• LA QUEBRADA DE HUMAHUACA
Here the colourful landscape engulfs the various towns and it seems that time has stood still.
One of the most beautiful sights is that of Purmamarca, an indigenous village surrounded by the Cerro de los Siete Colores (The Mountain of the Seven Colours), whose layers show different geological periods. Further up stands La Paleta del Pintor (The Painter's Pallet), where you can see mountains with numerous coloured bands. One of the main attractions in this gorge is the Pucará de Tilcara, a fortified settlement built by the Omaguaca indians before the arrival of the Spanish. A monolith marks the Tropic of Capricorn and at noon on the 21st of December, it casts an absolutely perpendicular shadow.

• LA PUNA, THE PATH OF THE INDIANS
Humahuaca was founded by the Spanish at the end of the 16th century. From its church and Museo del Carnaval Norteño you can get a good idea of the habits and customs of the region. 12km away lie the mysterious ruins of Coctaca with numerous pircas or dry stone walls built in the form of squares. La Quiaca is one of the most important towns on this vast plain. 50,000 birds live on the Monumento Natural Laguna de los Pozuelos, the largest water reserve on the puna.