Humahuaca is a historic town of 11,000 inhabitants at 2,939 meters altitude at the northern end of the Quebrada de Humahuaca, Jujuy province, Argentina (lat -23.2053, lng -65.3506), 126 km north of San Salvador de Jujuy and 330 km from Salta city via RN 9. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2003, the Quebrada de Humahuaca is a 155-km valley with 10,000 years of cultural history. Humahuaca is its northernmost town and the gateway to the Puna and destinations like Hornocal (Serranias del Hornocal, 14-color mountain at 4,350 m). The town preserves cobblestone streets, adobe houses, the Cabildo with its clock that every day at noon opens a door to reveal a figure of San Francisco Solano, and the Monument to the Heroes of Independence on Cerro Santa Barbara. The Humahuaca carnival (February) is one of the most authentic and ancestral in the NOA, with the unearthing and burial of the devil, comparsas and coplas. From here you can continue to Uquia, Tilcara or Iruya.
Getting there — distances & times
| From | Distance | Flight | Bus | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buenos Aires (EZE) | 1500 km | 2 h 20 | 20–22 h | 15–17 h |
| New York (JFK) | 9400 km | 12 h + 2 h 20 layover | — | — |
| Madrid (MAD) | 11300 km | 14 h + 2 h 20 layover | — | — |
| São Paulo (GRU) | 2800 km | 4 h 30 | — | — |
| Córdoba | 890 km | 1 h 30 | 11–13 h | 9–10 h |
| Mendoza | 1200 km | 2 h | 17–19 h | 13–15 h |
Month-by-month climate
| Month | Temp. | Rain | Crowds | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 16° / 28°C | 180 mm | Rainy summer | |
| Feb | 15° / 27°C | 155 mm | ||
| Mar | 14° / 26°C | 110 mm | ||
| Apr | 11° / 24°C | 30 mm | Dry season starts | |
| May | 8° / 22°C | 8 mm | ||
| Jun | 5° / 20°C | 3 mm | ||
| Jul | 4° / 20°C | 3 mm | Winter break | |
| Aug | 6° / 22°C | 5 mm | ||
| Sep | 9° / 25°C | 10 mm | Clear skies | |
| Oct | 12° / 27°C | 25 mm | ||
| Nov | 14° / 28°C | 60 mm | ||
| Dec | 16° / 28°C | 140 mm | Holidays |
Typical prices by category
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hotel/night | USD 15–25 | USD 50–90 | USD 150–350 |
| Food/day | USD 12–18 | USD 25–40 | USD 60–120 |
| Day tour | USD 40–55 | USD 60–90 | USD 120–200 |
| Car rental/day | USD 30–45 | USD 50–70 | USD 90–150 |
Approximate ranges in USD as of April 2026. May vary with Argentine peso exchange rate.
How to Get There
Humahuaca is on RN 9, the main road through the Quebrada de Humahuaca.
From Salta
330 km via RN 9 through San Salvador de Jujuy, fully paved. The drive takes 4.5-5 hours. You pass through Purmamarca, Tilcara and other Quebrada towns, all worth a stop.
From San Salvador de Jujuy
126 km via RN 9, 2 hours on good pavement.
Public Transport
Frequent buses from Jujuy to Humahuaca (Balut company, every 1-2 hours, USD 5-8, 2.5 hours). Less frequent direct services from Salta (4-5 hours). Buses stop at all Quebrada towns.
What to See and Do
Monument to the Heroes of Independence
Atop Cerro Santa Barbara, reached by a staircase from the plaza, stands this 70-ton monument by sculptor Ernesto Soto Avendano. It depicts an indigenous figure with raised arm, surrounded by figures narrating the resistance history of the Omaguaca people. Views of the town and gorge from above are spectacular.
The Cabildo and San Francisco Solano Clock
The Cabildo on the main plaza has a mechanical clock that every day at 12:00 noon opens a small door and reveals an articulated figure of San Francisco Solano that blesses the town. A unique tradition that draws visitors and locals to the plaza each noon. The Cabildo also houses a small art gallery.
Humahuaca Carnival
In February, Humahuaca hosts one of Argentina's most authentic carnivals. The ritual unearthing of the devil marks the beginning, followed by days of comparsas, coplas, Andean music, dances and celebration. The burial of the devil closes the festivities. A celebration with pre-Hispanic roots blended with colonial traditions, very different from carnivals in other regions.
Serranias del Hornocal
25 km from Humahuaca on a gravel road, the Serranias del Hornocal (14-color mountain) rise to 4,350 m with extraordinary colored strata: red, orange, yellow, green, white, violet. The most striking viewpoint in the Quebrada. The road requires a high-clearance vehicle. Tours from Humahuaca cost USD 15-25 per person.
When to Visit
- Fall (March-May): Excellent. Dry climate, blue skies, pleasant daytime temperatures. End of carnival in March.
- Winter (June-August): Very cold (lows below 0°C), but sunny and dry. Crystal-clear skies. Peak season in July.
- Spring (September-November): Moderate temperatures, few tourists. Good season.
- Summer/Carnival (December-February): Rainy season but also carnival time (February). If you coincide with carnival, it is a unique experience. Rains are brief and tropical.
Practical Information
Accommodation
Humahuaca has hostels from USD 8-15, inns from USD 30-60 and charming rural houses. The selection is more basic than in Tilcara or Purmamarca. Book months ahead for carnival.
Dining
Andean cuisine: llama empanadas, locro, humita, tamales, quinoa stew. Budget restaurants and regional cuisine spots. Lunch: USD 5-10. The municipal market has very affordable home cooking.
Budget
Humahuaca is affordable. Hostel: USD 8-15. Lunch: USD 5-10. Hornocal excursion: USD 15-25. Bus from Jujuy: USD 5-8. Crafts: USD 2-20.
Altitude
At 2,939 m, some people may feel mild altitude sickness. Stay hydrated, avoid alcohol on the first day, eat light. Coca leaves or coca tea help. If going to Hornocal (4,350 m), altitude sickness is more likely.
