Is Humahuaca Worth Visiting? 8 Best Things To Do

Honestly, I didn’t know Humahuaca existed until a few months ago. The whole northern region of Argentina was something I’d never even considered when planning my trip.

After spending three weeks in Bolivia, I was working out the best way to get to Argentina and began researching the land crossing. It was at that point that I discovered the northern towns of Queda and wondered if Humahuaca was a place worth visiting.

Looking back now, I can say it was one of my favourite places on my trip. With its sand roads, narrow cobblestone streets, and cactus-filled hillsides, Humahuaca is like wandering around the set of a Wild West movie. The landscapes are incredible, and the people are some of the kindest I’ve met on all of my travels.

Wrapped up in all things llama, wandering around this little town is one of my fondest moments travelling. It was amazing to see such a different side to Argentina from the one I’d pictured. It also gave me the best opportunity yet to practice my Spanish.

This is a point, not many people speak English in this area, so I’d recommend practising some phrases before visiting.

Where is Humahuaca?

The town itself is in the province of Jujuy around a 2 hour drive from the Bolivian border. Worlds away from the bustling hub of Buenos Aires or the emerald lakes of Patagonia.

It’s surrounded by vast desert landscapes, glowing formations of red rock and incredibly colourful mountains. It’s truly beautiful.

Indigenous people still occupy the region and you can see this reflected in the cultural identity of the people, the rich local dishes and the centuries-old traditions you see in the small towns.

It’s a unique area of Argentina that I’m so glad to have had the opportunity to experience.

This post details why Humahuaca is worth visiting as a solo female traveller, including; safety tips, how to get there, what to do and costs.

Bear in mind this post is written in 2024, prices can change quickly in Argentina. What may have been the price in July 2024 may not be the same as you read this. That said, let’s get into it…

When to visit Humahuaca?

The best times to visit Humahuaca are Spring (September-November) and Autumn (March-May) for comfortable temperatures, affordable prices and fewer tourists.

High season in the Jujuy province is usually during the summer months (January-February) when the weather is hot and school holidays make it a good time for Argentinians to travel. This means more crowds and prices will also be at their highest during this period.

I travelled in July during the winter (June-August) and although the days were warmish the nights were freezing. And I have to admit the weather made it harder to be outside for too long.

I thought it was only the British who complained constantly about the weather. But the Argentinians give them a run for their money with the number of times I heard ‘que frio’.

If I visit again, I won’t go in winter. Visit in spring when the sun is your friend.

How do I get to Humahuaca?

From Bolivia: If your travelling from Bolivia, you’ll can cross the border by bus. Have a look at this step-by-step guide on how to get from Bolivia to Argentina if you’re making this trip.

From Salta: Several bus companies operate daily routes between Salta and Humahuaca and the journey usually takes between 4 to 5 hours.

Buses typically depart from the Salta Bus Terminal and travel north along Route 9, passing through the Quebrada de Humahuaca before reaching the town.

Another popular option is to rent a car and drive from Salta to the city. You’d have more flexibility and it’d allow you the opportunity to stop at all the incredible viewpoints on the way.

From Buenos Aires: The journey from Buenos Aires to Humahuaca is long, like a 20-hour drive long. If you’re short on time, the idea of being on the road that long might sound less than ideal.

I’d say the best way to get from Buenos Aires to Humahuaca would be to fly to Salta or Jujuy. You can then take the bus into town.

Prices usually begin at around $60 for a direct flight but can fluctuate depending on the day, time and how far in advance you book. If you’re planning on taking this option try booking in advance for the best deals.

How long to spend in Humahuaca?

Humahuaca is small but mighty. I’d recommend 3 full days to see everything the city has to offer and make a couple of day trips.

You can visit El Hornocal and the Penas Blancas in one day. But Inca Cueva and La Quebrada de Las Señoritas will need a day for each.

If you’re only looking to see the town itself, 2 days would be enough. With 2 days you could probably explore the centre, visit Penas Blancas and make a trip to El Hornocal in the evening.

Is Humahuaca safe for solo females?

Yes, I felt safe in Humahuaca as a solo female. The town itself is relatively small and all of the cafes and restaurants are a stone’s throw away from each other.

If you’re walking around markets and getting on the buses just be sure to keep an eye on all your belongings. Petty theft can happen anywhere and it’s better to just not give chancers the opportunity.

Try and brush up on some basic Spanish phrases before you go. Having the ability to speak to locals will help if you’re ever in a situation where you need help. English is very scarce in this region and even the most basic of sentences will go far.

