Is Quebrada de Humahuaca safe?
Safe villages with little crime. Altitude, cold, road conditions and remote hikes are the real risks.
Key facts
- SoloSquare safety rating: 4/5, safe with normal care.
- US travel advisory: Level 1: Exercise normal precautions, updated 2026-07-09.
- Homicide rate in Argentina: 4.5 per 100,000 people (2023, UNODC via World Bank).
- Road deaths in Argentina: 14.1 per 100,000 people a year (2019, WHO).
- Emergency numbers: Police 911 · Ambulance 107 · Fire 100.
Safety in Quebrada de Humahuaca at a glance
| What to expect | |
|---|---|
| Overall | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Crime | Occasional theft from vehicles and tents, and petty theft in busy Purmamarca and Humahuaca market areas. |
| At night | Villages are quiet by 22:00 and generally safe. Streets are dark and cold; bring a headlamp and warm layers. |
| Solo women | Comfortable for solo women. Take normal care on remote trails and when accepting rides from strangers. |
| Other risks | Altitude sickness above 3,500 m (Hornocal at 4,350 m); Landslides on Ruta 9 in rainy season; Strong sun and cold nights |
Scams, areas and local laws
Common scams
- Touts offering tours with unclear stops at Humahuaca
- Overpriced Hornocal shuttles; compare prices
- Fake artisan goods sold as local crafts
Take care
- Driving on mountain roads in rain
- Hiking above 3,500 m without acclimatizing
- Walking alone on empty trails at dusk
Calmer areas to stay
Laws visitors break by accident
- Driving with any alcohol in your blood is illegal nationwide.
- Smoking is banned in enclosed public spaces, including bars and restaurants.
How Quebrada de Humahuaca compares in Argentina
| Place | Safety |
|---|---|
| El Calafate | 5/5 · Very safe |
| El Chaltén | 5/5 · Very safe |
| Mendoza | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Bariloche | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Ushuaia | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Salta | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Puerto Iguazú | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Puerto Madryn | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Mar del Plata | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Quebrada de Humahuaca | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Cafayate | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Buenos Aires | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Córdoba | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Rosario | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
Quick answers
Is Quebrada de Humahuaca safe for solo female travelers?
Comfortable for solo women. Take normal care on remote trails and when accepting rides from strangers.
Is Quebrada de Humahuaca safe at night?
Villages are quiet by 22:00 and generally safe. Streets are dark and cold; bring a headlamp and warm layers.
What is the crime rate in Quebrada de Humahuaca?
Occasional theft from vehicles and tents, and petty theft in busy Purmamarca and Humahuaca market areas. Nationally, Argentina records 4.5 homicides per 100,000 people a year (2023).
What number do I call in an emergency in Quebrada de Humahuaca?
Police 911 · Ambulance 107 · Fire 100.
More about Quebrada de Humahuaca
- Safetyacross Argentina
- Cost of livingin Quebrada de Humahuaca
- Weather & best timein Quebrada de Humahuaca
- Internet & coworkingin Quebrada de Humahuaca
- Getting aroundin Quebrada de Humahuaca
- Tap waterin Quebrada de Humahuaca
- LGBTQ+ friendlyin Quebrada de Humahuaca
- Healthcare & insurancein Quebrada de Humahuaca
- Solo travelin Quebrada de Humahuaca
Going to Quebrada de Humahuaca solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Quebrada de Humahuaca meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- Jujuy Tourism
- UNESCO World Heritage: Quebrada de Humahuaca
- World Bank: intentional homicides (UNODC)
- World Bank: road traffic deaths (WHO)
Safety ratings are SoloSquare's editorial judgment from official advisories, crime data and local reporting. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.