Is Humahuaca Worth Visiting?
Is Humahuaca worth it? If you’re looking for a unique and off the beaten track experience in Argentina, then a visit to this little town is a must.
The main attraction is Serranía de Hornocal (refered to as Argentina’s Rainbow Mountain) which offers stunning views of the colorful mountain range, with peaks reaching up to 4350m.
Overall, if you’re planning on visiting the north west of Argentina, I highly recommend a trip to Humahuaca for the unique vibes and stunning scenery.
The Best Things To Do In Humahuaca
1. Visit Argentina's Rainbow Mountain (El Hornocal)
El Hornocal or the 14 Coloured Mountain, is just outside of Humahuaca and one of the main reasons for visiting this small town.
You can pay for a guided tour or drive there yourself if you have a car.
While the hike up may be a struggle due to the high altitude, the beautiful views at the top are definitely worth it.
Keep in mind that the excursion is best done in the afternoon, as the colors of the limestone formations stun in the golden light.
I think it’s well worth a visit. Not only is it cheap and easy, but the colours and view are just as good, if not better, than Peru’s famous Rainbow Mountain.
Make the trip, and you can judge for yourself!
Everything you need to know on how to visit El Hornocal is here in the complete guide:
2. Continue Along Route 9 To Visit Tilcara
Route 9 in Argentina runs from the border of Bolivia south to Salta and eventually to Buenos Aires.
Tilcara is the next town along Route 9 from Humahuaca.
It has the same laidback vibe of Humahuaca and is filled with artisan cafes, restaurants and shops. In the summer it is busy with Argentinian tourists escaping the big cities.
If you visit for the day, you can trek to El Garganta Del Diablos (The Devil’s Throat Waterfall) or the historical site of Pucara Del Tilcara.
There’s a lot of great stuff in Tilcara though so I recommend visiting after Humahuaca and staying a couple of days there as well. For more information on Tilcara:
3. Visit Purmamarca & The Hill of 7 Colours
Just past Tilcara in the town of Purmamarca is Argentina’s second Rainbow Mountain – the Hill of 7 Colours.
Whilst it doesn’t sound as impressive as the 14-coloured mountain, the hill is just as colourful and unique.
And you don’t need to take a tour to see this one – you can see it from anywhere in town.
I prefer seeing El Hornocal over this one if you’re short on time. However, if you’re visiting each town for more than a couple of days, it’s worth a trip to both.
4. Explore Humahuaca Town
Humahuaca is a small town and can easily be explored in half a day. Here are a couple of sights you may want to star into google maps and use as a rough route:
- Plaza San Martin – the central hub of the town where you will find the church and lots of pop-up stalls selling crafts. There’s a small park with benches if you want to sit down and take it all in or a couple of resto-bars if you want to grab a drink.
- Archaeological museum – a small museum (only four rooms) with information on the native tribes that used to populate the north-west. You can also see some of the artefacts dug up in the region including ceramics, weapons, skeletons and even mummies.
- Iglesia de la Candelaria – the oldest building in the town built-in 1631. You are free to enter and wander around. If you are here at noon, keep an eye on the clocktower to see a mechanical saint of the church come out and strike the clock.
- Independence monument – an impressive statue dedicated to Argentina’s northern army and the indigenous tribes that fought alongside it. You will get a great view of the town when you climb the steps to the top.
- Manos Andinas – the only place in town to buy fair-trade items and clothing made from llama wool.
PATAGONIA...
is a must visit for travelers visiting Argentina. Check out these posts to help you plan a hassle-free trip:
6. Try North Argentinian Local Cuisine
The north of Argentina still has strong ties to the indigenous cultures and tribes that used to live here, which means you are spoilt for choice with excellent local cuisine.
Some of the best things to try in this region include quinoa, empanadas, locro (a filling stew of corn and meat), tamales and grilled llama meat.
Here are some places I enjoyed:
- Pacha Manka is the go-to in town for delicious local cuisine
- Aisito is another excellent second option.
- If you are looking for an inexpensive but authentic eat, then try lunch at Mercado Municipal de Humahuaca. The market is great for picking up empanadas, chicken skewers, and smaller versions of lorco or llama meat for half the price of a restaurant.
