Is the Garganta del Diablo near Tilcara the same place as the one at Iguazu Falls?

No. Iguazu’s Garganta del Diablo is the famous waterfall viewpoint, while Tilcara’s Garganta del Diablo is a high-altitude gorge hiking destination in Jujuy. They differ in landscape, location and visitor experience.

How long does a visit to Tilcara’s Garganta del Diablo usually take?

A standard round-trip hike with photo stops usually takes about 2 to 3 hours. A half-day or more is preferable if you add birdwatching, longer pauses or nearby heritage stops.

What should visitors keep in mind before going?

Altitude acclimatisation, strong UV exposure, non-slip footwear for stream crossings, sufficient water and flash-flood awareness in the rainy season are all important, along with leave-no-trace behaviour.

Argentina · Jujuy Province · Tilcara

Garganta del Diablo

Devil's Throat · Natural Gorge · Quebrada de Humahuaca

UNESCO World Heritage Natural Gorge & Waterfall Altitude ~2,450m

📍 Paraje Garganta del Diablo, Tilcara, Jujuy, Argentina

📞 +54 388 422-1325

🏛️ Natural Wonder · Gorge & Waterfall

Explore This Natural Wonder

Plan Your Visit View on Google Maps

4.7

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

5,699 reviews · Google Reviews

How Many “Devil’s Throats” Are There in Argentina?

In Argentina, Garganta del Diablo does not refer to a single place. Travellers most often confuse three very different landscapes: the Iguazu waterfall system, the red-rock stop in Salta, and the high-altitude gorge near Tilcara.

Place	Province	Landscape Type	Core Experience	Best For
Iguazu Devil’s Throat	Misiones	Massive cross-border waterfall	Boardwalk viewpoints, heavy spray and waterfall spectacle	First-time visitors, mainstream sightseeing, waterfall photography
Salta Devil’s Throat	Salta	Red-rock canyon and dry gorge	Short roadside walk into eroded rock walls	Road-trippers, self-drive travellers, geomorphology enthusiasts
Tilcara Devil’s Throat	Jujuy	High-altitude gorge and waterfall	Hiking, stream crossings and links to Pucará de Tilcara	Hikers, slow travellers and visitors seeking lesser-known sites

Iguazu Devil’s Throat

Province: Misiones

Landscape Type: Massive cross-border waterfall

Core Experience: Boardwalk viewpoints, heavy spray and waterfall spectacle

Best For: First-time visitors, mainstream sightseeing, waterfall photography

Salta Devil’s Throat

Province: Salta

Landscape Type: Red-rock canyon and dry gorge

Core Experience: Short roadside walk into eroded rock walls

Best For: Road-trippers, self-drive travellers, geomorphology enthusiasts

Tilcara Devil’s Throat

Page Focus

Province: Jujuy

Landscape Type: High-altitude gorge and waterfall

Core Experience: Hiking, stream crossings and links to Pucará de Tilcara

Best For: Hikers, slow travellers and visitors seeking lesser-known sites

This page focuses on Garganta del Diablo in Tilcara, Jujuy, known for hiking, canyon geomorphology and its connection to the wider pre-Columbian landscape, not the famous lookout at Iguazu Falls.

Nature's Masterpiece

Garganta del Diablo (Devil's Throat) is one of the most breathtaking natural wonders near Tilcara in Argentina's Jujuy Province. It is a narrow gorge carved by rushing water over millions of years, where waterfalls plunge into the depths and echo between rust-red rock walls. Birth of a Geological Marvel Garganta del Diablo lies within a tributary of the Quebrada de Humahuaca at an altitude of roughly 2,450 metres. The gorge walls rise several dozen metres high, narrowing in places to barely a metre and a half wide. The rock displays layered bands of deep red, orange and ochre — a record of hundreds of millions of years of geological deposition. Water as Sculptor The gorge was formed by the uplift of the Andes combined with relentless river erosion. During the summer melt and rainy season, water volumes surge dramatically, and fast-flowing torrents laden with grit and stone cut aggressively into the bedrock — slowly carving the deep crevice we see today. Standing on the gorge floor and gazing up at the sliver of sky above is a humbling experience that reveals nature as the greatest sculptor of all. Part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site In 2003 the Quebrada de Humahuaca — home to Garganta del Diablo — was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This 155 km-long valley bears witness to 10,000 years of cultural evolution, from prehistoric hunter-gatherers through the Inca Empire to the Spanish colonial era. Garganta del Diablo, as one of the gorge's most visually dramatic natural features, draws hikers and photographers from around the globe.

