Jujuy
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Capital of the Jujuy province, San Salvador de Jujuy, better know as just Jujuy, is a hillside city that is located between the city of Salta and the northern village of Humuhuaca. Jujuy is a city with a rich past, present today in its colonial structures, city squares, and museums, and a city that is surrounded by hills, mountains, and seemingly endless green plains, perfect for outdoor adventures.
Jujuy, home to 268,000 inhabitants and said to be the highest capital city in all of Argentina, sits at the end of the Quebrada de Humuhuaca canyons and above the flood plain of the Rio Grande. The province of Jujuy has three very different areas; the Altiplano which is composed of high plateaus, reaching heights of 3500-5000m above sea level; the Quebrada de Humuhuaca canyon, reaching heights of 1000-3500m above sea level; and, the lowest of the three, the Sierras. These very different terrains and heights create a diverse climate range as well; the capital city of Jujuy sees summers with very high temperatures, winters between 0C-15C, and a spring climate that arrives right in the middle, perhaps the best time to visit.
The city of Jujuy is an interesting mix of old and new; the city’s centre is most definitely colonial in its style, featuring colonial styled buildings, city plazas, a main city church, narrow streets, and more than a few historical city sights. Jujuy was founded by Spanish settlers in 1592, who constructed the city in very typical Spanish form, one of the greatest attractions of this northern Argentine city. The city also features more modern buildings, mostly where the city has expanded its borders in and up the nearby hills creating a valley-like city setting, very charming.
One of the most fascinating sights to see is the city’s 1793 Cathedral church that features a gold laminated Spanish-baroque pulpit. Across from the church is the city’s Mercado Central (Central Market) that is alive and kicking every day of the week where merchants sell everything from handicrafts, food, furniture, and more, all from around the region itself. Another great reason to come to Jujuy is to celebrate its annual festivals. In August, the city holds it Semana de Jujuy (Jujuy Week), 7 days of commemorating Belgrano’s evacuation of the city during the wars of independence. In September is the Fiesta Nacional de los Estudiantes (National Student Festival), a large student festival that features elaborate parades and floats. And, finally, in October is the Peregrinaje a la Virgen del Rio Blanco y Paypaya, a large religious pilgrimage. Besides city sights, the city of Jujuy offers a relaxing atmosphere, great restaurants, a few bars and nightclubs, and a range of hostels and hotels, perfect for any length of stay.
The city of Jujuy is a great place to start explorations of the nearby areas. The many mountains, hillsides, rock formations, green plains, rivers, lagoons, and just down right gorgeous landscapes make daily hikes, camping, safaris, mountain biking, and cultural tours a must-do! If you visit Jujuy you can also visit Tilcara, Purmamarca and La Quiaca.
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