10 Most Beautiful Places in Jujuy, Argentina + Useful Tips

1. Serranía de los 14 Colores

Serranía de los 14 Colores is arguably the most beautiful place in Jujuy, especially for nature lovers. The region has been a World Heritage Site since 2003, recognized for its vibrant mountain landscapes and the historic Inca caravan road that passes through it.

Rising to 4,700 meters, this spectacular mountain can be reached by car in a short drive (or by a longer hike) from Humahuaca. Keep in mind that the road is a country route and not in optimal condition, so make sure your vehicle is ready for the ride.

Despite being a must-visit spot in any Jujuy travel guide, the Serranía de los 14 Colores remains largely untouched by mass tourism. This means you don’t need to arrive particularly early to enjoy the stunning views.

The mountain’s colors shift depending on the sunlight, so it’s worth spending a few hours on-site to fully appreciate the magic of nature. There is also a small café offering drinks and souvenirs for travelers.

Although it’s a natural site, there is an access fee of 500 ARS collected at the end of the road. The site is open from 10 am to 6 pm.

🦙 Fun fact: On the way to Hornocal, it’s not unusual to spot vicuñas, a local animal similar to a llama. They are shy but incredibly graceful!

2. Salinas Grandes

Salinas Grandes are undoubtedly one of the most stunning places to visit in Jujuy. Situated between the Salta and Jujuy regions, they are the second-largest salt flats in South America, after those in Bolivia.

No matter if you’re based in Salta or Jujuy, the Salinas can be comfortably visited on a day trip. While multiple tours bring you to the Salinas Grandes, nothing beats a fun Argentinian road trip while exploring other gems on the way.

Upon arrival, you’ll need to purchase a ticket to access the Salinas with your car. An expert guide will escort you along a pre-designated route, showing you the most photogenic and interesting spots in the area.

Tips for visiting Salinas Grandes:

• Bring sunscreen (sun there is no joke!)
• Stay hydrated
• The parking lot outside the Salinas has a few stalls with snacks and drinks.

Visiting Salinas Grandes is truly one of the most unique things to do in Jujuy and should not be missed. Don’t forget your camera to capture some incredible and unusual photos!

3. Purmamarca & Cerro de los 7 Colores

When talking about top destinations in Jujuy, it’s impossible not to mention Purmamarca and the Cerro de los 7 Colores. Purmamarca is often considered one of the most beautiful towns in the province, but the surrounding mountains are equally breathtaking.

The town itself is full of vibrant colors and the warm spirit of the locals. Their friendliness and smiles make a visit truly special (you really need to experience it to understand it!). 

Located among the colorful mountains, Purmamarca enjoys a unique and stunning setting that feels almost magical. For an unforgettable view, head to the Cerro de los Siete Colores Viewpoint, where you can take in a fantastic panorama over one of Jujuy’s most beautiful natural landscapes. 

While in town, take time to shop for leather goods and handmade souvenirs, and make sure to support the locals. Despite its charm, Purmamarca remains a small community and has not been overrun by mass tourism.

If you’re planning a Jujuy road trip, consider spending the night in Purmamarca. This allows you to admire the mountains’ colors at sunrise, a truly magical experience. We stayed at this unique property, and I can’t recommend it enough.

4. Humahuaca

Humahuaca is a charming little town and one of the most beautiful places to visit in Jujuy. Its colonial architecture gives the town a special and unique charm that stands out not only in the province but across all of Argentina.

When visiting, don’t miss Plaza 25 de Mayo, the town’s main square. Here you’ll find markets with souvenirs and homemade goods, alongside the picturesque church of San Francisco Solano and the Cabildo de Humahuaca. 

We chose to spend a night in Humahuaca to have easy access to the Serranía de los 14 Colores, and I highly recommend the same approach. Staying overnight shortens the drive to the mountains and allows your body to adjust to the high altitude.

Despite its small size (roughly 10,000 inhabitants), the town has all the essentials, including pharmacies and convenience stores where you can pick up anything you need.

Accommodations in Humahuaca tend to be simple and rustic, so luxury is limited. Embrace it as part of the authentic experience of staying in a rural Andean town. We stayed at this apartment and it was a great choice.

5. Maimara and Paleta del Pintor

With its incredible blend of colors, it’s no surprise that the Paleta del Pintor ranks among the most beautiful natural wonders in Jujuy. The mountain stands on the riverbanks of the Rio Grande, a few kilometers away from the village of Tilcara in the village of Maimara. 

Although hiking on the mountain is currently prohibited for security reasons, you can still admire breathtaking views from the Mirador Paleta del Pintor or the Mirador del Monolito Maimará.

Maimará and its surroundings are also home to a fascinating wine culture. Local wineries such as Bodega y Viñedos Jesús Vilte and Bodegas Dupont invite you to sample regional delicacies paired with a glass of Andean wine.

Before leaving town, make a stop at Plaza de Maimará to soak up the rhythm of daily life and enjoy a freshly made empanada at the popular La Casa de las Empanadas. It’s the best way to end your visit.

6. Tilcara

At first glance, Tilcara might seem like just a tiny dot in a mostly desert region. So why is it considered one of the most beautiful villages in Jujuy?

Its charm comes from both its strategic location (between the colorful towns of Purmamarca and Humahuaca) and its unique character and personality.

