Paseo de los Colorados, Scenic route near Purmamarca, Argentina
Paseo de los Colorados is a scenic route near Purmamarca that winds through hills where mineral deposits in the sedimentary rocks create red, orange, and yellow tones. The path stretches about three kilometers through these colored formations, offering changing views as you walk.
Indigenous communities settled in this region during pre-Columbian times and used the natural rock formations as geographical markers for their territories. The landscape shaped travel routes and movement patterns for these early inhabitants over many centuries.
The route connects the heart of Purmamarca to a traditional market where local artisans display textiles, pottery, and handcrafted items from the Jujuy region. People in the area have used this space for generations to showcase their craftsmanship.
The path is straightforward to walk but takes about two hours to complete and can get hot under direct sun. Visit in the morning between May and October when it is cooler and the light is better for taking photos.
Minerals in the hills continue to shift through natural erosion, meaning the color tones and rock patterns subtly differ with the seasons. This makes each visit slightly different depending on when you walk the path.
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