Palpalá offers different options for a stay: hiking and nature in the Serranías del Zapla, as well as religious traditions and historic sites nearby, especially in Río Blanco. The time required also varies considerably: in addition to an easy, short hike, there are tours lasting several hours and rated as highly difficult. This lets you tailor your plans to the days available and the activities you want to do.
Hiking in the Serranías del Zapla
The Serranías del Zapla Ecological Reserve extends north of the Río Grande across the entire Department of Palpalá. In the Yungas, it protects the higher-elevation areas of the mountain rainforest and montane forest. The landscape is therefore more than just a backdrop for hiking: these distinct forest zones are among the habitats under protection.
At the Villa Turística Serranías del Zapla, visitors can choose from three self-guided hiking trails open to the public. The Sendero Los Monos is an easy, 20-minute trail behind the Petit Hotel in the villa. Monkeys and coatis can occasionally be spotted there. The Sendero Los Patos is a moderately difficult, three-hour hike. It begins five kilometers before the entrance to the villa; features of the landscape include regenerating mountain rainforest and native tree species spreading through the eucalyptus forest. The short, easy route and the longer, moderately difficult hike differ both in the time required and in the level of challenge. Trail conditions and access may change; check both before your visit.
Those planning a more challenging tour can take a six-hour round-trip hike to the summit of Cerro Zapla, rated as highly difficult. Check current permits and guide availability in advance. The overo also lives in the reserve. It is difficult to spot; its tracks can occasionally be seen near watercourses.
Getting there and staying overnight at the Villa Turística
The Villa Turística Serranías del Zapla is located at an altitude of 1,450 meters on the flank of the Serranías. An eight-kilometer uphill gravel road leads there from Provincial Route 56. Road conditions can vary with the season, especially during heavy rain. Plan your journey with the conditions in mind. The villa has accommodations, camping areas, and asadores, or barbecue grills; check on-site for current usage arrangements. The Mirador Norte offers views of Palpalá and the hills of the Serranías, though conditions at the site should be taken into account.
Activities at the villa include guided mountain biking with specialist guides. Check guide availability in advance. Alongside the self-guided hiking trails, visitors can therefore choose a guided cycling experience or the viewpoint as different ways to explore the area.
Religious traditions and history in Río Blanco
Near Palpalá is Río Blanco, home to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Rosary of Río Blanco and Paypaya. Its chapel and sacristy are protected as the historical and cultural heritage of Jujuy Province because of their historical, religious, and symbolic value. The festival honoring Our Lady of the Rosary of Río Blanco and Paypaya is also recognized as living cultural heritage of the province and is considered one of its most representative religious expressions. The recognitions were published in October 2025. Every Sunday in October, Río Blanco welcomes pilgrims honoring the patron saint of Jujuy Province.
Calle San Juan in Río Blanco follows an old royal road. All of its historic houses were built before the end of the 19th century. The history of sugar production also goes back a long way: sugar was first produced in Jujuy Province in Río Blanco around 1650. An old wooden sugar mill is part of the Cazón family collection.
The “Héroes de Malvinas” Museum offers a different perspective on more recent history. This historic and educational site uses veterans’ firsthand accounts to tell the story. At Mina 9 de Octubre, mining tours pass through tunnels, where visitors can learn about mining tools, a labyrinth of tunnels, and the underground microclimate. Check current admission arrangements before visiting.
Discover more destinations: Palpalá, Ledesma Department, Valle Grande Department, Susques Department, Santa Bárbara Department, Doctor Manuel Belgrano Department, San Antonio, Tumbaya Department.
Return to the main travel overview: Jujuy.