Gorge Legends & Andean Myths

In the Andean worldview, every landscape feature carries an ancient story. The name 'Devil's Throat' itself is wrapped in dramatic folklore.

A poignant local legend explains how Garganta del Diablo (Devil's Throat) got its name.

Long ago, a beautiful indigenous maiden fell in love with a young man from the colonial settlers. Her father — the respected chief of the tribe — fiercely opposed the cross-cultural romance. On a stormy night, the young man tried to elope with the maiden.

Enraged, the chief prayed to Pachamama (Mother Earth) for punishment. The earth suddenly split open, creating a bottomless gorge. The young man fell into the abyss, and the maiden lay weeping at the cliff's edge. It is said her tears became the waterfall, and the roar echoing through the gorge is the devil himself howling at the thwarted love.

Another, more straightforward version holds that during the flood season the thunder of water crashing against the rock walls sounds exactly like a devil's roar — hence the name 'Devil's Throat'. Whichever telling you prefer, the name perfectly captures the raw, awe-inspiring power of this natural wonder.

In the Andean belief system, Pachamama is the supreme mother goddess who presides over fertility, agriculture and all earthly life. Every 1 August, the entire province of Jujuy celebrates the Pachamama ceremony.

The Tilcara area around Garganta del Diablo is considered a place where Pachamama's power is especially strong. Before setting out on a gorge hike, local people often pour a few drops of chicha (maize beer) onto the ground or place coca leaves as an offering to Mother Earth, asking for a safe journey.

The water that flows endlessly through the gorge is seen as Pachamama's lifeblood — sustaining all life on the Andean high plateau. Every August, villagers bring food and drink to the gorge entrance to perform the simple yet reverent Corpachada (offering to the earth), keeping the most ancient pact with Mother Earth alive.

In the folklore of north-western Argentina, Coquena is a small, elf-like spirit who protects wild animals, especially vicuñas and guanacos. He wears a traditional poncho and a wide-brimmed hat, wandering silently through the deepest reaches of the canyon.

On the cliffs around Garganta del Diablo you may occasionally spot wild guanacos. Locals say Coquena is herding them, and only those with a pure heart can catch a glimpse of the guardian spirit.

Coquena punishes hunters who kill animals recklessly, yet guides kind-hearted shepherds to safe water and paths. In this rugged gorge country, the legend reminds every visitor: treat the creatures of this land with kindness, and you honour the precious legacy of the ancestors.

Natural Trivia & Cultural Vignettes

Garganta del Diablo's Sister Sites Interestingly, Argentina has more than one natural feature named 'Garganta del Diablo'. The most famous is undoubtedly the Devil's Throat at Iguazú Falls (Cataratas del Iguazú) — one of the world's most spectacular waterfall systems. While the Tilcara Garganta del Diablo is considerably smaller in scale, its high-altitude slot-canyon setting and rust-coloured rock walls give it a completely different and equally mesmerising aesthetic. A Geological Painter's Palette The rock walls of Garganta del Diablo display a stunning range of colours — from deep red and burnt orange to violet-brown and pale grey. These hues come from minerals deposited during different geological periods: iron-oxide-rich red layers, manganese-tinted purple bands, and pale calcium-carbonate streaks, together forming a 'geological oil painting' millions of years in the making. The Gorge Under the Stars Far from urban light pollution, the area around Garganta del Diablo offers superb stargazing. From May to September (the Southern Hemisphere winter), the Milky Way is vividly visible in the clear, dry high-altitude night sky. Local tour operators offer night-time stargazing hikes, letting visitors contemplate the immensity of the cosmos in the gorge's profound silence. Home of the Andean Condor The cliffs of Garganta del Diablo are an important habitat for the Andean condor (Cóndor Andino). With a wingspan reaching three metres, this majestic bird is a symbol of the Andes and is regarded by indigenous cultures as a sacred messenger between heaven and earth. Lucky visitors may spot them riding the gorge's thermal updrafts — an unforgettable sight.

