Jujuy in 3 or 4 days: Quebrada de Humahuaca, salt flats and Hornocal

The Quebrada, a World Heritage Site

The Quebrada de Humahuaca was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2003. It's about 155 km of colorful hills, adobe villages and ten thousand years of history. Ideally, stay in Purmamarca or Tilcara, although you can also visit on tours from Salta or San Salvador de Jujuy.

Day 1: Purmamarca

• Hill of Seven Colors, best in the morning light.
• Paseo de los Colorados, a short trail among reddish hills.
• Craft market on the main square: textiles, ceramics and blankets.

Day 2: Salinas Grandes

From Purmamarca you climb the Cuesta de Lipán to 4,170 m and descend to a white salt desert at around 3,400 m. Bring sunglasses, sunscreen and warm clothes: the wind is strong.

Day 3: Tilcara, Uquía and Humahuaca

• Pucará de Tilcara, a pre-Hispanic fortress overlooking the gorge.
• Uquía Church and its famous arquebusier angels.
• Humahuaca: the Independence Monument and its stone streets.

Day 4: Serranía de Hornocal

About 25 km from Humahuaca is the Hill of 14 Colors, at 4,350 m. The road is gravel and the best light is in the afternoon. Many travelers say it's the most striking part of the trip.

Practical tips

• You will feel the altitude: go up gradually and take it easy on the first day.
• During Carnival (February) and Easter the villages fill up: book ahead.
• Bring cash; some villages have no ATMs or they don't work.