Rock paintings, regional customs and wine tourism at extreme altitudes give Humahuaca Department a range of distinct highlights. They are joined by a historic image of the Virgin Mary, excursions in Hornaditas and the community-based tourism network in Ocumazo. If you are looking for accommodation, one initial question can help you decide: would you like your trip to focus on culture, archaeological history, a rural excursion or wine? These different themes give you concrete starting points for planning.
Culture and History
The Museo Folklórico Regional provides an overview of regional customs. The image of the Virgin of Candelaria de Copacabana in the Catedral de Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria offers a different historical perspective. It dates from 1640 and was popularly known in the 18th century as Madre de la Purificación de Humahuaca. The museum gives an overview of regional customs, while the image brings a specific religious history to life.
The Humahuaca Carnival is described as a World Heritage site. In Hornaditas, a ceremony in honor of Pachamama, coplas and music played on erkes took place on January 25, 2025, during the XXIII Encuentro de Comunidades Indígenas El Churqui y el Cardón. The program for this edition combines a specific cultural occasion with singing and music; these details refer to this gathering.
Inca Cueva is an archaeological highlight: the site is known for the high archaeological value of its rock paintings. It is located in Tres Cruces in Humahuaca Department. This lets you shift your focus from regional customs and religious heritage to rock art and archaeological history.
Rural Excursions and Wine Tourism
Excursions on foot or horseback are offered in Hornaditas. These two ways of getting around give you a clear choice of activity. Ocumazo offers a different kind of rural tourism: the village is part of the Red de Turismo Rural Comunitario. The excursion options identified in Hornaditas and Ocumazo’s membership in the network are therefore distinct in nature.
Wine tourism is also one of the department’s featured themes. Bodega Viñas de Uquia offers it at extreme altitude.
Getting There and the Regional Context
Humahuaca can be reached by road from San Salvador de Jujuy via Ruta Nacional 9. The road connection is therefore a separate planning consideration alongside choosing which cultural, archaeological or rural themes interest you.
Jujuy as a Broader Destination
In the broader destination of Jujuy, the Quebrada de Humahuaca forms a 155-kilometer-long corridor running north to south along the Camino Inca, with hundreds of archaeological and architectural sites. Also in Jujuy, the Tren Solar de la Quebrada takes passengers on a journey through the Quebrada aboard Latin America’s first solar-powered tourist train. These regional facts provide a broader context for planning a trip to Jujuy.
Jujuy’s cuisine also offers a regional perspective: its ingredients include corn, potatoes, squash, quinoa, and llama, beef and pork; these are complemented by high-altitude wines from the temperate valleys and the Quebrada de Humahuaca. In the Quebrada, visitors can try humitas, tamales, empanadas and cazuelas. Jujuy therefore offers culinary themes alongside culture and landscape.
Travel via Ruta Nacional 9 remains a separate planning consideration.
Discover More Destinations
Discover more destinations: Ovara, Doctor Manuel Belgrano Department, Ledesma Department, San Pedro Department, Susques Department, Santa Bárbara Department, Tumbaya Department, San Antonio
For the broader travel overview: Jujuy.
