Add dates

TilcaraCulture & history

Our most recommended Tilcara Culture & history

From Jujuy: Day Trip to Quebrada de Humahuaca

1. From Jujuy: Day Trip to Quebrada de Humahuaca

Meet your group at the meeting point in Jujuy. From there, take a ride to Purmamarca, a small town at the base of the Seven Colors Hill, a stunning multi-hued mountain. Then, discover Maimará, a small village nestled in the shadow of the Monolith Painter's Palette, a multicolored geological formation made up of stunning red, yellow, orange, and pastel hues. Next, visit Pucará de Tilcara, a fort built in the 12th century by the Omaguaca tribe, who were later conquered by the Incas. Stop in the sleepy town of Uquía, notable for its historic church boasting paintings of gun-toting angels. Make your next stop at the Tropic of Cancer, the most southerly latitude at which the sun can appear directly overhead at noon. Head on to Humahuaca and admire the multicolored Quebrada de Humahuaca mountain, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This mountainous gorge or "quebrada" runs for nearly 100 miles (155 kilometers) along the Grande River and up into Bolivia.

Full-Day Tour to Humahuaca from Salta

2. Full-Day Tour to Humahuaca from Salta

On this full-day tour you’ll travel from Salta city to San Salvador de Jujuy. This is where your adventure begins, with visits to the towns of La Quebrada de Humahuaca. The first of the towns on the itinerary is Purmamarca, with the spectacular Cerro de Siete Colores (Hill of 7 Colors) rising behind it. Take a walk to the principal square, where craftsmen display and sell their work. Afterwards, visit the church, which played an important role in local history. From the road you’ll be able to see the Paleta del Pintor Hill, before arriving in Humahuaca town. Enjoy a break for lunch and take some time to explore the town. Admire the impressive Monumento de la Independencia (Independence Monument). As you make your way back to Salta, you'll visit a chapel built 700 years ago that has an altar covered in gold. You’ll also get to see priceless paintings of the Cusco School and a small monument marking the imaginary line of the Tropic of Capricorn. Stop in Tilcara town for a walk to its main square and church. There will also be time here to visit the Anthropology Museum. The final stop on the tour is Las Ruinas Incaicas del Pucara de Tilcara. These ruins date back to a society even older than the Incas.

Salta: 3-Day Trip to Cachi, Humahuaca, and Salinas Grandes

3. Salta: 3-Day Trip to Cachi, Humahuaca, and Salinas Grandes

Spend 3 days exploring landscapes of Salta & Jujuy. Day 1. Tour to Cachi. Depart Salta and journey along Provincial Route 68, traveling through the small towns of Cerrillos, La Merced and El Carril. Then, drive along Provincial Route 33 to pass the dramatic Gorge of Escoipe and Los Laureles. Next, start your journey along the famous winding road of the Cuesta del Obispo (Bishop's Slope). Admire the magnificent rock formations and natural walls en route to the summit at 3,348 meters above sea level. Look for condors flying above, and marvel at the majesty of the "King of the Sky." Get a stunning view of El Valle Encantado ("The Enchanted Valley"), where the scenery is like something out of a fairytale. Notice how the landscape changes as you leave the sub-tropical valleys to go to Recta del Tin Tin, built during the time of the Incas. Travel through the Parque Nacional los Cardones ("National Park of the Cactus"), named for its abundance of cardon grande cactus bush formations. Arrive in the beautiful town of Cachi in time for lunch. Then, stroll through streets of perfectly-preserved colonial architecture. Visit the town church in Central Plaza, and go to the historical museum showcasing the history of the Aboriginal communities. Pick up some souvenirs in the craft market and enjoy some free time to shop before the return drive to Salta. Day 2. Tour to Humahuaca. Leave Salta to visit some of the towns in the Quebrada de Humahuaca. Arrive in Purmamarca and take a walk through the central square where local craftsmen display their work. Get back on the road and travel to the UNESCO World Heritage Listed city of Humahuaca. View the Monumento a los Héroes de la Independencia and indulge in a traditional lunch after exploring the winding streets. Make your way back to Salta with several stops along the way. Enter into a chapel built 700 years ago with an altar of gold and admire priceless paintings of the Cusco school. Discover Incan relics at the Dr. Eduardo Casanova Archaeology Museum in the city of Tilcara and uncover a society even more ancient at the ruins of Pucará de Tilcara, before arriving back in Salta. Day 3. Tour to Salinas Grandes. Your first stop of the day is at the beautiful town of Purmamarca, one of the most picturesque villages in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Quebrada de Humahuaca. Visit the town's vibrant main square and perhaps pick up some souvenirs at one of the many surrounding craft stands. Afterward, enjoy a visit to the breathtaking and aptly-named 7 Color Hill. Later, continue your ascent along the majestic Cuesta del Lipan to reach the Salinas Grandes, one of the 7 Wonders of the Argentine Republic. Here, enjoy some free time to admire the unique salt planes and famous pools. Afterward, return to Purmamarca and break for lunch at one of the many traditional restaurants before returning to Salta. The order of the excursions is at the disposal of the passengers and availability of places. You choose the dates, but the order of the excursions may change depending on the availability of the agency

