This vibrant land, settled from Perú in 1592, is the nation’s northernmost province. As Argentina’s charming cradle of indigenous culture, Jujuy is speckled with pre-Columbian ruins and quaint adobe villages.

San Salvador, with fine architecture and handicraft markets, is just the first stop before heading north through La Quebrada de Humahuaca. Both Maimará and Tumbaya offer old chapels and hillside cemeteries set against zigzag patterns of the mountains. Up ahead, Purmamarca rests below the striking Cerro de los Siete Colores, a brilliant hillside embracing the village with various shades of orange and purple. Continue north along Ruta 9 and discover Tilcara and the recreated ruins of Pucará, once inhabited by indigenous tribes 500 years before the arrival of the Incas. Stone corrals line the valleys as towering green cacti stand against blue open skies. Past colorful canyons and jagged mountain peaks leading to Bolivia, you will encounter the cobblestone streets of Humahuaca. At 12:00 noon, a wooden replica of San Francisco Solano appears from a clock tower, blessing the humble multitude gathered below in the central square. Talented locals with weathered smiles sell carved instruments and regional spices. Don't forget to sample the traditional humitas - a local favorite.