Quebrada de Humahuaca

By Rebecca

What is Quebrada de Humahuaca?

Quebrada de Humahuaca is a mountainous valley area in Northwest Argentina with beautiful, colorful mountains and traditional mountain villages. The Quebrada de Humahuaca valley stretches for 100 miles (155 kilometers) along the Rio Grande River in Argentina’s Jujuy Province.

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Why is Quebrada de Humahuaca a UNESCO World Heritage site?

Quebrada de Humahuaca is a UNESCO World Heritage site due to the area’s importance as a major trade route during the Inca Empire in the 15th and 16th centuries. This important trade route is often also referred to as Camino Inca, the Inca Road.

The valley has long been a vital passageway, linking northern Argentina, Bolivia, and Peru with the southern regions of Argentina and Chile. As you travel along its main road, National Route 9, you can trace layers of history: from ancient indigenous civilizations to the influence of the Spanish Empire, and later the struggles for Latin American independence in the 19th and early 20th centuries.

According to UNESCO, the Quebrada de Humahuaca “is the most important physical linkage between the high Andean lands and the extensive temperate plains in south-eastern South America. Its impressive natural environment is kept almost intact, with hundreds of archaeological and architectural sites that bear witness to its long and rich history.”

What can you expect on a visit to Quebrada de Humahuaca?

When visiting the Quebrada de Humahuaca, expect to experience impressive mountain landscapes with multi-colored slopes, unique geological formations, and cute small traditional villages.

Driving through Quebrada de Humahuaca seems like an out-of-this-world experience. There are colorful mountains dotted with cactuses as tall as a full-grown man, as far as the eye can see. Now and then, you might also see wild alpacas roaming through the valley.

Quebrada de Humahuaca houses some of the most spectacular places to visit in Northwest Argentina, including Argentina’s Rainbow Mountain, Cerro de Catorce Colores; the Salt Flats Salinas Grandes; the geological formation Quebrada de las Señoritas; and mountain villages such as Purmamarca, Tilcara, and Humahuaca.

Is Quebrada de Humahuaca worth visiting?

Quebrada de Humahuaca is completely worth visiting! The valley’s mountainous landscape is very different from what you will experience in other parts of Argentina, and its fascinating history from the Inca Empire up until today leaves plenty of room for exploration.

You can easily spend a couple of days travelling through Quebrada de Humahuaca, making stops along the way to experience the area’s beautiful surroundings and unique culture and history.

What sorts of travelers would like Quebrada de Humahuaca?

Quebrada de Humahuaca is best for travelers who enjoy outdoor activities alongside learning about local culture and history. There are plenty of options for unique outdoor experiences along the Quebrada de Humahuaca valley, including hiking and llama-trekking tours.

Tips for visiting Quebrada de Humahuaca

The best time to visit is during the Argentine fall or spring, as winters are cold and summers can be very hot.

The best way to explore Quebrada de Humahuaca is by renting a car and doing a road trip, as public transportation in this part of Argentina is very limited.

Otherwise, there are plenty of tours available if you don’t want to drive yourself: day tours from Salta, Jujuy or Tilcara or multi-day tours, most of which start from Salta.

Find accommodations in Salta, Argentina.

There are plenty of stops to make throughout the Quebrada de Humahuaca valley, so make sure you set enough time aside to explore the area. And remember to bring your camera or phone to snap some photos of the beautiful surroundings and local wildlife.

The weather and temperatures in the mountains can change quite quickly, so it’s a good idea to bring layers of clothes.

Where is Quebrada de Humahuaca?

Quebrada de Humahuaca begins at the village of Volcán and stretches along National Route 9 until the village of Tres Cruces in Argentina’s Jujuy Province.

Getting from Buenos Aires to the valley will take two days of driving. Instead, you can fly into Gobernador Horacio Guzmán International Airport (JUJ). From there, you can drive to Salta or Jujuy in about 4-6 hours. The best way to see Quebrada de Humahuaca is to rent a car or join a guided tour:

• Renting a car: From the airport or in Salta or Jujuy, you can rent a car to start exploring the valley. Follow the National Route 9 north towards Volcan, Purmamarca, Tilcara, etc. The drive from Salta to Volcán is about 2 hours, and from San Salvador de Jujuy, the drive is about 40 minutes.
• With a guided tour: Several local tour operators offer guided tours of the Quebrada de Humahuaca valley, leaving from Salta or San Salvador de Jujuy. Depending on the tours and the operators, the places you visit along the Quebrada de Humahuaca can vary.

For more information about Quebrada de Humahuaca, see its official website (only in Spanish – use a translation app).

Have you been to Quebrada de Humahuaca? If so, do you have any additional information or advice about this UNESCO World Heritage site? Please add your comments below!