You most certainly have heard of a rainbow over the mountain, but do you know of a rainbow on the mountain? While that’s not all that the Quebrada de Humahuaca is, it certainly is one of the major features of this narrow mountain valley. Loosely translated as the “Ravine of Humahuaca”, this UNESCO World Heritage site has been populated for millenniums. The valley is of significant cultural and historical value to its inhabitants, and to those studying its history. There’s certainly no other sight like this!

Even from afar, the distinct shift of colors from a creamy white to red ochre, with a wide spectrum in between, is a dead giveaway that you have reached your destination. Head into the valley and its villages; Purmamarca, Maimará, Tilcara, and Humahuaca, from which the Quebrada de Humahuaca gets its name. The earliest records show that hunter-gatherers were the first to settle here. For over a millennium, the community flourished, before the Incan empire conquered the area. That is until the Spanish colonizers arrived in the 16th century. The rich history can be traced all the way until the struggle for independence until the 20th century, and Humahuaca is a quintessential colonial-era settlement. While you’re here, don’t forget to try traditional food like the chicha de Jujuy, and Locro, a delicious Andean stew. If you’re a tea lover, then you can nurse your altitude sickness with a cup of tea that has coca leaves in it. Whether you’re exploring the valley, or frantically taking pictures, you will no doubt have an unforgettable experience here!