On the trail of the Quebrada
Bite-sized trip
Day 1 – Salta to Tilcara
In the morning you will travel by bus to Tilcara. The journey from Salta takes just over four hours and takes you through an impressive landscape that changes from lush green to a dramatic, dry desert landscape. On the last section, you will cross the spectacular, red-orange Humahuaca Gorge.
The town itself has a relaxed, authentic feel. You can wander through the narrow streets, check out the pre-Columbian fortress Pucará, or browse the market stalls for handmade jewellery and pottery – perfect for a souvenir. Your accommodation for the coming nights is a small-scale guesthouse made of loam that adds to the warm and welcoming atmosphere. This evening you’ll have the time to kick back and relax in the communal garden.
Day 2 – Explore Quebrada de Humahuaca by train
Today’s all about exploring by train. We will organise the tickets, so you can simply board the train and enjoy the journey through the stunning Quebrada de Humahuaca. You’ll pass cobbled street villages, with traditional houses and charming little churches. The locals, often dressed in hats and ponchos, may be speaking Quechua – the ancient language of the Incas – alongside Spanish.
The train runs several times a day, with various stops along the way. We will provide you with the timetable so you’ll have the freedom to hop on and off whenever you’d like. We suggest starting in Maimará, which is known for its colourful rock formations and serene monastery. Then hop on the train again and head to Purmacara, which is the most well-known place in the Quebrada, famous for the Cerro de los Siete Colores, a small mountain that shines in dazzling colours due to the minerals in the area. In Tumbaya you can visit the local museum and stroll through the village square. At the end of the day you return to Tilcara and can look forward to the next leg of your journey.
Day 3 – Deeper into the Humahuaca Valley and back to Salta
This morning is free for you to explore independently. Later in the day you will be picked up by your guide and set off in an international group to explore a part of the valley that you could not reach by train. Take all your luggage with you, as you will not return to Tilcara after this excursion.
First, you’ll head to the pre-Inca ruins of Pucará for a glimpse into the pre-Inca history and breathtaking views of the valley. You then continue to the Tropic of Capricorn, where you can stop and admire the red-colored Pollera de la Coya mountain. Finally, you will visit the charming villages of Uquía and Humahuaca with their colourful markets and old monuments. After exploring the valley, you’ll head back to Salta, arriving in time to unwind and enjoy your evening.
Accommodation
