THE CITY

In the exact place where the Big River (Rio Grande), coming down to the plain meets the Río Xibi Xibi River, in the mouth of the valley of Jujuy, a few km from the Gorge Quebrada de Humahuaca, there appears in front of the eyes of the traveller an important city, which has been lovingly called the Little Silver Cup - "Tacita de plata": this is the city of San Salvador de Jujuy.

The origin of the word Jujuy could come from the Aymara from the Sipi-Sipi area, where it means ridge or a very prominent point between two watercourses, since it is located at the point where the rivers Grande and Chico come together.

Positioned at 1259 m.a.s.l. and with a population of little more than 180,000 people, the capital of the Province of Jujuy, is centre that serves a great variety of agricultural, cattle breeding, mining and industrial activities that take place in the Region.

Since the Independence, the capital of Jujuy has always been a regional cultural centre, and since twenty years back, its university has taken an important scientific push forward.

During the Wars for Independence, Jujuy became scene of battles between the Northern Army - Ejército del Norte and the forces loyal to the Crown of Spain. In 1812, the general Manuel Belgrano headed an ordered retreat, which has gone down in history as the Exodus from Jujuy - "Éxodo Jujeño".

The determination of general Martín de Güemes and the replacement of Belgrano by general José de San Martín, which ended liberating the Province, which gained its autonomy in 1834.

Crossing the Río Grande River, and getting to the top of Alto La Viña (for which the visitor may count on a regular colectivo car service at his disposal) the traveller can get a grand panoramic view of the city. After this, one can continue to Palpalá, going through the Forestry Centre.

The mixture of modern and colonial style buildings typify San Salvador de Jujuy. Thus there is a marked contrast in its urban landscape between the traditional and the modern, apart from the many opportunities the city offer for keeping its visitors entertained, happy and admiring.

Thus, a tour through its neighbourhood barrios will permit the visitors to have a close look to the ways of this warm hearted people and to the places where they live. Its crooked streets, its old mansions with their wrought iron barred windows and flower filled courtyards are sights the traveller will bear in mind with delight.

The city also has all the necessary modern infrastructure to receive visitors, including comfortable hotels, first class restaurants and pastry shop cafes.

It has a very active commercial area and here you can buy high quality yarns, as well as numerous local and regional products. We advise you visit the stores on the streets of Belgrano, Alvear, Lavalle or Necochea.

The tourist area of the city is centred on the Plaza Belgrano, where the canon Canónigo Gorriti blessed the Patriot Flag. Here you will find the buildings of the Governor's House, where the Patriot's Flag is kept; the Assembly House, the Seat of the Provincial Police and the Cathedral.

The main street of Belgrano is a pedestrian walkway and a centre of attraction for its shops and colonial mansions. Some of the streets crossing Belgrano are strictly pedestrian. In short, San Salvador de Jujuy is a haven for the visitor. A temperate and mild climate, which will accompany him during his or her stay, combined with countless possibilities to plese the senses.