Humahuaca City
Town in Jujuy, Argentina
High in Jujuy, Humahuaca sits at the Quebrada’s throat - adobe streets, colonial churches and markets selling woven ponchos. Visitors come for the gorge’s layered hills, indigenous crafts and regional dishes like locro and roast goat.
Why Visit Humahuaca?#
Framed by the multicolored slopes of the Quebrada, Humahuaca draws travelers for its high-altitude Andean culture and historic streets. The town’s colonial plaza, indigenous textile markets and annual Carnival showcase Quechua and Aymara traditions, while local dishes-humita, empanadas and mate-tie the food to the landscape. Nearby viewpoints such as the Serranías del Hornocal and the broader Quebrada de Humahuaca UNESCO corridor make the town a cultural hub for exploring northern Argentina’s living mountain heritage.
Best Things to Do in Humahuaca#
Humahuaca Bucket List#
Quebrada de Humahuaca - Scenic Andean valley with colorful rock formations and ancient indigenous routes.
Iglesia de la Candelaria - Colonial church at town centre with period altarpieces and local religious traditions.
El Hornocal (Hill of 14 Colours) - Short trip to Hornocal’s striped hills offering panoramic views of Andean ranges.
Museo de la Quebrada - Local museum exploring regional archaeology, music, and traditional textiles collections.
Pucará de Tilcara - Nearby pre-Inca fortress with terraces, ruins, and interpretive displays.
Local Artisan Market - Market stalls selling woven ponchos, silverwork, and Andean musical instruments.
Evenings of Folk Music - Evenings with traditional Andean music performances at small town venues.
Tilcara and Pucará - Tilcara offers archaeological site, botanical gardens, and lively artisan markets nearby.
Salinas Grandes (Salt Flats) - High-altitude salt flats providing dramatic white landscapes and photo opportunities.
Best Time to Visit Humahuaca#
Humahuaca is clearest and driest from April to November, with spring and winter offering brilliant skies and comfortable daytime temperatures. Summers bring rain and warmer nights at altitude-plan accordingly.
December - February
10°C - 25°C (50°F - 77°F)
Warm days with summer rains-lush valley scenery but afternoon thunderstorms can interrupt travel and hiking plans.
June - August
0°C - 18°C (32°F - 64°F)
Dry, sunny, and cool days with cold nights-excellent for clear photography and exploring high-altitude landscapes.
September - November
5°C - 22°C (41°F - 72°F)
Comfortable, dry weather and blooming deserts make this a favorite time for trekking and scenic drives in the quebrada.
Humahuaca's climate is classified as Subtropical Highland (Dry Winter) - Subtropical Highland (Dry Winter) climate with mild summers (peaking in December) and cold winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from -2°C to 24°C. Very dry conditions with minimal rainfall with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 10°C. The wettest month with 49 mm of rain and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (43 mm).
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March
March is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 9°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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April
April is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 6°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
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May
May is cold with highs of 18°C and lows of 2°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and mostly sunny skies.
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June
June is cold with highs of 16°C and lows of -1°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
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July
July is the coolest month with highs of 16°C and lows of -2°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and mostly sunny skies.
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August
August is cold with highs of 19°C and lows of 0°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 3°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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October
October is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 6°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
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November
November is cool with highs of 24°C and lows of 8°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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December
December is cool with highs of 24°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (40 mm).
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How to Get to Humahuaca#
Humahuaca is reached overland via San Salvador de Jujuy or Salta by intercity bus. There are no direct train services; buses along Route 9 provide the scenic and practical connection for most visitors.
Governor Horacio Guzmán International Airport (SLA) - San Salvador de Jujuy: The nearest airport with commercial services to Humahuaca is Jujuy (SLA), about 130-160 km away. From the airport take a bus or taxi to San Salvador de Jujuy (around 30-45 min) and then an intercity bus to Humahuaca (approximately 3-4 hours).
Salta Airport (SLA alternative) / Salta (SLA actually Salta): Salta International Airport (SLA) is also used by many travelers to the region (approx. 200 km by road). From Salta there are regular buses to Purmamarca and Humahuaca; journeys can be 3-5 hours depending on route and stops.
Train: There are no direct long‑distance passenger trains to Humahuaca; the main travel mode in this region is road.
Bus: Intercity buses from San Salvador de Jujuy and Salta are the standard way to reach Humahuaca. Buses follow the scenic RN9 route through the Quebrada de Humahuaca; travel times are typically 3-5 hours from the provincial capitals, with fares varying by operator and class of service.
How to Get Around Humahuaca#
Expect an overland journey by coach from San Salvador de Jujuy or Salta to Humahuaca along RN9. For flexibility and sightseeing along the route a rental car or private transfer works best, while buses are economical and frequent.
- Intercity Bus (ARS 400-1,200) - Buses from San Salvador de Jujuy and Salta run to Humahuaca along RN9 and offer the main public transport option. Buses range from basic to executive coaches; reserve ahead in high season for the best seats on the scenic route.
- Regional Flight (to Jujuy/Salta) (varies) - Fly into Jujuy or Salta and continue by bus - flights reduce overall travel time to the region but the final leg remains by road. Domestic schedules vary, especially in low season.
- Taxi / Private Transfer (varies) - Private transfers provide door‑to‑door service and let you stop at viewpoints along the Quebrada de Humahuaca. Costs are higher than buses but useful for groups or tight itineraries.
- Car (rental / drive) (rentals from ~ARS 5,000/day) - Driving gives the greatest flexibility to explore the UNESCO‑listed Quebrada de Humahuaca and nearby villages. Roads can be winding at altitude; allow extra time and check vehicle condition.
- Collective / Shared Taxi (ARS 500-2,000) - Shared taxis or remises are a mid‑range option for regional travel - faster than buses and cheaper than private transfers, but capacity and comfort vary.
- Walking - Humahuaca town is compact and excellent to explore on foot; the main plaza, markets and local museums are within easy walking distance.
Where to Stay in Humahuaca#
Plaza / Historic Centre - ARS 1500-4000/night
Humahuaca has several simple hostels and family-run guesthouses clustered around the Plaza; expect basic but characterful stays.
Humahuaca hostels & guesthouses (Booking listings) - Small family B&Bs and hostels downtown
Tripadvisor: Humahuaca budget stays - User-reviewed inexpensive options
Historic Centre - ARS 4000-8000/night
Mid-range boutique hotels sit near the town square and offer comfortable rooms and local breakfasts.
Hotel Portal de Humahuaca - Comfortable hotel near the main square
Humahuaca mid-range hotels (Booking listings) - Boutique and family hotels nearby
Jujuy province lodges - ARS 8000+/night
Humahuaca itself has few true luxury hotels; upscale travellers often book boutique lodges elsewhere in Jujuy province.
Luxury regional lodges (Jujuy province) - Higher-end stays spread across the province
Select boutique lodges (book via major sites) - Best high-end choices require bookings in advance
Where to Eat in Humahuaca#
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Humahuaca’s restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
Shopping in Humahuaca#
Humahuaca has small artisan markets and stalls around the main square selling woven textiles, silver and local crafts-perfect for regional souvenirs. Small shops and produce stalls supply everyday needs.
Nightlife in Humahuaca#
For a town its size Humahuaca has a lively seasonal nightlife: peñas (folk‑music nights), bars and restaurants fill the evenings, especially during festivals and high season.
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