- Location: Jujuy Province, Argentina
- Length: 155 km
- Height above sea level: more than 2 km
Amazing Argentina , located in the south-eastern part of South America, attracts more and more tourists every year. This distant and at the same time incredibly beautiful country conquers at first sight even experienced travelers who traveled the most mysterious corners of the world. Among the main attractions of the state one of the most interesting is the ancient path of Quebrada de Humahuaca, which our article will tell.
General information
Kebrada de Umauaca is one of the most colorful and mysterious valleys of Argentina. It is located in the province of Jujuy, which is in the north-west of the country, at an altitude of more than 2 km above sea level. This stunning place has its name from the relatively small town of Umauaca, which is about 17 km from here.
The rich history of the valley is more than 10,000 years old, when the indigenous settlements of the American peoples first settled on its territory. In the Middle Ages, through the gorge of Umahuaka, the path of the majestic Inca empire ran, and in 1810-1816. it was here that the main battles of the war for the independence of Argentina from Spain took place.
What is interesting about the valley of Quebrada de Umuaca?
Umawaka is a world full of miracles and secrets, one of the few places in Argentina that have not been touched by man. The inhabitants of the valley still honor the ancient traditions and customs of their ancestors and carefully guard the original centuries-old culture. So, the most famous settlements of this region are the capital of the province of San Salvador de Jujuy , the eponymous town of Umuaca mentioned above, and the small villages of Purmamarca and Tilcara. More about them:
- San Salvador de Jujuy is the most important and largest city of Jujuy province, which most brightly and colorfully reflects local culture. The greatest value for foreign tourists are architectural monuments: the cathedral, the Basilica of San Francisco and the Palace of Government.
- Umauaka is a city that is definitely worth a visit during a tour of the gorge. Narrow cobbled streets and colonial architecture give this small settlement a special charm, and numerous cafes offer delicious traditional cuisine prepared according to old recipes. Among the main attractions of this place are the cathedral Iglesia la Candelaria, the town hall and the central square, where the fair annually takes place.
- Purmamarca is one of the most famous villages in the Quebrada de Umuaca Valley. The main activity of local residents is the production of unique crafts and souvenirs , which everyone can buy in memory of a trip to the Square on July 9. The most visited attractions of Purmamarca are the legendary Hill of the Seven Flowers, formed under the influence of winds, and the Cathedral of Santa Rosa de Lima, built in the mid-17th century.
- Tilkara is another important cultural center of the region, whose fame has spread far beyond Argentina thanks to the ancient fortress of the 12th century, Pucara de Tilcara. Today, on the territory of the fort is a museum that tells about the life of various Indian tribes. Not far from here there is a botanical garden and a small nature reserve, in which rare species of lamas live.
How to get there?
Getting to the Quebrada de Umuaca gorge is easiest by plane, flying from any city in Argentina to the International Airport of Governor Horacio Guzmán International Airport, 30 km from the center of San Salvador de Jujuy . It is with him that most tours and excursions to the picturesque valley begin.