Nestled in the heart of Argentina’s northern Andes, the Quebrada de Humahuaca beckons adventurers and culture enthusiasts alike. This full-day trip from Jujuy promises an unforgettable exploration of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, immersing visitors in the vibrant town of Purmamarca and the stunning natural wonder of the Seven Colors Hill. But the journey doesn’t end there, as the itinerary also unveils the historical Pucará de Tilcara and the picturesque Monolith Painters Palette in Maimará.
Key Points
- A full-day guided tour to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Quebrada de Humahuaca, departing from Jujuy, priced at $37.50 per person.
- Highlights include the colorful town of Purmamarca, the Seven Colors Hill, the Monolith Painters Palette, and the Pucará de Tilcara fortification.
- Transportation via bus or minivan with pickup and drop-off at a designated meeting point, and a bilingual guide to provide insights.
- Admission to the El Pucará de Tilcara Archaeological Site is included, but food, drinks, and gratuities are extra.
- Guests must arrive 15 minutes before the scheduled departure time and bring a passport or ID card for site entry.
Tour Overview and Pricing
The full-day tour to Quebrada de Humahuaca, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is priced from $37.50 per person and lasts approximately 8.5 hours.
Travelers can reserve now and pay later. Cancellations up to 24 hours in advance qualify for a full refund.
The tour includes pickup and drop-off, transportation via bus or minivan, and a bilingual guide. Admission to the Pucará de Tilcara archaeological site is covered.
However, food, drinks, and gratuities are extra. Participants must arrive 15 minutes early and provide contact information for the local partner.
Availability varies by start time.
Looking for more options in Jujuy? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.
Itinerary Highlights
Meet the group at the YPF gas station, Vilcapugio 1986, in San Salvador de Jujuy to begin the day’s adventure.
Explore the colorful town of Purmamarca and gaze upon the stunning Seven Colors Hill.
Explore the vibrant Purmamarca and be captivated by the stunning Seven Colors Hill.
Next, discover the village of Maimará and the fascinating Monolith Painters Palette.
Venture to the 12th-century fortification of Pucará de Tilcara, then stop at Uquía’s historic church featuring paintings of gun-toting angels.
Finally, stand at the Tropic of Cancer, the southernmost latitude for the sun to be directly overhead at noon, and admire the multicolored Quebrada de Humahuaca, a UNESCO World Heritage Site spanning nearly 100 miles.
Transportation and Guide
Transportation for the day trip to Quebrada de Humahuaca is provided via either a bus or a minivan, depending on the size of the group.
The transportation includes pickup and drop-off at the designated meeting point.
A bilingual guide, fluent in both Spanish and English, accompanies the group throughout the tour, providing insights and information about the sites visited.
The guide ensures a seamless and informative experience for participants, guiding them through the itinerary and addressing any questions or concerns that may arise during the day.
Comfortable and efficient transportation, combined with a knowledgeable guide, enhances the overall enjoyment of the Quebrada de Humahuaca tour.
Inclusions and Requirements
Although admission to the El Pucará de Tilcara Archaeological Site is included in the tour, food, drinks, and gratuities are not.
Visitors should bring their passport or ID card, as they’ll be required to present it at various stops along the way.
The tour operator asks guests to arrive 15 minutes before the scheduled departure time to ensure a prompt start.
They also request that guests provide a contact email or phone number for the local partner to communicate any updates or changes.
Knowing these inclusions and requirements will help ensure a smooth and enjoyable day trip to the stunning Quebrada de Humahuaca.
More Great Tours NearbyImportant Information
Punctuality is key for this tour. Arrive at the meeting point 15 minutes before the scheduled start time. This ensures you don’t miss the group’s departure.
Provide your contact email or phone number when booking. This allows the local partner to reach you if there are any last-minute changes.
Check availability for multiple starting times in case your preferred schedule is full. Bringing your passport or ID card is required, as it’s needed to enter the archaeological site.
Following these simple steps will help ensure a smooth and enjoyable day trip to the stunning Quebrada de Humahuaca.
Exploring Purmamarca and the Seven Colors Hill
Where does one’s journey into the Quebrada de Humahuaca begin? The small town of Purmamarca is the first stop on the tour.
Nestled at the base of the Seven Colors Hill, the town captivates visitors with its adobe buildings and colorful textiles. The famous hill is a natural wonder, showcasing layers of mineral-rich sediment in vibrant hues of red, ochre, and green.
Exploration of the town includes:
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Browsing the local artisan market for handcrafted souvenirs
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Admiring the colonial-era church and its elaborate carvings
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Hiking to the top of the Seven Colors Hill for panoramic views
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Indulging in traditional Andean cuisine at a family-owned restaurant.
Discovering Maimará and the Monolith Painters Palette
Continuing the journey, the tour next proceeds to the village of Maimará, known for the striking Monolith Painters Palette rising up from the valley floor.
Towering multicolored rock formations dramatically punctuate the landscape, with bands of reddish-brown, ochre, and white striations. Visitors can explore the area and admire the natural artwork.
The group then moves on to the Pucará de Tilcara, a 12th-century fortification offering panoramic views over the Quebrada de Humahuaca.
This ancient pre-Incan settlement provides a glimpse into the region’s rich history and indigenous cultures.
Visiting Pucará De Tilcara and the Historic Church of Uquía
After exploring the vibrant Maimará village, the tour group moves on to the Pucará de Tilcara, a 12th-century fortification perched atop a hill.
The ancient ruins offer a glimpse into the region’s rich history and provide stunning views of the surrounding Quebrada de Humahuaca.
The ancient ruins offer a glimpse into the region’s rich history and provide stunning views of the surrounding Quebrada de Humahuaca.
The next stop is the historic church of Uquía, notable for its paintings of gun-toting angels.
The church’s unique artwork and architecture captivate visitors.
The tour then continues to the Tropic of Cancer, where the group can witness the sun directly overhead at noon, a truly remarkable experience.
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Pucará de Tilcara: 12th-century fortification
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Uquía Church: Paintings of gun-toting angels
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Tropic of Cancer: Sun directly overhead at noon
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Quebrada de Humahuaca: Breathtaking views
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit Quebrada De Humahuaca?
The best time to visit Quebrada de Humahuaca is during the dry season from April to November when the weather’s mild and sunny, making it ideal for exploring the UNESCO-listed landscape’s vibrant colors and ancient sites.
Can I Customize the Tour to Suit My Interests?
While the tour has a standard itinerary, the local guide is open to customizing the experience to suit your interests. You can discuss any modifications or additional stops you’d like to make before the tour begins.
Are There Any Restrictions on Photography During the Tour?
The tour doesn’t have any specific restrictions on photography. Visitors are generally free to take photos throughout the day, allowing them to capture the stunning landscapes and cultural sites along the Quebrada de Humahuaca UNESCO World Heritage trail.
Can I Make Additional Stops Along the Way?
The tour itinerary is pre-set, but you can check with the guide if it’s possible to make additional stops along the way. There may be fees or time constraints to consider, so it’s best to discuss this with the guide in advance.
How Accessible Is the Tour for Travelers With Disabilities?
The tour is moderately accessible for travelers with disabilities. While there are some uneven paths, the guide and staff work to accommodate individual needs. Visitors should contact the tour operator in advance to discuss any specific requirements.
The Sum Up
Exploring the Quebrada de Humahuaca on this day trip from Jujuy is an opportunity to take in the stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. With visits to captivating towns, historical sites, and the iconic Seven Colors Hill, this comprehensive tour provides an unforgettable experience for adventure seekers and culture enthusiasts alike, all at an affordable price.
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