Jujuy's attractions cluster along the Quebrada de Humahuaca and the high plateau to its west, with the lush yungas to the east. This ranked list covers the essentials, from the famous coloured mountains and the surreal Salinas Grandes salt flats to pre-Columbian ruins, llama treks, and one of Argentina's most vibrant carnivals. Save any of them to build your own itinerary.
The Best Things to Do in Jujuy
1Must visit
Viewpoint4.9
Serranias del Hornocal
The 14-coloured mountain near Humahuaca, a jagged rainbow ridge at 4,350m that outshines its more famous cousin in Purmamarca. The reward for a rough dirt-road drive is one of the most dramatic geological sights in South America.
Humahuaca
2Must visit
Viewpoint4.8
Cerro de los Siete Colores
Purmamarca's iconic seven-coloured hill, where 75 million years of mineral deposits streak a single hillside. The signature image of northern Argentina, best in the soft light of early morning.
Purmamarca
3
Nature
Salinas Grandes
A 212 sq km salt flat at 3,450m, a blinding white plain of hexagonal salt tiles and turquoise brine pools. After rain it becomes a mirror reflecting the sky; the drive over the Cuesta de Lipan is half the spectacle.
Altiplano, 3,450m altitude
4Must visit
Memorial4.5
Pucara de Tilcara
A reconstructed pre-Columbian fortress of the Omaguaca people on a hilltop above Tilcara, with strategic gorge views and an on-site museum. The best place to connect with the region's deep indigenous past.
Tilcara
5
Cultural
Carnival de Tilcara
Argentina's most vibrant carnival (February-March), fusing Andean Pachamama ritual with colonial celebration. Comparsas, drums, diablada dancers, and flour and water fill Tilcara's streets for nine riotous days.
Tilcara (February-March)9 days
6
Memorial4.3
Humahuaca
The highest, most traditional gorge town at 2,939m, with colonial streets, a noon clock-tower ritual, and a monumental independence stairway. The cultural anchor of the upper Quebrada.
Humahuaca
7
Outdoor
Llama Trekking in the Quebrada
A gentle walk through coloured canyons and cactus forest with llamas carrying your gear, led by local operators near Tilcara. A unique, family-friendly way to feel the landscape underfoot.
Near Tilcara2-4 hours
8
Scenic Spot4.2
Garganta del Diablo - Tilcara
A deep red-rock gorge with a waterfall, a 45-minute hike from Tilcara. The canyon opens to a pool that locals swim in come summer, a refreshing contrast to the dry valley.
Tilcara
9
Experience
Termas de Reyes Hot Springs
Natural thermal baths in a mountain gorge just outside San Salvador de Jujuy. Soak in hot mineral pools after days on the road; the scenic drive in is part of the appeal.
19km north of San Salvador de JujuyHalf day
10
Outdoor
Yungas Cloud Forest Hike
A hike through the lush yungas cloud forest of Calilegua National Park, a startling green contrast to the dry gorge, alive with orchids, toucans, and howler monkeys.
Calilegua National Park or San Francisco areaHalf to full day
FAQ
- What is the number one thing to do in Jujuy?
- Seeing the coloured mountains of the Quebrada de Humahuaca, especially the 14-coloured Serranias del Hornocal near Humahuaca and the Cerro de los Siete Colores at Purmamarca. They are the defining sights of the region and the reason most travelers come.
- Is the Hornocal worth the effort over Purmamarca?
- Many travelers find the Hornocal more spectacular: 14 colours instead of seven, a dramatic serrated ridge, and far fewer visitors. It does require a rough 25km dirt-road drive from Humahuaca and reaches 4,350m, so it takes more effort and acclimatisation. Ideally, see both.
- Are most attractions in Jujuy free?
- Yes, most are free: the coloured mountains, the gorge towns, viewpoints, and artisan markets cost nothing to visit. The main paid sights are the Pucara de Tilcara entry, the Salinas Grandes community fee, and guided excursions or treks.
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