Purmamarca
A vibrant adobe village nestled at the foot of the 'Hill of Seven Colors,' offering stunning landscapes and rich cultural experiences.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Purmamarca
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant adobe village nestled at the foot of the 'Hill of Seven Colors,' offering stunning landscapes and rich cultural experiences.
"Purmamarca is a magical place where colors come alive and tradition thrives."
📸 Capture the Colors Early
Visit the Cerro de los Siete Colores in the morning for the best light and fewer people.
👟 Comfortable Shoes are Key
You'll be doing a lot of walking on uneven terrain. Pack sturdy shoes for exploring!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Cerro de los Siete Colores
Entrance to Purmamarca
Witness the breathtaking 'Hill of Seven Colors,' a geological marvel painted in vibrant hues.
Paseo de los Colorados
Loop trail from Purmamarca
Hike this scenic trail for stunning panoramic views of the colorful hills and unique rock formations.
Artisan Market Plaza
Main Plaza
Immerse yourself in local culture, browsing vibrant textiles, pottery, and crafts made by local artisans.
Salinas Grandes
Day trip from Purmamarca
Explore the vast, surreal white salt flats, a photographer's dream and a truly unique natural wonder.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Colors and Culture
Getting Around and What to Pack
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Capture the Colors Early
Visit the Cerro de los Siete Colores in the morning for the best light and fewer people.
👟 Comfortable Shoes are Key
You'll be doing a lot of walking on uneven terrain. Pack sturdy shoes for exploring!
🚌 Bus Schedules Matter
If not renting a car, check bus times carefully as they can be infrequent.
🛍️ Support Local Artisans
The main plaza is filled with unique crafts. Bargain respectfully and take home a piece of Purmamarca.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Capture the Colors Early
Visit the Cerro de los Siete Colores in the morning for the best light and fewer people.
👟 Comfortable Shoes are Key
You'll be doing a lot of walking on uneven terrain. Pack sturdy shoes for exploring!
🚌 Bus Schedules Matter
If not renting a car, check bus times carefully as they can be infrequent.
🛍️ Support Local Artisans
The main plaza is filled with unique crafts. Bargain respectfully and take home a piece of Purmamarca.
🧂 Salinas Grandes Trip
Allow ample time for the trip to Salinas Grandes; it's about an hour each way.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Purmamarca is widely praised for its breathtaking natural beauty, particularly the iconic Cerro de los Siete Colores, and its charming, traditional adobe architecture. Visitors love the vibrant artisan market and the relaxed atmosphere. Some find the town can get crowded, and transportation to further attractions requires planning.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common way to reach Purmamarca is by bus from Salta or Jujuy. Buses depart regularly and the journey offers scenic views of the Quebrada de Humahuaca. If you're coming from Salta, expect a journey of around 3-4 hours. From Jujuy city, it's about 1.5-2 hours. Renting a car is also an option for more flexibility, especially if you plan to visit other towns in the region.
Yes, it's definitely possible to visit Purmamarca without a car. The town itself is very walkable, and you can take local buses to nearby attractions like the Salinas Grandes. However, having a car offers more freedom to explore at your own pace and visit more remote spots.
Buses are the most convenient way to travel between Purmamarca and Tilcara. The journey is short, typically around 30-45 minutes, and buses run frequently throughout the day. This makes it easy to do day trips or move between accommodations.
The drive to Salinas Grandes from Purmamarca takes approximately 1 hour, often via the scenic Cuesta del Lipán. It's a popular day trip, and many visitors combine it with exploring Purmamarca itself.
While ride-sharing services are not common in Purmamarca, you can usually find local taxis for shorter trips within the town or to nearby points of interest. It's advisable to arrange these through your accommodation or ask locals for recommendations.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Cerro de los Siete Colores is a natural landscape visible from the town and surrounding areas. You don't need a ticket to view it. However, there might be a small entrance fee for the Paseo de los Colorados trail.
The artisan market in Purmamarca's main plaza is generally open daily from morning until evening. The exact hours can vary slightly, but it's usually bustling throughout the day, especially during peak tourist times.
Yes, there is an entrance fee for Salinas Grandes. Upon arrival, you'll purchase a ticket and are typically assigned a guide who will lead you through the salt flats, explaining its formation and history.
Yes, guided tours are available in Purmamarca. You can find local guides in the main plaza who offer walking tours of the town and surrounding areas, including the Cerro de los Siete Colores and Paseo de los Colorados.
It is highly recommended to book accommodation in Purmamarca in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons and holidays. Hotels in Purmamarca Argentina can fill up quickly, and booking ahead ensures you get your preferred lodging.
🎫 📍 Onsite Experience
The absolute must-sees include the iconic Cerro de los Siete Colores, a walk through the Paseo de los Colorados for stunning views, and exploring the vibrant artisan market in the main plaza. Don't miss the historic church and the Algarrobo Histórico.
The best way to experience the Cerro de los Siete Colores is by walking the Paseo de los Colorados trail, which offers various viewpoints. You can also admire it from the town itself, especially from the Mirador El Porito. Visiting in the morning or late afternoon provides the most dramatic lighting.