From Sedimentary Layers to World Heritage: A Short Timeline

If Garganta del Diablo is understood only as a hiking destination, its longer formation story disappears. This timeline reconnects geology, water and human presence on one historical line.

Palaeozoic–Mesozoic

Sedimentary strata accumulate

Alternating sandstone, mudstone and conglomerate formed the layered bedrock later cut by water.

Andean uplift

Relief rises and fractures develop

Mountain building reshaped local gradients and drainage, increasing erosive energy across the region.

Since the late Pleistocene

Seasonal floods carve the gorge

Snowmelt and rainy-season flows repeatedly deepened narrow channels and shaped the waterfall corridor seen today.

Pre-Columbian period

Embedded in Tilcara’s wider movement landscape

Nearby routes, water access and defensible terrain connected the gorge to long-term settlement and circulation patterns.

2003

Quebrada de Humahuaca enters the UNESCO list

The site becomes legible within a broader heritage framework that links landscape, routes and cultural continuity.

Geological Formation & Natural Wonder

Garganta del Diablo is a masterpiece sculpted by nature over millions of years. Its unique geological structure not only offers spectacular views but also provides a natural laboratory for studying Andean orogeny.

Gorge Structure

Garganta del Diablo is a classic slot canyon — far deeper than it is wide. The gorge extends roughly 500 metres in length, reaches depths of about 40 metres, and narrows to as little as 1.5 metres at its tightest point. Sunlight pours through the narrow crack overhead, casting ever-changing patterns of light and shadow on the rust-red rock walls and creating an almost surreal spatial experience. A perennial stream runs along the gorge floor. During the rainy season (typically December to March), the water surges dramatically, forming powerful waterfalls; in the dry season it slows to a crystal-clear brook that visitors can wade through. The walls have been polished glass-smooth by millennia of flowing water, displaying beautiful streamlined textures.

Rock Layers & Colours

The walls of Garganta del Diablo expose a magnificent cross-section of sedimentary strata, chronicling hundreds of millions of years of geological history. The rock is predominantly alternating layers of sandstone, mudstone and conglomerate, deposited from the Palaeozoic to the Mesozoic eras. The most striking feature is the colour variation — from deep red (rich in iron oxide) through orange-gold (iron hydroxides) to violet (manganese minerals) and pale grey (calcium carbonate) — as if the earth itself has been dyed in layers by time. These colours are most vivid at sunrise and sunset, making the gorge a dream subject for photographers.

Hydrological Features

The water flowing through the gorge originates from snowmelt and rainfall high in the Andes. It is rich in minerals and takes on a subtle metallic sheen, especially after passing through the red rock strata. The waterfall is one of Garganta del Diablo's most iconic features. During the wet season, water plunges from a height of about 15 metres, crashing onto the rocks below and filling the gorge with mist — rainbows often arch across the canyon in the sunlight. Even during the dry season, the sight of thin rivulets sliding slowly down the polished rock walls has a quiet, meditative beauty all its own.

Key Facts

Name

Garganta del Diablo (Devil's Throat)

Location

Near Tilcara, Jujuy Province, Argentina

Geological Age

Palaeozoic–Mesozoic sedimentary rock

Altitude

approx. 2,450 m

Gorge Depth

up to 40 m

Protected Area

Quebrada de Humahuaca (UNESCO 2003)

Type

Slot Canyon / Waterfall / Natural Wonder

What to Experience at Garganta del Diablo

Garganta del Diablo blends gorge hiking, waterfall viewing and breathtaking Andean scenery. The experiences below are beloved by nature enthusiasts, photographers and adventure travellers alike.

Gorge Hike & Wade

Follow the trail along the gorge floor, wading through the stream as the rock walls close in around you. Gaze up at the ribbon of sky above — the slot-canyon effect is truly awe-inspiring. The sound of rushing water, birdsong echoing off the walls and the cool spray on your face make this the most intimate way to connect with nature.