The best thing about visiting this region of Argentina is that prices are closer to those you find in Bolivia rather than the prices in Buenos Aires.
This means you can enjoy a good steak and a decent bottle of wine for half the price and not feel guilty about it.
I had a huge steak and shared a bottle of wine with a friend at Pacha Manka and barely blinked when the bill came out.
If you are looking to treat yourself, then Humahuaca and the north of Argentina are the places to do it.
If you want to combine a trip to Chile alongside Argentina, then there are several ways to do this with a simple border crossing. The three itineraries in the post below can help you cross the borders a 3 different points in Argentina to see Chile:
7. Experience Live Folk Music At A Peña
If you are spending a few nights in the region, then you should experience the traditional music of Northern Argentina.
These communal gatherings are known as a “peña” and will have live folk music, dancing, and storytelling going on until the early hours of the morning.
They often don’t get started until after 9-10 PM so make sure you’re ready for a late night. You won’t want to leave once the music has begun.
Two places in town to check out are:
8. Visit The Remote Village Of Iruya
Iruya is a remote little village set in the cliffside of a mountain.
It used to be a popular stop for merchants and travelling caravans heading up into Bolivia and Peru but has now become a popular tourist destination due to the picturesque setting.
It’s around 80km from Humahuaca, so this may not be a single day trip. But you could easily travel there and stay the night. The journey also provides spectacular views so it may be best for those of you who have rented a car.
If you think Humahuaca and the towns along route 9 are hidden gems, then the beautiful remote village of Iruya will blow your mind.
From the town, you also have several great hikes such as Mirador de la Cruz and Mirador el Condor.
To see how Humahuaca and the other towns on Route 9 fit into a wider north Argentina itinerary, check out one of the posts below:
Did you know Argentina has its very own Salt Flat and Rainbow Mountain. These are two of the best sights in the country, hidden away in the north and well worth a visit. Check out these posts for more:
“Joe turned our fragmented ideas into a seamless itinerary. His expert advice saved us time, money, and stress – making our time in Argentina unforgettable”
Sam & Amy – 1 Month In Argentina
Planning a trip to Argentina?
Are you struggling with any of this?
✔ Unsure how to pick the best route
✔ Spent hours researching… and still feeling lost
✔ Want freedom, not a rigid tour
✔ Don’t want to spend $5,000+ on a travel agent
You don’t have to figure it out solo!
I help travellers like you plan custom Argentina trips that are efficient, affordable, and totally personalised.
Do You Need A Car For Humahuaca?
Route 9 is an incredibly scenic road that’s perfect for extended road trips via car or bike.
I highly recommend renting a car to visit Humahuaca and the other towns along this route.
However, you’ll need to pick up a car in one of the bigger cities like Jujuy or Salta as there aren’t any rental agencies in Humahuaca.
The short distances between the towns of Humahuaca, Tilcara and Purmamarca, including all the incredible landscapes and scenery in the region, means having a car is a fantastic way to explore this part of Argentina.
How Many Days Do You Need In Humahuaca?
Two days is all you need in Humahuaca.
This is enough time to explore the town on your first day and to visit the Rainbow Mountain (El Hornocal) on the second.
Here’s a breakdown of how to spend 2 days in Humahuaca:
Humahuaca 2-day Itinerary
Day 1
- Wander the town
- Lunch at Mercado Municipal de Humahuaca
- Trek To Penas Blancas For Sunset
- Dinner at Pacha Manka
Day 2
- Visit El Hornocal
- Dinner at Aisito
- Live music at La Peña de Fortunato Ramos
Visiting Humahuaca and seeing the Rainbow Mountain is one of 10 great reasons why I think you should visit Argentina. For the other 9, head to the post below:
Where To Eat In Humahuaca
I only spent two days in town so didn’t get a chance to try all these fantastic places, but here’s what I came across from research and recommendations from our hostel:
- Pacha Manka – excellent local cuisine and steak
- El Cabildo – local delicacies and hearty soups
- Aisito – well priced regional cuisine
Travelling through the north-west is one of the highlights of a trip to Argentina. But there’s so much more to see in this incredible country. To see how to combine the north-west into a two week to one-month itinerary that also covers the entire country, head to the posts below:
How To Get To Humahuaca
Route 9 is one long road that runs from the north down to the city of Salta.
