Humahuaca is a quiet little town of adobe houses along a the Rio Grande river in the Quebrada de Humahuaca (quebrada means canyon in Spanish). Despite a recent surge in tourism, the town maintains its small town “Andean” feel.

Climate: You really start to feel the altitude here – almost 3,000 meters above sea level – especially at night when even in summertime temperatures can drop to single digits (Celsius). Bring at least a sweater and perhaps even a coat.

Hotels in Humahuaca

While there is plenty of basic lodging, you won’t find any 5 star hotels in Humahuaca. Our best suggestion is the Hotel Munay. Its a family run place a couple of blocks from the main plaza. Rooms have air-con, heating, cable tv and free wifi. Some rooms have balconies with quaint views. Check rates

Hostels in Humahuaca

There are a couple of decent hostels in town, including the HI affilated Posda El Sol. Check availability of Hostels in Humahuaca.

There is a small bus station just South of the center. Most long distance buses will stop in Humahuaca, so you should not have any problem getting to Salta, Jujuy city or the border with Bolivia.

Buses to Iruya

Transportes Iruya on the corner of Belgrano and Entre Ríos T: (03887) 42-1174/ 1442 goes to Iruya everyday at 8.20 and 10.30 in the morning and at three in the afternoon everyday except Saturday. From Iruya buses to Humahuaca leave at 6AM, 1 in the afternoon( except Sunday) and 3:15 in the afternoon.

There are no car rental agencies in Humahuaca. The closest option is in Jujuy.

A tourist information office is located in the cabildo buldiing on the main plaza. At noon everyday a saint comes out of the clock tower to bless the town.

On the other side of the plaza is the Cathedral Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria, a historical landmark which dates back to the late sixteenth century. Inside there is a series of paintings “Twelve Prophets,” by artist Mark Sapaca Cuzco.

Beside the church there is a stairway the leads to a monument dedicated those who fought for independence. The view from up top is worth the effort of climbing the 103 stairs. Ruins and an even better viewpoint can be found at Peñas Blancas reached by a trail that starts on the other side of the bridge.

Bank machines in Humahuaca

There is only one, Its in Banco Macro right on the main plaza. Be aware that long lines can form at this ATM, and that it occasionally runs out of money.

Don’t leave until you have seen a peña, a folkloric music show.

Carnaval de Humahuaca

In the entire quebrada, carnaval is celebrated vigorously for 8 days in February. It is much more of an indigenous affair than you may be used to if you have partied in Rio any other major city during the celebration.

If you have your own transport, a day trip to the little indigenous pueblos of Uquía, Huichaira or Casabindo is a great way to get off the beaten path.

La Rioja is the capital and largest city of the province with the same name. Along with neighboring province of Catamarca this area is sometimes bypassed by travelers due to its out-of-the-way location. But those who take the time to visit will surely not be dissapointed.

Check prices and reviews of lodging in La Rioja on Expedia, Hotels in La Rioja

By Air

The La Rioja airport, Capitán Vicente Almandos Almonacid (IRJ) is located 7 kms from the center. Daily flights flights to Buenos Aires and Catamarca.

By Bus

The bus terminal in La Rioja is located on the corner of Artigas and Balcarce in Barrio Evita.

Car Rental in La Rioja

Travel Rent a Car		Tel: 0810-333-2736
Drive Rent a Car	Plaza Hotel	Cel: 15-661168
Kings Rent a Car	Av. F. Quiroga 1070 and Copiapò	Tel: 42-2122
Oro Bus	España 590	Cel: 15-685097
Winner Rent a Car	Santa Fe 642	Tel: 43-1318 / Cel: 15-669390

The official internet site of the municipality of La Rioja has some information about museums and restuarants. For information about the province of La Rioja, visit their website: La Rioja

There are a couple of notable churches in the city. Basílica San Nicolás de Bari and Iglesia de la Merced.

Mercado Artesanal La Rioja

The top of Cerro de la Cruz is a good place to practice paragliding or hangliding.

Museo Arqueológico Regional Inca Huasi: On J. B. Alberdi 650 open Tuesday to Saturday from 9:00AM to noon.

Places in the Province of La Rioja

Las Sierras de Velazco: Just outside of the capital on the edge of the Andes, a series of small towns make for an excellent trip for a day or two. This area is sometimes called the Costa (the coast)- not because it is on any body of water but because it nestles up against the Andes, which leaves it isolated on one side as if it were on the ocean. The towns all share the same micro-climate that the city does but trees give shade during the hot summer. A visit to any of the following towns is recommended: Las Peñas, Agua Blanca, Pinchas, Chuquis, Aminga, Anillaco, Los Molinos, Anjullón, San Pedro, Santa Vera Cruz.

Known primarily for its backdrop of the Cerro de los Siete Colores (mountain of Seven Colors), Purmamarca is a quaint Andean village close to the cities of Salta and Jujuy. It is also on the road to the Salinas Grandes a 12,000 hectare salt flat 70kms from the village.

Hotels in Purmamarca

To check availability and prices of hotels in Purmamarca on Booking.com, Click here.

