Tilcara
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If you are traveling through the Quebrada de Humuhuaca, the small and peaceful town of Tilcara is a must see, offering its visitors a quiet setting and a fantastic spot to explore the Quebrada, other archaeological sights, museums, and various outdoors activities and sports.
Located on the side of the Rio Grande and 84 km north of the city of San Salvador de Jujuy, the town of Tilcara in the province of Jujuy sits almost 2465 meters above sea level, offering a beautiful climate, outstanding views, and nothing but fresh air. The area here is a mix of sharp mountains and hills and dry and dusty terrain, making the climate desert-like hot in the summer and a brisk in the winter. However, even in the winter, if the sun is out the air manages to stay warm with a refreshingly cool breeze, a perfect time to explore the area, and participate in local hikes and tours. If you plan to camp anywhere in this area, make sure to check the weather ahead so that you are prepared for the low temperaturas during the nights.
The beautiful town of Tilcara, home to over 5,000 residents, features low adobe buildings, bright colored houses, local artisan stores, regional restaurants, a town church and plaza, all specific to this area. The city is composed of many steep streets, as the town is built up a hillside, and each street, house, or building gives you a fantastic view of the Quebrada. Over the years the town has become more and more popular among tourists traveling in the north and today offers a wide range of accommodation from camping, hostels, hotels, and even luxury hotels, for those really looking to treat themselves during their travels.
Even though Tilcara is a small town, there are many great activities offered all year round.
Since Tilcara is small, a walking tour is a nice way to get to know the whole town, explore the local stores, and have a coffee in the town´s plaza. The town people are a mixture of traditional families who have lived in the area for centuries, new-comers who have arrived to live a more peaceful existance, and tourists who stay for a few days at a time.
Tilcara is considered the archaeological capital of the province and home to Pucara de Tilcara. These ruins were once a fortress built by the people who inhabited Tilcara long ago; tours of the fortress are offered through the towns tourist centers.
Jardin Botanico de Altura is a beautiful botanical garden where you can learn about local herbs, scents, and medicines that are made from these herbs.
Take a walk to the ‘Throat of the Devil’, part of the Quebrada de Humuhuaca, to see an incredible waterfall that plunges down to the Rio Huasamayo.
There are a few good museums in town that are focused on archaeology, local painters, and regional artists; Museo Regional de Pintura Jose A. Ferry, Museo Arqueologico Eduardo Casanova, and Museo Fundacion Medardo Pantoja.
From Tilcara you can venture into the amazing canyons of the Quebrada de Humuhuaca, rent a quad for excursions to local ride spots, go hiking, horseback riding, or walking, as well as visit some of the local sand dunes for dune buggy rides.
During the year, Tilcara also hosts a few big festivals including the Hombre de Tilcara, Festival de Chicha, and Festival de Pachamama.
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