Quebrada de Humahuaca
Ancient Inca trade route through rainbow canyons
The Quebrada de Humahuaca cuts a 155-kilometer gash through Argentina’s high desert, following the same route Inca traders used centuries ago. You’ll climb from Jujuy through the Cerro de los Siete Colores (Hill of Seven Colors) near Purmamarca, where sedimentary layers paint the mountainsides in impossible reds, purples, and yellows. The route passes through Tilcara with its ancient pucará fortress and ends at the colonial town of Humahuaca at 2,939 meters elevation.
This is mostly graded dirt and pavement suitable for any high-clearance vehicle, though some side canyons require 4WD for exploration. Best tackled April through October when summer rains won’t turn arroyos into torrents. Stock up on water and fuel in Jujuy—services are sparse once you’re committed. What you get is a living museum where Quechua villages still practice ancient traditions, plus camping under some of the clearest skies in South America.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Easy |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Scenic Drive |
| Surface | Mixed |
| Features | Camping, High Altitude, Historic, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 96 mi / 155 km |
| Duration | 2-3 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 9643 ft |
| Best season | April-October |
| Minimum vehicle | Stock SUV high-clearance |
| Nearest town | Jujuy, Jujuy |
| Land manager | UNESCO World Heritage Site |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
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