Hostels in Quebrada de Humahuaca: where to stay, how to get there and what to do
The Quebrada de Humahuaca is a valley about 155 km long in Jujuy, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2003, with multicoloured hills, small villages and archaeological sites. Backpackers get around on the RN 9 buses, which run often, and set up base in Tilcara, in the middle of the valley: from there you can do day trips to Purmamarca, Humahuaca, the Hornocal, Iruya and the Salinas Grandes. Keep in mind the altitude, between 2,300 and 3,000 m, and that the nights are cold.
🛏️Dorm bedfrom ≈ US$ 10 a night
✈️AirportJUJ (Jujuy), 117 km from Tilcara
🚌Bus stationTilcara, ≈ 540 m from the plaza
🚍Jujuy → Tilcara88 km, ≈ 1 h 45 by bus, ≈ US$ 7
⛰️Altitude2,324 m (Purmamarca) to 2,939 m (Humahuaca)
🥶Winter nightsaverage low of −3 °C in July (Humahuaca)
🏧Cashfew ATMs: bring pesos from Jujuy
Serranía del Hornocal
Salinas Grandes
Tilcara
How to get to Quebrada de Humahuaca
✈️ Gobernador Horacio Guzmán International Airport JUJ
117 km from Tilcara · 160 km from Humahuaca · 32 km from Jujuy bus station
Getting to the centre and the hostels
Backpacker option: taxi, remís or Uber to Jujuy bus station (32 km, ≈ 27 min) and a bus to Tilcara (≈ 1 h 45, ≈ US$ 7)
Direct private transfer (TransferJujuy and others): ask for the price on WhatsApp
Hostal La Albahaca offers a paid transfer to and from the airport
Direct flights
Aerolíneas Argentinas: 3 daily flights to Buenos Aires and 5 a week to Córdoba. JetSMART: Aeroparque–Jujuy every day from October 2026.
✈️ Martín Miguel de Güemes International Airport (Salta) SLA
196 km from Tilcara along RN 9 · 12 km from Salta bus station
Getting to the centre and the hostels
SAETA bus (lines 8A, 6-Quijano or 6-La Silleta) or taxi to Salta city
From Salta bus station, direct Balut bus to Tilcara (≈ 3 h 45) or Humahuaca (≈ 4 h 35)
Direct flights
Domestic (Buenos Aires, Córdoba, Mendoza, Neuquén) and international destinations. Worth it when the fare to Salta is cheaper than to Jujuy.
🚌 Tilcara Bus Station (Terminal de Ómnibus)
📍 Calle Belgrano, ≈ 540 m from Plaza Álvarez Prado
🛏️ ≈ 50 m to 0.8 km (as the crow flies) from the Tilcara hostels
Evelia, Santa Ana and Jama Bus services between Jujuy and Humahuaca stop here; the fare from Jujuy is AR$ 10,700 (≈ US$ 7), with frequent increases, so check it at the ticket office. In Humahuaca the bus station is on Av. Belgrano, ≈ 160 m from the Cabildo, and buses to Iruya and 4x4s to the Hornocal leave from there.
Balut 4/day (5:30, 10:30, 15:30 and 22:00); Flecha Bus at midnight
Balut, Flecha Bus, Andesmar
Humahuaca → Iruya
73-75
≈ 3 h
several a day
Transporte Iruya, Panamericano de Jujuy
Humahuaca → La Quiaca (Bolivian border)
157
≈ 2 h 25
every ≈ 3 h
El Quiaqueño, Balut, La Veloz del Norte
Purmamarca–Tilcara (26 km, ≈ 25-30 min) is covered by the same RN 9 buses; timetables come from undated schedules, so they may have changed.
Map of Quebrada de Humahuaca: bus station, hostels and sights
The hostels in this guide, the bus station, the airport and the things to see, all on one map. Tap a point to see its name.
Loading the map…
HostelsBus stationSights
Off the map (straight-line distance): Aeropuerto Internacional Gobernador Horacio Guzmán (JUJ) (≈ 110 km); Aeropuerto Internacional de Salta Martín Miguel de Güemes (SLA) (≈ 158 km); Terminal de Ómnibus de Jujuy «Gral. Manuel Eduardo Arias» (≈ 88 km); Terminal de Ómnibus de Salta (≈ 151 km); Terminal de Ómnibus de La Quiaca (≈ 150 km).
