Argentina - The Quebrada de Humahuaca

Volcán is the first village of the valley. Farther on comes Tumbaya with its chapel dating back to the 18th century, at an altitude of 2.094 meters. 

This extended valley is located in Jujuy, in Argentina’s northwest. La Quebrada de Humahuaca was named a Cultural Heritage and Natural Asset of Humanity in 2003. Its history goes back 10,000 years. The members of indigenous ethnic groups walked along its trails, and up to the present religious beliefs, rites, celebrations, music and agricultural techniques have been preserved and constitute a living heritage.

The valley starts 39 kms. away from the city San Salvador de Jujuy along highway 9 and extends  along 170 kms. of valleys and mountains running from south to north. The mountains are differentially coloured according to their mineral content. 

Volcán is the first village of the valley. Farther on comes Tumbaya with its chapel dating back to the 18th century, at an altitude of  2.094 meters.  The artisan fair of Purmamarca, the museum of Argentine history  built in 1772 at Posta de Hornillos and the carnival at Maimará are additional attractions of this area.

The indigenous tradition is celebrated at Tilcara. At Huacalera a milestone signals the crossing of the Tropic of Capricorn. Next is the village of Humahuaca with its houses built of sun-dried mud bricks, and its church, featuring paintings of the school at Cuzco. Other cultural attractions can be found at  the Pucará de Tilcara.