serranias del hornocal

Although the whole region is full of pretty sights and spectacular scenery, this offers a worthwhile detour from the more touristic circuit to see a really unique view of the most colorful mountain range you can imagine. It's called the Sierra de los 14 colores (as against the famous Cerro de los 7 Colores in Purmamarca) and rightly so. To get there you need to drive ( or hire a local guide to take you) about 24 km of a mountain road from Humahuaca winding its way up to about 4300 mts with the added pleasure of not allowing a glimpse of the range till you finally arrive. Definitely a highlight of the trip !

If someone reads this it means that probably has already seen this wonderful view.However as we went there mostly by luck I believe it is worth to provide the others with some info/tips.1. Where it is located: something like 25km east of Humahuaca, at the altitude above 4000m above the sea level along RP73 road leading to Aparzo/Cianzo/Santa Ana. It takes around one hour by car to reach the "mirador" place from Humahuaca.2. How to find the way: the google maps shows it more or less, if you are unsure it is better to look first carefully at the satellite view. If one enters Humahuaca driving from the south turns right from the main road towards the city center. One should keep the main street passing by the bus station, turn right towards the bridge crossing the river and then immediately turn sharp left (there are no signs). Initially the road looks a bit like a very local street which might end at any time but it continues out of the town. It is becoming slowly very steep (first gear must be used at some point) but does not require 4x4 vehicle. After reaching the pass at the crossroads it is necessary to turn right and after 1km or so drive finally turn left to some kind of parking place at the view point Some people walk a bit further from there. The more time one spends there the more the car engine is able to cool down :-)3. How to get there:- if someone visits the area with a rental car it is the obvious choice; it is also possible to hire the guide (there is a tourist information/guide service kiosk near the main road on entering the city - the young guys are very keen on accompanying the tourists convincing that it is difficult to find the way without the guide)- the reviews say it is also possible to go for an organized tour at 4x4 vehicle from Humahuaca (especially easy if one stays there and can ask for the advice at the hotel/hostal)- a few people took the regular bus going along RP73 a very early in the morning (5 am?) and coming back on the same day; there is a regular bus sevice from "omnibus terminal" in Humahuaca as far as to Santa Ana (120km), probably run by Zenta company but I could not dig out the details/schedules.I wonder if someone tried to go by car to Santa Ana starting in the morning from Humahuaca, reaching Santa Ana by this spectacular road with high altitude passes and coming back to Humhuaca on the same day admiring Hornocal at the sunset...

After a lovely drive on the country roads of the Quebrada de Humahuaca (unsealed of course) , you reach an impressive viewpoint to the Serrania del Hornocal . Not to miss !!!

Some distance away from Humahuaca , you'll have to follow the road to Coctara and turn right at road 73 . At the end an arrow will point you in the right direction to the point of view . You will have to pay 30 peso to continue , but it is worth the trouble (and price) . Best moment is at the end of the day when the Serrano is in full sunlight .

This is NOT in any guide book at all.However, this is 100% highly recommended and this is free as there is no entrance fee whatsoever.If you have been the seven color mountain in Purmamarca and love it, then you will find this Serranias del Hornocal far far far much better than it.No need to say anymore good things about this as there are many comments already.Some logistics on how to get here:-The closest town to sleep is Humahuaca. This town is around 1 hour and 5-6 hours from Purmamarca and Salta respectively. Humahuaca has plenty of budget hostel and restaurant to choose. And this is the popular place to go to Iruya as well.From Humahuaca, the most popular way to get to Serranias del Hornocal is by hiring a private car. Has 2 options to do this. The first is to go directly to the bridge (close to bus station) and ask directly with the taxi / private car driver there. The second is to liaise with hostel and they can do it and probably can pool you with other interested travelers as well.As of June 2014, the price of chartering a car is Peso300 (please remember the inflation is very high in Argentina and therefore price WILL increase without doubt)To get there, takes around 45 mins with the car and less than 30 mins on the way back (because it's all up hill when going there)It is 100% rocky and muddy road which is quite bumpy.Once there, there is nothing at all except the view. It's in the top of a mountain and may get windy. People stay there from 10 mins to more than an hour if you fall in love with the mountain.It is better to liaise in advance with the driver how long time you wish to stay there.There are travelers reported that they did it with public bus, but I think it is not easy because the public bus (if any) is not frequent.

It's one of the best views I saw! We went there by car.. It's a long way (about 3hs) , but it worth it!

So amazing. One of the best views I've ever seen in my life and we were the only ones there.Apparently around 3pm is the best time to visit for the sun to be shining directly on the facade but I think sunset would be also nice.The review below said they did it by bus but I tried and didn't find a way, most people from hostels get together in a 4x4 collectivo style and drive up, takes 50 minutes. The more people you have, the cheaper it will be. Our car was full and costed $75 pesos each. Might be able to find cheaper. If your in a rental, the road is gravel and a bit rough but definitely do-able in a small car, just be careful of overheating. Bring some queso de cabra and vino and stay for sunset!

This place is unforgettably beautiful! Most people go there by car, but it is also possible by public transportation: a bus to Aparzo dropped us off nearby. We walked in the area for a couple of hours, taking in the views, and then caught a bus back to Humahuaca. The bus was full on the way back, so we had to sit on the floor, but the ride was downhill and quick. Moreover, what we'd seen in Hornocal completely compensated for our discomfort.

One of the most beautiful natural features I have ever seen. You need a car to get here and the drive isn't easy, but with the proper directions you'll make it.

Magnifique!Ne figure ni dans le routard ni dans le lonely Planet, et pourtant...!C'est une des plus belles vue de notre séjour argentin!Un calme et un silence incroyable pour admirer ces montagnes aux douze couleurs!A voir absolument.

Fuimos con un guía que conocía bien el camino. Realmente increíble. No está muy promocionado pero es para ir. Más colores que los 7 colores. No se puede creer. Hermosa Argentina!!

Vale la pena visitarlo. Te deja con la boca abierta. Se llega en camioneta (salen del puente) una hora de viaje por bellisimos paisajes para llegar a una vista increible. Tener en cuenta que ademas de pagar el traslado hay que pagar un importe minimo por entrar a tierras de la comunidad ($30 en MArzo 2015)

Ingresando en Humahuca, Jujuy, Argentina, pasar el ACA a la derecha puente y enseguida a la izquierda. En la bifurcaciones del camino siempre a la derecha, son 30 kms en subida hasta 4500mts de altura, el camino esta bueno, apto para automóviles. Ir al mediodía con días de sol (es lo habitual de todas maneras). Increíble, Tremendo, Naturaleza perfecta....Dios existe!!!

cuando uno va a Humahuaca muy pocos le hablan de la serrania del Hornocal, y dicen que se llega solo con guias.Nosotros salimos una mañana temprano y cuando pasamos los 3000 metros, nos tapo la niebla duante casi todo el camino.Cuando llegamos y las nubes se corrieron no podiamos creer tanta inmensidad de colores y de formas en la montaña, imperdible y a la vuelta ya sin las nubes pudimos disfrutar cada curva del camino. Animarse a ir no es dificil.

AMIGOS VIAJEROS, los 25 km q separan humauaca de hornocal son fantasticos, y bueno el hornocal emocionante, sus 14 colores increibles, ha la mejor hora es desde las 12 a las14 hs es cuando el sol les da bien de frente. (bayan dias de sol)