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It is located to the northwest of Argentina, in the
Jujuy Province, about 1500 km (937 mi) from Buenos Aires. The
Humahuaca Gorge is the perfect combination of spectacular
landscape and archaeological richness. It runs about 155 km (96.8
mi) from north to south, and the Rio Grande river advances through
the heart of the region. It is dry in the winter and abundant in
the summertime.
Painted with multi-colored hills and adobe houses that seem to
sprout from the landscape, the Humahuaca Gorge once served as a
route for the Incas, a required passage for expedition parties and
settlers, and an important commercial route in the vice regal
period. The settlements of the colonial period acquired a status
of great importance since they were developed along with the
Pre-Hispanic settlements of the region, as well as producing a
cultural exchange with the neighboring countries of South America,
an interaction that began 10,000 years ago and still remains. The
Gorge's real significance lies in its function as a permanent line
of interaction, connecting territories and different cultures from
distant regions, from the Atlantic to the Pacific and from the
Andes to the southern flatlands. A clear example is its function
as commercial route between Rio de la Plata and Potosi through the
Camino Real (Royal Path).
The rich and multiple cultural elements that characterize the
Gorge have awarded it a place in literature about Universal
History and Culture. This important fact influenced Argentina to
apply for this region to be recognized as a Patrimonio de la
Humanidad (Patrimony of Humanity), and it did in fact receive this
recognition from the UNESCO Committee (United Nations Educational,
Scientific, and Cultural Organization) on July 2, 2003.
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Location
Jujuy Province. It is located in the extreme northwest
region of the Republic of Argentina. The Altiplano (high
plateau) de la Puna is located to the north and west, the
sub Andean Sierras to the east, and the Valles Templados
(Warm Valleys) to the
south.
When to go
Year-round.
Attractions
Cultural, natural, historical and archaeological. Folkloric
festivals (Fiesta de la Pachamama, Fiesta
de Inti Raymi), Carnival of Humahuaca. Archaeological
ruins of Coctaca, Cerro de los siete colores (Hill of Seven
Colors).
How to get there
You can arrive by RN 9, on the argentine stretch of
the Panamerican highway that connects La Paz with Buenos
Aires. You can also make the trip by plane up to Jujuy and
then by land to Humahuaca (126 km 78 mi).
Activities
Tourist circuits of cultural and archaeological interest. Trekking,
mountain climbing, horseback riding. Flora and fauna
observation.
Services
Accommodations, restaurants, transportation.
Surroundings
Tumbaya, Punta Corral, Purmamarca, Posta de Hornillos, Tilcara,
Abra Pampa, Iruya, La Quiaca, Lozano, San Antonio de los
Cobres. |
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