Quebrada de Humahuaca Mining Circuit
Rainbow canyons meet Andean mining history
The Quebrada de Humahuaca cuts a 10,000-foot gash through the Andes, its rainbow-colored canyon walls hiding centuries of mining history. This circuit follows forgotten mining roads to abandoned silver and lead operations above Purmamarca and Tilcara, climbing past the Cerro de los Siete Colores before linking historic Inca pathways. The route includes a technical ascent to the Abra del Cóndor pass at 13,800 feet, where mining equipment rusts beside ancient ceremonial platforms.
Difficult due to altitude and loose mining road surfaces — some sections require low-range and careful line selection. Stock 4WD acceptable but recovery gear recommended for the upper elevation technical sections. Best April through October when winter storms clear. No permits needed for mining roads, but respect archaeological sites. Fuel up in Purmamarca; water sources reliable at lower elevations. What you get: a journey through 500 years of Andean mining history with some of Argentina’s most spectacular high-desert scenery.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Difficult |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Dirt, Rock |
| Features | High Altitude, Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 47 mi / 75.6 km |
| Duration | 3-4 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 13800 ft |
| Best season | April-October |
| Minimum vehicle | Stock 4WD with low-range |
| Nearest town | Purmamarca, Jujuy |
| Land manager | Provincial Government Jujuy |
| 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
Trail Conditions
No recent condition reports. Be the first to post one.
Log in to post a condition report.
Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Hilux or 4Runner handle this trail, or do I need a lift?
A stock 4WD with low-range and decent ground clearance can run this, but the rocky mining tracks above 4,000m will punish anything with low-profile tires or soft sidewalls. All-terrain tires are not optional here — they're the minimum. A lift helps but isn't the deciding factor; tire choice and driver experience matter more.
When does the trail close, and what makes the off-season dangerous?
Stick to April through October. The wet season (November–March) turns dirt sections into deep mud and can make creek crossings impassable or genuinely dangerous at altitude. Snow and ice are also possible on the high passes in the shoulder months, so check local conditions before you go.
Do I need a permit to drive this circuit, and are there entry fees?
No special off-road permit is required, but you're operating inside a UNESCO World Heritage Zone (Quebrada de Humahuaca), so some access points and village areas may have local entry fees or checkpoints — carry Argentine pesos in cash. Rules can shift, so confirm with the Jujuy provincial tourism office before departing Purmamarca.
What's the hardest section, and what makes it hard?
The upper mining road sections approaching the 13,800 ft max elevation are the crux — loose rock, steep grades, tight switchbacks, and no guardrails over serious exposure. Altitude fatigue compounds decision-making errors up there. One wrong line on a switchback and you're recovering off a cliff edge with no one around.
How far is it between fuel stops, and can I count on getting gas along the trail?
Fill up completely in Purmamarca before you leave — there is no reliable fuel on the circuit itself. At 75.6 km of technical driving plus approach and exit, calculate your consumption conservatively and carry a minimum 20-liter jerry can. The nearest fuel after Purmamarca may be 100+ km away depending on your exit route.
Trail track
No GPX track for this trail yet. If you've driven it and have a track, contribute below.
Log in to contribute a GPX track.