Our most recommended things to do in Tilcara

Hornocal: Tour of the 14 Colors Mountain & Humahuaca´s Gorge

1. Hornocal: Tour of the 14 Colors Mountain & Humahuaca´s Gorge

Embark on an adventure that will take you through striking landscapes and scenic villages. The tour commences as you travel to Purmamarca village which rests at the base of the Seven Colors Hill, a stunning multi-hued mountain. Journey to Maimará, a small village nestled in the shadow of the Monolith Painter’s Palette. Admire the stunning red, yellow, orange, and pastel hues of the Monolith. Visit Pucará de Tilcara, a fort built in the 12th-century by the Omaguaca tribe who were later conquered by the Incas. Stop in the sleepy town of Uquía, which is notable for its historic church which boasts paintings of gun-toting angels. Pause at the Tropic of Capricornio, the most southerly latitude at which the sun can appear directly overhead at noon. Enjoy a short visit to Humahuaca's town en route to the main destination - the 14 colours mountain of Hornocal. In Humahuaca you will switch from your van or bus and hop into a 4x4 all-terrain vehicle as you travel to Hornocal. Hornocal is part of the calcareous formation called Yacoraite that extends from the province of Salta, crossing the Quebrada de Humahuaca and then the Bolivian Altiplano to Peru. Upon your return, you will meet up with the rest of your group.

From Salta: Cafayate, Humahuaca & Salinas Grandes 3-Day Tour

2. From Salta: Cafayate, Humahuaca & Salinas Grandes 3-Day Tour

DAY 1: Depart Salta and head south along Provincial Route 68, offering panoramic views of the farms and tobacco plantations of the Lerma Valley. Admire the new and old tobacco chimneys made of adobe and clay, and see tobacco leaves being dried under the sun. Pass the town of Alemania and marvel at the red mountains and rock formations of attractions such as the "Devil´s Throat" and "House of the Parrots." Upon arrival in Cafayate, visit 1 winery to learn more about the local wine industry and famous Torrontes wines. After lunch, journey back to Salta via a different route to see a completely different landscape from the morning drive. Day 2: On this full-day tour you’ll travel from Salta city to San Salvador de Jujuy. This is where your adventure begins, with visits to the towns of La Quebrada de Humahuaca. The first of the towns on the itinerary is Purmamarca, with the spectacular Cerro de Siete Colores (Hill of 7 Colors) rising behind it. Take a walk to the principal square, where craftsmen display and sell their work. Afterward, visit the church, which played an important role in local history. From the road, you’ll be able to see the Paleta del Pintor Hill, before arriving in Humahuaca town. Enjoy a break for lunch and take some time to explore the town. Admire the impressive Monumento de la Independencia (Independence Monument). As you make your way back to Salta, you'll visit a chapel built 700 years ago that has an altar covered in gold. You’ll also get to see priceless paintings of the Cusco School and a small monument marking the imaginary line of the Tropic of Capricorn. Stop in Tilcara town for a walk to its main square and church. There will also be time here to visit the Anthropology Museum. The final stop on the tour is Las Ruinas Incaicas del Pucara de Tilcara. These ruins date back to society even older than the Incas. Day 3: Discover Argentina's breathtaking natural beauty on this full-day tour. After getting picked up from your hotel in Salta, begin the journey towards the neighboring province of Jujuy, passing through the towns of Volcán and Tumbaya along the way.  Your first stop of the day is at the beautiful town of Purmamarca, one of the most picturesque villages in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Quebrada de Humahuaca. Visit the town's vibrant main square and perhaps pick up some souvenirs at one of the many surrounding craft stands. Afterward, enjoy a visit to the breathtaking and aptly-named 7 Color Hill. Later, continue your ascent along the majestic Cuesta del Lipan to reach the Salinas Grandes, one of the 7 Wonders of the Argentine Republic. Here, enjoy some free time to admire the unique salt planes and famous pools. Afterward, return to Purmamarca and break for lunch at one of the many traditional restaurants before returning to Salta.

