Plaza 9 de Julio Purmamarca
The vibrant heart of Purmamarca, Plaza 9 de Julio buzzes with colorful artisan stalls and offers breathtaking views of the Cerro de los Siete Colores.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, best light for photos
Plaza 9 de Julio Purmamarca
Best Time
Fewer crowds, best light for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
The vibrant heart of Purmamarca, Plaza 9 de Julio buzzes with colorful artisan stalls and offers breathtaking views of the Cerro de los Siete Colores.
"Lively and colorful main square with hundreds of souvenir stands, all to fair prices."
🎯 Haggle for Treasures
Don't be afraid to negotiate prices respectfully at the artisan stalls. It's part of the experience!
📸 Perfect Photo Ops
Capture the vibrant stalls and the Cerro de los Siete Colores. Early mornings offer the best light.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Artisan Market
Plaza 9 de Julio
A kaleidoscope of colors and crafts, from llama keychains to vibrant textiles. A true taste of local artistry.
Cerro de los Siete Colores View
Behind Plaza 9 de Julio
The majestic 'Hill of Seven Colors' provides a breathtaking backdrop, especially stunning at sunrise and sunset.
Iglesia de Santa Rosa de Lima
Facing Plaza 9 de Julio
A historic 17th-century church offering a glimpse into Purmamarca's colonial past.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Artisan Heartbeat
Gateway to the Cerro de los Siete Colores
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Haggle for Treasures
Don't be afraid to negotiate prices respectfully at the artisan stalls. It's part of the experience!
📸 Perfect Photo Ops
Capture the vibrant stalls and the Cerro de los Siete Colores. Early mornings offer the best light.
🚶♀️ Explore on Foot
The town center is pedestrian-friendly. Park outside the main area and wander through the colorful streets.
🎶 Enjoy Local Vibes
Often, you'll find live music and locals enjoying themselves, adding to the lively atmosphere.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Haggle for Treasures
Don't be afraid to negotiate prices respectfully at the artisan stalls. It's part of the experience!
📸 Perfect Photo Ops
Capture the vibrant stalls and the Cerro de los Siete Colores. Early mornings offer the best light.
🚶♀️ Explore on Foot
The town center is pedestrian-friendly. Park outside the main area and wander through the colorful streets.
🎶 Enjoy Local Vibes
Often, you'll find live music and locals enjoying themselves, adding to the lively atmosphere.
💰 Fair Prices for Crafts
Souvenirs like keychains and textiles are available at reasonable prices.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the lively and colorful Plaza 9 de Julio, a hub for artisans offering a wide variety of souvenirs at fair prices. The vibrant atmosphere, often enhanced by live music, and the stunning backdrop of the Cerro de los Siete Colores make it a must-visit spot. Some find the stalls sell similar items, but the overall experience is overwhelmingly positive.
"The bustling and vibrant central square is brimming with numerous souvenir vendors offering a vast selection of items, ranging from llama keychains to pillowcases, all available at reasonable prices. There's a lively atmosphere with live music and locals enjoying themselves with dancing and beer nearby, making it an entertaining spectacle to witness."
Ekaterine (Catherine)
"Lively and colorful main square with hundreds off souvenir stands. You get everything from llama keychains to pillow cases, all to fair prices. Delicious torta asadas can be bought for 30 pesos in every corner of the square. There are often live music and locals dancing or drinking beer nearby, fun to watch!"
Malin Lundsten
"Typical central square. There is good view to color mountains"
Андрей Демидов
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Plaza 9 de Julio is the central square and the heart of Purmamarca. If you're arriving by car, you'll need to park on the outskirts as the town center is pedestrianized. From nearby towns like Tilcara, it's a short drive of less than 30 minutes. 
Yes, Purmamarca is a popular destination accessible from both Salta and Jujuy. Many tours from these cities include Purmamarca and the Salinas Grandes.
Absolutely! You can explore the main towns of the Quebrada de Humahuaca, including Purmamarca, without a car by using local transport or joining organized excursions.
Purmamarca is a small, walkable village. The Plaza 9 de Julio and its surroundings are best explored on foot.
While not as common as in larger cities, local transport options are available. It's advisable to arrange transport in advance if needed, especially for longer distances.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Plaza 9 de Julio is a public square and is free to enter. You only pay for any items you purchase from the artisan stalls.
