Plaza Principal Humahuaca - Image 1
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Plaza Principal Humahuaca

4.6
·5k reviews·Humahuaca, Argentina

The vibrant heart of Humahuaca, a historic plaza famous for its daily noon blessing and colorful artisan markets.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Daily at 12 PM

Witness the San Francisco Solano blessing

CrowdMedium
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Plaza Principal Humahuaca - Image 1

Plaza Principal Humahuaca

Best Time

Daily at 12 PM

Witness the San Francisco Solano blessing

CrowdMedium

Highlights

Must-see attractions

The vibrant heart of Humahuaca, a historic plaza famous for its daily noon blessing and colorful artisan markets.

4.6
(5k reviews)

"A beautiful place with great atmosphere, perfect for relaxing and experiencing local culture."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Arrive for the Noon Blessing

Be in the plaza before noon to see the San Francisco Solano blessing!

⛰️ Altitude Sickness Prep

Buy coca candies or tea to help with altitude. Stay hydrated!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Plaza Principal San Francisco Solano

Plaza Principal San Francisco Solano

Humahuaca Town Center

The heart of Humahuaca, where history, culture, and daily life converge. Don't miss the noon blessing!

Monument to the Heroes of Independence

Monument to the Heroes of Independence

Near the Plaza Principal

A significant landmark offering insights into Argentina's history and great views of the surrounding mountains.

Traditional Artisan Shops

Traditional Artisan Shops

Around the Plaza Principal

Browse colorful textiles, crafts, and local products. Perfect for souvenirs and experiencing local culture.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything for the Noon Blessing

Don't miss the daily 12 PM blessing by San Francisco Solano in the main plaza. Arrive a bit early to secure a good spot and witness this unique tradition. It's a highlight many travelers rave about.TikTokInstagramReddit

Altitude Awareness & Local Remedies

Humahuaca is at a high altitude. Consider bringing or buying local remedies like coca candies or tea to help with potential altitude sickness.Instagram Stay hydrated and take it easy on your first day.

Best Times

When
Daily at 12 PM
Why
Witness the San Francisco Solano blessing
Crowd
Medium
When
Carnival (February)
Why
Experience vibrant local festivities
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

#hornocalhumahuaca #jujuy🌵 #fyp #parati
@deboraeconomodoncella
34.6K likes • 612.4K views

🎯 Arrive for the Noon Blessing

Be in the plaza before noon to see the San Francisco Solano blessing! TikTokInstagramReddit

⛰️ Altitude Sickness Prep

Buy coca candies or tea to help with altitude. Stay hydrated! Instagram

literallyyy went to mars 🏜️🏜️ #argentina #travel #viajes #jujuy #exchangestudent #southamerica #backpacking
@naaoiise
25.7K likes • 168.1K views
🏜️🇦🇷 Humahuaca Un pueblo lleno de historia y tradiciones. En su plaza principal San Francisco Solano da su bendición a quienes visitan este mágico lugar. 🙏🏽 Fe, cultura y paisajes que enamoran 🤍 #norteargentino #quebradadehumahuaca #humahuacapueblitomagico #parejaviajera🌎 #vanlifestyle #casarodantecolombia #vidanomade #vidasobrerodas
artventuras
22 likes • 782 views

🛍️ Explore Artisan Markets

Great place for unique souvenirs and local crafts. Instagram

🚶‍♀️ Wander the Historic Streets

Discover charming colonial buildings and local life around the plaza. Reddit

Aisito nomás, cerca de la plaza principal de Humahuaca. A Jujuy siempre se vuelve 👉💜🫶 Dónde encontrarás los maravillosos sabores y colores del Norte Argentino 🌅. ¿Qué estás esperando para visitarnos? #aisitonómas #humahuaca #jujuycomida
aisito.humahuaca
101 likes • 1.4K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Arrive for the Noon Blessing

Be in the plaza before noon to see the San Francisco Solano blessing! TikTokInstagramReddit

⛰️ Altitude Sickness Prep

Buy coca candies or tea to help with altitude. Stay hydrated! Instagram

🛍️ Explore Artisan Markets

Great place for unique souvenirs and local crafts. Instagram

🚶‍♀️ Wander the Historic Streets

Discover charming colonial buildings and local life around the plaza. Reddit

💰 Support Local Guides

Consider hiring an independent guide to learn local history. TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.6
(5k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find Plaza Principal Humahuaca to be a charming and historically rich central square. The daily noon blessing is a highlight, offering a unique cultural experience. The surrounding colonial buildings and artisan shops add to its appeal, making it a pleasant place to relax and explore.