Jujuy: Quebrada de Humahuaca, Tilcara and Purmamarca

3. Jujuy: Quebrada de Humahuaca, Tilcara and Purmamarca

A ride through an impressive gorge, with hills full of colors due to thousands of years of oxidation of the minerals within them. Towns, culture and its people are the protagonists of the tour. Duration: 8 hours. (approx.) Round trip transfers to and from meeting points. Total mileage: 128 km. Maximum height 3012 meters above sea level. Pick up from San Salvador de Jujuy from 09:00 a.m. We will travel to Humahuaca City, a Unesco-declared World Heritage Site, on the outskirts of the province of Jujuy. This tour will allow us to appreciate the most impressive colors of the Argentine North, its culture, its unique towns and its people. We will start from San Salvador de Jujuy, visiting Purmamarca as the first stop where we will find the majestic 7-colors Hill; Tilcara; Humahuaca, the largest town in the gorge; Uquía, a small town where the church of San Francisco de Paula is located, dating from the 17th century, where the ancient paintings of the Arcabuceros Angels reside; Huacalera, where we step on the imaginary line of the Tropic of Capricorn and finally: The Painter's Palette in Maimará. The longest stop will be in Humahuaca City, where you can have lunch and try the best regional dishes with llama meat. You'll also get to know the town, where culture and history takes over the streets. Carnival is a main theme in this place, since it is the epicenter of this celebration. After lunch, we start our way back, alternating the stops if necessary. *In case of departure from Purmamarca, we will not visit the stops between the city of Jujuy and that point. *In case of departure from Tilcara, we will not visit the stops between Jujuy and that point.

Jujuy: Quebrada de Humahuaca with Hornocal

4. Jujuy: Quebrada de Humahuaca with Hornocal

A tour through an impressive gorge, where colors predominate on the hills, thanks to thousands of years of oxidation of the minerals in them. The towns, landscapes, culture and its people are the main protagonists of this tour. Duration of the tour: 8 hours. (approx.) Round trip transportation to and from meeting points. Total mileage: 127 km. Maximum altitude reached during the tour: 3012 meters above sea level. Pick up from San Salvador de Jujuy starting at 9am. We will travel to Humahuaca city, an Unesco-declared World Heritage Site, towards the outskirts of Jujuy, just a few kilometers away from the border with Bolivia. This tour will allow us to appreciate the most impressive colors of the Argentine North, its culture, its unique towns and its people. We will depart from the city of Jujuy, taking National Road 9 to later enter and have the opportunity to know the great Humahuaca Gorge, recognized for its imposing landscapes and its picturesque towns such as Volcán, Purmamarca where we will find the majestic Cerro de los 7 Colores; Tilcara; Humahuaca, the largest town in the gorge; Uquía, a small town where the church of San Francisco de Paula is located, dating from the 17th century, where the ancient paintings of the Arcabuceros Angels reside, coming from Cuzco-Peru, painted at the time of colonization; Huacalera, where we step on the imaginary line of the Tropic of Capricorn and finally, La Paleta del Pintor in Maimará. We'll be have 2 free hours in Humahuaca, where you can have lunch and try the best regional dishes with llama meat and also get to know the town, where culture takes over the streets. Carnival is a main theme in this place, since it is the epicenter of this celebration. After lunch, we start our way back, alternating the stops. Once you arrive in Uquía, you'll be boarding a 4WD vehicle, and then the road to Hornocal will begin to enjoy these magnificent panoramic views. On the way back there is a stop in Humahuaca for 20 minutes. It is recommended to bring lunch or snacks to eat since there is no time to stop at a restaurant in Humahuaca *In case of departure from Purmamarca, we will not visit the stops between the city of Jujuy and that point. *In case of departure from Tilcara, we will not visit the stops between Jujuy and that point.

From Jujuy: Day Trip to Quebrada de Humahuaca

5. From Jujuy: Day Trip to Quebrada de Humahuaca

Meet your group at the meeting point in Jujuy. From there, take a ride to Purmamarca, a small town at the base of the Seven Colors Hill, a stunning multi-hued mountain. Then, discover Maimará, a small village nestled in the shadow of the Monolith Painter's Palette, a multicolored geological formation made up of stunning red, yellow, orange, and pastel hues. Next, visit Pucará de Tilcara, a fort built in the 12th century by the Omaguaca tribe, who were later conquered by the Incas. Stop in the sleepy town of Uquía, notable for its historic church boasting paintings of gun-toting angels. Make your next stop at the Tropic of Cancer, the most southerly latitude at which the sun can appear directly overhead at noon. Head on to Humahuaca and admire the multicolored Quebrada de Humahuaca mountain, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This mountainous gorge or "quebrada" runs for nearly 100 miles (155 kilometers) along the Grande River and up into Bolivia.