Absolutely! The Paseo de los Colorados is a popular hiking loop that takes you through the colorful hills surrounding Purmamarca. It's a relatively easy hike offering spectacular vistas.
The artisan market in Purmamarca offers a wide array of local crafts, including colorful textiles like ponchos and blankets, handmade pottery, silver jewelry, wooden carvings, and traditional musical instruments.
Yes, Purmamarca is perfect for a short visit. In just a few hours, you can walk through the town, see the Cerro de los Siete Colores, browse the market, and get a feel for its charm. Many day-trippers from other towns in Jujuy visit Purmamarca.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
You must try traditional Andean dishes like llama meat, locro (a hearty stew), and empanadas. Also, don't miss the 'tortas asadas' (grilled cakes) and regional sweets. Many restaurants offer these specialties.
Popular dining spots recommended by visitors include Los Morteros, Bien me Sabe, and El Mesón, known for their local cuisine and atmosphere. Many smaller eateries and cafes also offer delicious regional food.
While traditional Andean cuisine is meat-heavy, you can often find vegetarian options like vegetable empanadas, quinoa dishes, and salads. It's always a good idea to ask about ingredients when ordering.
'Tortilla a la parrilla' is a type of grilled flatbread, often made with corn or wheat flour, and sometimes served with cheese or other toppings. It's a popular snack or side dish in the region.
Purmamarca primarily focuses on traditional Argentine and Andean cuisine. While you might find some international influences in certain dishes, the main culinary experience revolves around local flavors and ingredients.
📸 📸 Photography
The Cerro de los Siete Colores is the star, especially from the Mirador El Porito and the Paseo de los Colorados trail. The colorful adobe streets, the main plaza with its artisan stalls, and the surrounding landscapes offer endless photo opportunities.
The best times for photographing the Cerro de los Siete Colores are during the golden hours: early morning and late afternoon. The low-angle sunlight brings out the vibrant colors and creates beautiful shadows.
Regulations regarding drone usage can vary and are subject to change. It's advisable to check with local authorities or your accommodation for the most up-to-date information on drone restrictions in Purmamarca and surrounding natural areas.
A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm equivalent) is great for landscapes and street photography. A wide-angle lens is useful for capturing the vastness of Salinas Grandes and the hills. Don't forget extra batteries and memory cards, as you'll be taking a lot of photos!
Locals often recommend the view from the Mirador El Porito for a classic shot of the Cerro de los Siete Colores. The winding adobe streets, especially Calle Lavalle, also offer picturesque scenes.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider a day trip to Salinas Grandes, where the vast white expanse is a unique sensory experience for children. Just be sure to pack plenty of sun protection and snacks. Many accommodations in Purmamarca are family-friendly, offering comfortable stays for those traveling with little ones.
🚶 Budget Travelers
Eating at local eateries and trying empanadas or regional stews is more budget-friendly than upscale restaurants. Utilize the public bus system for transportation to nearby towns and attractions like Salinas Grandes, which is more economical than private tours or car rentals.
📸 Photographers & Content Creators
Don't miss the chance to capture the vibrant artisan market and the surreal landscapes of Salinas Grandes. Consider bringing a wide-angle lens for sweeping vistas and a prime lens for detailed shots of the crafts. The town's unique architecture and the surrounding colorful mountains provide a rich visual narrative.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Magic of the Cerro de los Siete Colores
Many visitors find that the colors are most vivid during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset. The low-angle sunlight illuminates the mineral-rich layers, making the reds, purples, greens, and yellows pop. For photographers, this is the prime time to capture the magic. Even from the town itself, particularly from viewpoints like the Mirador El Porito, the Cerro de los Siete Colores provides a breathtaking backdrop.
Beyond its visual appeal, the Cerro de los Siete Colores is deeply connected to the local culture and history. It's a symbol of the region's natural beauty and a testament to the geological processes that shaped the Quebrada de Humahuaca. Respecting the natural environment and staying on marked trails is crucial to preserving this natural wonder for future visitors.
Exploring the Artisan Heart of Purmamarca
Interacting with the artisans is a rewarding experience. Many are happy to share stories about their craft and the inspiration behind their designs. It's a fantastic opportunity to purchase authentic souvenirs and directly support the local community. Remember that bargaining is common, but always do so respectfully.
Beyond the plaza, the charming adobe streets of Purmamarca, like Calle Lavalle, are lined with small shops and galleries that also showcase local art and crafts. Taking a leisurely stroll through these streets allows you to discover hidden gems and appreciate the traditional architecture that complements the vibrant artistic scene.
Day Trip to Salinas Grandes
Upon arrival at Salinas Grandes, you'll be struck by the vast expanse of white, stretching as far as the eye can see. The unique hexagonal patterns formed by the salt crystals create an otherworldly landscape, perfect for photography. Visitors are typically assigned a guide who leads them onto the salt flats, explaining the geological formation of the area and its historical significance.
It's important to be prepared for the conditions at Salinas Grandes. The sun is intense, and the salt can be blinding, so sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat are essential. The altitude can also be a factor, so staying hydrated is recommended. The experience of walking on the seemingly endless salt flats is truly unforgettable.



Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit