Hornocal

One of the great wonders of Argentina

Ribbons of 14 colors form sharp triangles. The series is repeated in the Hornocal mountain range to form a beautiful scenery.

The Hornocal stands at 4,760 meters above sea level, so the ascent to the natural terrace for its contemplation must be done with caution, through the steep road that connects it with the town of Humahuaca.

It is a calcareous formation that belongs to the Yacoraite and the beauty of its shades arises by the erosion in angle and by layers of the different strata. Its majesty forces the visitor to count the amount of colors it contains.

A memorable scene takes place in the Argentine movie My Masterpiece -with Guillermo Francella and Luis Brandoni- precisely in front of the Hornocal... but nothing like personally witnessing its colorful and immense slope.

The altitude - known in those latitudes as "soroche" - is of course felt, so the recommendation is to buy the popular coca leaves in town or - failing that - to appeal to the magical dramamine.

The community Hornocal-Pueblo Omaguaca guards its patrimony: at the entrance a small pass is paid to get to know this earthly rainbow.

The visit should be made if possible between noon and sunset, preferably between 15:00 and 17:00 hours, so as to observe how the rays of the setting sun impact on the mountains, enlivening its colors.

The return by the same mountain road, in the afternoon, discovers the wild landscape that always surprises, either by the zigzag of its cornices or by the fortuitous visit of a graceful guanaco. Simply a must-see.