Quebrada de Humahuaca

Historic churches in Quebrada de Humahuaca

Historic Churches & Sacred Sites

The Quebrada de Humahuaca features a unique blend of Spanish colonial architecture and indigenous Andean spirituality. This collection includes 17th-century adobe churches like Santa Rosa in Purmamarca, known for its cardón wood ceilings, and San Francisco de Paula in Uquía, which houses rare 'Angeles Arcabuceros' paintings. It also highlights high-altitude pilgrimage sites such as Abra de Punta Corral and traditional shrines where the Pachamama is honored, reflecting the region's syncretic heritage.

Historic Churches & Sacred Sites — Map

A

IGLESIA SANTA ROSA - PURMAMARCA

1648 National Historic Monument constructed with adobe walls and a roof made of cardón (cactus) wood.

B

Iglesia San Francisco de Paula

17th-century church housing a rare collection of nine 'Angeles Arcabuceros' paintings from the Cuzco School, depicting angels armed with muskets.

C

Iglesia de la Virgen de la Candelaria

18th-century colonial church featuring thick adobe walls, a simple bell tower, and a collection of historic religious art and silverwork.

D

Iglesia de Nuestra Senora de la Candelaria

Historic 18th-century chapel notable for housing the remains of General Juan Lavalle and featuring paintings from the Cuzco School.

E

Iglesia Virgen de la Merced

Located in Humahuaca’s main plaza, this church contains an 18th-century altarpiece and a series of paintings depicting the twelve prophets.

F

Abra de Punta Corral

High-altitude pass and sacred pilgrimage site where thousands of devotees and sikuri bands gather during Holy Week.

G

Pachamama

Sacred site dedicated to Mother Earth, where traditional Andean offerings and 'challa' rituals are performed by the local community.

H

3er Calvario

One of the stations on the high-altitude Way of the Cross pilgrimage route leading toward the sanctuary of Punta Corral.

I

Capilla de Tunalio

Small high-altitude chapel located along the strenuous pilgrimage path used by devotees during the region's major religious festivals.

J

Cementerio de Tumbaya

Traditional cemetery characterized by its hillside location and graves decorated with colorful paper flowers, following local Andean customs.

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