What are the Arcabuceros Angels?

Rare 17th-century colonial paintings housed in the San Francisco de Paula church in Uquía. They were created during the Spanish colonial period and imported artistic style from Cuzco and Peru, making them historically significant examples of early colonial religious art in Argentina.

Is the Tropic of Capricorn stop a real geographic marker?

Yes. Huacalera has a physical monument marking the Tropic of Capricorn, an imaginary line at 23.5°S latitude. You can literally stand on both sides of it during the tour.

Why are the hills so colorful?

Thousands of years of mineral oxidation in the rock layers create the reds, oranges, yellows, and purples you see. The Quebrada de Humahuaca's geology naturally produces these hues, particularly visible in Cerro de los 7 Colores and La Paleta del Pintor.

What should I expect at the elevation of 3,012 meters?

You may experience mild altitude effects like slight shortness of breath or fatigue. Stay hydrated, eat light meals beforehand, and move slowly. Most travelers acclimatize within a few hours. The tour includes time at various elevations, not sustained climbing.

Is there time for lunch, and what should I expect?

Yes — Humahuaca offers the longest stop, ideal for lunch. The region is known for traditional northern Argentine dishes; ask your guide for recommendations. You'll have time to explore the town as well.

What's the difference between the towns on the tour?

Purmamarca hosts the iconic Cerro de los 7 Colores; Tilcara and Humahuaca are larger cultural hubs; Uquía has the colonial church; Huacalera marks the Tropic of Capricorn; Maimará features La Paleta del Pintor rock formations. Each offers distinct landscapes and heritage.

Jujuy: Quebrada de Humahuaca with Hornocal

San Salvador de Jujuy, Argentina

Day Trips & Excursions

Instant confirmationSecure checkoutNo hidden fees

About this activity

Explore the UNESCO-listed Quebrada de Humahuaca, a dramatic ravine in northwestern Argentina renowned for its mineral-stained hillsides in shades of red, orange, and purple, plus colonial towns and indigenous culture. This 10-hour excursion combines natural spectacle with cultural heritage, visiting six towns across 127 km and reaching 3,012 meters elevation.

A walk through an impressive ravine, where colors predominate on the hills, thanks to thousands of years of oxidation of the minerals in them. The towns, landscapes, culture and its people are the main protagonists of this excursion. Duration: 8 hours. (approx.) Round trip transfers to and from meeting points. Total route: 127 km. Maximum height 3012 meters above sea level. Search by S.S. from Jujuy from 9am.

We will travel to the city of Humahuaca, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, towards the outskirts of the province of Jujuy, just a few kilometers from the border with Bolivia. This excursion will allow us to appreciate the most impressive colors of the Argentine North, its culture, its unique towns and its people. We will start from the city of Jujuy, taking the RN 9 to later enter and have the opportunity to know the great Quebrada de Humahuaca, recognized for its imposing landscapes and its picturesque towns such as Volcán, Purmamarca where we will find the majestic Cerro de los 7 Colores; Tilcara; Humahuaca, the largest town in the ravine; Uquía, a small town where the church of San Francisco de Paula is located, dating from the 17th century, where the ancient paintings of the Arcabuceros Angels reside, coming from Cuzco-Peru, painted at the time of colonization; Huacalera, where we step on the imaginary cut of the Tropic of Capricorn and finally, La Paleta del Pintor in Maimará. In Humahuaca it will be the longest stop time, where you can have lunch the best regional dishes where llama meat predominates and also get to know the town, where culture takes over the streets. Carnival is a main theme in this place, since it is the epicenter of this celebration. After lunch, we start our way back, alternating the stops.

Once you arrive in Uquía, you transfer to a 4x4 vehicle where the road to Hornocal will begin to enjoy these magnificent panoramic views. On the return there is a stop in Humahuaca for 20 minutes. It is recommended to bring a lunch or something light for lunch since there is not time to stop at a restaurant in Humahuaca

*In case of leaving from Purmamarca, they will not visit the stops between the city of Jujuy and that point.

*In case of leaving from Tilcara, they will not visit the stops between Jujuy and that point.

Highlights

✓Cerro de los 7 Colores (Hill of Seven Colors) in Purmamarca — the iconic striped mountain
✓17th-century San Francisco de Paula church in Uquía with rare Arcabuceros Angels artwork from the Cuzco-Peru colonial period
✓Tropic of Capricorn marker at Huacalera — literally stand on the imaginary line
✓La Paleta del Pintor (Painter's Palette) in Maimará — dramatically colored rock formations
✓Extended time in Humahuaca town to sample regional cuisine and explore the largest settlement in the ravine
✓Mineral-oxidation geology spanning thousands of years visible across the landscape

Insider tips

★The extended lunch stop in Humahuaca is your best opportunity to try traditional northern Argentine dishes; ask your guide for local restaurant recommendations
★Morning departures around 9 am mean you'll have optimal light for photography of the colored hills, especially Cerro de los 7 Colores and La Paleta del Pintor
★The elevation gain to 3,012 m can cause mild altitude effects; stay hydrated and eat light meals before the tour
★Bring layers — the ravine is at altitude and weather can shift; mornings are cool even in warmer seasons

Good to know

•Round-trip transfers from San Salvador de Jujuy (departure around 9 am) and returns to your hotel are included
•Total duration is approximately 10 hours including travel, stops, and lunch
•Route covers 127 km, visiting six towns; comfortable walking shoes recommended for town exploration
•UNESCO World Heritage Site status means well-maintained infrastructure but popular during peak seasons

Who it's for

Photography enthusiasts — the colored hills and colonial architecture are exceptionally photogenicCultural travelers — indigenous heritage, colonial history, and living traditions throughout the ravineNature lovers — unique geology, altitude landscapes, and dramatic mountain formationsUNESCO heritage seekers — one of Argentina's most important historical regions

Best time to visit

April to October offers the clearest skies and most vivid color contrast on the mineral-stained hillsides. Avoid the rainy season (November–March) when clouds obscure views and roads may be affected. Morning light (departure around 9 am) provides the best photography conditions.