Purmamarca facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Purmamarca
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Locality
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Location of the Tumbaya Department
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| Country |  Argentina |
| Province | Jujuy Province |
| Department | Tumbaya Department |
| Elevation | 2,324 m (7,625 ft) |
| Population
(2001)
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| • Total | 2,089 |
| Time zone | UTC−3 (ART) |
Purmamarca is a small town in the Jujuy Province of Argentina. It is located in the Tumbaya Department. This charming place is known for its beautiful natural scenery and rich culture.
Contents
What Does Purmamarca Mean?
The name Purmamarca comes from the Aymara language. It combines two words: purma and marca. Purma can mean "desert" or "uncivilized land." Marca means "city" or "town."
So, the name is often understood as "Town of the virgin land." This means a place that feels untouched by humans.
Where is Purmamarca Located?
Purmamarca is found in a special valley called the Quebrada de Purmamarca. This valley is sometimes seen as part of the bigger Quebrada de Humahuaca. The town is about 65 kilometers (40 miles) from San Salvador de Jujuy, which is the capital city of the province.
One of the most famous sights here is the Cerro de los Siete Colores, or "Hill of the Seven Colours." This amazing hill shows off its many bright colors right next to the town.
How Does Purmamarca Make Money?
For a long time, Purmamarca was not a big center for business. But things changed, and the town's economy grew. This happened mainly because of two important things.
First, the roads connecting Purmamarca got much better. A new paved road, called the Capricorn Axis, was built. This road goes through the Cuesta del Lipán and leads to the Paso de Jama. It connects to the Atacama Desert and the Pacific Ocean. This new road made it easier for tourists to visit the area.
Second, in 2003, the Quebrada de Humahuaca was named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. This made many more people, both from Argentina and other countries, want to visit the area. Purmamarca became a popular spot for tourists. They love its old-fashioned style and the famous Cerro de Siete Colores.
Most of the town's money now comes from tourism. Local people make beautiful handicrafts and sell them at the market in the main town square. There are also places for tourists to stay and tours they can take.
What Can You Do in Purmamarca?
Purmamarca offers many fun things for visitors to see and do.
Explore Famous Landmarks
The most popular attractions are the amazing Cerro de los Siete Colores and the busy handicraft market in the town square. You can find unique gifts and souvenirs there.
Go on Adventures
The town is also a great starting point for outdoor activities. You can go on treks like the Paseo de los Colorados. This walk takes you around the colorful hills. You can also explore the Purmamarca River.
Discover Nearby Wonders
From Purmamarca, you can take tours to other exciting places. These include the Salinas Grandes, which are huge salt flats. You can also visit the Huachichocana archaeological site to learn about ancient history. Another interesting spot is the Laguna de Guayatayoc. Here, you can see pink flamingos and wild geese!
See also
In Spanish: Purmamarca para niños