Navigating this part of the country is super easy and laidback, and can be done by just hopping on cheap, local buses whenever you want to move to the next town.
Humahuaca’s bus station can be found on the corner of Av. Belgrano and Av. Exodo.
Ask your hostel for directions if you can’t find it on Google maps.
How To Get To Tilcara From Humahuaca
Tilcara is only 40 minutes by bus to Humahuaca and the tickets costs around 140 ARS (£1.80/$2.40).
Buses are relatively frequent. The bus station is in the middle of town, next to Plaza San Martin on Av. Belgrado. There are multiple bus companies, so we just picked the one with the next earliest time.
When arriving at Tilcara, the bus will drop you off at the YPF garage across the bridge from the town. You will need to talk from there.
How To Get To Salta From Humahuaca
The bus journey from Humahuaca to Salta is 3h 45m and you may have to change buses in Jujuy.
The bus can be booked on the day at the station and run frequently.
I didn’t book anything online and just turned up on the day at the bus station. However, if you want to look at times, check Busbud.
If you are heading to Salta after seeing the smaller towns of the north-west, then be sure to check out our guide:
How To Get To La Quiaca (Bolivian Border) From Humahuaca
If you are heading into Bolivia after your north-west experience, you will need to get to the border town of La Quiaca.
Buses leave daily, are frequent, and cost between $5-9.
The bus station is a 5-minute journey to the border by taxi. Make sure you agree on the fare before getting it. You could probably walk, but it won’t be ideal with big bags and the heat.
Once you cross the border, you can take a mini-bus to the nearest town of Tupiza.
The mini-bus costs around 20 BOBS and takes an 1h 15m. Or you can carry straight on through to Uyuni which should be a 5-6 hour journey.
How To Get To Humahuaca From Buenos Aires
Most adventures in Argentina will start from Buenos Aires.
To get to the north west and Humahuaca, the best thing to do is to fly to Salta.
From Salta you can the get a public bus up to Humahuaca or rent a car.
I use Way Away Plus to book my flights whilst travelling. Not only do they find you the best deals, they also give you cash back on any flights booked!
Where To Stay In Humahuaca
- La Humahuacasa – We stayed at Hostel La Humahuaca, which is a chilled hostel with a hippy vibe about it. There were lots of people making arts and crafts and generally taking life easy, we’d recommend it. The hostel also offered tours to El Hornocal
Booking / Hostel World / Website
- Giramundo Hostel – Lively hostel with free WIFI and daily breakfast. Shared bathrooms.
Argentina Itineraries
How many days do you need in Argentina? Whether it’s 7 days, 3 weeks or 1 month, I’ve created pre-made itineraries to suit every schedule and traveler.
Check out these posts to help you plan a hassle-free trip:
“We ended up with a better itinerary than anything a travel agent suggested – and without the expensive price tag!
Maeve & Martin – 3 Weeks In Argentina
Planning a trip to Argentina?
Are you struggling with any of this?
✔ Unsure how to pick the best route
✔ Spent hours researching… and still feeling lost
✔ Want freedom, not a rigid tour
✔ Don’t want to spend $5,000+ on a travel agent
You don’t have to figure it out solo!
I help travellers like you plan custom Argentina trips that are efficient, affordable, and totally personalised.
Argentina FAQ's
Here’s a list of frequently asked questions about Argentina:
Do I Need Travel Insurance For Argentina?
Yes, you 100% need travel insurance when visiting Argentina or anywhere in South America.
You need to protect yourself against any potential medical issues that could occur whilst away.
SafetyWing is my go to company when looking for travel medical insurance. They focus on long-term travelers, digital nomads, and remote workers.
SafetyWing covers medical emergencies, travel delays, and lost baggage, but it’s geared towards those who travel for extended periods or live abroad.
What's The Best SIM card for Argentina?
I don’t recommend buying a physical SIM card for Argentina. It’s much easier to download an e-SIM instead.
An e-SIM is a digital SIM card that can be downloaded to your phone via an app. All you do is download the app, pay for the data and you’ll have data in no time.
