In the province of Jujuy, in northern
Argentina, highlight two tourist circuits: the Quebrada de Humahuaca and Puna.
Today we tell the points you can miss in both circuits.
Circuit Quebrada de Humahuaca
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| Jujuy Argentina |
This circuit which extends for 170
kilometers and it combines natural beauty with Aboriginal tradition. In 2003,
it was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
The first town you visit is Purmamarca,
about 2,200 meters, considered the destination rich in natural beauty and
famous for hosting the Cerro de los Siete Colores, unique characteristics in
the country, whose layers are the result of marine sediments, lakes and rivers
that were deposited during geological stages. In the area are organized safaris,
horseback riding, bike tours and hikes. Moreover, it is one of the most
comprehensive craft fairs, where they are sold ponchos, musical instruments,
pottery and carpets, the Church of Santa Rosa Lima, dating from 1648, and the
City Council.
The route continues north through the
town of Maimará, with the charm of its narrow streets where the sights are
called "Painter's Palette" and Height Cemetery. Home of the most
important celebrations of Carnival during the summer and the Corn Festival in February.
It also offers other attractions like the local museum and an ancient church.
The third most important village in this
tourist circuit is Tilcara, a town which is consider like the Archaeological
Capital of Jujuy, where the roots emerge about the strength of Viltipoco, the
last chief of omaguacas. A destination of steep streets and adobe houses, which
are very attractive during the day of Carnival, the celebration of the Feast of
Pachamama and Chicha. The recommended sites in Tilcara are: the Garganta del Diablo,
on the upper river channel Huasamayo, the Pucara, a fortification built by
Indians at the top of the mountain, the Botanical Garden, home to llamas and
vicuna, the Cerro Morado which is ideal for horseback riding, hiking and
mountain biking, and the Utama Workshop, where they acquire various crafts.
Finally, the circuit culminates in the
town of Humahuaca. Many adobe buildings and cobbled streets, in the city
distinguish the Church of Our Lady of Candelaria (1641), the Cabildo and a few
kilometers Coctaca archeological ruins. There, Carnival celebrations are among
the most famous in the country, its rites, masks and costumes over eight days.
Among the places to visit are: the Monument to the Heroes of Independence, on
the hill of Santa Barbara; Crafts Fair, which offers spices, textiles,
tapestries, paintings and traditional foods, and the Municipal Archaeological
Museum.
Puna Circuit
A journey through the Puna means go and
enjoy white saline, lagoons guarded by high Andean peaks and green oasis that
modify a little bit the desert. The circuit takes the traveler to pre-Columbian
times.
The journey begins with the Cuesta de
Lipan, an engineering totaling 4170 meters of altitude above sea level to unite
the town of Purmamarca to Salinas Grandes. The landscape includes remote homes,
living in families engaged in raising sheep and llamas.
At the end of the winding road leads to
the Salinas Grandes, one of the greatest depressions in the province of Jujuy,
located on National Route 52. It is about 12 thousand hectares white, where you
learn about the extraction of salt and salt sculptures are acquired.
The road ends at Susques, one of the
oldest towns in the Puna, located at the bottom of a small basin to more than
3,700 meters, which is protected by salty plateaus full of cactus, tolas
queñoas and contrasting with the reddish land. A portal to the Andes, prepared
with a complete service infrastructure. The main attraction is Susques Our Lady
of Bethlehem Church, built in the late sixteenth century and Cuzco paintings
set. Currently, the locals raise llamas and goats, although in the past it was
an important mining center.
The second town of Abra Pampa
constitutes Puna, called "Siberia Argentina" by its hostile relief,
which also visit that breed and domesticate llamas for their wool marketing.
