Discover Humahuaca Department

Humahuaca Department can be explored through a range of interests: cultural and historical sites, archaeological rock paintings, rural excursions, and wine tourism. When choosing a hotel, it helps to consider not only the name of the department but also the places that matter to your travel plans. Humahuaca, Hornaditas, Ocumazo, Uquía, and Tres Cruces represent different points of interest within the department.

Getting There and Finding Your Way

Humahuaca can be reached by road from San Salvador de Jujuy via National Route 9. This gives you a specific road connection to plan around; other attractions and activities are located in different parts of the department.

Culture and History in Humahuaca

The Museo Folklórico Regional offers an overview of regional traditions. The Catedral de Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria houses the image of the Virgin of Candelaria de Copacabana. It dates from 1640 and was popularly known in the 18th century as Madre de la Purificación de Humahuaca. The museum and cathedral thus offer different perspectives: one on the region’s traditions, the other on the history of a particular image of the Virgin Mary.

The Carnival of Humahuaca is also described as a World Heritage site. Another specific glimpse of cultural events is the 23rd Encuentro de Comunidades Indígenas El Churqui y el Cardón in Hornaditas: on January 25, 2025, it included a ceremony honoring Pachamama, coplas, and music played on erkes. These details refer to the event held on that date.

The Inca Cueva archaeological site is located in Tres Cruces and is known for the great archaeological value of its rock paintings. Archaeological heritage thus complements the cultural and religious themes found in Humahuaca and Hornaditas. If you are particularly interested in history and culture, these place names offer a useful starting point for planning your trip.

Rural Excursions and Wine Tourism

In Hornaditas, excursions are offered on foot or on horseback. Ocumazo is part of the Red de Turismo Rural Comunitario. In Uquía, Bodega Viñas de Uquía offers wine tourism at extreme altitudes. These three experiences are quite distinct: Hornaditas offers two ways to get around, Ocumazo is part of a community-based rural tourism network, and the winery focuses on viticulture and wine tourism.

Jujuy as the Wider Destination

At the broader destination level, the Quebrada de Humahuaca in Jujuy follows the Inca Trail. It forms a 155-kilometer corridor running north to south, with hundreds of archaeological and architectural sites. This regional perspective complements the individual places in the department without conflating them.

Jujuy’s cuisine can also be considered in this wider context. It is based on corn, potatoes, squash, and quinoa, as well as llama, beef, and pork. It also includes high-altitude wines produced in the temperate valleys and the Quebrada de Humahuaca. In the Quebrada, visitors can try humitas, tamales, empanadas, and cazuelas. Together with the local cultural and excursion options, this offers a broader view of Jujuy as a destination, while hotel choices in the department can still be tailored to specific places and interests.

Discover more destinations: Ovara, Valle Grande Department, Santa Catalina Department, Susques Department, Doctor Manuel Belgrano Department, El Carmen Department, Palpalá, San Antonio.

For the broader travel overview: Jujuy.