Volcán: Pucará and the Cultural Landscape of the Quebrada

Volcán is part of the Quebrada de Humahuaca World Heritage Site, recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in the cultural landscape category in 2003. The town can be understood through two distinct themes: the Pucará as an archaeological site and Ruta Nacional 9 as a road route through the Quebrada. The Feria Campesina and Estación Carnaval are additional cultural points of interest.

The Pucará de Volcán

The Pucará de Volcán is considered the first Pucará in the Quebrada de Humahuaca. It lies west of the town, in the El Antigal area, at an altitude of 2,070 meters. The site comprises a group of dwellings belonging to Indigenous peoples. Their construction and location enhanced their defensive capabilities. Thus, both the dwellings and their defensive function are central to the Pucará.

These features describe different aspects of the site: the altitude indicates its location, while the construction and position are connected to its defensive capabilities. Together with its designation as the first Pucará in the Quebrada, this gives Volcán a clear archaeological focus. At the same time, its World Heritage recognition places the town within a larger cultural landscape.

The Quebrada and the road route

A 150-kilometer stretch of Ruta Nacional 9 runs through the Quebrada de Humahuaca between Volcán and Tres Cruces and is suitable for driving. This makes Volcán one of the stated endpoints of this section of road. For travelers planning a car journey, it is a distinct point of reference alongside the town’s archaeological heritage.

Regional context in Departamento Tumbaya

The Quebrada de Humahuaca also runs through the broader travel destination of Departamento Tumbaya. It is a narrow, dry mountain valley approximately 155 kilometers long, traversed by the Río Grande. The two length figures refer to different things: 150 kilometers describes the road stretch suitable for driving between Volcán and Tres Cruces; approximately 155 kilometers describes the Quebrada as a valley.

Feria Campesina: food and products

The Feria Campesina is held at Volcán’s former railway station. Food on offer includes cheese, tortillas, bread rolls, and homemade sweets. Products made from clay, cardón, leather, stone, and sheep’s and llama wool are also offered. The selection described therefore includes both food and goods made from a range of materials.

The range of goods may change. Therefore, check which products are currently available before visiting; you should also check separately for the latest information about how the Feria operates.

Estación Carnaval and Carnival traditions

Estación Carnaval was declared a cultural interest event in Volcán as part of the official launch of the celebration. The second edition was also presented in Volcán. Its itinerant program showcases the diversity of Carnival traditions in the province of Jujuy and brings together culture, tradition, and tourism.

Traditional activities took place at the opening event for Estación Carnaval: the bajada de diablos, the chayada de mojón, parades, and musical performances. These activities offer a concrete glimpse of the forms of celebration mentioned. They are distinct from the itinerant program of the second edition, which is a separate aspect of Carnival.

Planning your stay in Volcán

When looking for a hotel in Volcán, you can first decide what you want to focus on during your trip: are you mainly interested in the archaeological heritage of the Pucará, would you like to plan a drive along the specified section of Ruta Nacional 9, or are market and Carnival themes your priority? These distinctions help clarify the purpose of your trip without treating the road route, the Feria Campesina, and Estación Carnaval as the same offering.

For the broader travel overview: Departamento Tumbaya.