Distances from the centre
Place
Distance
Time
How
Pucará de Tilcara
1.6 km from the plaza
26 min on foot
on foot from Tilcara
Garganta del Diablo
3.7 km on foot (≈ 6 km by road)
≈ 1 h 10 one way; 2-3 h return
on foot or by taxi from Tilcara
Purmamarca (Hill of Seven Colours)
26 km from Tilcara
≈ 25-30 min
RN 9 bus
Humahuaca
44 km from Tilcara
≈ 35-45 min
RN 9 bus
Serranía del Hornocal (viewpoint)
24 km from Humahuaca, on gravel
≈ 45 min
4x4, remís or tour
Salinas Grandes
64 km from Purmamarca · 89 km from Tilcara
≈ 1 h 20-1 h 30 from Purmamarca
tour or car
Iruya
73-75 km from Humahuaca (54 on gravel)
≈ 3 h
bus from Humahuaca bus station
La Quiaca (Bolivian border)
157 km from Humahuaca
≈ 2 h 25
bus
Getting around Quebrada de Humahuaca
All three villages are walkable: in Tilcara the bus station is ≈ 540 m from the plaza and the hostels in this guide are less than 900 m from both; in Humahuaca the bus station is ≈ 160 m from the Cabildo, and in Purmamarca the stop is ≈ 170 m from the plaza.
Between villages you use the Evelia and Santa Ana buses along RN 9, which work as the Quebrada's local transport: they stop in Purmamarca, Maimará, Tilcara, Huacalera, Uquía and Humahuaca.
Between Tilcara and Humahuaca there's about one bus an hour during the day; you pay in cash, at the ticket office or to the driver.
No bus goes to the Hornocal: 4x4s leave from the Humahuaca bus station area. In Humahuaca there's Remisería 2 de Abril (+54 3887 421-259) and in Tilcara there are taxis.
Some streets are steep or gravel: Antigua Tilcara is reached up a slope and cars can't get to Casa Colores, so you walk a short stretch from the old train station.
Uber, Cabify, DiDi and taxis in Quebrada de Humahuaca
In Tilcara, Humahuaca and Purmamarca there are no confirmed ride-hailing apps, and in San Salvador de Jujuy Uber is on hold due to a court order: to get around, bus, remís or taxi.
Uber No data
The most widely used in the country: Buenos Aires, Córdoba, Mendoza, Salta and Bariloche. It takes card, cash and Mercado Pago, and the same account you use at home works here.
Cabify Not available
Strong in Buenos Aires; also in Córdoba, Mendoza and Bariloche. Cash only in Buenos Aires, Rosario, Mendoza and Córdoba; to create an account it asks for a phone number and email address.
DiDi No data
Works in Buenos Aires, Córdoba, Salta, Bariloche and other cities (not in Mendoza). You pay by card or in cash.
Status of each app according to their official sites and the local press; it may change. The buttons open the official stores (Google Play for Android, App Store for iPhone).
The 3 best areas to stay in Quebrada de Humahuaca
1Tilcara The recommended base
🚌 hostels ≈ 50 m-0.8 km from the bus station
Tilcara (2,465 m) sits in the middle of the Quebrada: 26 km to Purmamarca and 44 km to Humahuaca, with buses almost every hour. It has most of the hostels, with dorms from 4 beds, and the Pucará and the Garganta del Diablo can be done on foot. Cons: it fills up at Carnival and in winter, and several reviews complain about unheated rooms in July.
2Humahuaca Gateway to the Hornocal, Iruya and Bolivia
🚌 hostels ≈ 260-720 m from the bus station
Humahuaca is at 2,939 m, higher and colder than Tilcara: in July the average low drops to −3.4 °C. It's the logical base if you're going to the Hornocal, whose 4x4s leave from the bus station area, to Iruya or if you're continuing to La Quiaca and Bolivia. The centre, with the Cabildo and the Independence Monument, is steps from the bus station. Cons: fewer places to stay and the ATM is in high demand.
3Purmamarca Day trip
🚌 stop ≈ 170 m from the plaza
It's the smallest and lowest village (2,324 m), at the foot of the Hill of Seven Colours. No hostels in Purmamarca appear in the listings, so the practical option is to sleep in Tilcara, 26 km and about 30 minutes away by bus, and come for the day. Paseo de los Colorados is a 4 km walking loop, and tours to the Salinas Grandes, 64 km away, leave from here.