Waterfall Watching & Photography

During the rainy season (December–March), Garganta del Diablo's waterfall is at its most powerful. A curtain of water thunders down from over ten metres, filling the gorge with mist. Rainbows frequently arch across the waterfall — a photographer's dream. Bring waterproof protection for your camera gear.

Birdwatching & Andean Condors

The cliffs of Garganta del Diablo are home to the Andean condor, whose three-metre wingspan makes it the true king of the Andean skies. Bring binoculars and you may also spot Andean flamingos and numerous hummingbird species riding the gorge's thermal currents.

Panoramic Canyon Views

From the high ground at the gorge entrance, the entire Quebrada de Humahuaca unfolds in breathtaking panorama. Layer upon layer of multicoloured mountains shimmer in the sunlight, while the dark crevice of Garganta del Diablo cuts through the foreground — at moments like this, you truly understand why this landscape is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Ecological Conservation

Reading Notes

How to read this page

This page focuses on the Tilcara (Jujuy) gorge and waterfall trail, summarising geomorphology, local terminology and practical hiking notes to support trip planning.

World Heritage context: read the site within the wider Quebrada de Humahuaca corridor

Local terms: short explanations for Pachamama, Corpachada and Pucará

Hiking notes: seasonal water flow, stream crossings, UV exposure and altitude adaptation

As part of the Quebrada de Humahuaca World Heritage Site, Garganta del Diablo's fragile ecosystem deserves the care of every visitor. As an independent non-profit educational guide, we encourage the most respectful approach to exploring this natural wonder.

Stay on the trail: follow established paths — do not create new ones, as this causes soil erosion
Leave no trace: take all rubbish and waste with you, including biodegradable items like fruit peels and tissues
Do not disturb wildlife: do not feed or approach wild animals; especially protect the Andean condor and guanaco
Protect the water: the stream in the gorge is a vital water source for downstream communities — do not wash or discard anything in it
Quiet exploration: the gorge has a unique acoustic environment — keep noise levels low so everyone can hear nature's sounds
Take nothing but photos: do not collect rocks, plants or fossils — leave them where they belong

The Eternal Dance of Water & Stone

The magic of Garganta del Diablo lies in the profound dialogue between water and stone over millions of years. Soft water, with relentless persistence, has carved hard rock into a sight that takes the breath away. Two views below capture the majesty of this natural force.

Torrent Through Stone

Gorge Panorama

Plan Your Visit

Garganta del Diablo is open to the public year-round. A half-day visit is recommended to explore it properly. The following information helps you plan with ease.

Opening Hours

Daily: 08:00–18:00 Open year-round (may close in extreme weather) Morning visits are recommended for the best light and to avoid possible afternoon thunderstorms.

Hours may vary by season and weather conditions; check with the local tourist information centre before visiting.

Entrance Fee

An entrance fee applies; the exact price is displayed on site. Argentine residents, students and seniors usually receive discounts. Ticket revenue funds trail maintenance and ecological conservation.

Carry cash (Argentine pesos), as card payments may not be accepted in remote areas.

Suggested Duration

Gorge hike round-trip + photography: about 2–3 hours. In-depth exploration + birdwatching + panoramic shots: allow 4–5 hours.

Combine with Tilcara town, the Hill of Seven Colours (Purmamarca) and the Humahuaca Gorge for a 2–3 day north-western highlands nature journey.

🫁

Altitude

At ~2,450m, take it slowly on arrival, drink plenty of water, and chew coca leaves to ease symptoms.

☀️

Sun Protection

The Andean sun is extreme — wear sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat and high-SPF sunscreen.

👟

Waterproof Footwear

You will wade through the gorge stream — sturdy waterproof hiking shoes are a must.

💧

Hydration

The highland air is very dry; carry at least 1 litre of water per person.

