Exploring the Cultural Heart of Tilcara, Argentina

Tilcara's Sunday Serenade

After fifteen days of exploring Argentina, today felt like a comfortable Sunday in Tilcara. Lena and I embraced the relaxed pace, soaking in the local atmosphere and enjoying the simple pleasures of this charming town. It’s amazing how quickly a place can feel like home, even when you're thousands of kilometers away from Berlin.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at A La Payla Restaurant. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee and traditional Argentine pastries filled the air as we settled into a cozy corner. I opted for a classic medialuna, while Lena chose a slice of torta. The restaurant, located on the Plaza Principal, was bustling with locals and tourists alike, all eager to start their Sunday with a delicious meal. A La Payla is known for its locro and live music, and though we missed the music this morning, the food was a delightful start to our day.


Discover authentic Argentine flavors at A La Payla Restaurant in Tilcara - where tradition meets culinary excellence.

With our appetites satisfied, we set out to explore Tilcara, beginning with the Puente de Hierro. The bridge, an iron structure with a rich history, offered stunning views of the surrounding landscape. As we walked across, I couldn't help but imagine the trains that once rumbled over this very spot, connecting Tilcara to the wider world. The views of the surrounding mountains were breathtaking, and I snapped a few photos, trying to capture the essence of this picturesque location.


Discover the beauty of the Puente de Hierro, an iconic bridge in Tilcara, Jujuy Province, surrounded by breathtaking Andean landscapes and rich local culture.

From the bridge, we wandered towards Plaza Sargento Antonino Peloc, a charming square that seemed to be the heart of Tilcara. Locals were gathered, chatting and laughing, while children played games in the sunshine. We found a bench and simply sat, watching the world go by. It was a perfect opportunity to slow down and appreciate the simple moments of life.


Experience the heart of Tilcara at Plaza Sargento Antonino Peloc, a charming hub surrounded by Andean beauty and local flavors.

Sometimes, the most profound travel experiences come from simply being present in a place, observing its rhythms, and connecting with its people.

For lunch, we chose Restaurante EL HUMAHUAQUEÑO, enticed by its reputation for authentic regional cuisine. The restaurant was cozy and inviting, with a rustic charm that immediately made us feel at home. We ordered empanadas de carne fritas, a local specialty, and milanesa de llama, a dish I was particularly curious to try. The empanadas were delicious, with a perfect balance of flavors, and the llama milanesa was surprisingly tender and flavorful. Lena, ever the adventurous eater, also enjoyed the llama, remarking on its unique taste.


Experience the rich flavors of Argentine cuisine at Restaurante EL HUMAHUAQUEÑO in Tilcara - where tradition meets taste.

As the afternoon wore on, we decided to embrace the local tradition of *siesta*. Back at our guesthouse, we rested for a couple of hours, recharging our batteries for the evening ahead. I managed to catch up on some photo editing, while Lena read a book about the history of the Quebrada de Humahuaca.

With the sun beginning to set, we ventured out again, this time in search of a place to enjoy some local nightlife. We stumbled upon Comparsa No Somos Nada, a bar known for its vibrant atmosphere and traditional music. The bar was packed with locals, all singing and dancing to the lively tunes. We ordered a couple of local beers and joined in the fun, attempting to keep up with the fast-paced rhythms. The energy in the room was infectious, and it was impossible not to get swept up in the celebratory atmosphere.


Discover the vibrant nightlife at Comparsa No Somos Nada, a lively bar and nightclub in Tilcara, offering local music, dance, and creative cocktails.

La Damajuana Restobar was our choice for dinner. Sadly, it seems to have closed permanently, which was a pity as I had read good things about their pizzas and empanadas de quinoa. Instead, we found a small peña and enjoyed some hearty stews.


Experience the rich culinary traditions at La Damajuana Restobar in Tilcara – where local flavors meet modern gastronomy in a vibrant setting.

As the night drew to a close, we made our way back to our guesthouse, our hearts full of joy and gratitude. Today had been a perfect blend of relaxation, exploration, and cultural immersion. It was a reminder that travel isn't just about seeing famous landmarks; it's about connecting with the soul of a place and its people.

Looking ahead to tomorrow, our last day in Tilcara, we plan to visit UTAMA taller de ceramica y pintura de Haro Galli and Dirección de Turismo Tilcara. We also intend to do some last-minute souvenir shopping at Paseo Tilcara. I’m hoping to find a few unique pieces to remind us of our time here. We’ll have breakfast at Nazareno resto bar, lunch at El Puente Cafe Resto Bar, and a final dinner at La peña de Rolito. It's hard to believe our adventure is coming to an end. I feel that we've only scratched the surface of what this incredible region has to offer.

As I sit here, writing this blog post, I can't help but feel a sense of contentment. Tilcara has captured my heart in a way that few places have. Its stunning landscapes, rich culture, and warm-hearted people have left an indelible mark on my soul. I know that I will carry the memories of this journey with me for years to come.

Tomorrow, we leave Tilcara, but the spirit of this place will forever remain with us. I am looking forward to returning to Berlin, but I know that a part of me will always be here, in the heart of the Quebrada de Humahuaca.

Until next time, *auf wiedersehen*!