From Salta: Day Trip to Quebrada de Humahuaca

4. From Salta: Day Trip to Quebrada de Humahuaca

Embark on an adventure that will take you through striking landscapes and scenic villages. Meet at the local partner’s office near the Plaza 9 de Julio de Salta. If you select the pick-up option, enjoy the convenience of being picked up from your hotel in Salta. Drive to the Purmamarca village, which rests at the base of the Seven Colors Hill, a stunning multi-hued mountain. Journey to Maimará, a small village nestled in the shadow Monolith Painter’s Palette. Admire the stunning red, yellow, orange, and pastel hues of the Monolith. Visit Pucará de Tilcara, a fort built in the 12th century by the Omaguaca tribe, who were later conquered by the Incas. Stop in the sleepy town of Uquía, which is notable for its historic church which boasts paintings of gun-toting angels.  Pause at the Tropic of Capricorn, the most southerly latitude at which the sun can appear directly overhead at noon. Visit Humahuca and admire the multi-colored town and culture, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Salta combo 6: Humahuaca and Salinas Grandes

5. Salta combo 6: Humahuaca and Salinas Grandes

Combo 6 in Jujuy!! By booking this combo you'll do the complete tours of Jujuy. You need at least 2 available days since each tour lasts approximately 12 hours. Visits to Humahuaca Gorge, Purmamarca and the Hill of the 7 Colors, Tilcara, Humahuaca, Salinas Grandes and the Lipan Slope. 2 days to get to know Jujuy with two full day tours!

From Salta: Local Landscape, Winery, and Culture Tour

6. From Salta: Local Landscape, Winery, and Culture Tour

1.Meet your guide at your hotel and settle into the van before setting out from Salta. Take in views of the farms and tobacco plantations of the Lerma Valley. Pass the town of Alemania and marvel at the red mountains and rock formations such as the Devil's Throat and the Parrots' House. Upon arrival in Cafayate, visit a winery to learn more about the local wine industry. Sample various wines. A highlight is the Torrontés, a variety that originated in Argentina. Experience a completely different landscape on your drive back to Salta. 2. Travel Provincial Route 33 and enjoy vistas of the Escoipe river's dramatic gorge and Los Laureles. Journey along the famous winding road of Cuesta del Obispo. Admire the magnificent rock formations en route to the summit. Ride through the Parque Nacional los Cardones. The park's name comes from its abundance of cardon grande cactus bushes. In the town of Cachi, you will have time to explore and find a spot to enjoy lunch. During your free time, stroll through streets of colonial architecture. Visit the church in Central Plaza or a museum devoted to local history. Browse shops and find a souvenir before the return drive to Salta. 3.Visit Purmamarca, with the spectacular Hill of 7 Colors rising behind it. Check out works by local craftsmen in the city's main square. Pay a visit to the church, important in local history. Break for lunch in town (costs not included) and explore. Admire the Paleta del Pintor Hill from the road and the impressive Monumento de la Independencia. Visit a chapel built 700 years ago featuring an altar covered in gold. See priceless paintings of the Cusco School and a small monument marking the Tropic of Capricorn. Stop in Tilcara for a walk to its main square and church. End your day's tour at Las Ruinas Incaicas del Pucara de Tilcara. Learn about the people who first lived on the site at the museum before returning to Salta. 4. Journey towards Jujuy, passing through the towns of Volcán and Tumbaya along the way.  Experience the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Quebrada de Humahuaca, once a major trade route thousands of years ago. Return to Purmamarca. Experience the town's vibrant main square if you missed it the day before. Maybe pick up some souvenirs at one of the many craft stands. Enjoy a visit to the breathtaking Hill of 7 Colors. Continue your ascent along the Cuesta del Lipan to reach the Salinas Grandes, considered one of the 7 Wonders of the Argentine Republic. Enjoy some free time to admire the unique salt planes and famous pools. Back in Purmamarca, take some time for lunch at one of the many traditional restaurants. Explore some more of the town before returning to Salta. You choose the dates, but the order of the excursions may change depending on the availability of the agency

