Are you traveling to the north and want to know what to do in Purmamarca? Whatever you choose, one thing is certain: this destination is full of incredible places that will never stop surprising you. Colorful hills, little streets that take you back to the colonial past, and an Andean culture that gives us a unique energy. Plus, it is one of those places that no matter the time of year you go or who you go with, it will always give you those experiences you are looking for.
It all starts with renting a car in Salta or Jujuy. As we always say, the freedom to move wherever you want makes any trip better. From the very first moment you start driving, your jaw will drop. Driving through the beautiful Quebrada de Humahuaca all the way to Purmamarca is already worth it. It is one of the most beautiful landscapes in Argentina and, why not, in the world.
At Rentennials that is what we want. For you to get in the car and start feeling the country. Driving along scenic routes, enjoying a stop at a roadside diner, and watching through the windows as the landscape changes.
Keep reading and find out everything!
Purmamarca, a town full of history and color
Purmamarca is world-renowned for that iconic image of the Hill of Seven Colors, its adobe houses and the warm welcome from its people. Its history begins in the mid-seventeenth century, but this small village already existed long before as a settlement of indigenous communities. Its dirt streets, central square and church preserve the memory of the region intact.
Moreover, during the War of Independence, Purmamarca witnessed the Jujuy Exodus, one of the great moments in Argentine history. In 1812, General Manuel Belgrano ordered the total evacuation of the town —along with the entire north— to prevent it from falling into the hands of the Spanish, forcing its inhabitants to leave everything behind.
Walking its streets today means immersing yourself in the history of a village and returning to your city with a renewed energy.
Where is Purmamarca located
The town of Purmamarca is located in the Quebrada de Humahuaca, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On the margins of National Route 9, this small village in the province of Jujuy is one of the many urban centers in the Quebrada, such as El Volcán, Tilcara, Maimará and Humahuaca.
Each of these places has its own special character, but Purmamarca is the town you are going to fall in love with.
At what altitude is Purmamarca
Purmamarca is at about 2350 meters above sea level. For those of us who are not used to it, it is an altitude that deserves a little care. The best thing is to take the first day easy so that you can then do everything you want in Purmamarca without any problems.
How to get from Salta to Purmamarca by car
Getting from the city of Salta to Purmamarca, one of the destinations in the Quebrada de Humahuaca, is very straightforward. The most direct way is to take National Route 9 and then connect with National Route 34. After passing through the city of San Salvador de Jujuy, you begin to enter the gorge. This option covers about 188 km. Here you can see the suggested itinerary.
Now, if you love mountain roads and are looking for a more scenic alternative, the old National Route 9 is ideal. You just need to stay on that same route without any detours. Although the journey is shorter (157 km), it has many curves, making it both challenging and scenic. Here we leave you the route to drive by car.
How to get from San Salvador de Jujuy to Purmamarca by car
From the city of San Salvador de Jujuy to Purmamarca is the same accessible route for those traveling by car. The most common option is to take National Route 9 heading north, a road that begins to ascend and wind into the Quebrada de Humahuaca.
What to do in Purmamarca without moving around too much
Purmamarca gives you the option of taking your days at a very relaxed pace without leaving the village. It can always be the ideal plan if you are just looking to rest, read a good book and enjoy the northern air.
Keep reading to find out everything about what to do in Purmamarca!
Hill of Seven Colors
That postcard shot everyone wants, with the Hill of Seven Colors in the background and the village in front, is very easy to get. It will always be watching over the adobe houses and you can see it at every step.
From the center of Purmamarca you can go a little further and walk along the Los Colorados trail, a low-difficulty walking path of 1 hour suitable for the whole family.
A tip: do it early in the morning or at sunset, when the colors really shine.
The Purmamarca craft fair, pure northern tradition
The Purmamarca craft fair is located around the main square, in front of the village's iconic church. There you will find all the traditional products of northern Argentina, such as llama wool textiles, ceramics with Andean designs, instruments like charangos and quenas, alpaca jewelry and wooden and leather crafts.
During Carnival or Easter Week these blocks come alive with festivity. The fair usually expands with evening stalls, live music and, of course, regional food to savor local flavors.
Walking through the village, discovering the square and a church with over 300 years of history
Few villages in Argentina have this magic. With few cars, dirt streets and adobe houses, there is not much more to do than enjoy this northern atmosphere.
There are three places you must visit:
- The Church of Santa Rosa de Lima. Built in 1648, it is a tangible example of our colonial past. A tip: in the morning or early afternoon it is likely to be open (sometimes you will find it closed)
- Plaza 9 de Julio. It is a must-stop and you will surely sit down more than once to have a mate.
- The village Cemetery. With great respect, you can enter the cemetery and see the unique way in which locals honor their deceased.
The wineries in Purmamarca
The winery boom in northern Argentina shows no signs of stopping, not even in Purmamarca. One might think it is difficult to grow vines at these latitudes, but we already know that Argentine land can give everything, and even more so with the hard work of our people.
