Quebrada de Humahuaca
A UNESCO World Heritage site in Argentina's Jujuy province, famed for its vibrant, multi-colored mountains and ancient history.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather, vibrant landscapes
Quebrada de Humahuaca
Best Time
Pleasant weather, vibrant landscapes

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A UNESCO World Heritage site in Argentina's Jujuy province, famed for its vibrant, multi-colored mountains and ancient history.
"Wonderful place, colors you'll love to see again! If you can, you have to travel through northern Argentina, Jujuy is the best."
🗣️ Learn Basic Spanish
Essential for navigating public transport and interacting with locals.
⏰ Early Bird Gets the Bus
Public transport schedules can be tricky; start your day early to catch buses.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Hill of Seven Colors
Purmamarca
Witness a breathtaking geological marvel painted with vibrant hues. A must-see for its stunning natural beauty.

Paleta del Pintor
Maimará
Marvel at this striking hillside, a natural masterpiece of colorful rock formations.

Pucará de Tilcara
Tilcara
Explore ancient pre-Inca ruins offering a glimpse into the region's rich history and panoramic views.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Public Transit Prowess
Embrace the Colors
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Stunning Argentina - Quebrada de Humahuaca, Jujuy province
🗣️ Learn Basic Spanish
Essential for navigating public transport and interacting with locals.
⏰ Early Bird Gets the Bus
Public transport schedules can be tricky; start your day early to catch buses.
Visiting Salta, Argentina for 3 days, any recommendations
Argentina itinerary and questions on Northern Argentina.
🎨 Capture the Colors
Bring your camera! The vibrant scenery is truly unforgettable.
🚶♀️ Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of exploring on foot, so pack sturdy footwear.
Tips
from all over the internet
🗣️ Learn Basic Spanish
Essential for navigating public transport and interacting with locals.
⏰ Early Bird Gets the Bus
Public transport schedules can be tricky; start your day early to catch buses.
🎨 Capture the Colors
Bring your camera! The vibrant scenery is truly unforgettable.
🚶♀️ Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of exploring on foot, so pack sturdy footwear.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Quebrada de Humahuaca for its stunning, vibrant landscapes and picturesque towns, calling it a 'magical place' with colors you'll love to see again. The unique geological formations and charming atmosphere make it a highly recommended destination in northern Argentina.
"Wonderful place, colors you'll love to see again! If you can, you have to travel through northern Argentina, Jujuy is the best. 🌵🌵"
Paola Vera
"Beautiful scenery. The town is very picturesque."
Leticia Malisani
"Beautiful town!!"
Gloria Gonzalez
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common way to reach the Quebrada de Humahuaca is by bus from Salta. Several companies operate daily services to towns like Purmamarca, Tilcara, and Humahuaca. The journey can take several hours, so it's advisable to book tickets in advance, especially during peak season.
Yes, it's possible to explore the Quebrada using public buses that connect the main towns. However, be prepared for early starts and potentially infrequent services between smaller villages. Having some Spanish language skills will be very helpful for asking about schedules and routes.
It's ambitious but doable if you start very early each day and are efficient with your travel. Prioritize key sites like the Hill of Seven Colors and Pucará de Tilcara. Consider an organized tour if you want to maximize your time and minimize logistical stress.
Local buses are the primary mode of public transport connecting towns like Purmamarca, Tilcara, and Humahuaca. Taxis or remises (private cars for hire) are also available for more flexibility, though they are more expensive. Renting a car offers the most freedom but can be costly.
Yes, many tour operators in Salta and Jujuy offer day trips or multi-day tours to the Quebrada. These tours often include transportation, guided visits to key attractions, and can be a convenient option for those with limited time or who prefer not to navigate public transport.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The Quebrada itself is a UNESCO World Heritage site and generally does not require an entrance fee. However, individual attractions within the Quebrada, such as the Pucará de Tilcara archaeological site, usually have an entrance fee.
Opening hours can vary, but generally, sites like the Pucará de Tilcara are open during daylight hours, typically from morning until late afternoon. It's always a good idea to check locally or online for the most up-to-date hours before your visit.
Discounts may be available for students, seniors, or children at certain attractions. It's worth inquiring at the ticket counter or checking the official websites of the sites you plan to visit.
For most attractions within the Quebrada, tickets are typically purchased on-site. However, for popular tours or bus tickets from larger cities like Salta, booking online in advance is highly recommended.
Entrance fees for individual sites like the Pucará de Tilcara are generally modest, often ranging from a few US dollars to around $10 USD. Prices can change, so it's best to have some local currency (Argentine Pesos) on hand.
📸 📸 Photography
The Hill of Seven Colors in Purmamarca and the Paleta del Pintor in Maimará are iconic for their vibrant geological formations. The Pucará de Tilcara offers panoramic views, and the charming towns themselves provide endless picturesque scenes.
Early morning and late afternoon offer the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones that enhance the colors of the landscape. Midday sun can be harsh and wash out the vibrant hues.
A good quality smartphone camera is usually sufficient to capture the stunning scenery. However, if you want to capture the vastness and detail, a DSLR or mirrorless camera with a wide-angle lens would be ideal.
Generally, there are no strict photography restrictions in the natural landscapes or towns. However, at archaeological sites like the Pucará de Tilcara, be respectful of the ruins and avoid using flash photography on delicate artifacts if permitted.
Expect to capture dramatic landscapes with multi-colored mountains, ancient ruins, charming colonial towns, and vibrant local culture. The unique geology provides endless opportunities for stunning shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
When traveling with children, consider opting for shorter bus journeys between towns or even a guided tour to minimize travel fatigue. Pack plenty of snacks and water, as amenities can be sparse between settlements. The towns themselves, with their charming architecture and local markets, offer a pleasant environment for leisurely strolls. Ensure everyone wears comfortable shoes for exploring, and be mindful of the sun's intensity by using sunscreen and hats.
🎒 Budget Travelers
Accommodation options range from hostels to basic guesthouses, keeping lodging costs down. Eating at local 'comedores' or markets will provide delicious and economical meals. While organized tours can be convenient, they are generally more expensive than navigating independently via bus. Embrace the local way of life, and you'll find plenty of ways to experience the Quebrada on a budget.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Quebrada by Public Transport
Key advice from travelers includes learning basic Spanish phrases to inquire about departure times and destinations, as information might not always be readily available in English. Be prepared for potential delays and have a flexible itinerary. For those aiming to cover a lot of ground in a short period, like fitting in the Salt Flats and Jujuy in three days, an organized tour might be a more efficient alternative, though it sacrifices some spontaneity.
When using public transport, always confirm the return times for your last bus of the day to avoid getting stranded. The journey itself offers scenic views, allowing you to soak in the dramatic landscapes at a relaxed pace. Embrace the adventure and the opportunity to interact with local communities along the way.
The Geological Wonders of the Quebrada
These colorful mountains are a result of diverse mineral content and varying erosion rates over millennia. The arid climate of the region helps preserve these formations, making them a unique spectacle. Visiting during the golden hours of sunrise or sunset can further enhance the visual impact, casting a warm glow that accentuates the already vivid colors.
Beyond the famous hills, the entire Quebrada is characterized by dramatic canyons, arid landscapes, and unique rock formations. The sheer scale and variety of these geological features make it a photographer's paradise and a geologist's dream. Remember to wear comfortable shoes as exploring these areas often involves walking and light hiking.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit