Jujuy

Advertisement

Introducing Jujuy

Of the trinity of northwestern cities, Jujuy lacks the colonial sophistication of Salta or urban vibe of Tucumán, but nevertheless shines for its livable feel, enticing restaurants and gregarious, good-looking locals. It’s got the most indigenous feel of any of Argentina’s cities. The climate is perpetually springlike; the city is the highest provincial capital in the country.

Advertisement

San Salvador de Jujuy (now commonly known simply as Jujuy) was founded in 1593 as the most northerly Spanish colonial city in present-day Argentina. It was the third attempt to found a city in this valley, after the previous two incarnations had been razed by miffed indigenous groups who hadn’t given planning permission.

On August 23, 1812, during the wars of independence, General Belgrano ordered the evacuation of Jujuy. Its citizens complied in what is famously known as the éxodo jujeño. All possessions that could not be loaded on the mules were burned, along with the houses, in a scorched-earth retreat. Belgrano reported that most citizens were willing. They were able to return to what was left of their city in February 1813. The province of Jujuy bore the brunt of conflict during these wars, with Spain launching repeated invasions down the Quebrada de Humahuaca from Bolivia.

The city’s name is roughly pronounced hu-hui; if it sounds like an arch exclamation of surprise, you’re doing well.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009

Tips & articles

  1. Argentina’s indigenous north

    10 January 2011

    Inca EchoesBuenos Aires likes to regard itself as an Italo-Spanish city washed up on South American shores, and here the...

    Read more

See all tips & articles for Jujuy

Thorn Tree forum discussion

Recent posts

  1. goonin avatar
    RE: Argentina for 3 Weeks

    by goonin 31 May 2012

    Thanks. Estancia sounds awesome. Recommend any one in particular? How about this plan? BA 7 days Iguazu 2 days Salta, Jujuy, Estancia,…
  2. PhotoYogini avatar
    RE: Argentina for 3 Weeks

    by PhotoYogini 31 May 2012

    I wouldn't skip Mendoza! I was just going to say that six days in Salta may be a bit excessive, you may want to go ahead and head to Jujuy…
  3. ban_janti_return avatar
    RE: Argentina for 3 Weeks

    by ban_janti_return 30 May 2012

    Try Jujuy, the further north you go the warmer it will be. Altitude dependent of course.

See all Thorn Tree forum discussions for Jujuy

In our shop

See all shop products

Travel Insurance

Going to Argentina? Make sure you're covered.

Get a quote

See all travel services

Advertisement