The lovely village of Purmamarca is situated in the Jujuy province of northwest Argentina and is encircled by the magnificent Andes Mountains and the vibrant Quebrada de Humahuaca Hills. This charming town is a must-visit location for anybody looking to see the history and beauty of northwest Argentina because of its well-preserved colonial-era architecture and thriving indigenous culture.
Cerro de los Siete Colores
The Cerro de los Siete Colores or “Hill of Seven Colors” is probably one of Purmamarca’s top tourist destinations and is widely known for its breathtaking views and brilliant colors. For stunning panoramic views of the surroundings, visitors can trek to the top of the hill (a very easy 15 minute walk), or they can just stand back and take it all in from a distance.
Markets and artisans
The Purmamarca market, probably the biggest one in the Quebrada, where visitors may browse a variety of handcrafted items and artisanal crafts like textiles, pottery, and jewelry, is another attraction you should not miss. The town also boasts the ancient native remains of Pucará de Purmamarca, which are thought to have served as a military fortification during the time of the Inca empire.
Things to do in Purmamarca
With its tall mountains, and rich flora and fauna, Purmamarca and its surroundings offer lots of opportunities for nature enthusiasts to explore. With its huge salt flats and pristine seas, the neighboring Salinas Grandes, which you must visit is a well-liked destination for exploring. Excursions to the Salinas are very popular and you can book them in advance.
Numerous indigenous populations, such the Quechua and the Omaguaca, who uphold their ancient traditions, are also found in the area. By participating in cultural activities and interactive tours, visitors can learn about their way of life.
From Purmamarca, you can easily visit the Quebrada de Humahuaca and its picturesque villages, such as Tilcara (a few km away), Humahuaca, Uquía and Huacalera.
Another activity that visitors like doing is the soft trek along “Los Colorados” trail, which is a 1 hour circuit around the village, surrounded by reddish mountains, cactus, and impressive views.
If you’re interested in local festivities, the Carnaval in February could be super interesting, with a vibrant atmosphere of live music, customs, and ancient culture.
Where to stay in Purmamarca
Purmamarca offers a variety of lodging and dining alternatives, including luxury hotels, inexpensive lodging, and other types of accommodation.
Many people opt for “Manantial del Silencio” as -probably- the most premium option, meanwhile other visitors opt for other hotels such as Marques de Tojo, Casa de Piedra, and Los Colorados.
About the food, restaurants serving genuine regional cuisine may be found alongside classic Argentine steakhouses. El Mesón de Purmamarca is well-known for its traditional local cuisine, “Pedro Pan” offers wonderful vegetarian dishes.
How to reach and custom tours
Direct flights connect Buenos Aires with Jujuy (2 hours away by land from Purmamarca) and Salta (4 hours away from Purmamarca). Salta has also flights to Iguazu and Mendoza. Purmamarca is also a strategic point to cross to Chile, particularly to San Pedro de Atacama. Once in the north, you can visit the area through different ways. We offer custom tours such as those you can find below:
Visit Purmamarca
To sum up, Purmamarca is a beautiful place to visit if you are in “La Quebrada” and you want to learn more about the history and natural beauty of northwest Argentina. It is the ideal location for nature lovers, history aficionados, and vacationers looking for a relaxing escape because of its vibrant culture, rich history, and variety of attractions.
Purmamarca is an essential stop, whether your interests include discovering the vibrant hills, touring historic sites, or simply relaxing in a charming stuck-in-time town.
Learn more in our Northern Argentina travel guide.
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