Quebrada de Humahuaca and Purmamarca
Overview
Inclusions
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Professional guide
- Air-conditioned vehicle
What to expect
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Pass By: Salta, Salta, Province of Salta, Northern Argentina
Early in the morning we will be picked up from our selected hotels in Salta
Stop At: Quebrada de Humahuaca, Rio Grande Purmamarca Village, Humahuaca Argentina
The Quebrada de Humahuaca is a 95-mile-long (155-km) mountain valley and ravine in the Jujuy province of northwestern Argentina. The Río Grande flows through the gorge during the summer.
During the ride, learn about how this UNESCO World Heritage site once served as a caravan road for the Incans, later as a pivotal commercial route during the colonial period and also saw battles during the Argentine War of Independence.
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Purmamarca, Purmamarca, Province of Jujuy, Northern Argentina
When you arrive in the picturesque village of Purmamarca, walk by the church and note its organ-pipe cacti-covered roof, and peruse the jewelry and wool rugs at the craft market.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Cerro de los Siete Colores, Purmamarca, Jujuy Province, Argentina
The unforgettable sight here, however, lies at the end of the road, looming over town: Cerro de los Siete Colores (Seven Colors Hill), with striated hues ranging from cream to green to a deep plum.
Duration: 20 minutes
Stop At: Pucara de Tilcara, Tilcara Argentina
Continue north to Tilcara in the heart of the quebrada. Just outside the town, climb a hilltop to see the pre-Incan fortress ruins of Pucará, and enjoy sweeping views of the valley. Then head back to the town square to visit the archeological museum.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Huacalera, Huacalera, Tilcara, Province of Jujuy, Northern Argentina
The next stop will be in Huacalera, where we will pass the Tropic of Capricorn, from where we will see the colours of Pollera de la Colla Hill.
Duration: 30 minutes
Pass By: Tropic of Capricorn - Sundial, Huacalera, Jujuy Province, Argentina
At Tropic Of Capricorn - Sundial we will make a descent to take pictures.
Stop At: Cerro Pollera de la Coya, Ruta 9 y Quebrada de rio Yacoraite, Purmamarca Argentina
Then head back to the town square to visit the archeological museum. Pass through Huacalera, and while crossing the Tropic of Capricorn road, admire the multicolored La Pollera de la Coya hill.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Uquia, Uquia, Province of Jujuy, Northern Argentina
In Uquía, see 17th-century paintings by indigenous students of the Cuzco School, a Roman Catholic artistic institution founded in Peru.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Humahuaca, Humahuaca, Province of Jujuy, Northern Argentina
Around midday, arrive at Humahuaca, your northernmost stop and the most densely populated town in the quebrada. Stroll past white colonial buildings lining the cobblestoned streets, climb a flight of steps to see the Monument of Independence built in 1950 and gaze out onto the Río Grande valley. Visit the local cathedral and observe more Cuzco School paintings, and then enjoy lunch in town (own expense); feel free to ask your knowledgeable guide for recommendations on where to eat.
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Las Paletas Del Pintor, Maimara, Tilcara Argentina
After lunch, head back south and pass by La Paleta del Pintor (Painter’s Palette), a series of triangular jags in distinct stripes of rose, green and ocher that form a natural tableau framing the town of Maimará.
Duration: 1 hour
Pass By: Dique La Cienaga, El Carmen Argentina
Keep heading south via the narrow and winding Route 9 for views of subtropical vegetation, the Santa Laura Pass, the dam of La Cienaga (the Swamp), Las Maderas and Campo Alegre, and travel through Vaqueros before arriving back at your hotel in Salta.
Additional information
- It is recommended that you wear comfortable clothes and shoes and bring a jacket/sweater and sunscreen
- You may bring your own food and drinks
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Most travelers can participate
- It is the passenger's responsibility to wear a protective mask and maintain distance. In case they don't respect the basic safety measures, they will be asked to leave the tour. The capacity of tour will be temporarily reduced to ensure social distancing.
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 30 travelers
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Ticket delivery
Cancellation
We loved the tour - so many beautiful sights to see! Eva was a fantastic tour guide.
We loved the tour - so many beautiful sights to see! Eva was a fantastic tour guide.
Great tour, knowledgeable guide. Would've preferred to have spent a bit more time in the two main towns we visited but would certainly recommend this tour.
Great tour, knowledgeable guide. Would've preferred to have spent a bit more time in the two main towns we visited but would certainly recommend this tour.
Good tour, but I was bored. There could have been more commentary on landscape, history and culture.
Good tour, but I was bored. There could have been more commentary on landscape, history and culture.
Guide very friendly, good english explanations and a lot of information about the places and the history of the area
Guide very friendly, good english explanations and a lot of information about the places and the history of the area
Our guide Freddy was knowledgeable, friendly, energetic, and enthusiastic to share the sights with us. The driver Fernando was excellent, the coach was clean and comfortable, and our general comfort throughout the day was attended to. It was a great day of sightseeing and learning.
Our guide Freddy was knowledgeable, friendly, energetic, and enthusiastic to share the sights with us. The driver Fernando was excellent, the coach was clean and comfortable, and our general comfort throughout the day was attended to. It was a great day of sightseeing and learning.
Very interesting tour. About the right amount of sights - all of them were worth stopping at, and there was enough to not feel like the whole day was one long bus journey.
The guide spoke good English, although we were the only English people on the tour, so we naturally got the more a...
Very interesting tour. About the right amount of sights - all of them were worth stopping at, and there was enough to not feel like the whole day was one long bus journey.
The guide spoke good English, although we were the only English people on the tour, so we naturally got the more abridged version of all of his commentary.
Lunch was not included as stated, although we were taken to a specific restaurant. The food was as you would expect: pretty cheap and cheerful. It was fine.
Overall, we had a really good day and were very glad we got out of the city -- there's a lot to see around Salta -- definitely worth the excursion!