My preferred e-SIM company is Airalo
How Do You Get Around Argentina?
Buses will be the cheapest way of getting around, but due to the large distances needed to travel, many of these will be overnight buses.
For example, a bus from Buenos Aires to Mendoza takes around 15 hours with prices starting at around $50.
Here are some average bus times:
- Buenos Aires > Iguazu – 17h
- Buenos Aires > Mendoza – 15h
- Buenos Aires > Salta – 21h
- Buenos Aires > Bariloche – 22h
Due to the price and time, I always recommend looking at flights first. If you book early enough, you’ll be able to find return flights for roughIy the same price as the bus and save yourself a lot of time.
For shorter journeys (1-6 hours), the bus will be the better option. For example, if you are travelling around the northwest (Salta region), buses are super cheap.
I always use Busbud to check times and find the best prices:
Are Flights Cheap In Argentina?
Flying is one of the easiest ways to travel around Argentina. Return flights can be cheap if booked in advance, and they will save you a lot of time.
Here are some average flight times:
- Buenos Aires > Iguazu – 1h 50m
- Buenos Aires > Mendoza – 1h 55m
- Buenos Aires > Bariloche – 2h 15m
- Buenos Aires > El Calafate – 3h 20m
- Buenos Aires > Ushuaia – 3h 30m
I always use Way Away Plus to find the cheapest flights and you get cashback every time you book!
What's The Best Backpack For Argentina?
I would recommend taking between 50-70L for your big backpack and 30-40L for a day pack when travelling Argentina.
The extra space in your big backpack will be for your hiking boots and other warm weather gear when you aren’t wearing it. Your day pack will be for your tech such as a laptop and other important items you want to keep safe such as a camera, passport, money etc.
Here are my current backpacks that I use to travel Argentina:
Best Beginner Backpack For Argentina
Osprey are the best brand when it comes to backpacks.
In my opinion, the best beginner backpack is the Osprey Farpoint 50-70L.
It’s reasonably priced, comfortable and has a good amount of space. It’s perfect for first time backpackers visiting Argentina.
It also comes with a 15L detachable day pack which saves you having to buy a separate one.
If you want a wheeled hybrid, then the Sojourn is a great option. They have three different size options from 60-80L.
Best Daypack For Argentina
My go-to daypack is the North Face Router.
It has a 40-liter capacity, is water-repellent, and can fit laptops up to 17”.
For a 40L backpack with loads of compartments and storage, this is such a great price.
If you want something cheaper, you will have to go a bit smaller. The North Face Borealis is 30L and has a similar layout.
What Should I Pack For Argentina?
You need to pack warm and cold weather clothes for Argentina.
In the summer (Dec-March), Buenos Aires and the north will reach averages of 30°C (86°F). I was walking around Buenos Aires in a vest, shorts and sandals!
When you travel to Patagonia, it will get colder as you are so far south. So even if it’s summer, it will still get cold at night. Also, the weather is erratic and it can rain at any moment.
Therefore, you’ll need warm layers and a windbreaker. You’ll also need hiking boots if you want to complete any of the popular treks.
Here’s are some of my key clothing items to recently took to Argentina:
Warm Midlayer Fleece
This is an essential piece of kit for hiking but also for keeping you warm in the evenings.
Invest wisely in one of these as the more efficient it is, the warmer you will be.
I go with R1 Zip-Neck from Patagonia.
Top tip: this is last seasons item now so you should be able to pick this up cheaper in the sales at places like REI
Waterproof Windbreaker
A waterproof is essential when trekking in the Andes to deal with the biting winds and rapidly changing weather.
I like to use the Patagonia TorrentShell 3L.
Its lightweight, warm and packable. The jacket self-stuffs into one of the handwarmer pockets with carabiner clip-in loop.
Waterproof Hiking Boots
Hiking boots are a must if you want to do any trekking in Argentina.
And fully waterproof and ankle high are essential for trekking in the Andes.
I wore a pair of these hiking some of the best trails in the world in Patagonia and they didn’t let me down!
I went into my local Mountain Warehouse and picked up a pair of these and they haven’t let me down since.
