Humahuaca
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Tips
6 places on the map
Top 10
- 1
Mountain range striped in 14 colours, seen from a 4,350 m viewpoint.
3 tips
- Visit in the afternoon when sun lights the colours
- Altitude is high, walk slowly
- Hire a 4x4 or remis from town
📷 Photos
- 2
Huge bronze monument atop a grand stairway overlooking the town.
3 tips
- Climb the stairs for town views
- Artisans sell crafts at the base
- Take it slow at this altitude
📷 Photos
- 3
Town hall whose clock tower reveals a saint figure every day at noon.
- Tip: Go early
2 tips
- Be in the plaza before 12:00
- San Francisco Solano appears and blesses
📷 Photos
- 4
Colonial adobe cathedral with Cuzco-school paintings.
- Tip: Dress code
2 tips
- Look for the colonial paintings inside
- Free to enter outside mass
📷 Photos
- 5
Main square framed by the Cabildo, church and craft stalls.
- Tip: At night
3 tips
- Buy alpaca textiles from stalls
- Good place to rest and acclimatise
- Musicians play in the evenings
📷 Photos
- 6
17th-century village church famous for paintings of angels with muskets.
3 tips
- Short drive south of Humahuaca
- See the arcabucero angel paintings
- Opening hours can be irregular
📷 Photos
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Before you go: Humahuaca tips
Transportation
- Bus up the Quebrada: Frequent buses from San Salvador de Jujuy climb the valley via Purmamarca and Tilcara to Humahuaca, so you can stop in each village along the way.
- Book a ride to Hornocal: The Serrania de Hornocal viewpoint is up a high gravel road; shared 4x4s and remises leave from town, usually in the afternoon for the best light.
- Take the bus to Iruya: Daily buses make the dramatic mountain road to the village of Iruya; book a day ahead and sit on the side facing the valley.
Security
- Ease into the altitude: Humahuaca sits near 3,000 metres and Hornocal is much higher; walk slowly, drink plenty of water and try coca tea for mild soroche.
- Watch summer road conditions: Heavy rains from December to March can trigger landslides that cut Ruta 9 and side roads; check conditions before travelling.
- Carry cash: ATMs in Humahuaca can run out or fail, especially on weekends and holidays; bring enough pesos from Jujuy or Salta.
Saving
- Eat set menus at comedores: Small eateries around the plaza serve locro, humitas and tamales as fixed menus, far cheaper than tourist restaurants.
- Buy crafts at the market stalls: Stalls near the Cabildo and the monument steps sell woven textiles and ceramics; compare prices and buy directly from makers.
- Share transport to Hornocal: Splitting a remis with other travellers from your hostel lowers the cost of the Hornocal trip considerably.
Weather/Clothing
- Pack for cold nights: Days in the dry winter are sunny but nights drop below freezing; bring a warm jacket, hat and gloves.
- Protect from strong sun: At high altitude UV is intense year-round; wear a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen even on cool days.
- Bring layers for Hornocal: The viewpoint is very windy and much colder than town; add a windproof layer even if Humahuaca feels warm.
Cultural
- Watch the Cabildo clock at noon: A figure of San Francisco Solano emerges from the clock tower of the Cabildo at midday, drawing a crowd on the plaza.
- Experience Carnaval: The Quebrada carnival in February starts with the unearthing of the devil and days of music, dancing and flour and water fights.
- Respect Pachamama traditions: Andean communities honour Mother Earth, especially on 1 August; ask before photographing ceremonies or people.
Local Hacks
- Visit Hornocal in the afternoon: The colourful bands of the Hornocal mountains glow best when the sun hits them later in the day.
- Find a pena: Local folk music nights with chacarera and zamba run in the evenings; ask your host which pena has live music.
- Climb the Monumento a la Independencia: The large stairway and monument above town give great views over the rooftops and valley.
1-day itineraries in Humahuaca
Only have a day? Each one keeps you in one area, from morning to late afternoon, with lunch nearby.