Iruya and around

On the way to Iruya

The road to Iruya crosses a pass at almost 4,000 metres and offers magnificent views. Unlike the Quebrada de Humahuaca, which attracts many tourists, the region around Iruya gives you the feeling of being in a remote and rustic place, in a world forgotten by the rest of the country.

I loved Iruya and the surrounding area. I spent a week there enjoying the peace and quiet, the scenery and the walks.

About 12 km before the village of Iruya.

In the distance, the village of Pueblo Viejo with its white and turquoise church.

Iruya

The pretty village of Iruya, at an altitude of 2,780 metres, is a peaceful spot nestled between magnificent mountains and two rivers, the Coranzulí and the Milmahuasi. Its steep, narrow stone streets are lined with small stone or adobe (clay and straw) houses.

Mirador de la Cruz.

It's quite impressive that he can take his scooter up these slopes and park it on the roof of the house.

View from the Mirador de la Cruz.

Bridge spanning the Río Coranzulí (also known as the Río Iruya).

Some mornings, the fog covers the whole valley and does not dissipate until around 10 or 11 o'clock.

Hiking to the Mirador de los condores

The hike to Mirador de los condores starts in the village and climbs rapidly up the mountains overlooking the valley. The viewpoint is around 500 metres higher than the village and offers magnificent scenery.

Did I see any condors during my hike? I don't think so. I saw black shapes flying high in the distance, but it's difficult to confirm that they were condors.

Track from Iruya to San Isidro

A track from Iruya follows the River San Isidro to the village of the same name. The scenery along this 7-kilometre route is spectacular.