Iruya, like out of a dream!

Iruya is a town in Salta that dazzles us with its beautiful landscapes and the warmth of its population. Not surprisingly, tourism grows in this place in the north of Argentina. Everyone who visits Iruya stays breathless, recommending it with their eyes closed. It is a perfect destination for a getaway at any time of the year.

The first thing you should know is that, even when it’s located in the province of Salta, this town is accessed from Jujuy. In general, a full day is required to visit Iruya. So, the ideal is to calculate a good departure time to make the visit from Humahuaca or Tilcara, which are the closest places.

For example, the trip between Humahuaca and Iruya lasts approximately 3 hours even though the distance is only 80 km. This is because the road through the mountain is very winding and 70% of the route is gravel and cornice, so drivers must slow down. The good thing is that the complexity of the path is offset by the beauty of the landscape.

Another important fact is that right on the natural border between Salta and Jujuy, called the Abra del Cóndor, it reaches 4200 meters above sea level. However, the town of Iruya is 2780 meters high.

Founded in 1753, Iruya is surrounded by mountains and the Colazulí and Milmahuasi rivers. Both its first and current inhabitants live by raising cattle such as sheep, goats and llamas, as well as crops of corn, potatoes and other agricultural products. Currently, tourism is being incorporated into the economic activity of the town.

WHAT TO DO IN IRUYA?

As we already mentioned, one of the main attractions of this destination is its nature. The constructions nestled in the mountain is the first postcard you will have upon arrival, the walk through the town being one of the first activities you are going to do.

However, there are specific places to visit as:

•         Plaza la Tablada: a place with a lot of movement, after being the scene of most of the celebrations and the tricks that the locals frequently perform. Within this context, we recommend the Copla festival.
•         Iruya Popular Museum: located near the square and the Church. In this museum you will learn more about the beliefs, traditions and history of the town. You will find archaeological pieces including masks, ceramics, arrowheads and other utensils, as well as figures representing the legends of the area and a room dedicated to the typical religious festivals of Iruya.
•       The Church of Iruya: the church is one of the most iconic places in Iruya. This chapel appears frequently in the tourist brochures and promotions of the town.
•         The Iruya bridge: we recommend crossing the bridge to the other side of the river to have the best views of the most central part of the town. The bridge is quite safe and allows the passage of people, bicycles and motorcycles. On the other side of the river, you can also visit the Mirador del Cóndor, from where you have the most classic photos of Iruya.

Without a doubt, there are many beautiful places to visit in Iruya, and it is appropriate to also mention restaurants. The local cuisine is delicious and is characterized by varieties of locally made potatoes, sweets and cheeses. Take advantage and get to know the typical food of Salta. 

By virtue of living the best of experiences, we invite you to consult our travel itineraries to Salta. Whichever you decide to hire includes this destination, blending it beautifully with other famous landmarks. Write to our travel specialists and request all the help you need in planning your trip.