It's Pronounced "Who-Hooey"

The town of Humahuacha in the Jujuy province is as far north as we drove, and, little did we know at the time, the closest we'll get to Bolivia* for now.  The roads along the Quebrada de Humahuaca were paved (bonus!) and the views are some of the most spectacular I've seen. I think it's one of Argentina's best kept secrets--aside from some brave cyclists (people literally cycle with tents strapped to their bikes through the North) and a handful of backpackers, hardly anyone was there. As much as we try to blend, we are never as incognito as we think, especially with a blonde kid in tow. And zip-off hiking pants. 

We must have stopped 100 times to take pictures on this drive, the scenery was more breathtaking and unique at each turn, and the morning light gave a different coloring to everything than the afternoon sun. What struck me the most was that there was absolutely no commercialism. Nada. In the US, you'd see timeshares, resorts and strip malls amongst the scenery, but here, the tiny towns had dirt streets, slab buildings and street markets.

*Our Jan trip to Bolivia was denied by the US Embassy in Bolivia. I'm bitter.

 Main street, Purmamarca, population 510. The "Hill of Seven Colors" in the background.

A cemetary built into the mountainside of "Painter's Palette" in Maimara.

Our hotel was built into the side of the mountain. I half expected Luke Skywalker to make an appearance. 

  The Tropic of Capricorn. His life isn't going to be normal after this assignment.

It was really hot. We noticed that the locals were completely covered up in 98 degree weather but learned quickly it's because the sun is so intense at this altitude.

Main street Humahuacha, population 8,000.

Hiking Garganta del Diablo in Tilcara.

Around every mountain was another gorgeous view.

Miles and miles of this.