To comprare prices and read reviews of hotels in Purmamarca on Expedia, click here: Hotels in Purmamarca

Hostels in Purmamarca

To check availability of hostels in Purmamarca click here: Hostels in Purmamarca

By Bus

Regular services to Jujuy, Tilcara and Humahuaca, but most long distance companies pass by Purmamarca since it is 2 miles from the highway.

Like the rest of the villages of the quebrada, Purmamarca has an artesano market, good for buying blankets made in Bolivia. But if you are headed to that country, you can save a lot of money by doing your shopping there.

Also like the other villages in the area, things here close up during siesta. So get anything you need before 1pm.

There isn´t much to do in town other than take photos and stoll through the cobblestone streets, but that alone is enough to keep one busy at least a full day. A 3km path circles the base of the mountain.

Santiago Del Estero or just plain Santiago as it is more commonly known, is the capital and largest city of the province with the same name. While the province does not offer much of interest to travelers, the city gone go through a bit of a makeover lately and is worth a day or two visit. Santiago is the oldest city in the republic, and walking through its streets definately makes one feel like they have turned back the clock, but only to the 50s or sixites where it seems half the decor comes from. But it is exactly this retro feel that gives the city its vibe.

Musicians will love the province as it is the heart of Argentine folklore music. It seems that any kid over the age of ten knows how to play a guitar. If you have the time, this is the place to see an authentic show, known as a peña.

Once one of the last places Argentines choose to visit, suddenly the city has begun to see an influx of tourists. During music festivals accommodation actually sells out. Check availability and reserve advance if rooms seem scarce. To compare prices and read reviews of hotels in Santiago del Estero on Expedia, click here: Hotels in Santiago del Estero

By Air

The Santiago Del Estero airport (SDE) is located 6kms NW of the center. Local bus 15 connect the airport with downtown, or take a taxi..

By Bus

The brand new UFO-shaped bus terminal is located 8 blocks from the center on the corner of Perú y Chacabuco. Buses arrive to the upper level, giving passengers a birds-eye view of the decrepit neighborhood below. Don´t worry, the center is in (a bit) better shape. The new terminal has a bank machine, clean bathrooms, cafés and luggage storage. Purchase tickets on the lower level.

By Train

Trains leave from the nearby city of La Banda to Buenos Aires and Tucumán. Note that seats on these trains are usually sold out at least a month in advance. The one exception is the sleeper class, sold for two passengers only. For more information see this page on Trains in Argentina

Tourist Information

There are two tourists offices in Santiago, and they are both located in Plaza Libertad. The office of the province of Santiago is on Libertad 417. Their website can be found here Santiago del Estero. The city´s tourist office is in a booth right in the plaza, along Ave. 24 de Septiembre.

A stroll along the palm lined costanera and the bordering parks, collectively known as Parque Aguirre, makes for a pleasant afternoon. While you are there, get something to eat at the parrilla La Casa del Folclorista, which rather oddly does not serve coffee. It is a great place to see live music though, usually just before midnight.

If shopping is more your style, cruise on down to the peatonal.

Tafí Del Valle is for many the first stop on the Valley Calchaquíes tour between the cities of Tucumán and Salta. Located on a large cold lake, in the summer the town serves as an escape from the stifling heat in the valley below. The route up the mountains is spectacular, perhaps even better than Tafi itself, passing lush green vegetation and harrowing cliffs. The landscape around Tafi itself is largely treeless but the mountainsides are covered with beautiful green grass.

During the summer months Tafi and nearby El Mollar fill up with families from the capital city below. During this period is is important to make reservations at least a week in advance. The town dies during the winter, but it is still worth a visit if the weather is good and you can handle the cold.

To comprare prices and read reviews of hotels in Tafi del Valle on Expedia, click here: Hotels in Tafi del Valle

Hostels in Tafi del Valle

There is only one real hostel in town, but its a good one. Its called Nomade Hostel and as you can imagine, it gets very busy in the summer. Check availability here: Hostel in Tafi del Valle

By Bus

There is only one bus company that serves Tafi del Valle but its service is good and more importantly safe. Aconquija departs for Tucumán several times daily between 4AM and 9 at night. They add a few more services during the summer, but in peak season tickets are still hard to come by, so reserve them in advance.

If you are headed north, buses leave for Amaicha del Valle, Santa María (Catamarca) and Cafayate daily. You may have to transfer in Santa Maria. From Santa Maria there is also now direct service to Catamarca.

The bus station is located uphill from the center on the corner of Av. Gdor. Campero and San Martín. It has a little coffee shop, which for once isn´t overpriced, as well as a couple of little shops.

The tourist office is located on Av. Gob. Critto, in front of the plaza. It is open from 8 in the morning ’till 1 in the afternoon and then from 6 in the afternoon until 9 at night.

Bank Machine : Banco del Tucumán, Av. Gobernador Critto 311

Shopping

Decent handicrafts at decent prices available in town.

Hiking

There are many hikes around Tafi, but take note of the altitude(Tafi sits at 2000 meters) and put on lots of sunblock, even if it is cloudy.