"Super fun at carnival Feb 10, 2024"

April Lam

"Very nice place where you can enjoy this incredible monument. Up there, there’s also a nice view of the mountains/cactus. If you are in Humahuaca, you should definitely not miss this place !"

Noreen Louis

"Good place to relax and visit tradicional shops."

Olivier Antunes

What People Like

Historic charm
Noon blessing tradition
Vibrant artisan shops

What People Dislike

Can be crowded during blessing

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Plaza Principal Humahuaca is the central square in the town of Humahuaca, located in the Jujuy Province of Argentina. You can reach Humahuaca by bus from major cities like Salta or Jujuy. Once in town, the plaza is easily walkable from most accommodations.TikTok

Parking can be challenging in the narrow streets around the plaza, especially during peak hours. It's often best to park a few blocks away and walk, or rely on public transport if arriving from outside town.

Humahuaca is best explored on foot. The Plaza Principal is the heart of the town, and most attractions, shops, and restaurants are within easy walking distance.Reddit

Yes, many tours from Salta and Jujuy city include Humahuaca as a stop. These tours often provide transportation and guided commentary, making it a convenient option for day-trippers.TikTok

Yes, you can drive to Humahuaca via National Route 9. The drive offers scenic views of the Quebrada de Humahuaca. Be prepared for winding roads and potential traffic, especially during holidays.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, the Plaza Principal itself is a public space and is free to enter. You can wander around, enjoy the atmosphere, and witness the daily blessing without any charge.Reddit

The plaza is always accessible, as it's the central public square. However, the main attraction, the noon blessing by San Francisco Solano, happens daily at 12 PM.TikTokInstagram

No tickets are required for the noon blessing. It's a traditional event open to everyone. Arriving a little early is recommended to get a good viewing spot.Instagram+1

The shops themselves do not have an entrance fee. You can browse freely, and you only pay for any items you choose to purchase.Instagram

While the noon blessing draws a crowd, mornings and late afternoons are generally quieter. Visiting outside of the main tourist season can also lead to fewer people.

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

At precisely 12 PM each day, a figure of San Francisco Solano emerges from the Cabildo (town hall) to give a blessing to those gathered in the plaza. It's a significant cultural and religious event.TikTokInstagram+1

You'll find a variety of traditional handicrafts, including colorful textiles, ponchos, pottery, and local food products like coca candies and jams.Instagram

Absolutely! The colonial architecture, the bustling plaza, the Monument to the Heroes, and the surrounding colorful hills offer fantastic photo opportunities.TikTok

Humahuaca is situated at a high altitude, around 2,947 meters (9,669 feet) above sea level. It's advisable to take precautions against altitude sickness.Instagram

Yes, independent guides often offer walking tours around Humahuaca, sharing historical insights and local stories. You can usually find them near the plaza.TikTok

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Several restaurants and cafes surround the plaza, offering local Jujuy cuisine. You can also find street vendors selling snacks like fruit salads and empanadas.Instagram+1

Don't miss regional specialties like locro (a hearty stew), humitas (steamed corn cakes), tamales, and llama meat dishes. Many places offer delicious fruit salads and strawberry with cream.Instagram

Yes, many restaurants offer vegetarian options, often featuring corn, beans, and local vegetables. Humitas and some fruit-based dishes are naturally vegetarian.

Yes, street vendors are common, selling refreshing fruit salads, juices, and local treats like coca candies, which are popular for altitude.Instagram+1

Prices are generally reasonable, especially for street food and simpler eateries. Restaurants closer to the main plaza might be slightly more expensive but offer a wider range of dishes.

📸 📸 Photography

The Plaza Principal itself, the Monument to the Heroes, the colorful hills surrounding the town (like the Hill of Fourteen Colors), and the historic colonial buildings are all excellent photo subjects.TikTok

Golden hour, just after sunrise and before sunset, offers beautiful light for capturing the landscapes and the town's architecture. Midday can be harsh but is perfect for capturing the vibrant colors of the hills.

Yes, you can take photos during the blessing, but be respectful of the religious nature of the event and the people participating. Avoid using flash if possible.