The 8 recommended hostels in Quebrada de Humahuaca
Five hostels in Tilcara and three in Humahuaca, all with dorms. There are no hostels in Purmamarca in the listings: for that village, Tilcara is the base.
Antigua Tilcara
9.1 · 680 reviews
Calle de la Sorpresa 484 · ≈ 275 m from the plaza
🚌 ≈ 780 m from the bus station (as the crow flies)Mixed dormPrivate roomsBuffet breakfastBar with a viewGrill
Shared dorm
Dining room
Exterior
It's the most-reviewed place to stay in the Quebrada: a rustic hostel with a mixed dorm and several private rooms with bathroom. The buffet breakfast is served in a dining room looking out over the hills, and there's a bar, courtyard and grill. It's three blocks from the plaza, but you get there up a sloping street.
Breakfast with a view of the hills
Very attentive staff (9.5)
Reached by a steep street
Some rooms cold in winter
How much a night costs, month by month
Bed in a shared dorm · 1 person
2626··········
OctNovDecJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSep
Private room · 2 people
727272·········
OctNovDecJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSep
A bed costs around US$ 26 a night. The private room costs around US$ 72. Months marked «·» have no rate loaded yet: the hostel opens its calendar in stages, it doesn't mean it's closed.
Public price per night, before taxes and fees (these are shown at checkout and depend on your country of residence and payment method), for the free-cancellation rate when there is one; quotes are for 2 consecutive nights. Rates change with the date. Updated 05/10/2026.
The place is beautiful! Very comfortable and quiet. With a really cool breakfast with a GORGEOUS view. I hope to come back at some point.
Luchosetroc · Argentina · Aug 2026
10Fresh and delicious breakfast
The staff were very kind and professional, they answered all our questions and you could go to the kitchen to make yourself a hot drink at any time of day. The breakfast is fresh and delicious. I highly recommend it.
Tal · Israel · Aug 2026
10The place to recommend and come back to
The breakfast, super complete: you have breakfast with an incredible view. But the best thing I take away from that place is the care from Celeste, a beautiful, kind, attentive person. You leave with a friend and the urge to come back.
Aldana · Argentina · Aug 2026
10Spacious, cosy-warm room
Celeste welcomed us really well, ready to help and advise you at all times. The breakfast, super tasty and varied, with a beautiful view. The room spacious and nice and warm, comfortable bed and large bathroom.
Carolina · Argentina · Jul 2026
Real reviews from verified guests, translated from the original language. A selection of 4 out of 680.
Casa Colores
9.2 · 189 reviews
Radio Estación s/n, opposite the old train station · ≈ 880 m from the plaza
🚌 ≈ 370 m from the bus station (as the crow flies)Mixed dormBreakfast includedKitchenGrillGarden and terrace
Shared dorm
Common room
Exterior
A big old house that works 100 % as a hostel, with the best score in the guide and owners whom guests mention by name. It has an equipped kitchen, a grill, a courtyard with fruit trees and lots of common space. It's tucked away: cars can't get there and one review reckons it's 15 to 20 minutes on foot to the bus station and the restaurants.
Very warm owners (Staff 9.8)
Value for money of 9.5
15-20 min on foot from the centre
Bathrooms in the courtyard, patchy water
How much a night costs, month by month
Bed in a shared dorm · 1 person
1010··········
OctNovDecJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSep
Private room · 2 people
3636··········
OctNovDecJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSep
A bed costs around US$ 10 a night. The private room costs around US$ 36. Months marked «·» have no rate loaded yet: the hostel opens its calendar in stages, it doesn't mean it's closed.
Public price per night, before taxes and fees (these are shown at checkout and depend on your country of residence and payment method), for the free-cancellation rate when there is one; quotes are for 2 consecutive nights. Rates change with the date. Updated 05/10/2026.
You arrive as a guest, you leave as a friend. The care and the kind of people Caro and Emi are make you feel as if you'd known them all your life. Good atmosphere at all times. The place is excellent. When I'm back in Jujuy I'll go back to Casa Colores.
Néstor · Argentina · Aug 2026
10Pleasant
I really liked the vibe of the place. It's a super spacious and comfortable house. Plus, the energy of Caro and Emi, the owners, is so warm that it makes you feel at home.
