Serrania del Hornocal: How to See Argentina’s Rainbow Mountain

This blog post will offer you all the details you need to know about seeing the Serrania del Hornocal, Northern Argentina’s colorful mountain range.

The Serrania del Hornocal (in the province of Jujuy) supposedly has 14 colors in its mountain range. However, according to our guide, people have counted up to 32, as more colors are revealed after it rains.

I went to the Serrania del Hornocal on a day trip from the Jujeño town of Humahuaca. This is a quick and easy trip and one that is worth it! If you want to visit, this blog post will provide you with all the details on how to find an excursion, what it’s like, and where to stay in Humahuaca.

Where is the Serrania del Hornocal?

The area of la Quebrada de Humahuaca, where the Rainbow Mountain is found, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2003. This should give you some insight into how amazing it truly is.

This incredible colorful mountain range is found just 27km from the desert town of Humahuaca, in Argentina’s Jujuy province, and 4,761 meters (15,620 ft) above sea level. It took us just over one hour to reach the Serrania del Hornocal from the town of Humahuaca.

How Tall is the Serrania del Hornocal?

Argentina’s Rainbow Mountain is 4,761 meters (15,620 ft) above sea level.

What is the geology of the Serrania del Hornocal?

This area was once under the sea thousands of years ago, and each color on the mountain range represents a different mineral composition. We can see each layer of limestone, or Yacoraite, on the Serrania del Hornocal due to several years of erosion.

Taking a Serrania del Hornocal Excursion

Taking an excursion to see the Serrania del Hornocal is quite simple. You just need to know what to do. Here are the details.

How to find the excursions

The bus terminal in Humahuaca is right on the edge of the main town center, on the main road. It is very obvious. If you took the bus to reach Humahuaca from another northern town, well, then you already know!

Several men hang around the terminal with signs saying “Serrania del Hornocal,” along with their phone numbers and tour times.

You can choose the person you like best at the terminal, though I definitely recommend Ariel (+54 0388 461 5833). He was not only a great driver, but full of tons of interesting facts and information he revealed to us along the way. The tour was fully in Spanish though.

How to pay for the excursion

Once you choose your guide at the bus terminal, you need to sign up by giving your name and pay the price in pesos ( about 7.50 USD). If you would like to use Ariel as your guide, send him a WhatsApp message and let him know when you’ll arrive.

Excursion Times

The excursion times seem to be created to match the arrival times of buses coming from Tilcara and Purmamarca.In general, there are 4 fixed times:

• 10 am
• 12:30 pm
• 3 pm
• 5 pm

Read more: What to do in Purmamarca

How to Reach the Serrania del Hornocal

As I mentioned, there are 4 fixed leaving times. However, you should not expect to leave on time. Each driver will wait until they have a full car, generally 4-5 people. Once the car is full (it’s a 4×4), they will set off along the Independence Highway, which is a serpentine dirt road that winds its way up the mountain.

There is one short stop where you’ll have a chance to get out and enjoy the view of the road you’ve just driven up. Our guide, Ariel, explained to us about the surrounding region, the families who live in the valley, and the history of the Argentine gaucho of years past.

Paying the Entrance Fee

The road is 27km long and takes about 45 minutes to reach the final destination. Once you arrive at the top, each person is expected to pay the entrance fee in pesos (USD 0.25), which goes to the community of families who own the land. After paying this entrance fee, the spectacular view is just a couple of minutes away.

What the Serrania del Hornocal is Like

Once you arrive at the parking lot of the Serrania del Hornocal, you will be treated to an incredible view of these multi-colored peaks. The driver will give you one hour at the location. What you choose to do with that hour is up to you. You can stay up top at the viewpoint or go for a small hike.

Hiking down

If you would like to try and get a bit closer, head down the big dirt path. Just keep in mind that if you go down, you’ll have to come back up, and it’s quite steep. If you are easily affected by high altitude, or struggle with any mobility issues, you may prefer not to descend.

If you choose to descend, it only takes about 10 minutes to reach the first lookout point, which is marked by a white sign telling you not to go any further in Spanish.

Continuing down the path

If you want to keep going down, look to the left where you’ll see another small path descending further. It takes less than 10 minutes to reach the second lookout point. I suggest going to this additional viewpoint if you can. The views are incredible, and the photos you get are worth it.

Going back up

From that lowest point, it took me about 15 minutes to walk back up the steep hill to the parking lot. However, I hike quite a bit and am comfortable with high altitudes. If you are not much of a hiker, plan for a little more time.

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Going Back to Humahuaca from Serrania del Hornocal

The return back to Humahuaca goes a little bit faster as there are no stops. Our guide drove faster going down than on the way up, as he no longer needed to relay certain bits of info along the path. You’ll get dropped off just a block from the bus terminal. The entire trip took just over 2.5 hours. It was a fairly short trip, with a big payoff.

What to Bring With You to the Serrania del Hornocal

• SPF– it gets sunny
• Jacket – It can get pretty windy as you descend the path
• Sunglasses – for obvious reasons
• Binoculars – if you have them. Our guide lent a pair to our group.
• Money – pesos for the trip price, and for the entrance fee (equivalent to 8 USD)
• Camera– an absolute must!
• Tripod – especially if you’re traveling alone.

Other Day Trips in Salta

This area is full of great activities, and nothing is too far away. Check out my other blog posts to learn more about the other great towns in the North of Argentina.

What to do in Purmamarca
Cerro de los 7 Colores (in Purmamarca)
Salinas Grandes
La Garganta del Diablo & Tilcara
Iruya: Argentina’s Hidden Gem
Ultimate Guide to Salta and Jujuy

Serrania del Hornocal Excursions

If you have less time traveling around the north of Argentina, you may not be able to stay in Humahuaca and go to the Serrania del Hornocal at your leisure. If that’s the case, there are several group tours available from Salta.

Serrania del Hornocal Tours from Salta
Serranías del Hornocal & Hill of 14 Colors Tour
3-Day Trip to Salinas Grandes, Cachi & Hornocal
4-Day Trip in Salta Province & Salinas Grandes

Where to Stay in Humahuaca

If you have the time, I suggest spending a couple of days in the desert town of Humahuaca.

Casa Samachiy

This apartment is centrally located, close to restaurants, cafes, and the bus station. There is wifi, and linens are included. The kitchen is also fully stocked.

Click HERE to check the availability of this amazing apartment

Hostal Giramundo

This is a very popular hostel in Humahuaca, called Hostal Giramundo. I came here to get my laundry done and it had great vibes. Everyone was socializing and hanging out together.

Stay in the BEST hostel in Humahuaca

Serrania del Hornocal Final Thoughts

The Serrania del Hornocal is one of the more well-known landmarks in the north of Argentina, and for good reason. Even though it is popular, there is not an overwhelming amount of tourists there, like at the Rainbow Mountain in Peru. The Serrania del Hornocal is the best rainbow mountain in South America.

Finding transportation to reach this colored mountain is very easy and affordable. If you’re in Humahuaca, you have no excuse to not take this trip. You won’t regret it.

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