A 155-kilometre-long corridor that follows the Inca Trail and includes hundreds of archaeological and architectural sites: the Quebrada de Humahuaca shapes Jujuy’s cultural character. The corridor runs from north to south. Its sites make it clear that discoveries here are not limited to a single place. The journey through the Quebrada itself can also be an experience: you can travel through it aboard the Tren Solar de la Quebrada, Latin America’s first solar-powered tourist train.
Cultural discoveries in Jujuy
In Tilcara, trekking in the Garganta del Diablo is one of the activities on offer. In Susques, the colonial chapel Nuestra Señora de Belén offers a glimpse into another chapter of cultural history: it was built in the 16th century and declared a National Historic Monument. Ponchos woven on handlooms are also typical of Susques. The chapel and textile craft represent different forms of cultural discovery—architecture on the one hand, traditional craftsmanship on the other.
The Pucará de Tilcara is a fortress built by the Omaguaca people. Along with the archaeological and architectural sites of the Quebrada, it offers another way to explore the region’s history. Whether you are interested in buildings, archaeological evidence or craftsmanship, Jujuy offers a range of themes that can be explored independently.
Yungas, salt flats and sculpted rock
Parque Nacional Calilegua protects more than 76,000 hectares of the Yungas ecoregion in Jujuy. In the Aguas Negras recreation area, there are campsites for day and overnight stays, as well as walking trails of varying difficulty. This national park therefore offers the option of spending time outdoors or focusing on hiking.
Salinas Grandes offer a very different landscape. The salt flats are among the three largest in the world, cover 525 square kilometres and lie at an average altitude of 3,350 metres. The Valle de la Luna, also known as the Valle de Marte, can be explored on an excursion from Cusi Cusi. The route follows Ruta 40 and passes ravines, domes of scoria and volcanic ash, and rock walls up to 50 metres high. Rain and wind erosion shaped these rock walls over millions of years.
Active adventures
The cycling routes in Jujuy cover a range of difficulty levels, from short rides and multi-day routes of up to four days to challenging rides through mountains reaching altitudes of up to 4,000 metres. Routes, difficulty levels and durations also vary for llama treks. They lead to a rural refuge at an altitude of more than 3,000 metres. The details of both activities give you different points of reference for planning: durations and route characteristics vary, and the cycling options explicitly include challenging mountain rides.
The activities can also be distinguished by theme: cycling includes rides of varying durations and mountain routes, while the llama treks name the refuge as their destination. In Tilcara, trekking in the Garganta del Diablo adds another activity to the mix. Which option appeals to you depends on whether you would like to focus on a cycling tour, a llama trek or trekking.
Cuisine and finding accommodation
Jujuy’s cuisine is based on corn, potatoes, squash and quinoa, as well as llama, beef and pork. In the Quebrada de Humahuaca, you can try humitas, tamales, empanadas and cazuelas. Regional specialities also include high-altitude wines, produced in the temperate valleys and the Quebrada de Humahuaca. The cuisine offers its own way to experience the region—through its ingredients, dishes and wine production.
If you are looking for a hotel in Jujuy, it helps to first decide what interests you during your stay: culture and architecture, the Yungas and salt flats, outdoor activities or regional cuisine. The range of themes described gives you a concrete starting point for your search, without reducing the province to a single attraction.
Discover more destinations: Humahuaca, Huacalera, Tilcara, San Javier, San Salvador De Jujuy, Purmamarca, Ciudad Perico, Yala, Maimará, Hornillos, La Quiaca, Departamento Santa Bárbara, Departamento Doctor Manuel Belgrano, Departamento Ledesma, Departamento Valle Grande, Yavi, Calilegua, Departamento El Carmen, Departamento Santa Catalina, Departamento Humahuaca, Departamento Tumbaya, Departamento San Pedro, Departamento Susques, Palpalá, San Antonio, Palpalá.
For the broader travel overview: Argentina.