Durí · Argentina · Jul 2026
10A magical place to stay
Everything: comfortable beds, incredibly kind owners, lots of big common areas where you can relax despite it being a hostel, excellent cleanliness and unbeatable treatment.
Uma · Spain · Apr 2026
9Very nice but far away
It was far from the centre and sort of in the middle of nature. A bit far from everything: 15-20 min walking to restaurants and the bus station.
Juan · Germany · Sep 2026
Real reviews from verified guests, translated from the original language. A selection of 4 out of 189.
Tilcara Mistica Hostel
8.6 · 261 reviews
Padilla 575 · ≈ 310 m from the plaza
🚌 ≈ 360 m from the bus station (as the crow flies)4-bed dormMixed dormPrivate roomsKitchenGrill
Shared dorm
Patio
Entrance
Central and with small dorms, from 4 beds, plus doubles with shared bathroom and rooms with private bathroom. It serves breakfast with regional products and has a garden with hammocks, a kitchen, a grill and a bar-restaurant. Recent reviews highlight the good vibes of Indi and Nico; Wi-Fi and heating in winter are the weak points.
Hosts with good vibes
Central location (9.4)
Weak Wi-Fi, according to guests (6.5)
Little heating in winter
How much a night costs, month by month
Bed in a shared dorm · 1 person
191919333333······
OctNovDecJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSep
Private room · 2 people
404040656565······
OctNovDecJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSep
A bed costs from US$ 19 to US$ 33 a night, depending on the month. The private room, from US$ 40 to US$ 65. Months marked «·» have no rate loaded yet: the hostel opens its calendar in stages, it doesn't mean it's closed.
Public price per night, before taxes and fees (these are shown at checkout and depend on your country of residence and payment method), for the free-cancellation rate when there is one; quotes are for 2 consecutive nights. Rates change with the date. Updated 05/10/2026.
The good vibes and energy of the place, the people who work there, all very kind and cheerful.
Gisela · Argentina · Aug 2026
9Relax
The beds were comfortable. The breakfast was fine. The people who run it, super nice vibes. The place is for people with good vibes.
Nadia · Argentina · Aug 2026
10I'd come back again and again
Comfortable rooms, tasty breakfast, friendly people. A really lovely experience, I'd come back again and again.
Giuliano · Argentina · Jun 2026
10It ends up becoming home
A magical place to stay that ends up becoming home. Indi and Nico, excellent hosts, very kind and attentive. I'd definitely come back to this place.
Daniela · Argentina · Apr 2026
Real reviews from verified guests, translated from the original language. A selection of 4 out of 261.
Hostal La Albahaca
8.7 · 231 reviews
Ambrosetti 543 · ≈ 380 m from the plaza
🚌 ≈ 580 m from the bus station (as the crow flies)4-bed dormPrivate roomsKitchenGardenParking
Shared dorm
Dining room
Exterior
An old house a little above the centre, and therefore quiet, with a 4-bed mixed dorm and private rooms of all sizes. It has a shared kitchen, garden and lounge; the breakfast and the service get the most praise. They let you store your backpack after check-out and offer a paid airport transfer. The facilities are basic.
Much-praised breakfast
They keep your backpack after check-out
Some rooms in poor condition
Bathrooms could be better, say guests
How much a night costs, month by month
Bed in a shared dorm · 1 person
141414·········
OctNovDecJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSep
Private room · 2 people
202222·········
OctNovDecJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSep
A bed costs around US$ 14 a night. The private room, from US$ 20 to US$ 22. Months marked «·» have no rate loaded yet: the hostel opens its calendar in stages, it doesn't mean it's closed.
Public price per night, before taxes and fees (these are shown at checkout and depend on your country of residence and payment method), for the free-cancellation rate when there is one; quotes are for 2 consecutive nights. Rates change with the date. Updated 05/10/2026.
The staff, the breakfasts, the good atmosphere we enjoyed.
Imelotto · Argentina · Oct 2026
9Ideal option to travel comfortably and calmly
It's a very good hostel, ideal for comfortable, low-cost options. The breakfast, 10/10, the best part. A great option if you're travelling alone (like me) or with others. The service from the staff was great, super attentive and kind. I'd come back and I recommend it. They just need to improve the bathroom facilities.
