Purmamarca - Love at First Sight

There are several reasons to visit Purmamarca, but they can all be
summarized by saying that Purmamarca is truly the quintessential town
in the argentine Northwest.

This tiny little town forms part of the Quebrada de Humahua circuit, but has

successfully crafted a name for itself in the last years. With only about 500 inhabitants and located at the feet of the Seven Colors Hill, Purmamarca is a paradise for those who look for a quiet spot to rest and appreciate the beauty of this wonderful region.

A great deal of Purmamarca's flair is due to its picturesque constructions and

streets. The houses are made of "adobe", a mixture of earth, clay and straw, following a technique that has been passed down through generations. The widespread use of adobe for constructions in the Northwest region can be traced to this material excellent isolation performance, which protects inhabitants from the high difference in temperatures between day (over 104°F) and night (under 50°F).

Life in Purmamarca revolves around the Plaza. There you can find the Artisans

Market, where every morning women dressed in colorful traditional outfits offer their products (ponchos, little bottles with samples of colored earth, musical instruments, pottery and more) to tourists, as well as actual shops where you can find high-quality decorative items (especially hand-made, highly elaborated tapestry) at a really good price. Also close to the Plaza are restaurants that offer exquisite typical food as well as international dishes for rather conservative guests.

Finally, the old church of Santa Rosa de Lima deserves a special mention. Built

in 1648, it still preserves most of the original construction, as well as artwork and paintings describing scenes of the life of Santa Rosa de Lima.
Most travel agencies only dedicate a couple of hours to Purmamarca, but if you have the chance, you shouldn't miss the opportunity to spend a day or two here. The beauty of the nature in the surrounding as well as the warmth hospitality of the locals, make every visit to Purmamarca a true gift for the soul.