Despite its small size, Tilcara boasts a surprisingly lively food scene. Cafés like La Casa de Champa – Salón de Té and various restaurants offer local Andean and Argentine specialties. Open-air parrillas are common, making it an ideal stop for lunch during a Jujuy road trip.

Beyond food, Tilcara has a vibrant local market and a number of boutiques selling handmade goods. The town also showcases beautiful street art reflecting daily life in the region. At the heart of it all, Iglesia Nuestra Señora del Rosario de Tilcara stands proudly on the market square.

A short distance from town, the Pucará de Tilcara reveals the ruins of a pre-Hispanic civilization, complete with a small archaeological museum surrounded by the region’s characteristic cactus landscapes.

Not bad for such a small point on the map, right? I arrived with zero expectations and ended up loving Tilcara, so I can’t recommend it enough.

7. Garganta del Diablo

Just a short distance from the town of Tilcara lies Garganta del Diablo (the Devil’s Throat), one of the most unique natural sites in Jujuy. Don’t confuse it with the Devil’s Throat in Salta as it is a different attraction.

You can reach the trailhead by car and park at the start of the path, take a longer walk from Tilcara, or hire a taxi. The canyon is accessed via a scenic nature trail offering spectacular views of the valley and surrounding mountains. 

At the end of the trail, you’ll be rewarded with a small yet stunning waterfall hidden within the gorge. Over centuries, the rushing water has carved dramatic rock formations, which feel absolutely serene and unreal.

To enter, you’ll need to pay around 3,000 ARS, which goes to the local community that maintains the trail. The fee is modest considering the beauty of the site and the experience of walking through such raw landscapes.

💡 Extra tips! Bring your own water and sunscreen. There are no shops around.

8. Calilegua National Park

If you’re wondering what to include on your Jujuy itinerary and love green spaces and panoramic views, Calilegua National Park should be at the top of your list.

While much of the region is defined by desert landscapes and sparse vegetation, Calilegua stands out as a world apart. The park protects a rare subtropical cloud forest, known as the yungas, one of Argentina’s most unique ecosystems.

Here, wildlife thrives in incredible diversity: jaguars, pumas, tapirs, howler monkeys, and over 270 species of birds, alongside a seemingly endless variety of plants. The scenery is equally stunning, with rivers, waterfalls, and panoramic viewpoints.

For hikers, well-marked trails of varying difficulty start near the ranger station, making it easy to explore whether you prefer a short stroll or a longer adventure.

Despite its ecological significance, Calilegua remains a hidden gem, seeing far fewer visitors than the towns of the Quebrada de Humahuaca. For anyone fascinated by flora and fauna, it’s arguably the most unique natural destination in the region.

The park is also convenient to include on a broader trip: it lies on the route between the Quebrada de Humahuaca and Salta, less than two hours from San Salvador de Jujuy. It’s the perfect stop to experience Argentina’s jungle side before returning to the Andean landscapes.

9. Iruya

For adventurers looking to make a Jujuy road trip truly unforgettable, Iruya is a stunning hidden gem in northeastern Argentina. Technically located in the Salta province near the Jujuy border, Iruya is often included in many Jujuy itineraries. 

The town sits high in the mountains at nearly 2,800 meters above sea level, giving it the feel of a place lost in time, which is exactly what makes it so captivating.

Iruya welcomes you with narrow cobblestone streets, stone houses, and spectacular views of colorful surrounding mountains. The town is tiny, with only a few thousand inhabitants, yet it exudes a warm, authentic Andean charm. Life here is slow, quiet, and deeply rooted in tradition.

The Church of Nuestra Señora del Rosario y San Roque, perched on a small square overlooking the valley, is the centerpiece. From here, you can explore the village on foot or hike to nearby communities like San Isidro or Pueblo Viejo.

Iruya is best suited for adventurous travelers. The drive from Humahuaca takes around three hours along winding dirt roads, with dramatic cliffs, river crossings, and breathtaking views. Even before you arrive, the road makes the adventure unforgettable.

10. Laguna de los Pozuelos

If you thought Jujuy was all about colorful mountains and picturesque villages, wait until you see Laguna de los Pozuelos. 

Hidden away in a remote high-altitude valley, this lagoon is part of a protected natural reserve and one of the best places in Argentina to spot flamingos. Thousands of them gather here, creating a surreal pink contrast against the deep blues of the water and the golden altiplano around it.

Beyond flamingos, the reserve is home to vicuñas, foxes, and countless bird species. It is a true paradise for wildlife photographers and nature lovers. The landscapes feel almost otherworldly.

You can reach it on a full-day trip from Purmamarca or Tilcara. The road is paved until Abra Pampa, then becomes gravel but remains in good condition. Fuel is available in Abra Pampa and Rinconada.

On arrival, you’ll check in at the entrance and again before leaving. Once inside, allow about 2.5 hours for a self-guided visit. Don’t plan a late evening visit because it closes pretty early and changes with the season.

There are no services, so bring food, water, sunscreen, and good shoes (expect mud and puddles, especially in summer).

If you’re looking for one of the most beautiful and untouched places in Jujuy, this hidden sanctuary is well worth the journey.

FAQ – Visiting Jujuy, Argentina