If you’re withdrawing money, chances are you’re going to end up with a lot of bills, make sure you take a bag big enough to transport it back to your accommodation.

I found the locals in Humahuaca to be very friendly and ready to help. Just trust your gut, use common sense and you should be fine.

Is there a Western Union in Humahuaca?

I was concerned I’d be left cashless when I first arrived in town as I’d read Western Union didn’t exist there. But no need to worry, there are various Western Union branches in Humahuaca.

Big cash withdrawals can however be a problem. I’d tried to withdraw £300 and they told me they didn’t have this amount in the office. So either take cash to exchange or consider getting out only what you need whilst you’re there.

Where to stay in Humahuaca?

Accommodation in Humahuaca is generally very affordable. The town is small so you’ll most likely stay in the centre. I would recommend Giramundo Hostel.

It’s one of the most popular hostels in the town. The staff here are great and explain all the attractions in the area and how to reach them when you arrive. It has an outdoor seating area and a BBQ which I can imagine would be great in the warmer months.

So why is it worth visiting Humahuaca?

Top 10 things to do in Humahuaca:

Despite it being most popular for the Rainbow Mountain, there are other great options of things to do in Humahuaca that makes it worth visiting.

1. Hike to El Hornocal (Rainbow Mountain)

After not making it to the Rainbow Mountain in Peru, you can imagine how thrilled I was to hear that Argentina also had their very own Rainbow Mountain.

Sitting at 4350 m above sea level it really is a beauty. The array of vivid colours that shine as the wind whistles around you is magical.

It’s approximately a 40-minute drive from the centre. If you’re renting a car be aware that it’s a bumpy gravel road that winds its way up the mountain.

I heard from others who drove themselves, that the drive is rough in places. Consider renting a 4 x 4 for the roads in Northern Argentina. There is also a 500 peso entry fee.

If you don’t have a car, you’ll need to go with a driver. I paid 15,000 pesos for a driver from one of the many sellers outside the bus station.

The best time to visit El Hornocal is in the evening when the sun begins to go down. This is when the view is the most magical and all of the vivid colors of the mountain really shine.

It’s a stunning place and 100% worth visiting.

If you’ve not been at altitude before, the hike back to the trailhead can be a little challenging. But it’s only a 5/10 minute walk back up the hill and by far the easiest hike I’d done to see such a beautiful view in all of South America.

It’s most definitely one of the main attractions that makes Humahuaca worth visiting.

If you’re a solo female planning the hike, the trail is perfectly safe and there are plenty of other tourists around.

2. Visit Inca Cueva

Inca Cueva is an archaeological site located about 6 miles and approximately a 40-minute drive from Humahuaca. This ancient site is best known for its rock shelters and caves, which contain some of the oldest and most significant rock art in the region.

If you’re interested in the history of Quedeca de Humahuaca, Inca Cueva is the perfect spot to get a glimpse into the lives and beliefs of the early inhabitants of the Andes.

The trail is 5 miles there and back and a relatively easy hike.

To get there, you’ll need your own car or to visit with a guide. The route involves driving along Ruta Nacional 9 until you reach the turnoff towards the site.

The drive alone is stunning, you’ll pass along deep canyons, incredible rock formations and windy roads exposing mountains so picturesque they look like they could be straight from a postcard.

Just be wary of the wind along this route as you’re driving. Gales can be strong. There is no official entrance fee to visit Inca Cueva.

3. Hike to Penas Blancas

The Penas Blancas are a short hike from the main town and can be easily combined with an evening visit to El Hornocal.

It’s a 3-mile loop trail that takes about 30 minutes to reach from the centre of Humahuaca. If you enter ‘Penas Blancas’ on Google Maps or Mapsme it will bring up the direction to the trailhead.

The hike itself is easy, you can catch some great views of the town below and the colourful mountains that surround it.

If you want to watch the sunset from the Penas Blancas, there are no street lights on the way up or at the top so, make sure to take a light with you.

There wasn’t a soul around when I walked up except for the cutest little street dog that accompanied me to the top.

There’s no fee to hike the Penas Blancas.

4. Take the bus to La Quebrada de Las Señoritas

La Quebrada de Las Senoritas is a huge red-rock canyon just outside the small village of Uquia. It’s one of the most unique landscapes in the region and is particularly impressive because of the striking red rock formations.

The best time to visit would be morning so you can walk around before the sun becomes too intense.

You’ll need to buy a bus ticket from Humahuaca to Uquia. Buses begin running at 6:15 am and run frequently throughout the day.

It’s a very short drive and should only take you about 15 minutes. A one-way ticket cost 1000 pesos.

You can book your bus tickets here.

