Quebrada de Humahuaca and Purmamarca

Highlights

Inclusions

Itinerary

1. Early in the morning we will be picked up from our selected hotels in Salta

   Passes by

2. Embark on a captivating journey through the Quebrada de Humahuaca, a 95-mile-long (155-km) mountain valley and ravine in Argentina's Jujuy province. As the Río Grande flows through during summer, explore its rich history as an Incan caravan road, colonial commercial route, and battleground in the Argentine War of Independence. Experience centuries of heritage in this UNESCO World Heritage site, where each step reveals its breathtaking beauty and storied past.

   2 h

3. Upon arrival in the picturesque village of Purmamarca, walk by the church, noting its unique roof covered in organ-pipe cacti, and peruse the jewelry and wool rugs at the craft market.

   1 h

4. The most remarkable sight lies just ahead, dominating the skyline: Cerro de los Siete Colores (Seven Colors Hill). With its striking striated hues spanning from creamy tones to vibrant greens to deep plums, it offers a mesmerizing display of natural beauty that's sure to captivate your senses.

   20 min

5. 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.

   1 h

6. Our next stop brings us to Huacalera, where we'll traverse the Tropic of Capricorn. From this vantage point, we'll be greeted by the picturesque colors of the Pollera de la Colla Hill, adding another layer of beauty to our adventure.

   30 min

7. At Tropic Of Capricorn - Sundial we will make a descent to take pictures.

   Passes by

8. 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.

   30 min

9. In Uquía, take a journey through time as you admire the intricate 17th-century paintings created by indigenous students of the prestigious Cuzco School. This celebrated Roman Catholic artistic institution, founded in Peru, showcases the remarkable talents and cultural fusion of these artists, offering a captivating glimpse into the artistic heritage of the region.

   30 min

10. 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.

    2 h

11. 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.

    1 h

12. 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.

    Passes by

Cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, for a full refund.

Reviews

Ratings come from 74 reviews collected by our booking partner. They are travellers' own words, in the order they were written — never reordered to flatter the experience.

Showing reviews written in English.

• 5Fantastic places with best guide Abel and driver Antonio

  I wanted to visit the provinces of Salta and Jujuy for a long time, and it turned out to be an absolutely fabulous trip! The tour on February 3rd was exceptionally organized by our guide, Abel, and our driver, Antonio. Having travelled the world and participated in hundreds of excursions across more than 60 countries, I can confidently say that Abel is by far the best guide I have ever encountered! Throughout the journey from Salta to Humahuaca, which took about 2.5 hours, Abel continuously shared fascinating insights about northern Argentina. The group comprised travellers from various countries, including many locals, and the atmosphere was incredibly friendly, thanks to Abel's unique approach and the kindness of the Argentinians. We also visited extraordinary places, such as the multi-colored mountains in Purmamarca and the Serranías del Hornocal and nothing about this excursion was ordinary. Additionally, we stopped at a traditional restaurant in Humahuaca where the atmosphere was again great. I highly recommend this tour, and kudos to Abel and Antonio for their kindness and professionalism!

  Raluca_MFebruary 2025via Viator

• 5Beautiful Salta

  the scenery was spectacular. Pamela, our guide was excellent. Small group and very enjoyable. The tour company was very professional. A tour worth taking!

  Sharon_VDecember 2024via Viator

• 5Excellent - Excellent - Excellent !!!

  The whole trip was amazing!! The places we went to were fantastic!!👍👍👍👍 The tour guide Gaucho Mike and the driver were both great - fun - and full of great information!! WAS A GREAT DAY!!! Thanks! Dean (William) and Dora Klemme

  William_KSeptember 2024via Viator

• 4Brilliant scenery

  Brilliant landscape and scenery, good guide but could explain more in English. The guide and driver were friendly and helpful

  Hayfa_AMarch 2024via Viator

• 5Spectacular views

  Although it was a long day in a bus the scenery was exceptional in both directions. The tour is nicely paced with appropriate rest stops. Our guide, Cesar, was exceptional. His English was good and he shared many stories including information about the indigenous cultures in the area.

  travelbug920December 2023via Tripadvisor

• 4A great day

  It was a long day but I enjoyed learning about the cultures and natural history of the area. Emilia was a great guide and, although I was the only English speaker, she took care to ensure I received the same explanations as the Spanish speakers. Mariano was a careful driver. I appreciated the size of the group - less than 20, I think.

  IslandGalKauaiOctober 2023via Tripadvisor

Know before you go

How it compares in Salta

• Its from-price is 40% above the median of the 49 day trips we list in Salta.
• Its length is typical for the group.
• By number of reviews it ranks 11 of 49.
• The operator lists free cancellation on it.

About Salta

Salta, a colonial city in a green valley of north-west Argentina, is the base for the Andean canyons, vineyards and high desert of the region.

Salta sits in the Lerma Valley at about 1,200 metres, ringed by green hills at the edge of the Andes. Its centre keeps Spanish colonial buildings around the Plaza 9 de Julio, among them a pink-fronted cathedral, the arcaded Cabildo and the Convent of San Bernardo with its carved wooden door. A cable car climbs Cerro San Bernardo for a view over the rooftops.

Top-ranked sights in Salta: Great Salt Flats (Salinas Grandes), Devil’s Throat (Garganta del Diablo), Purmamarca.

See all 156 experiences in Salta