From Salta: Humahuaca & Salinas Grandes 2-Day Tour

6. From Salta: Humahuaca & Salinas Grandes 2-Day Tour

Day 1: On this full-day tour you’ll travel from Salta city to San Salvador de Jujuy. This is where your adventure begins, with visits to the towns of La Quebrada de Humahuaca. The first of the towns on the itinerary is Purmamarca, with the spectacular Cerro de Siete Colores (Hill of 7 Colors) rising behind it. Take a walk to the principal square, where craftsmen display and sell their work. Afterwards, visit the church, which played an important role in local history. From the road you’ll be able to see the Paleta del Pintor Hill, before arriving in Humahuaca town. Enjoy a break for lunch and take some time to explore the town. Admire the impressive Monumento de la Independencia (Independence Monument). As you make your way back to Salta, you'll visit a chapel built 700 years ago that has an altar covered in gold. You’ll also get to see priceless paintings of the Cusco School and a small monument marking the imaginary line of the Tropic of Capricorn. Stop in Tilcara town for a walk to its main square and church. There will also be time here to visit the Anthropology Museum. The final stop on the tour is Las Ruinas Incaicas del Pucara de Tilcara. These ruins date back to a society even older than the Incas. Day 2: Discover Argentina's breathtaking natural beauty on this full-day tour. After getting picked up from your hotel in Salta, begin the journey towards the neighboring province of Jujuy, passing through the towns of Volcán and Tumbaya along the way.  Your first stop of the day is at the beautiful town of Purmamarca, one of the most picturesque villages in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Quebrada de Humahuaca. Visit the town's vibrant main square and perhaps pick up some souvenirs at one of the many surrounding craft stands. Afterward, enjoy a visit to the breathtaking and aptly-named 7 Color Hill. Later, continue your ascent along the majestic Cuesta del Lipan to reach the Salinas Grandes, one of the 7 Wonders of the Argentine Republic. Here, enjoy some free time to admire the unique salt planes and famous pools. Afterward, return to Purmamarca and break for lunch at one of the many traditional restaurants before returning to Salta. You choose the dates, but the order of the excursions may change depending on the availability of the agency

Full-Day Tour to Humahuaca from Salta

7. Full-Day Tour to Humahuaca from Salta

On this full-day tour you’ll travel from Salta city to San Salvador de Jujuy. This is where your adventure begins, with visits to the towns of La Quebrada de Humahuaca. The first of the towns on the itinerary is Purmamarca, with the spectacular Cerro de Siete Colores (Hill of 7 Colors) rising behind it. Take a walk to the principal square, where craftsmen display and sell their work. Afterwards, visit the church, which played an important role in local history. From the road you’ll be able to see the Paleta del Pintor Hill, before arriving in Humahuaca town. Enjoy a break for lunch and take some time to explore the town. Admire the impressive Monumento de la Independencia (Independence Monument). As you make your way back to Salta, you'll visit a chapel built 700 years ago that has an altar covered in gold. You’ll also get to see priceless paintings of the Cusco School and a small monument marking the imaginary line of the Tropic of Capricorn. Stop in Tilcara town for a walk to its main square and church. There will also be time here to visit the Anthropology Museum. The final stop on the tour is Las Ruinas Incaicas del Pucara de Tilcara. These ruins date back to a society even older than the Incas.

Salta: 3-Day Trip to Cachi, Humahuaca, and Salinas Grandes

8. Salta: 3-Day Trip to Cachi, Humahuaca, and Salinas Grandes

Spend 3 days exploring landscapes of Salta & Jujuy. Day 1. Tour to Cachi. Depart Salta and journey along Provincial Route 68, traveling through the small towns of Cerrillos, La Merced and El Carril. Then, drive along Provincial Route 33 to pass the dramatic Gorge of Escoipe and Los Laureles. Next, start your journey along the famous winding road of the Cuesta del Obispo (Bishop's Slope). Admire the magnificent rock formations and natural walls en route to the summit at 3,348 meters above sea level. Look for condors flying above, and marvel at the majesty of the "King of the Sky." Get a stunning view of El Valle Encantado ("The Enchanted Valley"), where the scenery is like something out of a fairytale. Notice how the landscape changes as you leave the sub-tropical valleys to go to Recta del Tin Tin, built during the time of the Incas. Travel through the Parque Nacional los Cardones ("National Park of the Cactus"), named for its abundance of cardon grande cactus bush formations. Arrive in the beautiful town of Cachi in time for lunch. Then, stroll through streets of perfectly-preserved colonial architecture. Visit the town church in Central Plaza, and go to the historical museum showcasing the history of the Aboriginal communities. Pick up some souvenirs in the craft market and enjoy some free time to shop before the return drive to Salta. Day 2. Tour to Humahuaca. Leave Salta to visit some of the towns in the Quebrada de Humahuaca. Arrive in Purmamarca and take a walk through the central square where local craftsmen display their work. Get back on the road and travel to the UNESCO World Heritage Listed city of Humahuaca. View the Monumento a los Héroes de la Independencia and indulge in a traditional lunch after exploring the winding streets. Make your way back to Salta with several stops along the way. Enter into a chapel built 700 years ago with an altar of gold and admire priceless paintings of the Cusco school. Discover Incan relics at the Dr. Eduardo Casanova Archaeology Museum in the city of Tilcara and uncover a society even more ancient at the ruins of Pucará de Tilcara, before arriving back in Salta. Day 3. Tour to Salinas Grandes. Your first stop of the day is at the beautiful town of Purmamarca, one of the most picturesque villages in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Quebrada de Humahuaca. Visit the town's vibrant main square and perhaps pick up some souvenirs at one of the many surrounding craft stands. Afterward, enjoy a visit to the breathtaking and aptly-named 7 Color Hill. Later, continue your ascent along the majestic Cuesta del Lipan to reach the Salinas Grandes, one of the 7 Wonders of the Argentine Republic. Here, enjoy some free time to admire the unique salt planes and famous pools. Afterward, return to Purmamarca and break for lunch at one of the many traditional restaurants before returning to Salta. The order of the excursions is at the disposal of the passengers and availability of places. You choose the dates, but the order of the excursions may change depending on the availability of the agency

