Susques Department: High Andes, salt flats and culture
Accommodation in Susques Department
Susques Department is shaped by high-Andean landscapes, protected areas and the cultural life of Susques. The town of Susques lies at an elevation of 3,896 metres and is considered the highest town in Argentina accessible by a paved road. Salar de Olaroz, at 4,500 metres above sea level, is located in the department. The difference in elevation highlights two points of reference: the town’s location and the high-altitude landscape of the salar.
The High Andes and protected landscapes
The Olaroz-Cauchari Provincial Flora and Fauna Reserve was established in 1981. Covering more than 200,000 hectares at an elevation of over 4,000 metres, it protects the biodiversity of the High Andes, adapted to harsh climatic conditions. For those interested in landscapes as habitats, this reserve offers a tangible example of protecting biodiversity in highland conditions.
The Altoandina de la Chinchilla Provincial Reserve is a provincial protected area, as well as an AICA and Ramsar site. It extends across the departments of Susques and Rinconada. This administrative designation is important for orientation: the protected area covers both departments, not just Susques.
Culture and architecture in Susques
The Church of Susques was declared a National Historic Monument in 1943. It is made of stone, adobe and clay, and its roof is made from cardĂłn wood. The construction method and materials give the building a distinctive architectural character. According to local tradition, the church was built by Jesuits from the area around the beginning of the 18th century.
The Chapel of Our Lady of Belén in Susques is one of the few examples in Argentina of church complexes with an enclosed atrium and posa chapels, a type of architecture widespread in the Andes. For architecture enthusiasts, this layout offers a distinctive perspective on the complex’s arrangement and its place in a regional tradition.
Producers, artisans and women weavers gather along the five-block-long Avenida San MartĂn. Local crafts include ponchos made on handlooms. Individual vendors and goods may change. Tamales, locro, goat meat and empanadas are among the recommended dishes to try in Susques.
Local events mentioned in Susques include DĂa de los Santos Difuntos, Fiesta a la Virgen de BelĂ©n, Carnaval and Fiesta de la Pachamama. If you would like to plan your trip around a particular festival, check the dates and programmes locally in advance.
Regional activities and getting there
In 2018, Susques was part of the Espejo de Sal Community-Based Rural Tourism Network (Red de Turismo Rural Comunitario Espejo de Sal), which included 19 regional circuits and tours based on the region’s natural and cultural heritage. As operational details may change, check in advance which activities are currently available.
In September 2025, Jujuy Province’s first astronomical observation centre was inaugurated and opened in Susques. At the time, the centre invited visitors to discover the universe for free. If this is important to your trip, check in advance whether visits are currently possible.
Susques can be reached from San Salvador de Jujuy and the Quebrada via National Routes No. 9 and No. 52. Both roads are fully paved and well signposted; check current road conditions before setting off.
Paso de Jama is 124 kilometres from Susques and connects the region with Chile’s Atacama area. Check the distance and border-route conditions before setting off.
Discover more destinations: Susques, Valle Grande Department, San Antonio, El Carmen Department, Palpalá, Humahuaca Department, Yavi, San Pedro Department.
For the broader travel overview: Jujuy.
