Andean Villages of Northern Argentina
Visit Purmamarca, Humahuaca and Tilcara in the Quebrada de Humahuaca
Oct 24, 2008
The 3 villages, strung out along the Quebrada de Humahuaca, take in the ravine’s most attractive rock formations and colours. It will take a few days to see the main sights around the villages of Purmamarca, Humahuaca and Tilcara but it is tempting to stay longer and visit more remote time stood still villages like Iruya nestled at the foot of towering rock cliffs. Other picturesque villages like Maimará with its colourful cemetery and the beautiful church at Uqúia are also great photo opportunities.
Purmamarca
Like most Andean villages its heart of lies in a pretty leafy plaza with a whitewashed church and Cabildo (local council). The main attraction is the bluff of rock dominating the village. The Hill of 7 Colours palette ranges from pink, beige, green and orange hues. It is a dramatic sight especially at sunrise.
Tilcara
Tilcara, at just under 3000 m, is the biggest of the three villages. The main attraction is the pre-Incan pukará (fortress) high on the hill with great views of the valley and countryside. The site features rows of houses and a building thought to be used for ceremonial sacrifices. Other attractions are;
- Archaeological Museum, near the plaza, displays metal and pottery items from the region as well as from nearby Chile and Bolivia.
- Botanic Garden at Altitude, near the pukará, is a collection of local fauna, mainly different types of cacti.
Humahuaca
This atmospheric village with cobbled streets and rustic adobe houses has an impressive main square with stone steps leading to the Independence Monument. Made by local artists it is huge, modern and controversial. The views from the monument are expansive and the atmosphere pleasant with local artesans and musicians lining the steps to the lookout.
Festivals
The festivals, a mixture of indigenous and Hispanic customs, are colourful celebrations and travelling during this time will enhance a visit to the region.
Crafts Markets
Local crafts are on sale daily at stalls in the main plazas as well as in artesan shops. Crafts people produce pottery, silver jewellery incorporating Andean designs, carpets, ponchos, musical instruments and typical clothes.
Regional Cuisine
The local food is a highlight with hearty dishes like llama or lamb stew with quinoa (local cereal) and vegetables. Also delicious are empanadas (meat or vegetable turnover), humitas (sweet or savoury corn parcels), and tamales (maize flour balls stuffed with meat and onion).
Getting to the Quebrada de Humahuaca
Regular flights from leave from Buenos Aires to Salta or San Salvador de Jujuy which is a little closer to the villages. Salta , known as Salta the Fair is the tourism capital of the region and a destination in itself . The region is accessible by road through National Route 51 which connects Salta to Buenos Aires, Córdoba, Tucumán, Jujuy.
Travelling north towards Bolivia Purmamarca is the first major village at 65 km north of Juyjuy, next is Tilcara only 15 km further on and then Humahuaca, 40km from Tilcara.
Regular long distance buses service this route.
Accommodation
The villages offer a full range of accommodation which can be booked through the tourist office located on the main plazas or on arrival in the main cities of Salta or Jujuy.
When to Visit Northern ArgentinaThe best time is the Spring, winter and autumn months (April to November) when there is less rain. In the holiday periods of January, Easter and July and during festivals accommodation and transport must be booked in advance.
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