Quebrada de Humahuaca: A Guide to Argentina's Rainbow Valley
Contributor
Geological wonders aside, Quebrada de Humahuaca holds the story of Argentina itself. The desert valley has preserved evidence of life dating back 10,000 years, from early hunter-gather tribes to pre-Hispanic communities, Incan culture, Spanish colonizers, all the way to the struggle for independence in the 20th century. That’s pretty much the entire history of the nation right there—and we haven’t even gotten to the valley’s famous “rainbow,” a wash of earth-tone colors created by layered geological strata. Read on to learn about the features and culture of the valley and its nearby towns.
Known as Cerro de los Siete Colores (the Hill of the Seven Colors) and located outside the town of Purmamarca, people from all over the world come to see this geological masterpiece up close. Be sure to visit in the morning, as the colors are more vibrant in the early sunlight.
Another colorful stop in Quebrada de Humahuaca is the limestone formation called Serranía de Hornocal outside the city of Humahuaca. For a glimpse of pre-Incan ruins, visit Pucará de Tilcara. Head to the village of Iruya to experience a soulful mountain town where the indigenous way of life is still preserved.
The 96-mile trade route has been singled out by UNESCO for its remarkable preservation of early farming communities and life over the past 10,000 years. For example, in a town called Coctaca, 1,500-year-old farming fields called pucaras are still in use.
Food is one way to experience traditional life during your visit to the valley. While exploring the desert canyon, be sure to try chicha de Jujuy, a fermented drink made with corn, or aloja, which is made from carob. The region is also known for its goat cheese. Other regional plates feature grains like quinoa and meats like llama or lamb. Locro, the famous, hearty Andean stew is also prevalent, while the tamales have a taste different than those found in Mexico. For dessert, order anchi, a semolina-based regional treat. Coca leaves in tea can help for altitude sickness.
To explore the area, rent a car in the city of Jujuy and drive through the valley, or use the area’s fairly efficient bus system. The most popular time to visit Quebrada de Humahuaca is during the austral summer and fall. Every February, the region hosts the popular Carnival of the North, a wild celebration that incorporates numerous indigenous traditions. In early August, there is a festival honoring Mother Earth with many ancient Andean rituals.
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.
Culture Trip Spring Sale
Save up to $1,100 on our unique small-group trips! Limited spots.
