A journey through the Quebrada, declared World Heritage, where the landscape and the colors of the hills blend with the colorful cultures that inhabit this area. Traveling the same route as the Incans once did, marvel at the serrated canyons and the ever-changing array of colors rippling down unusual rock formations. Stop at indigenous villages dotting this valley, including Purmamarca, Tilcara and Humahuaca, and visit adobe churches and ancient ruins. See sights in San Salvador de Jujuy before returning to Salta via the scenic and adventurous Route 9.
Quebrada de Humahuaca Day Trip: Explore Purmamarca & Indigenous Culture
$109
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About This Tour
Inclusions
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Professional guide
- Air-conditioned vehicle
Exclusions
- Food and drinks
- Gratuities
- Entrance fee to Tilcara Ruins (U$S 7,00)
- Tip or gratuity
Tour Plan
Salta
We will start the excursion leaving from the central hotel of Salta to the beautiful town of Purmamarca.
Purmamarca
When you arrive in the picturesque village of Purmamarca, we will walk by the church and note its organ-pipe cacti-covered roof, and peruse the jewelry and wool rugs at the craft market. 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.
Tilcara
Then, we will continue north to Tilcara in the heart of the quebrada. Just outside the town, you will climb a hilltop to see the pre-Incan fortress ruins of Pucará, and enjoy sweeping views of the valley. Then, we will head back to the town square to visit the archeological museum.
Huacalera
Then, we will head back to the town square to visit the archeological museum. We will pass through Huacalera and while crossing the Tropic of Capricorn road, you will admire the multicolored La Pollera de la Coya hill.
Uquía
In Uquía, you will see 17th-century paintings by indigenous students of the Cuzco School, a Roman Catholic artistic institution founded in Peru.
Quebrada de Humahuaca
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, you will 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.
Humahuaca
Around midday, we will 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. We will visit the local cathedral and observe more Cuzco School paintings, and then you will enjoy lunch in town (own expense).
Maimara
After lunch, we will 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.
San Salvador de Jujuy
Then, we will stop in San Salvador de Jujuy, situated at the southern end of the gorge. We will visit the French-Baroque Flag’s Hall and see the flag bestowed by General Belgrano to the city following the Battle of Salta. Inside San Salvador de Jujuy Cathedral, you will admire the wood-carved pulpit laminated in gold. Passing by the Government House, ponder over the allegorical statues by native Lola Mora.Inside San Salvador de Jujuy Cathedral, you will admire the wood-carved pulpit laminated in gold.
Salta
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.
Meeting / Pickup
Meet on location or pick-up: Customers can come to our location or we can pick them up on request.
Know Before You Go
- Passport required
Please Note
- 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
- Not stroller accessible
- Not suitable for pets
- No public transportation nearby
- Infants must not sit on laps
- Infant seats unavailable
- The pick up transfer is only from selected centrally located hotels. If your hotel is outside the geographic area, we will confirm you the closest meeting point. Indicate the name and address of your hotel. We suggest you to confirm the booking details with us prior to travel, or upon arrival at your destination. Please note that departure times and locations may vary slightly. OFFICE NUMBER: (+54 11) 4363-6000 (Mon to Sat from 9 to 18 Hs and Sundays from 10 to 19 Hs) EMERGENCY MOBILE: (+54 911) 4991-4035 (After office hours)
- The pick up transfer is only from selected centrally located hotels. If your hotel is outside the geographic area, we will confirm you the closest meeting point. Indicate the name and address of your hotel.
Cancellation Policy
- We will charge a cancellation fee of 100% if booking is cancelled 1 day or less before the event
- We will charge a cancellation fee of 0% if booking is cancelled 1000 days or less before the event
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3 Comments
4.6
Our family recently spent the day wandering through the stunning quebrada and visiting Purmamarca, and it was a captivating experience. The vibrant colors of the mountains were truly breathtaking, especially while we explored the local artisan market, where we found unique handmade crafts that reflected the indigenous culture. One of the highlights for us was the chance to meet and chat with local families, giving insight into their traditions and way of life. However, the long drive back to Salta felt a bit tiring at the end of the day, and we wished we had a little more time to soak in the sights. Overall, it was a memorable journey filled with beautiful landscapes and rich cultural experiences.
4.8
Exploring Purmamarca and the stunning landscapes of the quebrada was truly a highlight of our business trip in Salta. While the immersion into indigenous culture was fascinating, we did wish for a bit more time to wander through the local markets.
4.4
We had a wonderful time exploring the stunning landscapes of the quebrada and immersing ourselves in the rich indigenous culture. Purmamarca was particularly enchanting, with its vibrant colors and local artisans showcasing their crafts. One memorable highlight was visiting the local market, where we tried delicious empanadas while chatting with friendly vendors. Although the long travel time made us a bit tired, the breathtaking views along the way made it worthwhile. Overall, this day trip offered a unique glimpse into the heart of Humahuaca, and we left feeling inspired by the culture we experienced.