Travel Tips & Notes

Altitude acclimatisation: the gorge is at ~2,450m. Take it slowly and drink plenty of water
Sun protection is essential: the Andean sun is fierce at altitude — use high-SPF sunscreen, sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat
Wear waterproof shoes: you will need to wade through the stream — waterproof, non-slip hiking shoes or sandals are essential
Stay hydrated: the highland climate is very dry; carry at least 1 litre of water per person
Waterproof your gear: spray from the waterfall can be heavy — bring waterproof bags for cameras and phones
Check the weather: flash floods can occur during the rainy season (Dec–Mar); always check the forecast before heading out

Getting There

✈️ From Jujuy Capital / Airport

The nearest airport is Gobernador Horacio Guzmán International Airport (JUJ), about 113 km from Tilcara. Salta Airport (SLA) is an alternative, about 210 km away.

Self-drive / Rental Car (Recommended)

approx. 1.5 hrs 113 km

• From Jujuy Airport, take National Route 9 (RN-9) northbound

• Drive through the Quebrada de Humahuaca, passing Volcán, Tumbaya and other villages

• Arrive in Tilcara and follow signs to the Garganta del Diablo trailhead

Private transfer (airport or city pick-up)

approx. 1.5–2 hrs ≈113 km

• Book a transfer from JUJ airport or San Salvador de Jujuy

• Travel directly to Tilcara (optionally with scenic stops)

• From Tilcara, continue to the trailhead

Taxi/Remís + bus connection

approx. 2–3 hrs (with transfer) JUJ → terminal → Tilcara

• Take a taxi or Remís from JUJ to the bus terminal in San Salvador de Jujuy

• Buy a ticket to Tilcara (schedules vary)

• From Tilcara, take a taxi/Remís or walk to the trailhead

🚌 Long-distance buses / Public transport

If you are not driving, the usual approach is to reach Tilcara first and then complete the last 5 km to the trailhead. Timetables may change seasonally — check the terminal boards.

San Salvador de Jujuy → Tilcara (bus)

A regular line from the provincial capital to Tilcara.

• Go to the bus terminal in San Salvador de Jujuy

• Buy a ticket to Tilcara (subject to availability)

• From Tilcara, take a taxi/Remís or walk to the trailhead

Salta → Tilcara (bus)

Useful if you are arriving via Salta or combining routes in the north-west.

• Go to the bus terminal in Salta

• Buy a ticket to Tilcara (direct or with stops, depending on the day)

• From Tilcara, continue the last segment to the trailhead

Tilcara → trailhead (last segment)

The trailhead is about 5 km from town; the road is mostly unpaved.

• Use a local taxi/Remís to the car park and entrance

• Alternatively, walk (≈1 hour) or cycle if conditions allow

• Enter the trail following on-site signage

🏘️ From Tilcara Town

Garganta del Diablo is about 5 km outside Tilcara. You can walk (approx. 1 hour), cycle, or take a local taxi. Some tour operators also offer 4x4 guided excursions.

• From Tilcara's main square, follow signs towards Garganta del Diablo

• Follow the dirt road for about 5 km

• Arrive at the car park and trailhead

Transport & Altitude Tips

Altitude: Tilcara sits at ~2,450m — allow half a day to acclimatise before hiking the gorge
San Salvador de Jujuy is ~85 km from Tilcara (≈1 hour by car)
National Route 9 (RN-9) is in good condition and the scenery is spectacular — one of Argentina's most scenic drives
Direct long-distance buses run from Salta city to Tilcara (approx. 3.5–4 hours)
Combine with Purmamarca (Hill of Seven Colours), Humahuaca and Iruya for a multi-day itinerary

Photo Gallery

View More Photos on Google Maps

Visitor Reviews & Nearby Exploration

Voices from Garganta del Diablo: Real Google Maps Testimonies

Carlos M.

2025-06-12

★★★★★

Impresionante cañón natural. La caminata hasta la cascada es inolvidable y el sonido del agua retumbando entre las paredes de roca te deja sin palabras. Imperdible si estás en Tilcara.

Google

Laura B.

2025-05-03

★★★★★

Un lugar mágico donde la naturaleza muestra su fuerza. El Paso Estrecho es sobrecogedor y la cascada, especialmente después de las lluvias, es espectacular. La energía del lugar es única.