The artisan stalls in Plaza 9 de Julio are generally open daily, though some vendors might have specific hours. It's best to visit during daylight hours to fully appreciate the crafts.
While the Cerro de los Siete Colores is visible from the plaza, accessing certain viewpoints or trails might have a small fee. The Mirador El Porito, for example, has a nominal entrance fee.
Yes, Plaza 9 de Julio hosts various events, including cultural gatherings and artisan fairs throughout the year. Keep an eye on local listings for specific dates.
Photography is highly encouraged in Plaza 9 de Julio to capture its vibrant colors and lively atmosphere.
📸 📸 Photography
The Plaza 9 de Julio itself is incredibly photogenic with its colorful stalls and the backdrop of the Cerro de los Siete Colores. Don't miss the 'JUJUY' sign created by artist @felixezequielgonzalez.
The 'golden hours' – shortly after sunrise and before sunset – offer the most dramatic and beautiful lighting for photographing the Cerro de los Siete Colores.
Yes, the Iglesia de Santa Rosa de Lima, the Cabildo, and the colorful adobe houses lining the streets around the plaza offer fantastic photographic opportunities.
A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm equivalent) is great for capturing both the wide landscapes and the details of the crafts. A wide-angle lens is useful for the expansive views of the Cerro.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's best to check local ordinances and respect privacy before flying a drone in the area.
🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Souvenirs
You'll find a wide array of handicrafts, including llama keychains, pillowcases, ponchos, cubrecamas, scarves, and colorful textiles.
Yes, it's common and expected to negotiate prices respectfully with the vendors. This is part of the cultural experience.
While many stalls sell similar items, looking for unique designs and speaking with the artisans can help you find higher quality pieces. The Plaza 9 de Julio is the main hub for this.
Purmamarca is renowned for its vibrant textiles, particularly ponchos and blankets made from llama wool, as well as pottery and wooden crafts.
Prices vary, but you can find small items like keychains for very reasonable prices. Larger items like ponchos will naturally cost more.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider a short walk to the Mirador El Porito for a rewarding view that even younger children can manage with some encouragement. The Paseo de los Colorados trail is also a good option for families who enjoy light hiking, offering a chance to explore the unique landscape together. Remember to bring snacks and plenty of water, as facilities can be limited outside the main plaza area.
💰 Budget Travelers
For accommodation, look for options slightly outside the immediate center of Purmamarca, or consider staying in nearby towns like Tilcara and making day trips. Many travelers opt for excursions from Salta or Jujuy, which can sometimes be more cost-effective than independent travel if booked wisely.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1Don't miss the opportunity to photograph the Iglesia de Santa Rosa de Lima and the Cabildo for historical context. For panoramic shots, the Mirador El Porito is a must-visit, especially during sunrise or sunset. Consider a wide-angle lens for the expansive landscapes and a prime lens for capturing the intricate details of the artisan crafts.
+1Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Heart of Purmamarca: Plaza 9 de Julio
Beyond the shopping, the plaza is a social gathering point. Locals and visitors alike mingle, enjoying the unique ambiance. It's a place to witness daily life unfold, from artisans setting up their stalls to families enjoying the open space. The proximity to the Cerro de los Siete Colores makes it an ideal starting point for exploring the natural beauty that surrounds Purmamarca. Don't miss the chance to interact with the vendors; many are happy to share stories about their craft and the region.
+1Key attractions directly on or adjacent to the plaza include the historic Iglesia de Santa Rosa de Lima, dating back to 1648, and the Cabildo. These historical structures add a layer of depth to the plaza's charm, offering a glimpse into Purmamarca's past. The plaza also serves as a central point for accessing other attractions, such as the Mirador El Porito, which offers panoramic views of the town and the surrounding mountains.
+1The Iconic Cerro de los Siete Colores
+1While the hill is visible from many points in Purmamarca, including Plaza 9 de Julio, there are specific viewpoints that offer the most stunning perspectives. The Mirador El Porito, located just a few blocks behind the plaza, provides a panoramic vista of the town nestled at the foot of the colorful mountain. Accessing this viewpoint involves a short hike and a small entrance fee, but the reward is an unforgettable photographic opportunity.
+1For a more immersive experience, consider hiking the Paseo de los Colorados, a trail that winds through the colorful geological formations. This trail offers a closer look at the unique landscape and allows you to appreciate the scale and beauty of the Cerro de los Siete Colores. Remember to wear comfortable shoes and bring water, as the terrain can be uneven.
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