Humahuaca

Day 1121
120 467 km since the beginning of the journey,
The Route: Salta – Humahuaca (252 km)

Humahuaca Valley (Quebrada de Humahuaca) was inhabited as early as 10,000 years ago already, and later, in the 15th century an important Road of Trade of Incas proceeded along the valley. Since 2003 the 155 km valley is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.



Coming from along the valley the highway crosses the Tropic of Capricorn and arriving from the south the corresponding line is virtually unmarked. Approaching the place there were some handicraft- selling counters by the road and no big signs a la ' The Tropic Capricorn welcomes you " or similar.


I drove on a kilometer, turned round and drove slowly back. Coming from northwards, however, there was a sign indeed by the road. Not much traffic here, some cars stopped, the passengers made some selfies like the etiquette prescribes today and then drove on.


Actually behind the counters there was a man-size stone with the inscription " Tropico Capricorno "...


And farther a larger building, which probably performs the task of a sundial. And should demonstrate that here the sun can be at the zenith.


One can buy here local warm hats, and of course, lots of other crafts. And behind the counter the seller is carving a cactus and the words " Tropico Capricorno " on a next stone. The price of a stone is 5 Argentine pesos (about 35 eurocents, depending on the exchange rate).

At least you know that when buying anything here, then the money will remain for those who produced and sold the items. A couple of kilometers further there was entirely different crafts sales cente, a large stone llama caught the eye from afar already.

And here also the production is of local origin.  








This place easily accommodates a couple of buses full of people.

Humahuaca itself is a small town with a population of 11 thousand. The town's first tourist information is just at the border and it is possible to get the map of the city, as well as recommendations for campsites here. Like - go straight ahead toward the center, and then right across the bridge, and there they are. They were. Just as said. And in the distance there were colored hills that are very characteristic to this region.








Next - a few images of Humahuaca city center.














From higher one can see that all the town is surprisingly green.


Up the hill there is a bigger sort of complex - "Monumento a los Heroes de la Independencia"








Weather. It is autumn, still the southern hemisphere, and the leaves in the trees are turning yellower.


Camping. There was water but no electricity, meaning that not for visitors. And as the sky was clear, it was wiser to park the bus so that in the morning the sun rays make awakening comfortable. (Read : warm up the walls of the bus)

The next morning the plan was to visit Cocataca, which is 10 km away. The attraction there were large terraces where agriculture was cultivated and they were built by a pre-Columbian civilization of Omaguaca. And perhaps drive somewhere else later.

Step- by-step.

Continued...