Situated at 1,068 meters in Argentina's northwest, this high-altitude city is surrounded by arid Andean terrain and serves as the capital of Jujuy Province.
San Salvador de Jujuy sits 1,238 meters above sea level at the southern end of the Humahuaca Canyon in northwest Argentina, where the Xibi Xibi and Grande rivers meet. In the central plaza, you'll find an 18th-century cathedral with intricate silver altarpieces dating from 1765. Local life centers around the traditional market, where vendors sell purple corn, native potatoes, and regional fruits. A 30-minute drive takes you to Purmamarca's red and orange striped hills, while Calilegua National Park's cloud forests are home to toucans, jaguars, and over 300 bird species. During winter carnival, dancers in devil masks perform traditional dances through the streets to the rhythm of sikuri flutes and drums.
Getting to San Salvador de Jujuy
You can reach the city via regular flights from Buenos Aires to Gobernador Horacio Guzmán International Airport, 33 km southeast of the center. The city's mountain location creates distinct seasons: summers reach 28°C with frequent afternoon rain, while winter nights can drop below 0°C. Plan your visit in spring (September-November) or fall (March-May) for mild temperatures and clear skies.
Plaza Belgrano
The city's main square contains buildings from the 1600s and 1700s, including the cathedral with its gold-leaf altar and colonial paintings. At the Casa de Gobierno, you can examine Argentina's first flag and documents from the independence period. From 4 PM onwards, the plaza's stone benches fill with students and families sharing mate tea and fresh-baked empanadas.
Day Trips to National Parks
Take a two-hour drive to Calilegua National Park to walk through Argentina's largest subtropical mountain forest. The park's hiking trails range from 1-hour loops to full-day treks, where you might see toucans, hummingbirds, and tapirs. For a closer option, drive 18 km to Termas de Reyes, where natural hot spring pools range from 30°C to 42°C, surrounded by mountain streams and forest paths.
Local Food and Markets
Around Plaza Belgrano, restaurants serve traditional Andean dishes like locro (corn and meat stew), quinoa risotto, and grilled llama with native herbs. Visit the central market in the morning to see vendors selling purple corn, native potato varieties, and local fruits like cayote (Andean melon) and tumbo (banana passionfruit).
Museums and Cultural Sites
The Archaeological Museum displays pre-Hispanic artifacts found in nearby valleys, including 1,000-year-old textiles and ceramics. The Juan Galo Lavalle Museum, housed in an 1800s mansion, contains uniforms and documents from Argentina's independence wars. Visit the Biblioteca Popular on Peatonal Belgrano for changing art exhibitions and cultural events in a restored 19th-century building.