If you want to have lunch and discover a small venture, Bodega Kindgard is the place to go. Northern flavors that pair perfectly with their wines. Another option is Bodega Amanecer Andino.
For both, it is best to get in touch in advance for reservations.
The Solar Train of the Quebrada and a journey through the villages of the Quebrada
A must-do in Purmamarca that many people want to experience is the Solar Train of the Quebrada, the only one of its kind in Latin America. Powered by lithium batteries, this train travels through different villages such as El Volcán, Tumbaya, Maimará, Tilcara and, of course, Purmamarca.
The system is hop on-hop off, meaning you can get on and off at whichever stops you choose to explore the villages. It is a perfect plan for discovering the Quebrada in a calm and unhurried way.
What to do in Purmamarca by car
Nothing like exploring Purmamarca by car, but even better if you start exploring the Quebrada de Humahuaca.
Keep reading to find out how to get to the best places!
Salinas Grandes, a White Blanket on the Puna
A white and infinite landscape in the heart of the Puna. At about 3500 meters above sea level, the Salinas Grandes are stunning in their immensity. The journey from Purmamarca is already worth it: the Cuesta de Lipán offers breathtaking views throughout the entire ascent.
When you arrive, you won't be able to believe the contrast with the sky. The tour inside the salt flats must be done with local guides, belonging to communities from the area, who know this very unique environment in detail. Now you know why it is one of the places you absolutely must visit in Purmamarca.
Remember that the altitude is felt, so the ideal is to ascend slowly, drink water in small amounts, and avoid heavy meals before heading out to the Puna.
How to get from Purmamarca to Salinas Grandes?
Salinas Grandes are 65 km from Purmamarca along National Route 52 heading toward Chile. The road is winding and climbs up to 4200 meters above sea level.
Pay attention and stop at the viewpoints to take in the beautiful views.
Tilcara, a city full of history
One of the highlights of Tilcara is the Pucará, an archaeological site that offers a journey into the pre-Hispanic history of the region. It is recommended to visit it with a guide to make the most of the experience. Visiting hours are from 9 am to 6:30 pm every day, except Mondays, when it is closed.
It is also worth exploring the Cueva del Wayra and the Garganta del Diablo, a trail you can do on your own, although the experience tends to be more enriching with a local guide.
In the town of Tilcara, it is worth spending a few hours to learn more about the world of crafts and gastronomy of northern Argentina.
How to get from Purmamarca to Tilcara?
Only 25 km separate you from Tilcara. How to get there? Easy: you need to take National Route 9, which will take you directly to Tilcara.
Humahuaca and El Hornocal, the Hill of 14 Colors
From Humahuaca, you can reach the impressive Serranía del Hornocal, located 25 km away along RP 73. It is a geological formation of many different colors and, as they say, the older sister of the Hill of Seven Colors. The recommendation is to visit the viewpoint at sunset to appreciate how the colors are reflected on the mountain. Keep in mind that the road climbs up to 4,500 meters above sea level.
In the city of Humahuaca, you cannot miss the Monument to the Heroes of Independence, located on the hill of Santa Bárbara facing the main square, as well as the historic Cabildo of Humahuaca.
Humahuaca is 70 km from Purmamarca, connected by National Route 9.
How to get from Purmamarca to El Hornocal?
The total distance is 90 km along RN 9 and RP 73. It seems short, but it takes a while because the last 25 km are unpaved.
Remember the most important tips for driving in the mountains: low gears to go up; low gears to go down.
How much time in Purmamarca is recommended?
There are no estimated times for this magical place. It can be a week, fifteen days, or a lifetime. To cover everything there is to do in Purmamarca, plan for at least 4 or 5 days.
The best time to visit Purmamarca
All year round. Keep in mind that in summer it rains heavily and there are some places you won't be able to visit.
The ideal months are from March to November, although in July there may be more people and slightly higher prices.
Where to eat in Purmamarca
A tamal, a locro, a humita. When asked what to do in Purmamarca, one of the immediate answers has to be "try the regional food". The flavors of the north are present and you'll be able to enjoy them at the many restaurants in town.
Some of our recommendations:
- Los Morteros – Regional food
- El Porito – Great for lunch. The empanadas are highly recommended
- Bienmesabe – Regional food
Accommodation in Purmamarca
Hotels, cabins and accommodations for every budget. Just pick the one you like most and book ahead of time.
Here are some options:
Rent your car with Rentennials and explore Purmamarca
A road trip through the Quebrada de Humahuaca by car. Stopping in a magical village and knowing what to do in Purmamarca. Adobe houses, centuries-old churches and incredible landscapes. All this and much more awaits you in this corner of northern Argentina.
Renting a car in Salta and Jujuy is the best option to base yourself in Purmamarca and explore the most magical destinations. And Rentennials is what travelers looking for sustainability, connecting with the authentic and making everything easier when it comes to starting their journey are looking for.
