Top Humahuaca Valley Highlights and Planning Tips

Planning your trip to the Quebrada requires a bit of preparation. The high altitude can affect many visitors. Most sights are between 2,000 and 4,300 meters above sea level. This arid landscape changes colors throughout the day based on the sun's position.

You can see many of these spots on a day trip to Humahuaca from Salta. However, staying overnight in Purmamarca or Tilcara is highly recommended. This allows you to experience the valley when day-trippers leave. The local food is a must-try, especially llama empanadas and locro stew.

• Best Overall: Serranías del Hornocal (The 14-Colored Mountain)
• Best for Families: Purmamarca village and the Seven Colors Hill
• Best Rainy-Day: Museo Regional de Pintura in Humahuaca
• Best Free Activity: Walking the Paseo de los Colorados trail

12 Essential Humahuaca Valley Highlights

These twelve sites represent the best of the Quebrada de Humahuaca. They offer a mix of geological wonders and deep historical significance. Be sure to bring a camera and plenty of water for your adventure.

1. Name: Hill of Seven Colors (Cerro de los Siete Colores)
   Type: Viewpoint
   Why go: This is the most famous mountain in Argentina. It features layers of sediment millions of years old.
   Best for: Photographers and families.
   Where: Purmamarca.
   Time: 1-2 hours.
   Cost: Free to view.
   Getting there: Walk from the center of Purmamarca.
   Tip: Visit at sunrise for the most vibrant colors.
2. Name: Pucará de Tilcara
   Type: Sight
   Why go: It is a partially reconstructed pre-Inca fortification. You can walk through ancient dwellings and see a botanical garden.
   Best for: History buffs.
   Where: Tilcara.
   Time: 2 hours.
   Cost: Moderate entry fee.
   Getting there: Walk 15 minutes from Tilcara's main plaza.
   Tip: Wear a hat as there is very little shade.
3. Name: Serranías del Hornocal (14-Colored Mountain)
   Type: Viewpoint
   Why go: This is the most spectacular of all Humahuaca valley highlights. The jagged limestone peaks show up to 14 different colors.
   Best for: Nature lovers.
   Where: 25km from Humahuaca town.
   Time: 3-4 hours including transit.
   Cost: Small entry fee for the road.
   Getting there: Private 4x4 tours or rental car.
   Tip: Don't miss this; it's better than the Seven Colors Hill.
4. Name: Independence Monument
   Type: Experience
   Why go: A massive bronze statue honoring the Northern Army. It offers great views over the town of Humahuaca.
   Best for: City views and light exercise.
   Where: Humahuaca.
   Time: 45 minutes.
   Cost: Free.
   Getting there: Walk up the stairs from the main plaza.
   Tip: Listen for the mechanical saint in the town clock nearby.
5. Name: Uquía Church (Angeles Arcabuceros)
   Type: Sight
   Why go: It houses world-famous colonial paintings of angels with rifles. These 17th-century works are unique to this region.
   Best for: Art and culture.
   Where: Uquía village.
   Time: 30 minutes.
   Cost: Cheap (small donation).
   Getting there: Stop on the main highway.
   Tip: Check the what to see guide for opening times.
6. Name: Salinas Grandes
   Type: Day trip
   Why go: These vast white salt flats are stunning. They are the third largest in the world.
   Best for: Creative photography and nature.
   Where: 1.5 hours from Purmamarca.
   Time: 4-5 hours.
   Cost: Moderate (includes guide on salt).
   Getting there: Best with a salt flats tour from Salta or Purmamarca.
   Tip: Bring sunglasses to protect your eyes from the glare.
7. Name: Paleta del Pintor (Painter's Palette)
   Type: Viewpoint
   Why go: These mountains form a colorful backdrop behind a local cemetery. The hills look like brushstrokes on a canvas.
   Best for: Scenic drive breaks.
   Where: Maimará.
   Time: 15 minutes.
   Cost: Free.
   Getting there: Stop at the roadside viewpoint on Route 9.
   Tip: Afternoon sun lights up the hills best.
8. Name: Paseo de los Colorados
   Type: Activity
   Why go: A 3km loop road behind Purmamarca that winds through red rock formations. It is quiet and visually stunning.
   Best for: Easy hiking.
   Where: Purmamarca.
   Time: 1 hour.
   Cost: Free.
   Getting there: Walk from the west side of the village.
   Tip: You can drive it, but walking is more rewarding.
9. Name: Tilcara Market
   Type: Neighborhood/Market
   Why go: It is a great place to buy quinoa, local potatoes, and artisanal wool. You will find authentic Andean products here.
   Best for: Souvenir shopping.
   Where: Near Tilcara bus station.
   Time: 1 hour.
   Cost: Free entry.
   Getting there: Walk from Tilcara plaza.
   Tip: Try the api, a warm purple corn drink.
10. Name: Tropic of Capricorn Monolith
    Type: Sight
    Why go: A sundial marks the exact line of the Capricorn Tropic. You can stand in two hemispheres at once.
    Best for: A quick photo stop.
    Where: Huacalera.
    Time: 10 minutes.
    Cost: Free.
    Getting there: Located directly on Highway 9.
    Tip: Look for the monument shaped like a stone circle.
11. Name: Posta de Hornillos
    Type: Sight
    Why go: A preserved colonial transit station from the 18th century. It played a major role in the Wars of Independence.
    Best for: Colonial history.
    Where: Near Maimará.
    Time: 1 hour.
    Cost: Small entry fee.
    Getting there: Direct access from Route 9.
    Tip: Visit the Purmamarca guide for nearby stops.
12. Name: Garganta del Diablo (Devil's Throat)
    Type: Activity
    Why go: A dramatic waterfall tucked inside a deep canyon. The hike offers rugged mountain scenery.
    Best for: Adventurous travelers.
    Where: Tilcara mountains.
    Time: 3 hours round trip.
    Cost: Moderate entry fee.
    Getting there: Hike up from Tilcara or take a taxi.
    Tip: The road is very steep and narrow.

How to Visit the Quebrada from Salta

Most visitors use a Saltta scenic drive route to reach the valley. The drive from Salta to Purmamarca takes about three hours. The roads are generally paved and in good condition on Highway 9. However, the Serranías del Hornocal requires a dirt road drive.

If you prefer not to drive, many group tours depart daily from Salta. These tours cover the main towns like Purmamarca, Tilcara, and Humahuaca. Buses are also frequent, but they offer less flexibility. For detailed logistics, visit the Salta official site for regional transport updates. Always carry cash, as ATMs in small villages often run out.