Google

Marco R.

2025-04-18

★★★★★

Canyon naturale magnifico nel cuore della Quebrada. Il sentiero è ben segnalato, la cascata è mozzafiato e il passaggio stretto regala emozioni uniche. Consigliatissimo!

Google

张

张明

2025-03-22

★★★★★

大自然的鬼斧神工！狭缝穿行那段太震撼了，两侧岩壁几乎碰到一起。瀑布虽然不是最大的，但在峡谷中的回声特别有力量。徒步难度适中，强烈推荐！

Google

Emily T.

2025-02-09

★★★★★

Absolutely breathtaking natural wonder. The slot passage is thrilling and the waterfall echoing through the gorge is mesmerizing. Wear good shoes — the terrain is rocky but worth every step.

Google

Diego F.

2024-11-15

★★★★☆

Una joya natural cerca de Tilcara. El sendero es accesible, las vistas panorámicas son increíbles y la experiencia de caminar dentro del cañón es única. Llevar agua y protección solar.

Google

Nearby Attractions Worth Visiting

After exploring Garganta del Diablo, you can easily visit the following nearby destinations:

📍 Hill of Seven Colours (Cerro de los Siete Colores)

Located in Purmamarca, about 25 km from Tilcara. Famous for its layered bands of red, orange, yellow, green and purple — one of north-west Argentina's most iconic photo spots.

📍 Pucará de Tilcara (Pre-Inca Fortress)

A pre-Inca archaeological site in Tilcara at about 2,465 m altitude. This thousand-year-old stone fortress overlooks the Quebrada de Humahuaca and is a superb place to learn about Andean indigenous culture.

📍 Salinas Grandes (Great Salt Flats)

A vast salt pan on the border of Jujuy and Salta provinces, at about 3,450 m altitude. The blinding white crust against a cobalt-blue sky creates a surreal landscape — one of the most breathtaking natural wonders of the Andean highlands.

View More Reviews on Google Maps

Frequently Asked Questions

Learn More About Garganta del Diablo

'Garganta del Diablo' is Spanish for 'Devil's Throat'. The name comes from the gorge's unique shape — a narrow, deep crevice resembling a giant throat — and from the thundering roar of floodwaters echoing through the canyon, which locals liken to a devil's roar. Local folklore also recounts a tragic cross-cultural love story that adds romantic and mysterious overtones to the name.

The gorge hike round-trip takes about 2–3 hours (including photo stops and viewpoints). If you plan to explore in depth, go birdwatching or do photography, allow 4–5 hours. Opening hours are daily 08:00–18:00; morning visits offer the best light conditions.

The gorge is at ~2,450m; take time to acclimatise. The Andean sun is extreme — use good sun protection. You will need to wade through the stream, so wear waterproof, non-slip hiking shoes. Carry at least 1 litre of water per person. Flash floods can occur during the rainy season (Dec–Mar) — always check the weather forecast. Take all rubbish with you and help protect this fragile ecosystem.

Fly from Buenos Aires to Jujuy International Airport (JUJ, ≈2 hrs), then drive or take a bus north along National Route 9 for about 113 km (1.5 hrs) to Tilcara. Garganta del Diablo is about 5 km outside Tilcara — you can take a taxi, cycle or walk. Alternatively, fly to Salta (SLA) and travel about 210 km (3.5–4 hrs).

No, they are different places. Argentina has two famous natural features named 'Garganta del Diablo': the massive waterfall at Iguazú Falls (on the border with Brazil in north-east Argentina), and this high-altitude slot canyon near Tilcara (in north-west Argentina's Jujuy Province). Both are natural wonders, but they are completely different in type — one is a low-altitude tropical waterfall and the other a high-altitude arid-region slot canyon.

Map Location

Paraje Garganta del Diablo Tilcara, Jujuy Province Argentina

View on Google Maps

Gorge Trail Map

Hover over (or tap) the markers on the map below to explore the key areas of Garganta del Diablo and its surroundings.

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Suggested Itinerary

A half-day is enough for a rewarding visit. Use the timeline below as a guide, and adjust freely to your pace and the weather.