Quebrada de Humahuaca: Argentina's Timeless Valley

• HelloHola
  [oh-lah]
• GoodbyeAdiós
  [ah-dyohs]
• YesSí
  [see]
• NoNo
  [noh]
• Please/You're welcomePor favor/De nada
  [por fah-bor/de nah-dah]
• Thank youGracias
  [grah-syahs]
• Excuse me/SorryPerdón
  [pehr-dohn]
• How are you?¿Cómo estás?
  [koh-moh ehs-tahs]
• Fine. And you?Bien. ¿Y tú?
  [byen. ee too]
• Do you speak English?¿Hablas inglés?
  [ah-blahs een-glehs]
• I don't understandNo entiendo
  [noh ehn-tyen-doh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMe gustaría ver el menú, por favor
  [meh goos-tah-ree-ah behr ehl meh-noo, por fah-vor]
• I don't eat meatNo como carne
  [noh koh-moh kahr-neh]
• Cheers!¡Salud!
  [sah-loohd]
• I would like to pay, pleaseMe gustaría pagar, por favor
  [meh goos-tah-ree-ah pah-gar, por fah-vor]

• Help!¡Ayuda!
  [ah-yoo-dah]
• Go away!¡Vete!
  [veh-teh]
• Call the Police!¡Llama a la Policía!
  [yah-mah ah lah poh-lee-see-ah]
• Call a doctor!¡Llama a un doctor!
  [yah-mah ah oon dohk-tohr]
• I'm lostEstoy perdido
  [ehs-toy pehr-dee-doh]
• I'm illEstoy enfermo
  [ehs-toy ehn-fehr-moh]

• I'd like to buy...Me gustaría comprar...
  [meh goos-tah-ree-ah kohm-prahr...]
• I'm just lookingSólo estoy mirando
  [soh-loh ehs-toy meer-ahn-doh]
• How much is it?¿Cuánto cuesta?
  [kwan-to kwehs-tah]
• That's too expensiveEsto es demasiado caro
  [ehs-toh ehs deh-mah-syah-doh kahr-oh]
• Can you lower the price?¿Puede bajar el precio?
  [pweh-deh bah-hahr ehl pree-syoh]

• What time is it?¿Qué hora es?
  [keh oh-rah ehs]
• It's one o'clockEs la una
  [ehs lah oo-nah]
• Half past (10)Las diez y media
  [lahs dyehs ee meh-dee-ah]
• MorningMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• AfternoonTarde
  [tahr-deh]
• EveningNoche
  [noh-cheh]
• YesterdayAyer
  [ah-yehr]
• TodayHoy
  [oy]
• TomorrowMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• 1Uno
  [oo-noh]
• 2Dos
  [dohs]
• 3Tres
  [trehs]
• 4Cuatro
  [kwah-troh]
• 5Cinco
  [seen-koh]
• 6Seis
  [says]
• 7Siete
  [syeh-teh]
• 8Ocho
  [oh-choh]
• 9Nueve
  [nweh-veh]
• 10Diez
  [dyehs]

• Where's a/the...?¿Dónde está...?
  [dohn-deh ehs-tah]
• What's the address?¿Cuál es la dirección?
  [kwal ehs lah dee-rehk-syon]
• Can you show me (on the map)?¿Puedes mostrarme (en el mapa)?
  [pweh-dehs mohs-trar-meh (ehn ehl mah-pah)]
• When's the next (bus)?¿Cuándo es el próximo (autobús)?
  [kwan-doh ehs ehl proh-ksee-moh (ow-toh-boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un boleto (a ....)
  [oon boh-leh-toh (ah)]

The Quebrada de Humahuaca has been inhabited for over 10,000 years, making it a significant archaeological and cultural treasure. The earliest inhabitants were hunter-gatherers who left behind evidence of their presence in the form of cave paintings and petroglyphs. The region later saw the rise of the Omaguaca people, who established complex agricultural societies and built impressive stone fortresses known as pukaras. These indigenous cultures developed intricate weaving, pottery, and metalwork traditions that continue to influence the local crafts today.

