Things to do in Jujuy: An unforgettable tour
Ah, Jujuy! The first time I set foot on this land, I felt I had arrived in a corner of the planet where nature, culture and history intertwine in a magical way. Are you thinking of visiting Jujuy? Perfect! Let me tell you about my experiences and recommendations to make your trip unforgettable.
The magic of Quebrada de Humahuaca
Have you ever felt like you were in another world? That is what I felt when I arrived at the Quebrada de Humahuaca. This mountain gorge, declared a World Heritage Site, is tinged with colors that look like something out of a painting. And not only that, its ancestral history, reflected in every corner, speaks to your ear of times gone by. I remember walking through its streets and thinking, “How could such a place exist?”
Salinas Grandes: A mirror of salt
Imagine a landscape so vast and white that it blends into the sky. Welcome to Salinas Grandes! This salt desert is so impressive that, for a moment, it makes you feel like you are on another planet. When the sun hits the salt, the reflection is so intense that it leaves you speechless. Did you know that this natural wonder is the result of millions of years of evaporation from ancient lakes?
Purmamarca and the Cerro de los Siete Colores (Hill of Seven Colors)
Purmamarca is the kind of place that steals your heart. The famous Cerro de los Siete Colores is like a canvas painted by nature. While it is easy to get lost in its beauty, I recommend that you also immerse yourself in village life. Why not try a local empanada or chat with the artisans selling their work in the streets?
The living culture of Jujuy
Beyond its landscapes, Jujuy is its people. Their traditions, their music, their food… everything speaks to you of a culture that has stood the test of time. Have you ever heard the sound of the sikus or zampoña? In Jujuy, Andean music is in the air, and there is no better way to experience it than at a local peña, surrounded by laughter, dancing and good food.
San Salvador de Jujuy has not yet exploited its full tourist potential, making it an ideal place if you want to experience a livable city in the north of Argentina and, at the same time, be close to the major attractions.
Known by the locals as “San Salvador” and by others simply as “Jujuy”, this capital city has a tumultuous past, as it was destroyed by the Indians, who were not very happy with its foundation, and suffered many battles in the quest for the country’s independence.
From Jujuy, you can venture to the giant salt flats of Salinas Grandes, visit some museums, take a day trip to Purmamarca and Tilcara, or go hiking in Calilegua National Park.
With a great temperate climate, pleasant bars and restaurants, famous churches and the colorful Quebrada de Humahuaca at its doorstep, Jujuy is not a bad place to spend a few nights and explore the country’s Andean roots.
Let’s explore the best things to do in San Salvador de Jujuy:
Calilegua National Park
Go hiking and search for wildlife in the dense vegetation and cloud forests of this national park.
These protected piedmont yungas forests, one of the most biodiverse areas in Argentina, are home to more than 300 species of birds, the South American jaguar, tapirs, climbing frogs and the southern Andean deer.
There are many hiking trails of varying difficulty, but the best time to see wildlife is during the early morning and late afternoon, so it is advisable to stay overnight.
There are campsites available, as well as the services of nearby guides who can organize hikes, horseback riding and mountain biking in the jungle.
2. Reyes Hot Springs
If you want to relax in natural hot springs surrounded by mountains and lush landscapes, this is the place to go.
Just 11 miles (18 kilometers) from the city, the Hotel Balneario Termas de Reyes will provide you with access to these mineral-filled thermal baths.
They are said to eliminate toxins, purify the blood and reactivate the metabolism, so many visitors with rheumatism and skin conditions also come for the healing properties of these waters.
Take a long bath and then opt for a massage, a sauna session or a mud bath at the hotel’s spa.
Stay for lunch at their restaurant while enjoying the sights and sounds of the waters, or hike one of the many nearby hiking trails.
3. Belgrano Square and Flag Hall
This square, named after the famous Manuel Belgrano, general of the Argentine army during the War of Independence and credited with designing the flag of Argentina, is the main square of the city.
Here you can have a coffee while people-watching and contemplating the impressive French baroque architecture of the Government House.
On the second floor of this building, visit the Salón de la Bandera to contemplate the first flag, given by Belgrano to the people of Jujuy in 1813 as thanks for their sacrifices during the war.
