Along the Humahuaca Gorge

 

Departures: From October to April

Places Visited: Jujuy, Iruya, Purmamarca, Tilcara, Humaguaca & Calilegua National Park

 

Highlights

Visit the extreme northwestern corner of Argentina, towards the border with Chile and Bolivia. This pristine and rugged landscape features stunning mountain scenery with uniquely colored rocks, sweeping vistas, the spectacular Humahuaca gorge, hot springs, barren salt plains, rustic mountain villages and historic towns, such as Jujuy.

WHAT’S INCLUDED:

  •  5 nights of accommodation
  •  Daily breakfast and local taxes
  •  Half day tour to Terma de Reyes & Yala Lagoon
  •  Full day tour to Salinas Grandes
  •  Full day tour to Humahuaca Gorge & Iruya

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED:

  • International & Domestic Flights
  •  Meals and drinks other than those mentioned
  •  Tips and personal expenses
  •  Travel insurance
  •  Optional tours
  •  Any items not mentioned

Day 01: JUJUY. Upon arrival, private transfer to Altos de las Vinas

Half day City Tour

Short City Tour of Jujuy. The tour includes a visit to the 17th century cathedral, which boasts a magnificent baroque pulpit carved from ñandubay wood. Also visit the Cabildo, St. Barbara Church, the Obelisk, the Judicial Palace and the Government House, a French baroque building that houses the country’s first flag, donated by Manuel Belgrano Argentina.

Day 02: JUJUY/PURMAMARCA.

Half day tour to Termas de Reyes and Laguna de Yala

From San Salvador de Juju, the tour follows Highway 9. Admire the Lagunas de Yala, a string of freshwater lagoons packed with rainbow trout and framed by forest. The next destination is Termas de Reyes, famous for its hot springs and thermal resorts. Enjoy a delicious soak or indulge in a spa treatments. The trip continues along Highway 9 to Purmamarca. Accommodation at El Manantial del Silencio.

Day 03: PURMAMARCA/TILCARA.

Full day tour of Salinas Grandes

The highlight of today’s tour is the impressive salt plain of Salinas Grandes. Begin the day with a visit to Purmamarca, a picturesque village with only a few hundred residents that seems frozen in time. Next continue to Los Colorados with its impressive multicolored mountains and amazing red rocks. Today’s final destination is Salinas Grandes, a dazzling white salt plain. Explore the unique landscape and soak up its almost otherworldly stark beauty. Accommodation at Patios Altos in Tilcara.

Day 04: TILCARA/IRUYA.

Full day Humahuaca Gorge & Iruya

In the morning, take the time to visit the town of Tilcara Pucara and the remnants of a pre-Inca fortification and the Archaeological Museum, with its small but important collection of indigenous artifacts.

On the way to Huacalera, the road crosses the Tropic of Capricorn. Stop to take photos of Pollera de Colla hill, famous for its dazzling array of colors that ranges from purple to yellow. Enjoy a brief tour of Humahuaca, which in additional to its natural beauty also boasts some fascinating cultural attractions, such as the Church of Uquía, adorned with exquisite paintings of harquebusier angels, the Cathedral and the El Indio Independence Monument, created by sculptor Soto Avendaño. Continuing along Highway 9, the road climbs to an elevation of 4.000 m (13.000 ft), to Abra del Condor, the boundary between Jujuy and Salta. The barren rocky landscape with sweeping vistas is breathtakingly beautiful. Descend to Iruya and stroll the steep, cobblestone streets and take in a panoramic view of the village from the lookout opposite the cemetery. Savor a delicious Andean lunch (not included) at a local restaurant. Accommodation at Hosteria Iruya.

Day 05: IRUYA/JUJUY. At the appropriate time, transfer to the Airport


Tour descriptions and approximate times are for informational purposes only.

Some places described may be substituted and/or approximate times may be subject to change, due to unexpected circumstances or weather conditions.