Yala is a small town surrounded by green hills and shaped by its lagoons. The Lagunas de Yala are a group of bodies of water in a nature reserve, surrounded by Yungas, trails and wildlife. Yala is also considered a gateway to the Quebrada de Humahuaca. When planning an overnight stay, you can first consider whether lagoons and Yungas or trails and waterfalls are the deciding factor. This lets you tailor your search for a suitable destination to the natural attractions that interest you.

Lagoons, gorge and waterfalls

The Angosto de Jaire is a narrow gorge where water, moss and jungle create a unique landscape. The Chorro de Varas is a waterfall in the Yungas and is suited to a day of trekking and experiencing nature. The Cascada La Horqueta is a hidden spot in Yala, surrounded by Yungas and trails leading to an impressive waterfall. These offer a choice of different natural attractions: a narrow gorge, bodies of water in a protected area and waterfalls. If you are planning a day of trekking and nature experiences, the Chorro de Varas is particularly well suited to this focus; the Angosto de Jaire offers a different emphasis with its gorge landscape.

Trails and timing

The Sendero Bosque Montano is located near Yala. The trail is rated easy, is 1,650 meters long and takes about an hour and a half. Its length, difficulty rating and approximate duration help you assess this option from different perspectives. Treat the time given as an estimate, not an exact schedule.

Getting there and choosing accommodation

Yala is located on Ruta 9. To take the Lagunas de Yala–Termas de Reyes loop, drive north on Ruta Nacional 9 to the town of Yala, then turn left onto Ruta Provincial 4. Road conditions and seasonal passability can change; check them before setting off. Several bus routes run between Yala and San Salvador de Jujuy. If you are planning to travel by bus, verify local services before your trip, as public transport options can change.

The directions for the loop describe a drive on Ruta Nacional 9 and Ruta Provincial 4; the bus information, by contrast, concerns connections between Yala and San Salvador de Jujuy. Yala's designation as a gateway to the Quebrada de Humahuaca adds a regional perspective to its lagoons and trails.

Culture in the wider destination

In the wider destination of Departamento Doctor Manuel Belgrano, the Museo del Cabildo presents the province's history in eight galleries: from ethnic origins through the colonial period and the pre-revolutionary era to its connections with Belgrano. The presentation includes theatrical and audiovisual elements. The program may continue to evolve. This museum focus offers a cultural and historical area of interest in the wider destination, alongside Yala's natural attractions.

Discover more destinations: Ciudad Perico, Huacalera, San Javier, Tilcara, Calilegua, Purmamarca, Humahuaca, Hornillos.

Back to the overview of destinations: Jujuy.