What to do in Tilcara

The Devils Throat (or "Garganta del diablo" in spanish) is a natural cleft in the mountain produced by the strength of the Huasamayo River. In this same site was constructed in 1934 an imposing dam to provide water to all the town of Tilcara. The relatively easy access and its proximity to Tilcara make it one of the most visited attractions in ´the Quebrada de Humahuaca.

It is located only 4 km from Tilcara and can be reached on foot. It is a nice place to do a short trekking of average difficulty (2 hours aprox.) and to enjoy the outstanding landscapes of the outskirts of the village. You can also get there by car (8 km approx). Where you park the car you have to contribute with some money to the community that preserves the place in exchange for health services and assistance in case of accidents. From here we recommend descending to the river bed and walking 1.5 km by the left arm of the Huasamayo River. On the way there are two small waterfalls before you reach the last one, the Devil´s Throat. We recommend you to take fruits and water to hydrate yourself.

Recommendation: You can add to this experience the ascent to the Hill of the Cross (or "Cerro de la Cruz" in spanish), specially when the sun sets. The Hill of the Cross was the epicenter of ancient offerings of local Indians to their ancestors and gods and gives us a formidable view of the town and the Quebrada de Huichaira. It is located across the iron bridge on the way to the "Pucara" of Tilcara.

The Waira Caves (or Cuevas del Waira in Spanish - Waira means Wind in the ancient language of the region) are natural cavities in the mountain formed by the climatic erosion. They are located 3 km from the village of Tilcara, at the end of the Quebrada de Sarahuaico, in the province of Jujuy.

It is ideal for adventurous sportsmen who wish to make a short trekking of advanced difficulty. For the trekking you must hire a local guide in the tourist office of Tilcara because it is very easy to get lost. One of the caves is a hollow that goes 50 mts deep inside the mountain. The other crosses from side to side the mountain. An alternative is to make the descent behind this mountain following the course of the river, until you arrive again at route 9, in the center of Quebrada de Humahuaca.

You can cross from side to side and watch the Castles of Huichaira ("Castillos de Huichaira" in spanish), some natural formations. Entering the Quebrada de Huichaira you are going to find these geological formations called "castles". It is necessary to hire a local guide. It is a 4 hs trekking.

A tour of the town of Tilcara: You can make the most of your morning exploring the Plaza, the church, and the colorful market full of crafts and food. Belgrano Street is the main street and is brimming with options: restaurants, ice cream shops, cafes, galleries, and stalls selling stuffed tortillas, a local specialty. Following this street also leads to the Tilcara bus terminal.

Tilcara Municipal Market: Located on Lavalle Street, diagonally across from the main square, you'll find the Municipal Market where you can buy everything from fruits, vegetables, and medicinal herbs typical of the region to homemade dishes prepared by the vendors. There are also stalls selling household goods, new and secondhand clothing, and all sorts of bargains at incredibly low prices.

House where the remains of General Juan Galo Lavalle were laid in state: If you are interested in Argentine history, diagonally across from the plaza is a historic house. Days after his death in San Salvador de Jujuy in 1841, the Unitarian army passed through carrying their fallen captain, General Lavalle. Local oral tradition in Tilcara recounts that the community did not want his soul to wander the town, so out of piety and respect they held the wake on that corner.