Quebrada de Humahuaca

On our first publication we will dedicate to Province of Jujuy, specially to 3 of the most beautiful and wonderful towns of “Quebrada de Humahuaca”: Purmamarca, Tilcara and Humahuaca

Starting from the Province Capital, after riding 65km, we arrive to a city called “Purmamarca” (meaning in Aimara Language “Town of Virgin Land”)

It is a marvellous place, unique all over the country and the region.

Walking by “Florida” street, we arrive to the foot of the denominated “Cerro de los Siete Colores”. (Seven Colours Hill). Their different layers are the result of the marine, lacustrine and fluvial sediments that 600 million years ago were in the area, and after, as a result of tectonic movements, acquired the present location. The best view you can have is from the route, 400 mts of distance.

Exactly behind the hill there is a place called “Paseo de los Colorados”, this name is due to the unbelievable reddish colour of the landscape. As years went by, the rocks and mountains started to shape in different ways, providing the village with the ideal contrast since it delights the senses of all the tourists.



At Main Square around 10.30am , there is a crafts fair where you can get regional products such as pottery, carpets made with looms, ponchos, musical instruments (such as Indian flutes, erques and sikus ) and typical clothes from the Quebrada

Main square

In front of main square we can find the Main Church. Built in 1648, has cardon roofs and mud tiles, with a particular architecture as well as valuable paintings and images from Cuzco inside (from XVII century).


Tilcara

As to make a difference with Purmamarca, speaking from a geographical point of view, Tilcara is a bigger city, this is why, we can find native population. Due to this, there are a lot and different services, museums, craft shops, restaurants, bars and places to spend the night.

Tilcara is located at 2465 meters above sea level and 84 kilometers to the North of San Salvador de Jujuy City, this town brings all its charm and hospitality to tourists. A place that its worth visiting is “Purcará de Tilcara”, these ruins had been rebuilted, and belong originally to inhabitants, it has an strategic location, from here it was possible to have control over the Quebrada. At the top you can have a great view of the Quebrada, with a unique landscape of different colours: different tones of grey and brown, mixed with an intense red.

Pucará de Tilcara map

On main square you can find all kinds of regional products: food, musical instruments and clothing.

The Church was finished on 1865, you can find plastic works of José Armanini, the Coronel Alvarez Prado body rest here, a defensor of “Quebrada de Humahuaca” during the independence war.



Humahuaca

Continuing along Route 9, is situated Huamaca, considerated Historic Capital of the Quebrada, and centre of the carnival. Because of its strategic location (at the middle of the Quebrada) it turns out to be the best place to stay and rest.

Its narrow paved streets with streetlamps and adobe houses make you think time has stopped here. There is a great variety of museums, showing regional products, folkore, painting and sculptures.

Wedding at Purmamarca

Humahuaca crafts fair

Humahuaca has an important main square, where at 12hs at noon you can receive the Solano Saint blessing.

Solano Saint

One of the attractions is the Monument to the Independent Heroes created by Ernesto Soto Avedaño. Placed in Hamahuaca city, for its importance for our national history, because a lot of battles started here in defense of our nationality. It is possible to watch it from the distance and thanks to its altitude, appreciate its amazing beauty.

Monument to the Independent Heroes

Written by: Fernando Cabrera

Posted by: Fernando Cabrera

Translatión: Lucas Ensinck

Contact us: argentina_tourism@yahoo.com.ar

Hotels

La Comarca