Gabriel · Argentina · May 2026
8Charming accommodation
A very pleasant place with a lovely courtyard. The staff are charming and willing to help you with your travel plans. Good value for money. The facilities are basic, but that's made up for by the charm of the place.
Rosa · Spain · Apr 2026
10For sharing with other guests
The people who run the place welcomed us very well, they were warm and helpful, the facilities were fine and the place is very pretty. The atmosphere is really nice, as you can meet and hang out with the other guests in the common areas.
Analia · Argentina · Feb 2026
Real reviews from verified guests, translated from the original language. A selection of 4 out of 231.
Tierra Andina Hostel
8.2 · 480 reviews
Alvear 656 · right by the bus station
🚌 ≈ 50 m from the bus stationMixed dormFemale dormMale dormKitchenBar
Shared dorm
Dining room
View from the hostel
The most practical if you arrive with your backpack: it's practically on the bus station corner. It has 6-bed mixed and female dorms and an 8-bed male dorm, plus private rooms, a kitchen, a bar and 24-h reception. Several 2026 reviews say that on arrival they were asked for more pesos than the total reserved: keep your confirmation handy.
Metres from the bus station
Showers with good pressure and hot water
No lockers in the dorms
Weak Wi-Fi, according to guests (6.1)
How much a night costs, month by month
Bed in a shared dorm · 1 person
141616·········
OctNovDecJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSep
Private room · 2 people
545555·········
OctNovDecJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSep
A bed costs from US$ 14 to US$ 16 a night, depending on the month. The private room, from US$ 54 to US$ 55. Months marked «·» have no rate loaded yet: the hostel opens its calendar in stages, it doesn't mean it's closed.
Public price per night, before taxes and fees (these are shown at checkout and depend on your country of residence and payment method), for the free-cancellation rate when there is one; quotes are for 2 consecutive nights. Rates change with the date. Updated 05/10/2026.
Tierra Andina has an inexplicable mystique: the paintings, the building, they make you live a truly unforgettable local experience. The staff are very kind, 100 % recommended.
González · Uruguay · Aug 2026
9Nice showers and courtyard
Nice location, decor and staff; the bathroom showers and the courtyard are really nice. That there are no lockers in the room.
Carla · Argentina · Jul 2026
10Super friendly staff and excellent location.
The location is excellent, right next to the bus station, and it's easy to get to the centre and most services. Big plus for the staff, always very attentive and pleasant. Breakfast offers coffee or herbal teas, jam, manjar (dulce de leche) and some biscuits; it's good enough.
Davide · Italy · Jun 2026
10We were like a family
What I liked most about this hostel is EVERYTHING: the people, the location, the staff's kindness. We were like a family, I wouldn't hesitate to come back. The bunks are 3 levels high: it's a bit of an effort to get to the third one, but if you're agile it's all perfect.
Yolanda · Spain · Apr 2026
Real reviews from verified guests, translated from the original language. A selection of 4 out of 480.
Giramundo Hostel
8.8 · 469 reviews
Salta 38 · ≈ 160 m from the plaza
🚌 ≈ 260 m from the bus station (as the crow flies)Mixed dormsKitchenTerraceGames room24-h reception
Shared dorm
Patio
Exterior
The most-reviewed hostel in Humahuaca, in a colourfully painted historic house steps from the plaza. It has 6- and 8-bed mixed dorms with bunks and a double, all with shared bathrooms, plus a kitchen, grill, terrace and games room. The reception team gets lots of praise for their tips on what to do in town.
Central location (9.7)
Reception that advises on activities
No lockers in the dorms
Cold and lukewarm showers in winter
How much a night costs, month by month
Bed in a shared dorm · 1 person
101010131313······
OctNovDecJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSep
Private room · 2 people
252525383838······
OctNovDecJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSep
A bed costs from US$ 10 to US$ 13 a night, depending on the month. The private room, from US$ 25 to US$ 38. Months marked «·» have no rate loaded yet: the hostel opens its calendar in stages, it doesn't mean it's closed.
Public price per night, before taxes and fees (these are shown at checkout and depend on your country of residence and payment method), for the free-cancellation rate when there is one; quotes are for 2 consecutive nights. Rates change with the date. Updated 05/10/2026.
From the moment I arrived they explained what activities there were nearby, which restaurants to go to, and gave me very good information. The bathroom facilities weren't the best I've had.
