In the Tropics, but still feeling cold!

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From Tilcara we continued up the Ruta 9 through the Quebrada de Humahauca and past the Tropic of Capricorn. We paused for a while to take photos by the sign delineating the line of the tropics, and were pestered by kids wanting us to pay to have photos taken with a goat (the symbol of capricorn). Of course we declined!! At the site was a huge monument which we later found out was a giant solar clock, or sundial.

Once we got to Humahuaca we pulled up at the modern looking Tourist Information Centre on the edge of town. It was closed and didn't look as though it had opened for some time! So, we drove into the centre of town and struggled to park in the narrow streets. Our quest then was to find somewhere to stay with heating! At the top end of town we found a lovely hotel (The Kuntur Huasi - Condor House), a bit above our usual budget, but filling all of our requirements! The landlord was very friendly too, which helped us to decide!

We really liked Humahuaca despite it being full of tourists. In fact, we ended up staying 3 nights. The
centre is dominated by the monument to the heroes of independence and the long run of steps up to it. This is where all the market sellers and souvenir tat is. Feeling generous, Russ bought a set of goat horns which you jingle about to music!! It was a nice place to sit and have lunch.

In the evenings we ate llama and were entertained by musicians armed only with guitars. It made a refreshing change from panpipes!! Considering how many tourists we saw during the day though, it was deserted at night.

We made two excursions from there. One to Iruya (see the next weblog) and then we drove out into the middle of nowhere on the worst roads of this journey. How our poor little Uno coped we will never know! And then we didn't find the lake or the ruins we were looking for!! The maps are just wishful thinking scribbles on paper really. Instead, we returned to town and walked out into the colourful hills. Russ is convinced he saw a puma on the prowl but it was too far away to photograph and Trish wasn't quick enough with the binoculars to confirm the sighting!! It was gorgeous up there though.

After 3 nights in Humahuaca we then headed back South towards Salta. Our winter holiday was drawing to a close.

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Photos

Mural
I love this! Especially the cactus in the shades.

Giant Sundial
At the Tropic of Capricorn

Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!
It was cold at night.

Humahuaca
Looking down the steps to the monument

Monument to the Heroes of Independence
But independence from who???

Carnaval Mask
On the wall of our hotel

Warning Signs
Gauchos driving tractors, whatever next!

Comments

[Mark Mesle]

You guys should really consider turning this in to a book some day. I mean for christ's sake, is there anywhere you haven't gone.