The erosion of time over millions of years has produced the characteristic form of papalela-like cuts in layers similar to folding.
The erosion of time over millions of years has produced the characteristic form of papalela-like cuts in layers similar to folding.

The best known landscape of the Quebrada de Humahuaca is, without a doubt, the Cerro de los 7 Colores, recognized by Unesco as a Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

If the Cerro de los 7 Colores is dazzling, the Sierras del Horconal are dazzling.

Located 25 kilometers from Humahuaca and more than 4,700 meters above sea level, the Serranía del Hornocal is one of the most impressive landscapes in Jujuy.

The Serranias del Hornocal are a dazzling spectacle of shapes and colors.
The Serranias del Hornocal are a dazzling spectacle of shapes and colors.

Less known to the public and tourism in general, but not for that reason less captivating.

The main difference between both hills is the shades.

The Sierras del Horconal concentrate twice as many shades, ranging from ocher to yellow to green and white.

After sunset the mountains show a supernatural aspect.
After sunset the mountains show a supernatural aspect.

The best time to contemplate it is at sunset, just before the sun goes down.

The aridity of the terrain, with some cardons and llamas as a panorama, is gradually transforming until it comes to visualize the mountains in all their splendor.

The characteristic cuts of the saws in the form of folds seen up close.
The characteristic cuts of the saws in the form of folds seen up close.

The best way to observe this spectacular natural beauty of 4,300 meters high is the viewpoint located in front of the hill.

Reaching it takes just over half an hour on a gravel road, winding and very quiet. With very little vehicle traffic that increases the majesty of the place.

33 shades of colors that are formed in the limestone that goes from ocher, to green, yellow, until reaching white.

The sun begins to drop behind the mountains are seen up close.
The sun begins to drop behind the mountains are seen up close.

How to get.

You start from the city of Humahuaca and you must cross the Rio Grande by the bridge near the bus terminal.

From there, take Provincial Route 73 to Santa Ana.

The first part of the route entering the mountains shows the aridity of the terrain.
The first part of the route entering the mountains shows the aridity of the terrain.

25 kms later you start to see the Serranía del Horconal.

The land is all gravel so it is advisable to walk slowly and cautiously.

Another aspect to keep in mind is that the ascent is constant and reaches 4,200 meters in height.

The work of nature in all its splendor.
The work of nature in all its splendor.

If you do trekking or a part of the route on foot, it is advisable to make intermediate stops so that the body becomes acclimatized and in this way avoid the dizziness or signs, characteristic of the area.

There is a sector of the population especially representing the economic activities that have been pressing for a long time for the road to be paved.

Sunset in the sierras.
Sunset in the sierras.

And in this way, promoting tourism that until now is limited, for the most part, to the Cerro de los Siete Colores, the Pucará, Las Paletas del Pintor, the Colorado and the entire surrounding area.

Until now, conservationists and environmental defenders have managed to keep nature intact as it has been for millions of years.

The wonderful aspect of erosion.
The wonderful aspect of erosion.