choose little secrets that are not yet so visited, such as the Quebrada de Las Señoritas in the town of Uquía.

Below, we tell you which are the best places that you cannot miss.

Purmamarca

Perhaps one of the most beautiful towns in the world? You will find out the answer when you decide to visit Purmamarca. Founded by the Spanish at the end of the 19th century, Purmamarca is one of the most beautiful towns in the world.

16th century, its dirt streets, adobe houses and its fair are a trip back in time, all framed by the beautiful Cerro de los Siete Colores. It is an excellent option if you want to stay a few days in a place that breathes tranquility.

The Los Colorados walk starts from the center of the town. It is a walk of only one hour and of very low difficulty. In addition, by hiring a qualified guide, you can walk along the paths of Viltipoco, a road that leads to a natural cave.

Of course, do not forget to visit the historic Santa Rosa de Lima Church, built in 1778, the town hall and the handicraft shops made by local producers.

Tilcara

Tilcara is a historic city in Argentina. Without a clear founding date, it is a place that combines culture, history and nature. It has a great gastronomic and hotel offer. It is another option for lodging and is usually cheaper than Purmamarca.

The Pucará de Tilcara is one of the must-see places in the city. It is an archaeological site ideal for learning about the pre-Hispanic history of the region. The best way to visit it is with guided tours. It is open every day from 9:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., except Mondays, when it is closed.

Another recommended tour is to visit the Cueva del Wayra and the Garganta del Diablo waterfall. You can do it independently, although with a local guide the experience can be even better.

Tilcara is located 25 km north of Purmamarca on National Route 9.

Humahuaca and Hornocal

Humahuaca is the most important city in the ravine. Its commercial and economic life makes it different from Tilcara and Purmamarca, so if you prefer tranquility it is not the ideal city to stay. However, there are a large number of hotels and restaurants that can make your trip a little more economical.

From here, you can reach the impressive Serranía del Hornocal, located 27 km away on RP 73. It is best to visit the viewpoint in the afternoons to enjoy the colors that impact the mountain. Be careful: the road ascends to about 4,500 meters above sea level, so go slowly and do not rush.

In the city, you can visit the Monument to the Heroes of Independence, on the Santa Bárbara hill, in front of the main square and the Cabildo de Humahuaca. In addition, there are several museums that you can enter.

Humahuaca is located 45 km from Tilcara on National Route 9.

 Get to know the towns of Uquía and Maimará

There are some lesser-known towns in the Quebrada de Humahuaca that are ideal for a few hours.

Uquía, 58 km north of Purmamarca, is known for its streets and historic buildings. The most famous are the paintings of the arquebusier angels in the Church of San Francisco de Padua, dating back to the 17th century. A must-see is the trail to the Quebrada de las Señoritas. It is a low-difficulty hike to enjoy some very particular geological formations.

Just 20 km from Purmamarca, the town of Maimará is distinguished by its color palette on the hill known as the Painter’s Palette. Again, the hills display a variety of surprising tones. Getting there is very easy: with a 3-hour walk to a viewpoint.

In both towns there are simple and inexpensive accommodations, ideal if you are looking to reduce costs on your trip.

Iruya, a hidden town in Salta

It is curious, but a town in Salta appears on this route. This is because Iruya is located very close to the border with Jujuy, although it belongs to the neighboring province. Famous for its church, its architecture and for being nestled between the hills, the magic of the town can be appreciated from the viewpoint, where everything ends up being understood: the walls, the rivers and a small town in an unexpected place.

From Iruya, there are several treks to do, such as the one that leads to the town of San Isidro (8 km there and the same back). Another option is to take a medium-difficulty trail to the Cóndor viewpoint.

Spending a night in Iruya is worth it. Of course, the accommodations are simple, but very comfortable.

 How to get to Iruya from Humahuaca

The peculiarity of Iruya is that it can only be accessed from Humahuaca. Traveling 26 kilometers north of the city, you have to take Provincial Route 13 and continue along a dirt road. You have to go slowly, respecting the distances and enjoying the landscape.

Here is the map to get to Iruya. In total there are 80 km that take several hours. To be calm, it is best to stay overnight in the town and, the next day, return to Humahuaca.

 Ascend to the Puna and Las Salinas Grandes

A mirror in the middle of the Puna. A white, flat desert at 3,500 meters above sea level. The road that leads from Purmamarca to the Salinas Grandes is a scenic route, full of dazzling landscapes: the Cuesta de Lipán.

Once you reach the salt flats, you will descend and enjoy a place that seems like another planet. Inside the There are different circuits to the salt flats, but you will always have to do them with guides from the local communities who know the immensity of this site well.

Keep in mind that you will be at a high altitude, so, to avoid altitude sickness, it is advisable to go slowly, drink water in moderation and eat lightly before climbing to the Puna.

 How to get from Purmamarca to the Salinas Grandes

The Salinas Grandes are 65 km from Purmamarca. You have to take National Route 52 towards Chile. The road is a mountain road and reaches almost 4200 meters above sea level. There are some viewpoints to stop and enjoy the panoramic view.

Where to sleep in the Quebrada de Humahuaca

The best option for lodging is Purmamarca. Tranquility is a hallmark of the town, while the hotel offer is of great quality.

Tilcara and Humahuaca are two cities with a little more movement than Purmamarca. In Tilcara there are also options for different tastes, while in Humahuaca the hotel offer can be simpler.

If you are looking for much cheaper options, then we recommend that you stay in the small towns: Maimará or Uquía. There is little offer, but all are family businesses that allow you to get closer to the local communities in a different way.

 What to eat in the Argentine northwest

Tasting the local flavors is part of any trip. In the northwest there are dishes that you cannot miss: empanadas, locro, humitas, tamales, llama roast, llama and lamb casseroles, among others.

Tips for traveling through the Quebrada de Humahuaca

One of the characteristics of the Quebrada de Humahuaca is that you will gradually ascend. You have to acclimatize to the altitude, so it is best to move slowly, eat light and drink water in moderation.

You will drive on mountain roads. Always remember to downshift in low gears to avoid straining the brakes and upshift in 2nd or 3rd (and sometimes 1st if necessary).

Approach the locals. They have many stories to tell and welcome travelers with open arms.

 Travel to Jujuy with Rentennials

The independence that a car provides on any trip is an advantage to discover little-known places. In the Quebrada de Humahuaca you will find those hidden and beautiful destinations. To get there, there is nothing better than renting a car with Rentennials. It is economical, easy to hire and you will be helping to make the regional economy more sustainable.