If you’re travelling to the North of Argentina one of the highlights you cannot miss is the spectacular Quebrada de Humahuaca – a unique, breathtaking mountain valley. This magical place has become a popular tourist destination and if you’re travelling to the Northern Province of Salta an excursion to the neighbouring province of Jujuy, while experiencing Argentinian village lifestyle and culture influenced by it’s Bolivian neighbours. The Quebrada de Humahuaca is a 150 km long Andean valley, over two thousand meters above sea level. And lies in the middle of the Argentine Puna; an area in the Northwest of Argentina, whose name translates from the native Quechua language to plateau or cold country. The breath-taking Quebrada de Humahuaca lies at the end of the famous Inca Trail (Camino del Inca). It was part of a major trade route used by prehistoric cavemen, to traders and officials of the Inca Empire and today becoming one of South America’s most popular touristic routes. [caption id="attachment_654" align="aligncenter" width="540"]Quebrada-de-Humahuaca Quebrada de Humahuaca / Source[/caption] The most unforgettable sight in Purmamarca has to be the hill at the end of the town. They say it has seven colors, but depending what time of day you look at it and the tricks of the light, you may be able to to discern more than that. What you see are the different geological layers built up over time with different minerals. Earlier in the day you can usually see the distinct colors better. The busiest part of Purmamarca is the main square, where you can find cafes, a couple of restaurants, a small market and plenty of locals relaxing in the shade.  [caption id="attachment_645" align="aligncenter" width="540"]Cerro de los 7 colores / Source The beautiful village of Purmamarca, in the background the Cerro de los 7 colores / Source[/caption] Quebrada de Humahuaca, can be visited on a day tour from Salta, which is a great way to also get to know the surrounding areas and charming Andean indigenous villages. Most Quebrada de Humahuaca tours will take you from Salta to the province of Jujuy, where the first stop-off will be in the village of Purmamarca, where you will get the intial glimpse of the colourful Quebrada, as the fantastic Cierro de los siete colores (Moutain of Seven colours) towers above the beautiful village. This spectacular sight was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2003 and once you’ll witness its beauty you’ll fully understand why. A visit to Quebrada de Humahuaca will provide you with some once in a lifetime memories and images of a landscape unique to Argentina! You won’t be disappointed!

For more information on tours in the Northern Province of Salta or to book a tour to the Quebrada de Humahuaca, visit Argentina4u.com.