Purmamarca Travel Guide

This comprehensive travel guide for Purmamarca in Andean Northwest, Argentina includes a list of places to visit, hiking/biking routes, week-long itinerary, food and drink scene, where to stay, what to buy, local customs, safety and health, transportation options, nearby destinations, and more.


Introduction to Purmamarca

Purmamarca is a picturesque town located in the province of Jujuy, in the Andean Northwest region of Argentina. It is home to one of the most popular attractions in the country, the Cerro de los Siete Colores (Hill of Seven Colors), which features layers of minerals that give it a rainbow-like appearance.

Besides the hill, there are plenty of other places to visit in Purmamarca, including culturally-important museums and historical sites, natural attractions, and outdoor adventure activities that visitors can enjoy.

List of Places to Visit in Purmamarca

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Pucará de Tilcara: An ancient fortification located in Tilcara, just 10 minutes away from Purmamarca, that dates back to the 12th century.

  • Museo Arqueológico Eduardo Casanova: A museum dedicated to showcasing the pre-Columbian history and culture of the region, located in Purmamarca.

  • Iglesia de Santa Rosa de Lima: A church with a unique design, featuring white adobe walls and a red roof, located in the heart of Purmamarca.

Natural Attractions of Purmamarca: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Cerro de los Siete Colores: A hill located just outside of Purmamarca, known for its strikingly colorful layers of minerals.

  • Salinas Grandes: A vast salt flat located about an hour away from Purmamarca, where visitors can witness the stunning sight of miles upon miles of salt formations.

  • Quebrada de Humahuaca: A UNESCO World Heritage Site with an array of brightly-colored rock formations, located just 40 minutes away from Purmamarca.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Purmamarca

  • Sendero de los Colorados: A trail that goes through the Cerro de los Siete Colores, offering stunning views of the hill and its colorful layers.

  • Laguna de los Pozuelos: A route that takes visitors through the high Andean plateau, where they can spot llamas and flamingos, and enjoy the tranquil beauty of the lagoons along the way.

Best Things to Do in Purmamarca: Activities and Tours

  • Horseback riding: Visitors can take a tour on horseback to explore the scenic beauty of the region, accompanied by experienced guides.

  • Paragliding: Adventurous visitors can take a paragliding tour to enjoy breathtaking views of the Andean mountains.

  • Stargazing: With its clear skies and minimal light pollution, Purmamarca provides a perfect backdrop for a night of stargazing.

Week-Long Itinerary for Purmamarca

Day Activity
Day 1 Explore Purmamarca, visit the Cerro de los Siete Colores and Iglesia de Santa Rosa de Lima
Day 2 Take a day trip to Salinas Grandes
Day 3 Visit Pucará de Tilcara
Day 4 Go on a hiking/biking tour on Sendero de los Colorados
Day 5 Take a paragliding tour of the region
Day 6 Visit Museo Arqueológico Eduardo Casanova
Day 7 Enjoy a day of horseback riding in the Andean mountains

Food and Drink Scene of Purmamarca

Must-Try Dishes

  • Locro: A hearty stew made with corn, beans, and meat.

  • Empanadas: Delicious pastries filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables, and baked or fried until golden brown.

  • Tamales: Corn husks filled with meat, vegetables, and spices, then boiled or steamed.

Local Beverages

  • Mate: A traditional South American herbal tea, that is made by steeping dried leaves of yerba mate in hot water.

  • Chicha: A fermented beverage made from corn, that has a sweet and slightly sour taste.

  • Torrontés wine: A white wine grape variety that is native to Argentina, grown mostly in the northwestern region.

Where to Stay in Purmamarca: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Marques de Tojo Hotel: A luxury hotel with comfortable rooms, an outdoor pool, and a restaurant serving local cuisine.

  • Don Fidel Hotel: A budget-friendly option with cozy rooms, beautiful views, and a central location in Purmamarca.

  • La Comarca Hostel: A comfortable hostel with a friendly atmosphere, offering dorms and private rooms, located in the center of Purmamarca.

What to Buy in Purmamarca: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Ponchos: Colorful woolen ponchos that are handwoven by local artisans, and make for a perfect souvenir or gift.

  • Mate gourds: Traditional gourds used for drinking mate, which are often hand-carved and decorated with intricate designs.

  • Salsa de Chimichurri: An Argentine condiment made with herbs, garlic, and vinegar, that is often used as a marinade for meats.

Local Culture and Customs of Purmamarca

  • The locals in Purmamarca are known for their warm hospitality and friendliness towards visitors.

  • The region has a rich cultural heritage, with influences from indigenous cultures, Spanish colonialism, and modern multiculturalism.

  • Visitors are encouraged to respect local customs and traditions, such as asking for permission before taking photographs of individuals or religious sites.

Best Time to Visit Purmamarca

The best time to visit Purmamarca is during the months of March to May and August to October, when the weather is pleasant and there is less chance of rain. However, the town is a year-round destination, and visitors can enjoy its beauty and attractions at any time of the year.

Do’s and Don’ts of Purmamarca

Do:

  • Try the local cuisine and beverages, including mate tea and empanadas.

  • Respect the local culture and traditions.

  • Take a guided tour of the region to ensure that you don’t miss any of the top attractions.

Don’t:

  • Engage in disrespectful behavior towards locals or their culture.

  • Leave litter or damage the natural environment.

  • Visit dangerous or restricted areas without proper guidance and permission.

Safety and Health

Safety in Purmamarca

Purmamarca is a generally safe town, with low crime rates. However, visitors should always exercise basic precautions, such as being aware of their surroundings and securing their belongings.

Health in Purmamarca

Visitors to Purmamarca should take steps to avoid altitude sickness, as the town sits at an elevation of 2200 meters above sea level. It is recommended to drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol and caffeine, and take time to rest and acclimate to the altitude. Visitors should also ensure that they have adequate health insurance coverage for their travels.

Getting to Purmamarca: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Purmamarca

The closest airport to Purmamarca is Gobernador Horacio Guzmán International Airport, located in the city of San Salvador de Jujuy, about an hour’s drive from Purmamarca.

Bus Stations Near Purmamarca

Visitors can take a bus to the town of Purmamarca from various cities in Argentina, including Salta and San Salvador de Jujuy.

Other Options

Car rental is also an option, as it provides greater flexibility and allows visitors to explore more remote areas of the region.

How to Get Around in Purmamarca

The town itself is small enough to explore on foot, but visitors will need transportation to visit sites outside of Purmamarca. Taxis and rental cars are available for hire in town, and guided tours can be arranged through local tour companies.

Where to Go Next from Purmamarca: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Salta: The capital city of the province of Salta, with beautiful colonial architecture and a lively food and music scene, located about 2 hours away from Purmamarca.

  • Cafayate: A town famous for its wine production and striking geological formations, located about 4 hours away from Purmamarca.

  • La Quiaca: A small town located on the border with Bolivia, with a unique blend of indigenous and Spanish colonial influences.

Conclusion

Purmamarca is a breathtakingly beautiful town that offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage. With this comprehensive travel guide, visitors can make the most of their time in this charming Andean Northwest destination, and ensure that they don’t miss any of the top attractions or experiences.

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