Jujuy's Towns: Where to Stay in the Quebrada

Jujuy's gorge towns each have a distinct character and altitude. This guide walks you through the main bases, Purmamarca, Tilcara, Humahuaca, and Maimara, so you can choose where to sleep and what to expect.

Purmamarca (2,192m)

The southernmost and lowest gorge town, Purmamarca is a tiny adobe village nestled directly beneath the Cerro de los Siete Colores. Ancient carob trees shade its main plaza, a simple 17th-century church anchors one side, and a daily artisan market fills the square with textiles and crafts. It is the most touristy of the towns, but also the most postcard-perfect, and the natural starting point for the Cuesta de Lipan and the Salinas Grandes. Note that Purmamarca sits 3km off RN 9 on Route 52, so not every gorge bus stops here.

Base here if you want the classic seven-colours view on your doorstep, a relaxed first night to acclimatise, and easy access to the salt flats. Boutique lodges like Manantial del Silencio sit just outside the village with mountain views.

Tilcara (2,461m)

The cultural hub of the Quebrada and the best all-round base. Tilcara has the most restaurants, the best museums (including the Museo Arqueologico Dr. Eduardo Casanova), artisan workshops, and the pre-Columbian Pucara fortress on the hill above town. It is central, so day trips run easily both north (Humahuaca, the Hornocal) and south (Purmamarca, the salt flats). The annual Carnival here is one of Argentina's most vibrant.

Base here if you want the widest choice of food and lodging, a lively but laid-back atmosphere, and the shortest average drive to everything in the gorge. It is the choice most independent travelers make.

Humahuaca (2,939m)

The highest and most traditional gorge town, at the northern end of the Quebrada. Narrow colonial streets, strong Kolla indigenous culture, and the noon ritual at the Cabildo clock tower give it a more remote, time-worn feel. Humahuaca is the gateway to the Serranias del Hornocal, the 14-coloured mountain 25km east on a rough dirt road.

Base here if you want to be first to the Hornocal in the morning, prefer a quieter and more authentic small town, and do not mind the higher altitude. It has fewer upscale options than Tilcara.

Maimara (2,400m)

A small village between Purmamarca and Tilcara, famous for the Paleta del Pintor (Painter's Palette), a layered mountainside rising behind a hillside cemetery. Most travelers stop here for the view rather than overnight, but it makes a peaceful, low-key alternative base close to Tilcara.

Quick recommendation

For a first trip, base yourself in Tilcara for its central location and food scene, with one night in Purmamarca if you want the seven-colours view at dawn. Choose Humahuaca only if the Hornocal is your priority and you want an early start, or for a more off-the-beaten-path feel.