Juan · Germany · Sep 2026
10Good! I'd come back
The best thing is the good vibes of the people who work there: they make you feel at home and are always ready to help and advise you. Neat facilities, the terrace a plus, the breakfast is simple but has everything you need, especially for the price. I'd come back.
Luciana · Uruguay · Apr 2026
10Perfect for meeting people
The good vibes and helpfulness of the staff, the comfortable beds, the atmosphere is perfect for meeting other guests, the location a 10, the terrace is really nice and there are lots of bathrooms. I liked everything and would go again. Thanks so much!
Clara · Spain · Feb 2026
10Staff with good vibes
The helpfulness and good vibes of the staff, who make you feel you're in a pleasant space, creating excellent connections between travellers.
Leonel · Argentina · Jan 2026
Real reviews from verified guests, translated from the original language. A selection of 4 out of 469.
El Sol Hostel de Humahuaca
8.8 · 138 reviews
Barrio Medalla Milagrosa · across the river, ≈ 790 m from the plaza
🚌 ≈ 720 m from the bus station (as the crow flies)Mixed dormPrivate roomsKitchenBarLockers
Shared dorm
Dining room
Exterior
A family-run hostel in a quiet neighbourhood across the river, with a mixed dorm and private rooms with en-suite or shared bathroom. It has a kitchen, bar and garden and organises tours. The breakfast and the owners' care get the most praise. It's far from the centre, the Wi-Fi is weak and some reviews mention being charged in pesos above the amount reserved.
Very attentive owners (Staff 9.5)
Quiet and clean (9.1)
Far from the centre
Weak Wi-Fi, according to guests (5.8)
How much a night costs, month by month
Bed in a shared dorm · 1 person
1010131414·······
OctNovDecJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSep
Private room · 2 people
2222274141·······
OctNovDecJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSep
A bed costs from US$ 10 to US$ 14 a night, depending on the month. The private room, from US$ 22 to US$ 41. Months marked «·» have no rate loaded yet: the hostel opens its calendar in stages, it doesn't mean it's closed.
Public price per night, before taxes and fees (these are shown at checkout and depend on your country of residence and payment method), for the free-cancellation rate when there is one; quotes are for 2 consecutive nights. Rates change with the date. Updated 05/10/2026.
Very welcoming, extremely kind people, they give you all the information on any questions you have. I'd definitely come back. Cheers!
Juan · Argentina · Jun 2026
10Merci Ruben!
The stay was fantastic, many thanks to Rubén and his team! The breakfast is great, with excellent value for money. The hostel is very pretty and quiet, which makes for a very pleasant experience.
Hemery · France · May 2026
10Excellent in every way
Excellent in every way! Location, cleanliness, comfort, peace and quiet, the perfect breakfast to start the day and the service from Carlos and Rubén, absolute legends.
Lascci · Argentina · Apr 2026
9Quiet place
Good breakfast. Location far from the centre. Quiet place.
Mónica · Argentina · Mar 2026
Real reviews from verified guests, translated from the original language. A selection of 4 out of 138.
Kamaq Hostel
9.1 · 52 reviews
Buenos Aires 740 · ≈ 370 m from the plaza
🚌 ≈ 270 m from the bus station (as the crow flies)Mixed dormFemale dormPrivate roomsKitchenBreakfast
Female dorm
Shared kitchen
Exterior
The best score in Humahuaca, though with few reviews. It's a renovated house with history, with a 6-bed mixed dorm, a female dorm and quads, a well-equipped kitchen and a sunny courtyard. Belén and Andrés, the hosts, appear in almost every review. It's cold in winter and prices go up a lot at Carnival.
Very attentive hosts
Equipped kitchen and sunny courtyard
Cold in winter, bathroom outside
Very expensive at Carnival
How much a night costs, month by month
Bed in a shared dorm · 1 person
121010·········
OctNovDecJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSep
Private room · 2 people
252525·········
OctNovDecJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSep
A bed costs from US$ 10 to US$ 12 a night, depending on the month. The private room costs around US$ 25. Months marked «·» have no rate loaded yet: the hostel opens its calendar in stages, it doesn't mean it's closed.
Public price per night, before taxes and fees (these are shown at checkout and depend on your country of residence and payment method), for the free-cancellation rate when there is one; quotes are for 2 consecutive nights. Rates change with the date. Updated 05/10/2026.
