Humahuaca

Humahuaca is a city located in the Andes at an elevation around 3,000 meters in an eastern valley of the central highlands. It spreads along a narrow valley framed by steep mountainsides that shape the surrounding landscape.

The city was founded in 1594 and became a major trading hub for the region of Alto Peru. For over four centuries it connected commercial routes through mountainous terrain and remained an important crossroads.

The main square displays a mechanical clock tower showing Saint Francisco Solano at noon every day. The Regional Folklore Museum showcases local crafts and traditions that remain part of how people in the city connect with their past.

The city is accessible via National Route 9, situated roughly 130 kilometers north of the provincial capital. Regular bus services connect it with major cities across Argentina, making travel straightforward.

The place has sharply different climate patterns with mild, rainy summers and cold, clear winters due to its extreme altitude. These shifts affect how visitors experience the surroundings depending on when they arrive.

Location: Humahuaca Department

Inception: 1594

Elevation above the sea: 2,970 m

GPS coordinates: -23.20544,-65.35048

Latest update: December 12, 2025 15:07