Yavi: Archaeology, Culture and Puna Landscape

Yavi brings together archaeological traces, traditional trading customs and a distinctive Puna landscape. Topics include rock art and the Antigal near Yavi Chico, the Manka Fiesta in La Quiaca and the Laguna de los Pozuelos Natural Monument. These sites are in different locations; for planning purposes, it is helpful to consider each topic together with its specific location.

Archaeological traces near Yavi Chico

Petroglyphs along the riverbanks near Yavi Chico provide evidence of settlement since around 900 AD. The municipal museum Museo Mama Antonia–Tata Porta, also known as the Museo de Antigales, displays an archaeological collection from the Chicha culture dating from 900 to 1460 AD, as well as historical objects from local residents’ everyday lives; check on site for current visitor access. The rock art and museum objects offer different ways to explore the region’s history. Before visiting the museum, check on site for current visitor access.

The pre-Hispanic Antigal de Yavi Chico is also located in Yavi Chico. This archaeological site, with its ancient graves, lies across the Río Yavi Chico from the settlement; it takes about 15 minutes to walk there. Check local trail conditions before setting out. Another hike runs from Yavi Chico to Yavi. It follows the Yavi Chico and Yavi rivers through a wooded gallery forest, an oasis in the Puna. Check local conditions for this route too.

The Manka Fiesta and trade in La Quiaca

The Manka Fiesta takes place in La Quiaca and is also known as the “Fiesta de las ollas” (“Festival of Pots”). Its origins date back to the time before Inca rule in the 15th century. It is considered Argentina’s oldest Andean fair and is part of a trading circuit linking northern Jujuy with southern Bolivia. Bartering continues today; the festival is also associated with entertainment and cultural heritage.

Goods traded include wool, meat, seeds, herbs, dried fruit and flour, as well as industrial and handcrafted products. In April 2026, the Complejo Cultural Manka Fiesta also opened in La Quiaca. At its opening in April 2026, the building had four floors with an amphitheatre, cinema, museum, exhibition spaces and an astronomical platform. If you plan to visit, check in advance for current visitor access.

Puna landscape and protected areas

The Yavi microregion lies in the Argentine Puna, a relatively flat plateau above 3,200 metres, crossed by mountain ranges from northeast to southeast. Laguna Colorada is 5 km from Yavi, at Cerro Los Ocho Hermanos. Its petroglyphs depict human figures, llamas and Indigenous symbols.

The Laguna de los Pozuelos Natural Monument is designated as a biosphere reserve and a Ramsar site. Its conservation objectives include protecting Argentina’s largest Puna wetland and its rich birdlife, including flamingos and migratory waders. Alongside archaeological traces, the wetland and its birdlife are among the features that shape the region’s landscape.

Getting there and choosing a location

The Yavi microregion is connected to San Salvador de Jujuy by the fully paved Ruta Nacional 9. As road conditions can change locally, check them before your drive.

When looking for a hotel in Yavi, it helps to first decide what you want to focus on during your stay: archaeological sites near Yavi Chico, the Manka Fiesta and cultural complex in La Quiaca, or the Puna landscape each offer a different experience. Then check the actual routes from your chosen accommodation to the places you want to visit.

Discover more destinations: Yavi, Doctor Manuel Belgrano Department, Humahuaca Department, Ledesma Department, Palpalá, San Antonio, Valle Grande Department, Palpalá.

View the broader travel guide: Jujuy.