The house is beautiful and the courtyard invites you to stay a while in the sun. The rooms are comfortable and the beds nice and warm. The kitchen is well equipped. Belén was lovely and attentive to everything I needed. It really is a quiet, homely place.
García · Argentina · Jul 2026
10Showers with really hot water
The staff are really nice and friendly. It's not far from the town's bus station. The rooms are spacious and the beds very comfortable. The showers have good pressure and the water comes out really hot.
Romina · Argentina · May 2026
10A perfect trip thanks to the good energy of Hostel Kamaq
A hostel with a lovely vibe, in a very good location in Humahuaca. Run by a young family ready to help and make your stay unique. A hostel with lots of history, renovated, it had everything you need.
Alejandro · Chile · Apr 2026
10All great
Everything was great during our stay at Kamaq. Andrés helps you with anything you need and it's a few minutes' walk from the centre.
Mauro · Spain · May 2026
Real reviews from verified guests, translated from the original language. A selection of 4 out of 52.
Backpacker tips for Quebrada de Humahuaca
1Bring cash from Jujuy
Tilcara has Link and Banelco ATMs in the centre and a Banco Macro at Lavalle 542; Purmamarca, a Banelco on the plaza, and Humahuaca, one ATM in high demand. On long weekends they can run out of money: withdraw beforehand or use cash-back at supermarkets and digital wallets.
2Check how much and in what currency you pay
In 2025 and 2026 reviews of several Quebrada hostels there are complaints about being charged in pesos above the total reserved. Keep your confirmation with the amount handy and ask about the exchange rate before paying.
3Go up gradually
Purmamarca is at 2,324 m, Tilcara at 2,465 m and Humahuaca at almost 3,000 m; the Hornocal tops 4,300 m. Spend 1 or 2 days in Tilcara before going higher, walk slowly and drink plenty of water: coca tea is used against soroche (altitude sickness).
4Proper warm clothes, even in summer
In Humahuaca the average low is 8 °C in January and −3.4 °C in July, and lots of July reviews mention unheated dorms. In winter, ask whether there's a heater before you reserve.
5Hornocal: pick the right time
The colours of the mountain look best between 11:00 and 16:00 (another guide says after 15:00). The road is gravel and there's no bus: you go up by 4x4 from the Humahuaca bus station area.
6Salinas Grandes with a guide
To enter the salt pools you must go with a guide from the local communities, and the bus runs on very few days. The practical option is a tour from Purmamarca or Tilcara.
7Carnival: reserve well in advance
In Tilcara the 2027 Carnaval Grande runs 6 to 8 February and the Carnaval Chico 10 to 14. Hostels fill up and prices rise a lot.
8The Pucará closes on Mondays
It opens Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00 to 18:30, with last entry at 17:15, and closes if it rains. Plan your visit so you don't miss it.
Things to do in Quebrada de Humahuaca (and how to get there on your own)
Pucará de Tilcara
A pre-Hispanic fortress run by the University of Buenos Aires (UBA); the ticket includes the High-Altitude Botanical Garden and the Archaeological Museum. Free for under-12s.
Distance
1.6 km from the plaza
How to get there
On foot from Tilcara
Entry
≈ US$ 8
Garganta del Diablo
A waterfall in a canyon: 2 to 3 h return. The Ayllu Mama Qolla community charges the entry fee, from 8:00 to 18:00; better to go in the morning to avoid the summer afternoon storms.
Distance
3.7 km on foot
How to get there
On foot from Tilcara
Hill of Seven Colours and Paseo de los Colorados
The hill can be seen from Purmamarca village and Paseo de los Colorados is a 4 km walking loop.
Distance
26 km from Tilcara
How to get there
RN 9 bus + on foot
Serranía del Hornocal
A range of coloured mountains with a viewpoint above 4,300 m. You go up 24 km of gravel road; there's no bus.
Distance
24 km from Humahuaca
How to get there
4x4, remís or tour
Iruya
A village clinging to the mountainside, already in Salta province, reached by 54 km of gravel road. Stay a night: on a day trip there's little time.
Distance
73-75 km from Humahuaca
How to get there
Bus (≈ 3 h)
Entry
≈ US$ 6 one way
Salinas Grandes
A salt flat at 3,450 m along RN 52 and the Cuesta de Lipán. For the salt pools a community guide is mandatory.
