Tilcara

Surrounded by Río Grande and protected by cardon cactuses emerging from the hills, there is a city where history lives: a land of bohemian spirit and ancient traditions, the cultural center of the Quebrada de Humahuaca, shelter of native communities, and home to artists, poets, musicians and painters. Visit Dr. Eduardo Casanova Archeological Museum and José Antonio Terry House Museum. Discover Las Ermitas Museum, the Museum of Fine arts and the Ernesto Soto Avendaño Sculpture Museum.

Tour a city of low houses and cobblestone streets. Feel part of ancient customs. Enjoy night peñas to the rhythm of guitars and come to popular gatherings such as Enero Tilcareño, Holy Week and Humahuaca Carnival. Taste the charming regional food. And up high, visit a fortress of the omaguaca culture: Pucará de Tilcara. The Andean culture is waiting for you.

Geographic location: Center-North of the province of Jujuy.

How to get there: via Ruta Nacional 9 from San Salvador de Jujuy, capital of the province. There are various bus lines that arrive at the Tilcara terminal.

Area: the district is 3,792 sq km

Average altitude: 2,465 meters above sea level.

Climate: dry and cold.

Recommended length of stay: 2 to 4 days.

Recommended clothing and gear: in winter (July through September), take warm clothes. In summer (December through March), a light jacket to wear at night is enough. Take also comfortable – preferably light-colored- clothes, insect repellent, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat or cap, and comfortable footwear, appropriate for the activity you will be doing.

What to do: Visit Pucará de Tilcara and its high botanical garden. Go to Pucará de Juella and the José Antonio Terry Regional Museum of Paintings. Practice trekking at the Devil’s Throat [Garganta del Diablo]. 

Tips: in January enjoy the famous “Enero Tilcareño” celebrations. In Holy Week, take part of the pilgrimage to the Abra de Punta Corral Sanctuary, where musicians from all over the country come to play their sikus and drums.