Inside the plaza, you will also find a garden surrounding a statue of Belgrano carrying the flag, and from time to time you may see a protest here.
4. Taste the regional food – Call!
Yes, you have to try llama meat when you are in Jujuy.
It is an authentic regional specialty, and you can order llama steaks at the popular Viracocha Restaurant (they have a menu in English) or at Manos Jujeñas.
If you don’t dare to eat this cute animal, there are also tamales, humitas and locro. If you venture to the city’s Mercado del Sur, you will find a trading post where indigenous people sell mazamorra (cold corn soup) and other regional dishes such as chicharrón con mote (pork with boiled corn) and sopa de maní (spicy peanut soup). But this is still Argentina, so there is no shortage of steakhouses.
Try La Estancia Parrilla or Parrilla La Mansión for excellent cuts of beef accompanied by red wine.
5. Visit Purmamarca
This charming pre-Hispanic town is postcard material with its red streets, adobe houses and the Cerro de los Siete Colores as a backdrop.
Visit the 17th century church of Santa Rosa de Lima, surrounded by century-old trees, and walk the Paseo de los Colorados, an easy but incredible 3 km trail to the Cerro.
You will have breathtaking views and witness the brilliant red, pink, gold and green colors of this incredible rock formation.
You can also do some shopping at the daily craft fair in the main square, where you will find textiles and other genuine products made by local indigenous artisans.
From San Salvador de Jujuy, it takes just over an hour to reach this beautiful town and starting point of the Quebrada de Humahuaca.
6. Juan Galo Lavalle Museum
A beautiful colonial house with nine rooms and two interior patios, this National Historic Monument of Jujuy is dedicated to the controversial political and military leader General Juan Galo Lavalle.
He played an important role in the Argentine War of Independence and, at the end of his life, in the Argentine Civil War.
At the age of 44 he was defeated in the Battle of Famaillá and later shot at the door of this house where he died.
In the seven rooms you can visit, you will see uniforms, weapons, letters and banners of that historical period.
There is also a collection of religious and cultural works of art, furniture, decoration and many examples of European style fashion popular in Argentina during the 19th century.
7. Touring the Quebrada de Humahuaca Gorge
This multicolored valley and UNESCO World Heritage Site, a ridiculous feast for the eyes, runs 155 km along the Rio Grande River and into Bolivia.
This route, which was once part of the ancient Inca trails, has many places of historical interest and geographical formations.
Drive yourself (rental cars are available and the roads are good), book a bus tour or hire a private guide.
You will see the changing layers of sediment and new colors at every turn, as well as small pre-colonial towns such as Tilcara, Purmamarca and Humahuaca, where you can take a break along the way.
Make lots of stops to take pictures and try to visit many places before the wind and dust pick up at the end of the day.
8. Salinas Grandes
Take a day and head to these immense natural salt flats.
There used to be a huge lake here that has long since dried up, but now you can see where the salt is mined and see the square, reflective water basins carved out of the salt pans.
Be sure to bring props if you want to take those obligatory perspective shots of the glistening expanse of white earth.
If it has just rained, the entire landscape can look like a mirror.
There is also a salt brick building here that contains salt furniture and sells small salt carvings to take home as souvenirs.
… or you can simply take a handful of salt.
You can do this visit on your own, hire an excursion from Jujuy or get a guide in the town of Purmamarca if you are going to spend the day there anyway.
9. Laguna de los Pozuelos Natural Monument
Bring your binoculars and head to this lagoon in the Puna region that has received international designation for the number of shorebirds it hosts.
Filled with hundreds of flamingos, you can walk the trails that have been cleared through the fantastic high-altitude landscape to spot birds and other wildlife.
In fact, three species of flamingos can be seen here (they do not compete because they have different diets), and this natural sanctuary consists of more than 10,000 hectares of protected land.
The wetlands are located in the middle of an arid steppe surrounded by mountains, and since the lagoon is in the middle of nowhere, you have to drive or book a guided tour to visit it.
10. Day trip to Tilcara
It is one of the favorite towns of the Quebrada de Humahuaca, so you can make a day trip to visit it or even stay one or two nights.