To get to the trailhead of La Quebrada de Las Señoritas, continue straight on the road to the main town. You should see signs with directions.

Not far from the start, the road becomes sandy and at this point, you need to continue walking up until you see the entrance.

New rules put into place mean you now have to do this hike with a guide. There will be guides at the entry point. It cost 8000 pesos.

La Quebrada de las Senoritas is for the most part still pretty undiscovered which means you shouldn’t have to wait in crazy lines with queues of tourists to see the sights (what a rarity).

5. Wander around the town of Humahuaca

The town of Humahuaca itself is unique and worth taking some time to explore. Make sure to check out:

• Monumento a Los Heros de La Independencia – just up the stairs from the plaza is the monument dedicated to the heroes who fought for Argentina’s independence during the 19th century. You can also get some amazing views of the city.
• Iglesia de la Candelaria y San Antonio – is in the plaza and is a 17th-century church with beautiful colonial architecture and religious art.
• Plaza Dr. Ernesto Padilla – the heart of the town where you’ll find sellers set up at market stalls and people sitting around drinking mate and eating empanadas.
• Museo Folklórico Regional + Museo Arqueológico Municipal – museums conveniently located in and around the plaza. They’re only small but worth seeing for a little look into the history and culture of the region.

I happened to be visiting Humahuaca on Argentina’s Independence Day and it one of my favourite days in the North. They had an impressive parade in the streets, kids, men and women all came together on horses and on foot to perform to the town.

It was amazing to see the passion the people have for their country.

6. Take a day trip to Purmamarca

Purmamarca is the perfect day trip from Humahuaca. You can buy your bus ticket from the ticket office at the bus station or buy online at platforma 10.

The most popular attraction in Purmamarca is the hill of 7 colours, a little sister of Humahuacas 14 colour mountain.

The buses leave frequently and cost around $4.40. If you fancy making this trip, take a look at the best things to do in Purmamarca.

7. Buy traditional souvenirs in the markets

One of my favourite things to do in Humahuaca was to wander around the gift shops surrounding the plaza.

Humahuaca is worth visiting to shop all of the traditional Andean crafts. It’s a real test of willpower not to buy everything.

The number of times I had to tell myself I didn’t need a 5th pair of woollen socks or a llama backpack was real.

Littered along the pavements are beautifully handcrafted ceramics, jewellery and textiles. Because of the indigenous culture in this region, many of the products for sale reflect this in the crafts being sold.

You can get some great unique gifts at a bargain price. It’s much cheaper to buy items here than in other areas of Argentina.

If you’re looking for fleeces or jumpers they have entire ranges of popular brands like Colombia and Patagonia to choose from.

8. Sample Traditional Dishes

The food in Humahuaca was amazing. It’s worth visiting Humahuaca just to try some of the towns delicious local dishes. There are so many food options available it can be difficult to know where to begin.

Some of the best places I tried for food in Humahuaca were:

• Pachamanka Restaurant – there’s a reason this is so popular. Try the llama ravioli it’s amazing.
• Las Glorias Resto bar – has a variety of local dishes. I tried milanesa de llama for the first time and it was great.
• Peña de Fortunato – this place is great for the live music they put on and the stories the owner tells of the history of his life. The empanadas are divine.

If you’re looking for a good cafe for a little snack I’d 100% recommend La Casona de Humahuaca. You have to try their submarinos. Which are basically a chocolate bar dropped in hot milk.

This was the first place I had this and seriously. Why is this not a thing in England?

Their empanadas were also amazing and they serve them with a ‘spicy’ tomato sauce. That’s not exactly spicy but tastes good all the less.

Where to visit after Humahuaca?

If you’re continuing your trip in the North of Argentina, there are some more amazing little towns to visit. You can buy your bus tickets here. Consider:

• Tilcara – 40 minutes on the bus from Humahuaca ($3.15)
• Iruya – 3 hours on the bus from Humahuaca ($7.24)
• Cafayate – no direct bus from Humahuaca, you can either drive, use a guide or bus from Salta
• Cachi – again, no direct bus but you can get a guide or get the bus from Salta.
• Salta – 4 hours 40 mins on the bus from Humahuaca ($21.50)

Have a look at where to visit in the North of Argentina for inspiration in your planning.

A Summary: Is Humahuaca worth visiting?

Humahuaca is definitely worth a visit. For a small town, it has so much to offer.

The locals are some of the friendliest people and it offers an opportunity to see a unique side of Argentina and practice your Spanish.

It’s a perfect spot if you love to be outside in nature and a great base to go on day trips to many of the other amazing towns and trails in the region.