Iruya

"Iruya, North of Argentina, is a magical gem of a town. Located in the province of Salta, though the only way in and out of town is along a dirt road from the neighboring province of Jujuy. Most people come to Iruya after first passing through the Jujeño town of Humahuaca, which is about 3 hours away. The road from Humahuaca to Iruya is unpaved, bumpy, and incredibly curvy as you wind your way down the mountainside and into the valley. Bring some Dramamine with you if you have a tendency towards carsickness, and choose a seat in the front of the bus. It helped me quite a bit. The town of Iruya has a population of just over 3000 inhabitants and sits at 2780 meters (9120 feet) above sea level. The landscape surrounding Iruya is one to sit and admire. It’s totally unique and drastically different from the mountains I got accustomed to in the Jujuy province. The main activities in Iruya are eating, walking around town, and catching the views from the miradores. There are fantastic hikes. I recommend hiking to: 1. San Isidro (takes two hours one way) 2. Mirador de la Cruz (easy hike) 3. Mirador del Condor (level medium) Where I stayed: Hospedaje Alcira Whatsapp: +54 9 3885 47 3711 0388 497 8674 Price: 2000 pesos/night (shared bathroom); 3000 pesos/night (private bathroom) RATING: 3/5 – Very basic, space heater, no breakfast, wifi, no soap in bathrooms TRANSPORTATION: It is possible to take a bus back to Humahuaca (3 hours), and then another bus to Salta (4 hours). But the fastest way is through a shared taxi. It’s best to have a local message or call for you to make the reservation one day in advance. I was told that if I message from my foreign whatsapp number the driver will try to take advantage and ask for more money. The taxi leaves Iruya at 4am. COMPANY: Remis Rapido y Curioso: +54 9 387 615 7439 PRICE: 3000 pesos ($15 usd) TIME: 5 hours"

" Iruya is a picturesque village in the northern part of the Salta Province, nestled in a deep valley surrounded by dramatic hills. Known for its colorful adobe houses and narrow, winding streets, Iruya provides a charming and tranquil escape. It is renowned for its breathtaking views and is a popular base for exploring the surrounding Andean mountains and traditional Quechua culture."