On the banks of the rivers near Yavi Chico, petroglyphs provide evidence of settlement since around 900 AD. They offer a tangible connection to the region’s past: archaeological traces, a collection relating to Chicha culture and historical objects from everyday life sit alongside a landscape shaped by the Puna.

Archaeological traces around Yavi Chico

The municipal museum Museo Mama Antonia–Tata Porta, also known as Museo de Antigales, displays an archaeological collection of Chicha culture from 900 to 1460 AD. It also contains historical objects from the everyday life of the local population. The collection thus brings together a specific period of Chicha culture and evidence of daily life.

The pre-Hispanic settlement of Antigal de Yavi Chico is located in Yavi Chico. It lies opposite the town, across the Río Yavi Chico, and includes ancient graves. A footpath of about 15 minutes leads to the Antigal. Before visiting Museo Mama Antonia–Tata Porta and the Antigal, check current access and trail conditions locally.

A hike from Yavi Chico to Yavi also follows the courses of the Río Yavi Chico and the Río Yavi. It passes through a wooded gallery forest, an oasis in the Puna. The rivers and the trail’s distinctive vegetation are the highlights here; check local trail conditions before setting out.

Five kilometres from Yavi, Laguna Colorada lies at Cerro Los Ocho Hermanos. Its petroglyphs depict human figures, llamas and Indigenous symbols. This offers different perspectives on rock art: near Yavi Chico, petroglyphs provide evidence of settlement since around 900 AD; at Laguna Colorada, they depict figures and symbols.

Manka Fiesta and cultural heritage in La Quiaca

The Manka Fiesta in La Quiaca, also known as the “Fiesta de las ollas” (“Festival of Pots”), dates back to the time before Inca rule in the 15th century. It is considered Argentina’s oldest Andean fair and forms part of a trading circuit connecting northern Jujuy with southern Bolivia. Barter continues today; at the same time, the celebration is now associated with entertainment and cultural heritage.

Goods exchanged include wool, meat, seeds, herbs, dried fruit and flour, as well as industrial and handmade goods. The market tradition therefore encompasses both food and other produce, as well as handcrafted and industrially manufactured goods. Opened in April 2026, the Complejo Cultural Manka Fiesta in La Quiaca adds to this cultural setting with a four-storey building. It includes an amphitheatre, a cinema, a museum, exhibition spaces and an astronomical platform. Check current access locally before visiting.

Puna landscapes and birdlife

The Yavi microregion lies in the Argentine Puna. This relatively flat plateau sits at an altitude of more than 3,200 metres and is crossed by mountain ranges running from northeast to southeast. The landscape therefore cannot be described simply as an open plateau: the mountain ranges are also part of its geographical character.

The natural heritage of Yavi Department includes the Monumento Natural Laguna de los Pozuelos. It is designated a biosphere reserve and a Ramsar site. Its conservation aims include protecting Argentina’s largest Puna wetland and its rich birdlife, including flamingos and migratory wading birds. Birdlife is therefore part of this natural monument’s conservation mandate.

Travel information

The Yavi microregion is connected to San Salvador de Jujuy by the fully paved Ruta Nacional 9. As road conditions can change locally, check them before travelling. For exploring the area, the archaeological remains near Yavi Chico, the rock art at Laguna Colorada and the trading tradition in La Quiaca offer different points of interest.

Jujuy in a broader context

Beyond Yavi Department, Jujuy Province offers further cultural perspectives. The Quebrada de Humahuaca follows the Camino Inca and forms a 155-kilometre north–south corridor with hundreds of archaeological and architectural sites. Jujuy Province’s cuisine is based on corn, potatoes, squash and quinoa, as well as llama, beef and pork; it also includes high-altitude wines from the temperate valleys and the Quebrada de Humahuaca. In the Quebrada, you can try humitas, tamales, empanadas and cazuelas.

Discover more destinations: Yavi, Doctor Manuel Belgrano Department, Tumbaya Department, Santa Catalina Department, Santa Bárbara Department, San Pedro Department, Susques Department, Palpalá.

For the wider travel overview: Jujuy.