Purmamarca is ideally situated on the road between Salta and the villages further north, like Tilcara and Humahuaca. A few kilometres away is one of the unmissable sites of the Argentine Northwest, Salinas Grandes.
When I arrived at Purmamarca I was both surprised and pleased with the village which feels a bit like a town from the wild west: dry, dusty, with adobe houses... It's a very busy village during the day but becomes calm again in the evening. That was my favourite time.
The one place you have to see at Purmamarca is Cerro de los Siete Colores (or the HIll of Seven Colours) whose variegated multicoloured forms dominate the village. It is the region's most impressive geological formation. If you are staying in Purmamarca I recommend you take the path around this hill, either at dawn or at dusk, for an absolutely spectacular show!
Purmamarca is ideally situated. Its in the heart of Quebrada de Humahuaca, one of the most beautiful and disconcerting regions in Argentina. It's good to stay the night there after a day's driving. The village is very small but it is charming. I thought it gave off a very gentle atmosphere. The tourists are mostly there in the day time, visiting the Hill of Seven Colours. When the sun is going down, and you've had the good idea of staying the night there, having booked into one of the little hotels, which are also charmingly authentic, it's really nice to stroll down the little streets with the glowing red of the hills in the background. In my opinion, a pleasant experience during a trip to Argentina.
Its origins go back to the 16th century. The village used to be on the paths used by the Incas. Its principal attractions are the little church and the craft market in the centre. It's very typical, elegant, gentle...very peaceful! I have really good memories of it.
I arrived from Chile and began my trip to Argentina, by touring the northwestern part of the country. It was when I stopped at the little village of Purmamarca that I came across the most incredible sight in Quebrada de Humahuaca - the Mountain of Seven Colours.
Violet, yellow, green, blue, red, pink and beige bathe a single mountain. It's beyond words. How can such beauty exist? It's sublime. I recommend you take a walk along the Paseo de los Colorados. It's a 3km hike that runs around this colourful palette. The colours on the mountain change tone, depending on the angle of the sun.
You should also head up to the Cerro el Morado, where you'll get a fanatastic view of the town and the Mountain of Seven Colours. Be warned that strong winds can sometimes make the ascent too dangerous. All I can say is that it's breathtaking. Have I already told you it's beyond words? I feel the need to repeat myself!