From Salta: 2 Day Guided Trip to Cafayate & Humahuaca

7. From Salta: 2 Day Guided Trip to Cafayate & Humahuaca

Spend 2 days seeing the natural beauty of the Salta Province. Pass by tobacco plantations and red rock formations, arriving in Cafayate to visit a local winery. Drive to Purmamarca and UNESCO World Heritage Listed Humahuaca on this guided trip, finding Incan relics and savoring an Argentinian lunch. Day 1:Get picked up from your accommodation in Salta and head along National Route 68, admiring panoramic views of farms and leaves drying on tobacco plantations in the Valle de Lerma. Continue on your way to Cafayate, passing by the peaceful settlement of Alemani and making a stop to view breathtaking red rock formations like Garganta del Diablo. Arrive in the town of Cafayate, famous for its many vineyards and winemaking. Learn about the local wine industry by visiting a winery, before grabbing some lunch and driving back to Salta on a different route.  Day 2:Leave Salta to visit some of the towns in the Quebrada de Humahuaca. Arrive in Purmamarca and take a walk through the central square where local craftsmen display their work.  Get back on the road and travel to the UNESCO World Heritage Listed city of Humahuaca. View the Monumento a los Héroes de la Independencia and indulge in a traditional lunch after exploring the winding streets. Make your way back to Salta with several stops along the way. Enter into a chapel built 700 years ago with an altar of gold and admire priceless paintings of the Cusco school. Discover Incan relics at the Dr. Eduardo Casanova Archaeology Museum in the city of Tilcara and uncover a society even more ancient at the ruins of Pucará de Tilcara, before arriving back in Salta. You choose the dates, but the order of the excursions may change depending on the availability of the agency

Salta combo 2: Cafayate and Humahuaca

8. Salta combo 2: Cafayate and Humahuaca

Combo 2 in Salta and Jujuy!! By booking this combo you'll do the tours of Humahuaca and Cafayate. You need at least 2 available full days since each tour lasts approximately 12 hours. We'll visit Humahuaca Gorge, Purmamarca and 7-colors Hill, Tilcara, Las Conchas gorge and a winery. Spend 2 days getting to know both provinces with two full day tours!

8 activities found
Sort by:

You might also like...

Unmissable attractions

Immersive experiences

Frequently asked questions about Tilcara Culture & history

What are other things to do than Culture & history that are worth visiting in Tilcara?

The other unmissable things to do in Tilcara are:

Other Sightseeing Options in Tilcara

Want to discover all there is to do in Tilcara? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about Tilcara

Overall rating

4.3 / 5

based on 49 reviews

Eine sehr gute Tour, wenn man alle Hauptsehenswürdigekiten in den Provinzen Jujuy und Salta in ein paar Tagen sehen möchte! Die Tour-Guides sind sehr bemüht, wissen und erzählen Vieles und sprechen sowohl Englisch als auch Spanisch hervorragend. Man ist in einem Mini-Van unterwegs und nicht in einem großen Bus - und das für diesen Preis! Übrigens: Nicht wundern: die einzelnen Tagestouren können in einer beliebigen Reihenfolge stattfinden.

Our guide Angie was knowledgeable and entertaining telling us about the history and legends of the the area. The views are breathtaking, the lunch suggestion delicious and quickly served. The visits to Purmamarca, Tilcara and Humahuaca were hurried. There was a lot to see and no time to walk to the historic sites. Recommend travelers break up the trips into two visits.

I travelled with my two children (18 and 3 years old). We all enjoy the scenery, the people in the small towns, the music and art. The Nordic tour guide knew the area and was very patient with everyone.

Everything worked very well even though I booked only a day before. Luis the guide was very friendly and explained a lot along the way! All the destinations of that day are very different and wonderful.

We spent an excellent day getting to know much of northern Argentina! Eduardo, our guide, a 10! He explained everything and more with the best good vibes! I highly recommend it, I would do it again!