Climbing some of the hills surrounding Humahuaca, or even the steps leading up from near the plaza, provides stunning panoramic views of the town and the Quebrada.TikTok

A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm equivalent) is great for landscapes and town shots. A wide-angle lens is useful for capturing the vastness of the Quebrada. A good smartphone camera is also sufficient for most travelers.TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Humahuaca's Plaza Principal offers a safe and engaging environment for families. The daily noon blessing is a unique spectacle that can captivate children's attention.TikTokInstagram The surrounding artisan shops provide colorful sights and opportunities to find small, interesting souvenirs. Consider purchasing some local fruit salads or sweets from street vendors for a tasty treat.Instagram

When exploring, remember the high altitude. Encourage children to drink plenty of water and take breaks. The town is very walkable, making it easy to navigate with strollers or for little legs to explore. The Monument to the Heroes of Independence also offers a chance to talk about history in a tangible way.

💰 Budget Travelers

Plaza Principal Humahuaca is an excellent destination for budget-conscious travelers. The plaza itself is free to explore, and the main attraction, the noon blessing, costs nothing.Reddit You can find affordable and delicious local food from street vendors, such as empanadas, humitas, and fruit salads, which are much cheaper than restaurant meals.Instagram

Many artisan shops offer a range of price points for souvenirs, so you can find unique items without overspending. Consider staying in hostels or guesthouses slightly away from the immediate plaza area for better rates. Walking is the primary mode of transport within town, saving on local taxi fares.

🚶‍♀️ Solo Travelers

Humahuaca's Plaza Principal is a welcoming hub for solo travelers. It's a great place to people-watch, soak in the local atmosphere, and witness the daily noon blessing.TikTokInstagram The town is generally safe, and striking up conversations with locals or other travelers is easy, especially around the plaza or in cafes.Instagram

Consider hiring an independent guide for a few hours to gain deeper insights into the town's history and culture.TikTok This is also a good opportunity to purchase authentic handicrafts and support local artisans. Don't forget to take precautions for the altitude, as it can affect anyone traveling solo.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Magic of the Noon Blessing

One of the most anticipated daily events in Humahuaca is the noon blessing by San Francisco Solano. At precisely 12 PM, a figure of the saint emerges from the historic Cabildo building, located on the Plaza Principal, to offer a blessing to the gathered crowd.TikTokInstagram+1 This tradition is a significant cultural and religious moment for locals and a unique spectacle for visitors. Many travelers recommend arriving a bit before noon to find a good vantage point and soak in the atmosphere. It's a brief but memorable experience that encapsulates the spiritual heart of this historic town.

This event is deeply ingrained in the town's identity and is a testament to its enduring traditions. The sight of the saint, the ringing bells, and the collective pause of the community create a powerful sense of place. It’s a moment where history feels alive and present, making it a must-see for anyone visiting Humahuaca.TikTok

Navigating Altitude in Humahuaca

Humahuaca sits at a significant altitude, approximately 2,947 meters (9,669 feet) above sea level. This means visitors may experience symptoms of altitude sickness, such as headaches, nausea, and fatigue. To mitigate these effects, it's highly recommended to take precautions. Many locals and experienced travelers suggest consuming coca leaves in various forms, such as tea or candies, which are widely available in shops around the Plaza Principal.Instagram

Beyond local remedies, staying well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water is crucial. It's also wise to avoid strenuous activities on your first day and allow your body time to acclimatize. Taking it easy, resting, and listening to your body are key to enjoying your time in Humahuaca without discomfort. The stunning scenery and vibrant culture are well worth the adjustment period.TikTokInstagram

Exploring Humahuaca's Artisan Heritage

The area surrounding Plaza Principal Humahuaca is a treasure trove of traditional artisan crafts. Shops lining the streets offer a vibrant display of local artistry, from intricately woven textiles and colorful ponchos to handmade pottery and unique jewelry.Instagram These crafts are not just souvenirs; they represent generations of skill and cultural heritage passed down through families.

Visitors can find everything from practical items like bags and blankets to decorative pieces that capture the essence of the Andean region. Engaging with the artisans, many of whom are present in their shops, offers a deeper understanding of their craft and the cultural significance behind each piece. It’s a fantastic opportunity to support local communities and take home a truly authentic piece of Jujuy.Instagram