Cerro Siete Colores, Cuyo Travel Guide

4.5 (1858)

Discover the breathtaking Cerro Siete Colores in Jujuy, Argentina: a geological masterpiece painted with millions of years of history.

Home
Travel Guides
Argentina
Cuyo
Cerro Siete Colores

Cerro Siete Colores, or the Hill of Seven Colors, is a stunning geological formation in the province of Jujuy, Argentina, near the village of Purmamarca. Its slopes display a remarkable array of colors, a testament to millions of years of geological activity.

A brief summary to Cerro Siete Colores

Las Heras, Mendoza Province, AR
Click to display
Click to display

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Cerro Siete Colores.

Visit in the morning for the best light to see the vibrant colors of the mountain.
Take a walk around the village of Purmamarca to appreciate the mountain from different angles.
Wear sunscreen and stay hydrated, as the area can be sunny and dry.

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery. Learn more about listing your business on Evendo

Activate your presence

Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

Dique Potrerillos

Monumento a la Bandera

Mirador de Potrerillos

Cabalgatas " Puesto Agua del Cielo"

Puente Colgante de Cacheuta

Explore Cerro Siete Colores on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Cerro Siete Colores, mapped for you.

Getting There

Walking

From the center of Purmamarca, the Cerro Siete Colores is easily visible and accessible on foot. Walk west from the main plaza towards Calle Florida. You'll see many people on top of a small hill, Cerro El Porito, which marks the start of the walking circuit around the Hill of Seven Colors. The circuit is mostly flat and takes about an hour to complete. There is a small fee (approximately 100 Argentinian pesos) to enter Cerro El Porito.
Public Transport

To reach Purmamarca and Cerro Siete Colores from San Salvador de Jujuy, take a bus from the bus station. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes, and the bus fare ranges from 5900 to 6300 Argentinian pesos. Once in Purmamarca, the Cerro Siete Colores is easily accessible on foot from the town center.

Discover more about Cerro Siete Colores

Cerro Siete Colores stands as a majestic natural monument, showcasing a vibrant tapestry of earth tones that captivate visitors. The mountain's unique coloration is the result of a complex geological history, with layers of marine, lacustrine, and fluvial sediments deposited over millions of years. Tectonic movements then elevated these layers, and erosion revealed the stunning palette we see today.Each color band represents a different mineral composition and geological age. Pink hues come from red clay, mud, and sand, dating back 3 to 4 million years. Whitish layers are composed of limestone, approximately 400 million years old. Brown, maroon, and purple shades arise from lead and margo arnidosos, rich in calcium carbonate, formed 80 to 90 million years ago. Red colors originate from iron-rich clay, also around 3 to 4 million years old. Green shades are derived from phyllites and copper oxide slates, dating back 600 million years. Earthy brown hues come from fanglomerate composed of rock with manganese, approximately 1 to 2 million years old. Finally, mustard yellow is derived from calcareous sandstones with sulfur, formed 80 to 90 million years ago.The village of Purmamarca nestles at the foot of Cerro Siete Colores, creating a picturesque scene that is one of the most recognizable landscapes in Northwest Argentina. The mountain serves as a backdrop to the village, enhancing its charm and attracting tourists from around the globe. Visitors can explore the area through various walking trails, with the most popular being a short walk to a vantage point offering panoramic views. For a different perspective, the Mirador Geológico provides not only lateral views but also a superior vantage point.The best time to view the Cerro Siete Colores is during the morning, up until 13:00, when the sun illuminates the mountain's colors most effectively. Remember to wear sunscreen and stay hydrated while exploring this natural wonder.