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Key Info for Visitors
- Currency: ARS
- Languages: Spanish, Quechua, English (tourist areas)
- Climate: Semi-arid
- Timezone: America/Argentina/Jujuy
- Population: Approximately 6,000 residents
- Best Time to Visit:
- Visa Requirements Visitors from the US, EU, and UK generally require a tourist visa or can enter visa-free for short stays; Argentina offers e-visa options for some countries. Visa on arrival is not common. It is recommended to check the latest requirements before travel.
About Tilcara
Tilcara is a charming town nestled in the Quebrada de Humahuaca valley in Argentina’s Jujuy Province. Known for its rich indigenous heritage and stunning Andean landscapes, it offers a unique blend of cultural history and natural beauty. The town is famous for its well-preserved pre-Incan ruins, vibrant artisan markets, and colorful festivals that celebrate local traditions. Visitors are drawn to Tilcara for its authentic atmosphere, where ancient customs meet lively modern culture. The surrounding valley features dramatic rock formations and picturesque villages, making it a perfect base for exploring the region’s archaeological sites and hiking trails. Tilcara’s appeal lies in its combination of cultural immersion, outdoor adventure, and warm community spirit, offering travelers a memorable and enriching experience.
Top Attractions
1. Pucará de Tilcara – A pre-Incan fortress with impressive ruins and panoramic views of the valley. 2. Museo Regional de Pintura José Antonio Terry – Showcases local art and indigenous culture. 3. Garganta del Diablo – A striking natural gorge ideal for hiking and photography. 4. Plaza Central – The lively town square surrounded by cafes, shops, and colonial architecture. 5. Mercado Artesanal – A bustling artisan market offering traditional crafts, textiles, and souvenirs.
Popular Activities
Hiking and trekking in the Quebrada de Humahuaca, visiting archaeological sites, exploring local artisan markets, attending traditional festivals, horseback riding, and photography of the dramatic landscapes and cultural scenes.
Tilcara Tours & Experiences
- Top Attractions: Highlights of Northwest Argentina
- Duration Range: Hiking and trekking in the Quebrada de Humahuaca, visiting archaeological sites, exploring local artisan markets, attending traditional festivals, horseback riding, and photography of the dramatic landscapes and cultural scenes.
- Group Size: Private or shared tours
- Difficulty Level: Beginner to Advanced
- Recommended For: Visit during the dry season for the best weather. Pack layered clothing for temperature variations and comfortable walking shoes. Respect local customs and ask permission before photographing people. Carry cash as some places may not accept cards. Stay hydrated and be prepared for high altitude.
Average Tour Price: $75
Lowest Price Tour: $39
Highest Price Tour: $200
7 Available Tour Excursions in Tilcara
We know that many of the landscapes of the Quebrada de Humahuaca speak for themselves, but touring them by bicycle accompanied by a guide will be a different and enriching experience.
Price: $20.00
Duration: 2 hours
We know that many of the landscapes of the Quebrada de Humahuaca speak for themselves, but touring them by bicycle accompanied by a guide will be a different and enriching experience.
Price: $35.00
Duration: 5 hours
I am a cook from the North of Argentina, I am a professional cook but fundamentally I am a traditional cook. I come from many generations of Argentine women cooks, I learned since I was a child all my culture and my tradition and my traditions from my gaucho family. I am passionate about my culture and my Argentine cuisine, I also work actively in safeguarding Argentine gastronomic culture, so I will be happy to share all these stories and experiences with you.
Price: $70.00
Duration: 3 hours
The walk with llamas is an activity in which the passenger will enjoy a short and enjoyable tour in the company of llamas. My llamas are very friendly and they are allowed to take close-up pictures. The route adapts to the need of the passenger, usually has a duration of two hours. While enjoying the walk, the geology of the landscape, the history and the native plants are interpreted with their medicinal use.
Price: $50.00
Duration: 1 hours
Half-day trekking in which you will enjoy a personalized activity. We will walk paths where the colors of the mountains will motivate us to interpret the different geological processes. The middle section of our route passes through a mud maze with vertical walls over 40 meters high. When we reach 2700 meters / nm we will rest, enjoying a unique landscape alone, maybe the condor will fly through our place of rest. The sun, the clouds, the wind will be our only travel companions. I offer you an activity in which we will walk 8 kms approximately. The circuit is located on the outskirts of Purmamarca being an exclusive place for which other people do not enter. It is a pleasant journey in which we will share stories about geology, native plants and their medicinal use, as well as the history of the region.
Price: $60.00
Duration: 4 hours
It is a tour in which we will enjoy a night landscape on the outskirts of the town. In the tour I will tell you about the Andean beliefs, and the cultural combination with the Catholic faith. I will speak about The Devil of Carnival, Pachamama, Apachetas, and respect for ancestors. This is a short tour with a lot of local cultural information. There is no talk about constellations, nor about astronomy. Before buying, contact the ANIACHO Tourist Guide. COMMUNICATE. Argentina
Price: $30.00
Duration: 1 hours
Visit the most important flamingos reserve of the NOA (Argentinean North West) traveling across the Puna region. From Tilcara, you will first stop at Abra Pampa, the capital of the Puna. Then you will continue throughout this particular landscape to arrive and enjoy a unique scene.
Price: $240.28
Duration: 9 hours
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Important Tour Information
- Bring comfortable walking shoes and appropriate clothing
- Check tour cancellation and refund policies
- Arrive at the meeting point at least 15 minutes early
- Carry valid identification and tour booking confirmation
Frequently Asked Questions
Local Food & Cuisine
Tilcara’s cuisine features Andean flavors with staples like quinoa, corn, and llama meat. Signature dishes include humita (corn pudding), tamales, and locro (a hearty stew). Dining customs emphasize sharing and enjoying meals with family or friends. Noteworthy restaurants include local eateries serving traditional fare and cafes offering regional specialties and fresh mountain herbs.
Getting Around
Tilcara is accessible by bus or car from San Salvador de Jujuy. Local transportation includes taxis and shared minibuses. Walking is common within the town due to its compact size. Costs are generally affordable, with bus fares and taxi rides being economical.
Travel Tips
Visit during the dry season for the best weather. Pack layered clothing for temperature variations and comfortable walking shoes. Respect local customs and ask permission before photographing people. Carry cash as some places may not accept cards. Stay hydrated and be prepared for high altitude.
Culture & Customs
Tilcara’s culture is deeply influenced by indigenous Andean traditions. Social customs include warm greetings and communal celebrations. Important festivals include the Pachamama ceremony and Carnival. Visitors should show respect for local customs, dress modestly when visiting religious sites, and support local artisans by purchasing handmade goods.
