Quebrada de Humahuaca

Quebrada de Humahuaca Review

North of San Salvador de Jujuy about 60 km (37 mi), the inimitable Ruta 9 runs into the Quebrada de Humahuaca (Humahuaca Gorge), an explosion of color stretched across over long stretches of craggy, bare rock, and one of Argentina's most distinctive landscapes. Running alongside the Río Grande, variegated tones of pink, red, and gray color the canyon walls like giant swaths of paint.

As the gorge deepens and narrows approaching Humahuaca on its northern tip, the colors become more vibrant, and mustard and green are added to the hues. Bright-green alamo and willow trees surround villages, contrasting with the deep red tones in the background. In summer and fall, torrential rains mixed with mud and melting snow from the mountains rush down, carving deep ravines before pouring into the chalky gray river.