Tumbaya Department: Gorge, Culture and Trails

In Tumbaya Department, the dry landscape of the Quebrada de Humahuaca and a cultural history preserved over generations meet trails that take very different amounts of time. Tumbaya, Purmamarca and Volcán each bring different facets into view: geological colors, historic chapels, religious traditions and walks ranging from a short stroll to a long route to Punta Corral. For your planning, it is worth considering sightseeing and trail times separately.

The Quebrada and Its Colorful Rocks

The Quebrada de Humahuaca is a narrow, dry mountain valley about 155 kilometers long, crossed by the Río Grande. It also runs through Tumbaya Department. In 2003, UNESCO declared the Quebrada a World Heritage Site as a cultural landscape. Here, the landscape reveals not only striking geological formations but also a cultural region shaped over a long period of time.

In Purmamarca, the bands of Cerro de los Siete Colores display ochre, yellow, orange, green, brown, lilac and violet. Their colors are linked to the sedimentary origins of the rocks. Together with Paseo de los Colorados, the hill is designated a “Monumento Histórico Natural”; the trail has the same designation. The trail offers its own activity alongside views of the colorful landscape, rather than serving only as a viewpoint.

Chapels, Art and Pilgrimage Traditions

The Capilla de Nuestra Señora de los Dolores preserves valuable 18th-century paintings. These include a painting from Cusco and three paintings from Jujuy attributed to Diego de Aliaga. The chapel in Tumbaya is designated a National Historic Monument. Every year, it welcomes thousands of pilgrims who visit the Virgen de Punta Corral.

The pilgrimage route is also part of the town’s religious tradition: the Kolla community of Tumbaya travels to the Santuario de Punta Corral accompanied by Sikuri bands. This tradition is rooted in local Andean religiosity. If you are interested in religious heritage, here you can experience both a specific route and a living community tradition; the chapel and its paintings add a distinct cultural and historical dimension.

From a Short Walk to Punta Corral

The Mirador Cerro Horno Huaico is an easy walk of about 30 minutes. From there, the view stretches across Tumbaya, a wide section of the Quebrada de Humahuaca and the Quebrada de Horno Huaico. Another described loop takes about 45 minutes and follows the left bank of the Río Purmamarca. It offers views of the town, the colorful mountains and Paseo de los Colorados.

The best-known route to Punta Corral takes considerably more time: it starts in Tumbaya, takes about nine hours and climbs from 2,000 to 3,600 meters above sea level. This means a short viewpoint walk and a long route with a substantial elevation range suit very different schedules. Check local conditions and access before setting out on the hike.

Local Offerings and Flavors

The Feria Campesina de Volcán is located at the former railway station in Volcán. Artisans from various towns in the Puna region of Jujuy sell their products there. Check whether the market is open before visiting. In Purmamarca, coca tea, cayote empanadas, llama meat and high-altitude wines are part of the tourist offering; this selection provides another way to explore regional cuisine.

The proposal for the Tren del Vino, published in 2026, includes a stop in Tumbaya with tastings of wines from Antropo Wines and Bodega El Molle in the Valles Templados. The proposal for the Tren del Vino, published in 2026, also includes a stop in Purmamarca with lunch and a tour of Bodega Amanecer Andino. As dates and availability may change, check the offering before making plans. This helps distinguish the described wine and food offerings from the enduring landscape and cultural features.

Discover more destinations: Volcán, Humahuaca Department, Palpalá, Susques Department, Valle Grande Department, Santa Bárbara Department, Palpalá, San Pedro Department

For the main travel overview: Jujuy.