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The Humahuaca Canyon

The Quebrada de Humahuaca is a stunning Andean valley in northwest Argentina, located in the province of Jujuy, about 1,500 km from Buenos Aires. It stretches over 155 km, carved by the Río Grande and flanked by high mountain ranges. The entire region sits above 2,000 meters in altitude.

This unique destination blends dramatic landscapes with ancient cultures. The Indigenous communities here still preserve their religious traditions, festivals, art, music, and agricultural practices, which led UNESCO to declare the canyon a Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2003.

How to Get to the Humahuaca Canyon

By road: Take National Route 9 (RN9), part of the Pan-American Highway, connecting Buenos Aires and La Paz.
By air: Fly to Salta or Jujuy and travel by land to Humahuaca (approx. 176 km from Salta or 146 km from Jujuy).
Scenic routes: Enter via San Antonio de los Cobres and cross the Salinas Grandes to reach Purmamarca, which is a less crowded and incredibly scenic alternative.

There are other off-the-beaten-path routes, but for most travelers, the RN9 or the scenic route via Salinas Grandes are the best options.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site

In 2003, UNESCO recognized the Quebrada de Humahuaca as a Cultural Landscape, a category that highlights both natural and cultural significance. The canyon is part of the ancient Inca Trail, and it has served as a commercial route for over 10,000 years.

You’ll find traces of:

Prehistoric hunter-gatherers
Inca-era ruins
Republican independence struggles

UNESCO’s declaration encourages the preservation of native cultures and the promotion of sustainable tourism.

History and Culture

Humahuaca’s people have deep ancestral roots. Most are of the Coya ethnic group, and many still speak Quechua. The canyon has been home to cultures dating back 10,000 years, including the Omaguacas, who gave the place its name.

Even today, you’ll find a living culture that honors Pachamama, the sun god, and other Andean deities.

What “Humahuaca” Means

In Aymara: “Sacred water”
In Quechua: “Uma” = head and “Huaca” = sacred place

Weather and Best Time to Visit

The canyon ranges from 1,600 to 4,500 meters in altitude. The climate is dry and windy, with cold nights and hot days.

Summer (Nov–Mar): Rainy season; avoid due to possible landslides.
Winter: Sunny but cold.
Best seasons: Spring and autumn are ideal—mild, sunny, and dry.

Bring sun protection, long sleeves, and warm clothes for the cold nights.

Towns and Attractions Along the Canyon

The Quebrada de Humahuaca can be explored from south to north, beginning in Volcán and ending in Tres Cruces.

Volcán

First town in the canyon (2,000 m.a.s.l.)
Named after summer mudflows (“volcanoes”) from the hills
Visit the Pucará of Volcán, a pre-Hispanic fortress with over 600 enclosures

Tumbaya

Located at 2,100 meters
Home to the Mudejar-style church, a National Historic Monument
Pre-Hispanic roots, known as “Tunpaya”

Purmamarca

Elevation: 2,350 meters
Famous for the Hill of Seven Colors
The town and Santa Rosa de Lima church are both National Historic Sites

Maimará

Elevation: 2,390 meters
Known for the Painter’s Palette (Paleta del Pintor), a colorful geological formation
Visit the colonial church, the old flour mill, and pre-Columbian ruins

Tilcara

Elevation: 2,465 meters
Home to the Pucará de Tilcara, a fortified pre-Hispanic village
Visit the Church of the Virgin of the Rosary, a National Historic Monument
Don’t miss the Eduardo Casanova Archaeological Museum

Tropic of Capricorn Monument

A marker here indicates the southernmost point where the sun is directly overhead during the summer solstice.

Huacalera

Located at 2,641 meters
Visit the Chapel of Our Lady of Candelaria, a National Historic Monument
Explore pre-Hispanic ruins like La Huerta and Campo Morado

Uquía

Elevation: 2,824 meters
Known for its baroque church with the Nine Arquebusier Angels paintings
Visit the old mill and the Pucará de Chijra

Humahuaca

Elevation: 2,942 meters
Founded in 1591, declared a National Historic Site in 1975
Offers access to the nearby Serranía del Hornocal, the 14-Color Hill

Serranías del Hornocal (14-Color Hill)

Located 25 km from Humahuaca
Altitude: 4,761 meters
Famous for its vibrant, triangular rock formations created by erosion
Can be reached via gravel road—accessible by car or guided tour

From Humahuaca to Tres Cruces

Explore pre-Columbian sites like Pucará de Peñas Blancas and Churquiaguada
Discover petroglyphs at Cerro Negro
Final town: Tres Cruces, the gateway to the Puna at 3,693 meters

Want to book an excursion to Humahuaca Canyon from Salta?

If you want to book an excursion to Humahuaca Canyon from Salta, just click on the image below

Other amazing activities and excursions in Salta

We have many options to discover Salta, Jujuy, and the Argentinian northwest. These are two of the most interesting, but we have many.

Excursion to Calchaquies Valleys and Cachi

Excursion to Humahuaca Canyon

Excursion to Humahuaca Canyon and the Hornocal from Salta

Excursion to San Antonio de los Cobres and Salinas Grandes

Half day city tour

La Vieja Estacion: Dinner Folklore Show

Rafting in Juramento River

More activities and excursions in Salta? Click here and see a complete list of options

Buy the Salta Travel Pass and get special discounts!

If you’re looking for a package of activities, you can buy any of our Salta Pass and save money. Check some great options by clicking in the image below:

Tours to visit the Argentinian Northwest

We have a great variety of tours to visit these amazing places, most of them including Salta, Jujuy and the Northwest in general, combined with many other amazing destinations in Argentina such El Calafate, Ushuaia, Iguazu Falls, Mendoza, Bariloche… Check one of my favorites, the 104 tour; The Argentinian North in 12 amazing nights