Cultural and Scenic Adventure in Tilcara, Argentina

Tilcara's Thrilling Heights & Depths

Today was all about embracing the raw, untamed beauty of Tilcara. After soaking in the town's vibrant energy yesterday, Olivia and I were eager to explore beyond the familiar streets. We set out to discover the natural wonders that everyone had been talking about – the Garganta del Diablo and El mirador de Tilcara. It was a day filled with stunning vistas, a touch of adventure, and a whole lot of appreciation for the incredible landscapes of Argentina.


Discover the stunning beauty of Garganta del Diablo, a breathtaking hiking area in Tilcara, Jujuy Province, where nature and culture meet.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Kusikanky. The cozy atmosphere and the promise of traditional Argentine fare were exactly what we needed to fuel our adventures. I opted for the meat empanadas, while Olivia, ever the adventurous eater, chose a quinoa and cheese dish. The portions were generous, and the flavors were rich and satisfying, setting the perfect tone for the day ahead. It's amazing how a simple meal can really immerse you in the local culture, something we both cherish. We made a mental note to return; Kusikanky is definitely a gem worth revisiting.

With our stomachs full and our spirits high, we set off towards the Garganta del Diablo, or the Devil's Throat. The name itself conjured images of a dramatic, awe-inspiring landscape, and I was eager to see if reality would live up to the hype. The drive there was an adventure in itself, the scenery transforming with every turn. The weather in Tilcara in December is generally pleasant, with daytime temperatures around 20°C. However, the chance of rain is also relatively high, so we packed our raincoats, just in case.

The road leading to the Garganta del Diablo was unpaved and winding, adding a sense of anticipation to our journey. Along the way, we passed small, traditional houses and locals going about their daily lives. It was a stark reminder of the simple, unhurried pace of life here, a world away from the hustle and bustle of Toronto. I found myself envying their connection to the land, a connection that seems to have been lost in the concrete jungles of modern cities.

We parked the car and began the trek towards the waterfall. The hike was described as easy, but the altitude definitely added a layer of challenge. At 2807 meters above sea level, I found myself pausing more often than usual to catch my breath. Olivia, ever the supportive partner, kept me motivated with her cheerful encouragement and shared memories of our hikes back in Canada. The landscape was reminiscent of Arizona, with cacti dotting the terrain.

The journey is the destination.

The path was well-trodden, but rugged, and I was grateful for my comfortable hiking shoes. We passed other travelers along the way, exchanging smiles and words of encouragement. There was a sense of camaraderie among us, a shared appreciation for the beauty that surrounded us. As we hiked, the sound of rushing water grew louder, signaling that we were getting closer to our destination.

Finally, we reached the Garganta del Diablo, and it was every bit as impressive as I had imagined. The waterfall cascaded down the red rock face, creating a powerful and mesmerizing spectacle. The air was cool and damp, a welcome contrast to the dry heat of the desert. We spent some time simply taking in the view, marveling at the forces of nature that had carved this dramatic landscape. I snapped a few photos, trying to capture the essence of the moment, but I knew that no picture could truly do it justice.

After soaking in the beauty of the Garganta del Diablo, we made our way back to Tilcara, our next destination being El mirador de Tilcara. I had read about the panoramic views from this vantage point, and I was eager to see Tilcara from above. The drive to El mirador was shorter, but steeper, the road winding its way up the hillside. As we climbed higher, the views became increasingly breathtaking, the town of Tilcara shrinking below us.


Breathtaking panoramic views of Tilcara and the Quebrada de Humahuaca's vibrant landscapes. A must-see viewpoint in Jujuy, Argentina.

We parked the car and walked the remaining distance to the mirador. The air was crisp and clear, and the sun was beginning to set, casting a golden glow over the landscape. From the mirador, we could see the entire valley stretching out before us, the patchwork of fields and houses creating a stunning mosaic. The surrounding mountains were bathed in a warm, reddish light, their peaks silhouetted against the sky.

Olivia and I stood in silence, simply taking in the view. It was a moment of perfect peace and tranquility, a reminder of the beauty that exists in the world, far away from the noise and chaos of everyday life. I wrapped my arm around Olivia, and we watched as the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in a riot of colors. It was a scene that I knew I would never forget.

As darkness fell, we made our way back down to Tilcara, our hearts full of the day's experiences. We decided to treat ourselves to dinner at Khuska, a restaurant known for its regional dishes and cozy atmosphere. We shared a vegetarian platter, savoring the unique flavors of the Andes. The restaurant's colorful decor and the friendly service added to the overall experience, making it a perfect end to a perfect day.


Experience authentic Argentinian cuisine at Khuska in Tilcara - a culinary haven blending tradition with modern taste.

Before heading back to our guesthouse, we stopped by Tierra Andina Bar for a nightcap. The bar had a lively atmosphere, with locals and tourists mingling and sharing stories. I ordered a local beer, while Olivia opted for a glass of Argentine wine. We sat on the terrace, enjoying the cool night air and the sounds of Tilcara. It was a fitting end to a day of adventure, a chance to reflect on all that we had seen and experienced.


Experience the rich flavors of Argentina at Tierra Andina Bar, a grill bar in Tilcara offering authentic dishes and warm hospitality in a stunning Andean setting.

Tomorrow, we plan to delve deeper into Tilcara's history with a visit to the Cueva y Laberinto de Huichaira and the Museo Arqueológico Eduardo Casanova. I'm particularly excited about the museum, given my interest in history. Before that, though, we'll grab breakfast at Restaurant El Patio. For dinner, we're thinking of trying Restaurant Sirviñacu. I'm also planning to buy a souvenir for my mom at Hilandería Warmi - Tilcara.

As I sit here writing this, I can't help but feel grateful for the opportunity to experience this incredible place. Tilcara has a way of capturing your heart, of making you feel connected to something larger than yourself. It's a place where the beauty of nature and the richness of culture come together to create an unforgettable experience. And I'm so glad that I get to share it all with Olivia. After all, experiencing new cultures and landscapes is always better when shared with someone you love.

I think I'll remember this day for a long time.