It does not lie within the typical circuits. The roads of the Puna are to be climbed in order to find it. The prize is an incredibly extensive scene.
The sun was setting. After meditating immersed in the mountain scene for a while, we resolved it was wise to start our way back. Maybe the last sun beams highlighted the hues on the limestone. The colors, though, looked even stronger than what we had seen at the Ravine.
The spot we were standing on lies over 4,000 meters MSL and we could feel that, as we had not made any stop on the way. We were wearing warm clothes. Our jackets were zipped up and we could hear the effort we made to breathe. We returned to the car almost without uttering a word.
How had we got up there? By car, leaving from the
City of Humahuaca. Who had recommended that destination? A local denizen who noticed we were interested in seeing an unusual attraction that cannot be found in the maps or brochures.
Even though it does not lie very far, the road to Hornocal has a lot of bends. It goes constantly up and is accompanied by unspoilt fields where the
guanacos run free. "You should take the antenna's road”, our friend had said before we set out. We did not cross a soul on the road, either on the way to Hornocal or back.
We visited Hornocal Mountain Range and did not had the chance to thank the man who had advised us to go there. Maybe he already knew how we would feel once we stood right in front of that incredible fold in the Humahuaca Ravine.
Useful Data
How to get here: Leave the City of Humahuaca and cross the Grande River over the bridge lying close to the bus station. Take Provincial Route 73 heading for Santa Ana and travel approximately 25 kilometers to reach the plain from where the mountain range is seen.
Bear in mind: It is advisable not to speed up along the gravel road and to take into consideration that the road will go constantly uphill up to the point where 4,200 meters of height are reached.
It is convenient to make stops on the way to help the body become accustomed to the height and avoid the typical Puna dizziness.
Services not available.