Tilcara

Tilcara combines a lively centre — cafés, restaurants, a busy market — with some of the most interesting archaeology in the Quebrada.

The Pucará

On a hill just outside town, the Pucará de Tilcara is a pre-Hispanic fortified settlement, partly reconstructed in the 20th century, with stone dwellings looking out over the valley. The site includes a botanical garden of high-altitude plants. The Archaeological Museum on the main square, run by the University of Buenos Aires, completes the visit.

Walks

A track climbs from town to the Garganta del Diablo, a narrow gorge with a small waterfall. It is a rewarding half-day hike at altitude — start early and take water.