Hornocal: Full-Day Tour to the Hill of Seven Colors

9. Hornocal: Full-Day Tour to the Hill of Seven Colors

Travel in the comfort of an air-conditioned van and enjoy the beautiful scenery along the National Route 9 on the way to Jujuy province where we visit the Quebrada de Humahuaca, a narrow mountain valley declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2003. Stop in Purmamarca and admire the Hill of Seven Colors and its striking red and orange hues before exploring the main square and local craft stands. Continuing along Route 9, we reach the town of Humahuaca, located at 2,939 meters above sea level. Wander down to the Church of La Candelaria and visit the Independence Monument before enjoying free time for lunch. After lunch, enjoy 45 minutes of free time to explore Hornocal and its Hill of Fourteen Colors. Return along Route 9 to Salta City. Important: this tour is only available in Spanish and passengers must be at the agency office; Caseros 420 at 6.30 am. This is because it is the longest excursion.

From Salta: Day Trip to Quebrada de Humahuaca

10. From Salta: Day Trip to Quebrada de Humahuaca

Embark on an adventure that will take you through striking landscapes and scenic villages. Meet at the local partner’s office near the Plaza 9 de Julio de Salta. If you select the pick-up option, enjoy the convenience of being picked up from your hotel in Salta. Drive to the Purmamarca village, which rests at the base of the Seven Colors Hill, a stunning multi-hued mountain. Journey to Maimará, a small village nestled in the shadow Monolith Painter’s Palette. Admire the stunning red, yellow, orange, and pastel hues of the Monolith. Visit Pucará de Tilcara, a fort built in the 12th century by the Omaguaca tribe, who were later conquered by the Incas. Stop in the sleepy town of Uquía, which is notable for its historic church which boasts paintings of gun-toting angels.  Pause at the Tropic of Capricorn, the most southerly latitude at which the sun can appear directly overhead at noon. Visit Humahuca and admire the multi-colored town and culture, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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Overall rating

4.4 / 5

based on 157 reviews

This tour incorporates all of the main sites to see around the Salta region. Each day is ~12hrs long and lunch is not included, however a reservation is made in a local restaurant for a reasonably priced 3-course menu (you can also choose somewhere else in the town, if you wish). The 2 days to Salinas Grandes and Humahuaca repeat the first part of the road until Pumarmarca. Overall, the trip to Humahuaca was the least exciting of the 3 and I would recommend to only do 2 days (to Salinas Grandes and Cafayate). The guides spoke perfect English (and Spanish), and 1 of the guides spoke several other languages too. It was also great getting to know our fellow travellers! Overall would highly recommend to book; but would choose 2 days instead of 3.

Our guide Angie was knowledgeable and entertaining telling us about the history and legends of the the area. The views are breathtaking, the lunch suggestion delicious and quickly served. The visits to Purmamarca, Tilcara and Humahuaca were hurried. There was a lot to see and no time to walk to the historic sites. Recommend travelers break up the trips into two visits.

Had three amazing tour guides (Fernando, Eduardo, and Maria). They were all very passionate and informative about the geography, fauna, and people of the areas we drove through/visited. We really enjoyed that there were many beautiful stops along the way.

I travelled with my two children (18 and 3 years old). We all enjoy the scenery, the people in the small towns, the music and art. The Nordic tour guide knew the area and was very patient with everyone.

Muy bueno el tour a muy buen precio, excelentes lugares que visitamos, muy bellos por su naturaleza, belleza y valor geológico.