Serranía de Hornocal
Mountain Striped limestone mountain range famed for vivid colors
A high Andean ridge near Humahuaca, Serranía de Hornocal is famous for striped limestone folds called the Hill of 14 Colours. Visitors drive or hike to viewpoints for layered geology and high-altitude puna scenery.
The Serranía de Hornocal is a multicoloured limestone mountain range in Jujuy Province in northwest Argentina, noted for its banded, brightly coloured strata. The formation sits within the Quebrada de Humahuaca region and is widely admired for its striking, layered appearance.
The most visited element is the exposed escarpment seen from a roadside mirador that looks over the folded sedimentary layers; colours range across reds, yellows and greens depending on mineral content and light. The site is commonly reached by road from the towns in the Humahuaca valley, and it is a popular short excursion for visitors exploring the Quebrada de Humahuaca.
Geologically the serranía reflects folded and uplifted sedimentary rocks from the Andean orogenic processes and it rises to high elevation above the surrounding valley. The range lies north of the town of Humahuaca and is accessible by paved and gravel roads that climb into high-altitude terrain.
- Access and altitude: The viewpoint is at high altitude and the site is often visited as a day trip from the town of Humahuaca; the road to the mirador is steep and may require a sturdy vehicle.
- Best time to view: The layered, multicoloured limestone formations are a product of intense folding and uplift; clear weather and low sun angles, typically morning or late afternoon, give the best colour contrast for photography.
What to See #
- Mirador de Hornocal: A roadside viewpoint (Mirador) above the folded limestone escarpments where visitors can view the brightly banded strata; the viewpoint sits near the high slopes of the range and provides the most accessible panorama of the formation.
How to Get to Serranía de Hornocal #
The usual approach is by road from Humahuaca (about a 25-45 minute drive to the viewpoint depending on road conditions). Humahuaca itself is accessible by bus from Jujuy city and the regional towns of Tilcara and Purmamarca.
Tips for Visiting Serranía de Hornocal #
- Visit the Hornocal viewpoint at sunrise for the best light on the multicolored strata.
- Combine the trip with Purmamarca and the Salinas Grandes - Hornocal is often part of a day circuit out of Humahuaca.
- Acclimatize in Humahuaca or Tilcara first; the viewpoint sits above 4,300 meters and altitude can affect even experienced travelers.
Best Time to Visit Serranía de Hornocal #
Spring and autumn are ideal for clear skies and moderate daytime temperatures; winter offers dramatic light but colder conditions.
Weather & Climate near Serranía de Hornocal #
Serranía de Hornocal's climate is classified as Tundra - Tundra climate with cold summers (peaking in January) and freezing winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from -10°C to 14°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 1°C. The wettest month with 62 mm of rain.
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February
February is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (61 mm).
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March
March is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (42 mm).
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April
April is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of -2°C. Almost no rain.
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May
May is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of -6°C. The driest month with just 1 mm.
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June
June is freezing with highs of 8°C and lows of -9°C. Almost no rain.
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July
July is the coldest month with highs of 8°C and lows of -10°C. The driest month with just 1 mm.
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August
August is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of -8°C. Almost no rain.
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September
September is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of -6°C. Almost no rain.
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October
October is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of -3°C. Light rainfall.
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November
November is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of -1°C. Light rainfall.
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December
December is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (54 mm).
