Jujuy, Argentina – A Journey Through Colors, Culture, and Salt Flats
Jujuy, Argentina is one of the country’s most beautiful and overlooked destinations. Tucked away in the far northwest, this province is full of colorful mountains, ancient villages, and wide salt flats. It’s a place where nature and culture meet, making it perfect for travelers looking for something different.
We began our trip by flying into Salta and renting a car for the drive north into Jujuy. What followed was a journey of winding roads, breathtaking views, and unforgettable towns.
Purmamarca – The Hill of 7 Colors
Our first stop was Purmamarca, a small village famous for the Cerro de los Siete Colores (Hill of 7 Colors). This mountain looks like a rainbow painted in stone, with shades of red, green, pink, and brown. The town itself feels frozen in time, with adobe houses, a 17th-century church, and a central plaza where artisans sell crafts. Walking through Purmamarca, we felt surrounded by history and beauty.
Tilcara – Music, Food, and Local Life
We stayed in Tilcara, a lively town that felt like stepping into a movie. The streets were filled with musicians, dancers, and street markets. At night, we enjoyed cozy restaurants, live music, and traditional food like empanadas, tamales, llama meat, and local craft beer. After long hikes, sharing alfajores with dulce de leche was the perfect treat. Tilcara became our home base during the trip, and it was the heart of our adventure.
Humahuaca Gorge – History and Heights
Driving along the Quebrada de Humahuaca, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was like traveling back in time. This gorge stretches nearly 100 miles and was once part of the Inca trail system. The road twisted through valleys, mesas, and gorges that reminded us of the American Southwest.
Our destination was the Cerro de 14 Colores (Hill of 14 Colors). Getting there meant an hour on a winding dirt road that climbed nearly 7,000 feet higher. At the top, we stood at 14,727 feet above sea level—coca tea was a must to handle the altitude. The view was worth every mile: endless layers of colors stretched across the mountains, while wild vicuñas roamed nearby.
Salinas Grandes – An Ocean of White
The highlight of our journey was the Salinas Grandes, one of the world’s largest salt flats, covering more than 3,000 square miles. After crossing a high mountain pass, the horizon opened into a flat, glowing sea of pure white. At first, it looked like a mirage, but as we drove onto the flats, the patterns of salt came alive.
Our guide showed us blue crystal pools that had formed over centuries from underground rivers. Standing in the middle of this endless white world, with mountains in the distance and silence all around, felt like being on another planet.
Culture, Tips, and Travel Advice for Jujuy, Argentina
- Best Time to Visit: April to October, when the skies are clear and temperatures mild.
- Altitude: Many places are above 10,000 feet, so take it slow, drink coca tea, and stay hydrated.
- How to Get There: Fly to Salta or San Salvador de Jujuy and rent a car. Driving gives you freedom to explore at your own pace.
- What to Pack: Layers for hot days and cold nights, sunblock, a hat, and comfortable shoes.
- Culture: Jujuy has strong indigenous roots. You’ll see Andean textiles, music, and festivals like the Carnaval de Humahuaca that bring the towns alive.
Final Thoughts
Our trip through Jujuy, Argentina was filled with moments we’ll never forget—walking under rainbow mountains, climbing to 14,000 feet, and standing on endless salt flats. More than the views, it was the mix of culture, food, and warm people that made Jujuy special.
If you want to see a different side of Argentina, far from the crowds of Patagonia or Buenos Aires, Jujuy is the place. It’s a land of colors, traditions, and landscapes you won’t find anywhere else.
