Argentina travel blog by Mark Berman -
November 2011
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The 4 and a half hour journey by bus (283kms) from La Quiaca to Jujuy is an amazing drive amongst rocky red terrain, colorful canyons and open green
valleys and spaces. Sometimes quite desolate, but very beautiful. Abra Pampa
The first main town south after leaving La Quiaca is Abra Pampa founded in
1883. Abra Pampa is home of the Huancar Folk Festival and in August the feast of Pachamama. Sandboarding on the dunes surrounding the city is
one popular activity for adventure seekers as is exploration of the landscapes nearby. Abra Pampa has remnants of indigenous cultures and is
celebrated and kept alive by the local Coya people.
Cochinoca and Rinconada
Nearby towns Cochinoca and Rinconada maintain traditions such as bullfighting, a short distance
from Abra Pampa.
Humahuaca
An hour and 10mins south is the next main town along the way called Humahuaca. The leg between Abra Pampa and Humahuaca
offers some very spectacular scenery - rock formations of many colors and terrains of cactus. The bus stopped for 10mins in Humahuaca. It is 2939
meters above sea level and has a mild and dry climate. Humahuaca Canyon (Quebrada de Humahuaca) is known for its multi-colored mountains.
This makes Humahuaca a popular place for tourists and backpackers to visit and stay a few days. There are archaeological sites and ruins in this area and many
other interesting things to do and see between Humahuaca and Jujuy.
Pumamarca
Visit Pumamarca and view the lovely 18th century architecture including the
church made from adobe. There is a unique handicrafts market here also as well as stunning views of the mountain of 7 colors.
Maimara
A little north of Pumamarca
is Maimara, a small town where visitors come to see a group of yellow, red and white hills called the Painters Palette.
Tilcara
Nearby
is Tilcara where the Archeological Museum is the main attraction. Pucara ruins are located nearby as well as the Botanical Gardens.
South from Humahuaca
Heading south from Humahuaca there is a huge llama monument on the right side towering above the building it stands beside and as tall as 7 cars. The
scenery is amazing, the mountains, the green pastures, trees and the dry cactus valleys. This is definitely a part of Argentina worth exploring!
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The outskirts of Humahuaca.
The terrain begins to change south of Abra Pampa.
Tiled rooftops and monument on a hill in Humahuaca.
Monument to Jose de San Martin in Humahuaca.