Distance
64 km from Purmamarca
How to get there
Tour or car
Humahuaca on foot
The Independence Monument with its stairway and the Cabildo, where at 12:00 a figure of San Francisco Solano comes out to give a blessing.
Distance
≈ 160 m from the bus station
How to get there
On foot
Entry
Free
Maimará and Uquía
The Paleta del Pintor (Painter's Palette), in Maimará, and the Quebrada de las Señoritas, which starts from Uquía village. Both can be done on the RN 9 bus.
Distance
7.9 km from Tilcara · 11.8 km from Humahuaca
How to get there
RN 9 bus
Tours you can book online
Almost all of the Quebrada can be explored on your own with the RN 9 buses. For the Hornocal and the Salinas Grandes, where there's no practical bus, a tour is the way to go.
Weather and seasons in Quebrada de Humahuaca
High season is Carnival, in January and February: in Tilcara the celebrations start in mid-January and the 2027 Carnaval Grande runs 6 to 8 February, with hostels full. From April to November it's dry with mild days, the best time for the Hornocal, hiking and the Salinas at their whitest; from December to March there's more rain. In winter the nights are very cold (climate data: Humahuaca, ≈ 3,000 m).
max. / min. °CHigh seasonShoulder seasonLow season💧 rain (mm)
Average temperatures and rainfall according to Wikipedia (historical data).
Plan the rest of your trip
The quickest way is to fly to Jujuy (JUJ): Aerolíneas Argentinas has 3 daily flights from Buenos Aires and JetSMART is back flying Aeroparque–Jujuy every day. From the airport, the cheap option is a taxi or Uber to Jujuy bus station and a bus to Tilcara. If the fare to Salta is lower, direct Balut buses run from its bus station to Tilcara and Humahuaca. By bus from Buenos Aires, Retiro–Jujuy is ≈ 1,488 km and 19 to 21 h with Flecha Bus, Balut or La Veloz del Norte. To continue to Bolivia, Humahuaca to La Quiaca takes ≈ 2 h 25 and the bridge to Villazón is ≈ 800 m from the bus station.
Where should I stay: Tilcara, Humahuaca or Purmamarca?
Tilcara, for location and choice: it's in the middle, 26 km from Purmamarca and 44 km from Humahuaca, with Evelia and Santa Ana buses almost every hour, and it has most of the hostels, with dorms of 4 to 8 beds. Humahuaca makes sense if you're heading to the Hornocal, Iruya or Bolivia. There are no hostels in Purmamarca in the listings: visit it as a day trip.
How do I get from Jujuy airport to Tilcara?
JUJ airport is 117 km from Tilcara (≈ 1 h 45 by car) and 32 km from Jujuy bus station. The cheapest way is a taxi or Uber to the bus station and then a bus to Tilcara: AR$ 10,700 (≈ US$ 7) and a ≈ 1 h 45 ride. There are also direct private transfers, with prices on WhatsApp.
Can I get there from Salta without going through Jujuy?
Yes. Balut runs buses from Salta bus station to Tilcara (≈ 3 h 45, 4 a day) and Humahuaca (≈ 4 h 35, departures at 5:30, 10:30, 15:30 and 22:00), and Flecha Bus has a midnight service to Humahuaca. Salta airport is 12 km from the bus station, about 24 minutes by car.
Will the altitude affect me?
It can. Purmamarca is at 2,324 m, Tilcara at 2,465 m and Humahuaca at almost 3,000 m; the Hornocal tops 4,300 m and the road to the Salinas 4,170 m. The advice is to acclimatise for 1 or 2 days in Tilcara, walk slowly, drink water and try coca tea, used locally against soroche. If you feel unwell, go down.
Is it cold? What should I pack?
Yes, at night. In Humahuaca, in July, the average high is 19.5 °C and the low −3.4 °C; in January it ranges from 23.6 °C to 8.3 °C. Rain is concentrated from December to March. Bring a jacket, a hat and layers or a light sleeping bag: several July reviews say the dorms have no heating.
How do I get to the Hornocal and Iruya on my own?
No bus goes to the Hornocal: 4x4s leave from the Humahuaca bus station area and climb 24 km of gravel road, about 45 minutes. Transporte Iruya and Panamericano go to Iruya from the same bus station, in about 3 h; a one-way ticket costs ≈ US$ 6. It's worth spending a night there, as a day trip leaves little time.
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