In the late 15th century, the Inca Empire expanded into the Quebrada de Humahuaca, integrating it into their vast network of territories. The Incas constructed roads and tambos (roadside inns) to facilitate travel and trade along the Camino Inca, which ran through the valley. This period saw the introduction of Inca administrative systems, agricultural terraces, and advanced irrigation techniques, which significantly impacted the local way of life. The influence of the Inca can still be seen in the region's archaeological sites and cultural practices.

The Spanish arrived in the Quebrada de Humahuaca in the 16th century, bringing profound changes to the region. They imposed their rule and religion, leading to the construction of colonial churches and the spread of Catholicism. The Spanish also exploited the region's agricultural and mineral resources, significantly altering the local economy and social structures. Despite these changes, indigenous communities persisted, often blending their traditions with the imposed colonial culture.

During the early 19th century, the Quebrada de Humahuaca played a crucial role in the Argentine Wars of Independence. The valley served as a strategic corridor for the movement of troops and supplies, and it was the site of several key battles between the Spanish royalists and the patriot forces. Heroic figures such as General Manuel Belgrano and local leaders like Juana Azurduy and Martín Miguel de Güemes are remembered for their contributions to the struggle for independence. The region's rugged terrain and fiercely independent spirit proved to be significant assets in the fight against colonial rule.

In recent decades, the Quebrada de Humahuaca has experienced a cultural renaissance, with a renewed focus on preserving and celebrating its rich heritage. This effort culminated in 2003 when the valley was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognizing its outstanding cultural and historical significance. The region is now a vibrant hub of cultural tourism, with numerous festivals, museums, and cultural centers dedicated to showcasing the unique traditions and history of the Quebrada. Visitors can explore ancient ruins, colonial architecture, and vibrant markets, all set against the stunning backdrop of the Andean landscape.

Quebrada de Humahuaca is located in the Jujuy Province of Argentina. The nearest major airport is Gobernador Horacio Guzmán International Airport in San Salvador de Jujuy, approximately 150 kilometers away. From the airport, you can take a taxi or a bus to the city center and then a bus or rent a car to reach Quebrada de Humahuaca. The journey by road takes around 2 to 3 hours and offers scenic views of the surrounding landscape.

Within Quebrada de Humahuaca, transportation options include local buses, taxis, and rental cars. Local buses connect the various towns and villages in the valley, making it easy to explore the area. Taxis are also available and can be hired for short trips or full-day excursions. Renting a car provides the most flexibility, especially if you plan to visit more remote areas at your own pace.

The official currency in Argentina is the Argentine Peso (ARS). While credit cards are accepted in many hotels, restaurants, and shops, it is advisable to carry cash, especially in smaller establishments and rural areas. ATMs are available in the larger towns of the Quebrada, such as Humahuaca, Tilcara, and Purmamarca, but it is wise to withdraw sufficient cash before traveling to more remote locations.

Quebrada de Humahuaca is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, as with any travel destination, it is important to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. While the area does not have specific high-crime zones targeting tourists, remaining vigilant and aware of your surroundings is always recommended.

In case of emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. There are local police stations and medical facilities in the larger towns of the Quebrada, such as Humahuaca and Tilcara. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, pharmacies are available where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress comfortably and wear layers, as temperatures can vary greatly. Avoid wearing overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs, especially in religious sites. Remove hats and speak quietly. Public Transport: Do be respectful and offer your seat to elderly passengers. Don’t play loud music or eat on public transportation. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Hola' and a handshake. Eating & Drinking: Do try local foods like humita and tamales. Don’t refuse food offerings, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Quebrada de Humahuaca like a local, visit the weekly markets in towns such as Tilcara and Humahuaca, where you can purchase handmade crafts and fresh produce. Engage with locals, who are often very friendly and willing to share stories about their culture and traditions. Don’t miss the traditional music and dance performances, which are an integral part of the local culture. For a unique experience, take part in a pachamanca, a traditional Andean earth oven feast.