It is home to the pre-Inca fortification known as Pucará, an important archaeological site with a nearby cactus garden.
The picturesque town also has an archaeological museum and botanical gardens, as well as a fun main square with craft vendors, bands and street performers.
Tilcara is one of the liveliest stops on the route through the Quebrada, and has great bars and restaurants with live music, craft beer and traditional dances and shows in the form of peña concerts.
While you are here, take the incredible Devil’s Throat walk to see the impressive gorge and waterfall just outside of town.
11. Peatonal Belgrano and Popular Library
Perfect for a stroll or a drink, this pedestrian street in downtown Jujuy is usually full of vendors, street vendors and shoppers.
Although it is not very long or impressive, there are several places to shop, a supermarket, hotels and ATMs if you need them.
Nearby, visit the Biblioteca Popular de Jujuy, a beautiful public library dating back to the 19th century, for its history and extensive collection of books.
It often hosts cultural events and has workspaces, computers and a reading room, as well as being a solid source of literature by regional authors that is hard to find elsewhere.
12. Provincial Archaeological Museum of Jujuy
If you like ancient history or want to learn more about the indigenous peoples of the region, visit the Archaeological Museum of Jujuy.
You will see a collection of ceramics, tools, arrowheads and other pre-Hispanic artifacts, including a 3,000-year-old statue dedicated to the goddess of fertility found in the middle of a reed bed.
There is also a collection of skulls and mummies, including the body of a 2-year-old boy who lived more than 1,000 years ago.
The teeth and hair are still very well preserved.
These finds are believed to be remains of the ancient San Francisco, Yavi, Omaguacas and Casabindo cultures, and the museum’s owners intend to preserve and disseminate information about these ancient civilizations of northern Argentina to visitors.
13. Visit the Paseo de los Artesanos and the city’s Cultural Centers.
To enjoy art and culture during your stay, visit the stalls of local artisans, then see what’s on at the local cultural centers located on either side of the market.
They are located side by side along Urquiza Avenue, so you can visit them one after the other.
Take a look at the ceramics, jewelry, llama wool ponchos, leather goods and gourds while talking to the friendly artisans, who are passionate about their work.
When you’re done shopping, check out the old train station, which has been converted into a center for exhibitions and cultural events.
On the other side of the artisan market is the Coquena Cultural Center, with a restaurant, art exhibits, lectures, dance workshops and musicians.
14. Basilica of San Francisco and Cathedral of San Salvador de Jujuy.
If you like churches and religious art, be sure to visit the most outstanding churches in the city of Jujuy.
The Basilica of San Francisco was built in the 1920s and contains seven Carrara marble altars, three naves and a collection of works of art with paintings and embroidery.
You can opt for a guided tour of the small museum and contemplate the silver relics, paintings and confessionals of the church.
Stroll around to contemplate the ornate ceiling, the brilliantly carved pulpit and the numerous wood and marble touches.
The Cathedral of San Salvador is much older, having been founded around the same time as the city, in the 16th century, and rebuilt over the years.
Belgrano had the first flag blessed here, and the church contains an intricately carved cedar pulpit and many important pieces of baroque art.
15. Go out to see live music
San Salvador de Jujuy is a real city, not just a tourist town, so check out some of the places locals frequent for live music and social events.
Plaza Ricardo Vilca is a beautiful open-air plaza next to the theater where festivals, musical performances and dances are held with food stalls and bars.
The Caronté bar is a popular place to have good drinks and listen to live bands playing everything from rock and roll to blues and funk.
Out of town, young people head to El Bodegón, with its vinyl records on the wall and small stage for live performances.
La Casa de Jeremías also has fabulous regional food and live music, so if you haven’t yet seen traditional regional music and dancing at a peña, this is the place to be on weekends.
Conclusion: Jujuy, a treasure to be discovered
Jujuy is the kind of destination that marks you forever. Whether for its dreamy landscapes, its rich history or its warm people, it is a place that deserves to be visited at least once in a lifetime. Are you ready to be amazed by this jewel of northern Argentina? I assure you that you won’t regret it!
