Getting around Jujuy is easier than its remote setting suggests. The gorge towns line up along one road, so a mix of frequent buses, shared taxis, and the occasional rental car covers almost everything. Here is how to move between sights.
Getting Around Jujuy
The lay of the land
Almost everything in the Quebrada de Humahuaca sits along National Route 9, which runs north from San Salvador de Jujuy through Purmamarca (junction), Maimara, Tilcara, and on to Humahuaca. Because the towns are strung along a single highway, public transport is genuinely practical, and you rarely need to backtrack.
Buses
Buses run RN 9 between San Salvador de Jujuy, Tilcara, and Humahuaca frequently, roughly every 45 minutes at peak times, operated by regional companies such as Balut, Evelia, and Panamericano. Journeys are cheap and the buses are comfortable enough for the short hops between towns.
The one wrinkle is Purmamarca, which sits 3km off RN 9 on Route 52. Not all buses make the detour into the village; the ones that do are local services running roughly every two hours. Faster buses drop you at the Purmamarca junction on the highway, from where a short taxi or local bus reaches the plaza.
Shared taxis (remises) and excursions
Shared taxis fill the gaps in the bus network and reach places buses do not, most importantly the Serranias del Hornocal (a rough dirt road east of Humahuaca) and the Salinas Grandes salt flats over the Cuesta de Lipan. Organised half- and full-day excursions from Tilcara, Purmamarca, or Humahuaca are the easiest way to see these, and they handle the driving on difficult roads.
Renting a car
A rental car gives the most freedom, letting you chase the morning light, stop at every mirador, and reach outlying sights on your own schedule. The main gorge road (RN 9) and the Cuesta de Lipan (RN 52) are paved and in good condition. The dirt road up to the Hornocal is steep and rough; a high-clearance vehicle or 4x4 is recommended. Pick up a car in San Salvador de Jujuy or fly into its airport.
Altitude and mountain-road tips
The gorge floor already sits above 2,000m, and side trips climb much higher, the Cuesta de Lipan tops 4,170m and the Hornocal viewpoint reaches 4,350m. Drive these slowly, watch for vicunas on the high plateau, and carry water, warm layers, and a full tank, as services are scarce. Acclimatise for a night or two in the gorge before tackling the highest roads.
Getting to Jujuy
Most travelers fly into San Salvador de Jujuy (Gobernador Horacio Guzman International Airport) or arrive overland from neighbouring Salta, about 190km away. From the capital, it is roughly 40km to the foot of the gorge and under two hours to Tilcara.
Quick recommendation
For a first trip, base in Tilcara and combine buses for the gorge towns with shared excursions for the Hornocal and Salinas Grandes. Rent a car only if you want full flexibility and an early start at the high-altitude sights.
FAQ
- Can you visit the Quebrada de Humahuaca by public bus?
- Yes. Frequent buses run National Route 9 between San Salvador de Jujuy, Tilcara, and Humahuaca, roughly every 45 minutes, so the main gorge towns are easy to reach by bus. The exceptions are Purmamarca (only local services detour into the village) and outlying sights like the Hornocal and Salinas Grandes, which need a taxi, excursion, or car.
- Do I need a car to see Jujuy?
- No, but it helps. The gorge towns are well connected by bus, and shared excursions cover the Hornocal and the salt flats. A rental car adds flexibility for chasing light and reaching remote sights on your own schedule, especially the rough road to the Hornocal.
- How do I get from Salta to Jujuy?
- Salta is about 190km from the Quebrada de Humahuaca. Regular long-distance buses connect Salta with San Salvador de Jujuy and the gorge towns, and many travelers combine the two provinces in one trip. Driving takes roughly three hours to Tilcara.
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