LA QUIACA

At the end of National Route Nº 9, at 3442 m.a.s.l, and 289 km from San Salvador de Jujuy, at the border of Bolivia, with which it connects through an international bridge, lies the small town of La Quiaca, capital of the Department of Yavi.

During the XVIII century, the La Quiaca River divided the Provinces of Jujuy and Chichas, and today it constitutes the border between Argentina and Bolivia. It has a Puna highland type of climate. Given its situation as a border town many commercial outlets and shops where installed since the start of the XX century, giving new life to the trade between the two countries.

From a historical viewpoint it acquired its importance with to the occupation of the area by the troops of Mariscal Andrés de Santa Cruz, during the brief invasion of the Peruvian-Bolivian confederacy.

The buildings in the town lie in a valley surrounded by mountains and are mostly made of white washed adobes; the typical bricks that can be found in the whole of northern Argentina. Travellers cannot help but be attracted by the way people live, the typical clothes clothing of the women and men, and the active trade in local products.

In 1908 the Central North Railroad came through the Puna and reached the border, at the point where the station was built bearing the same name as the river. There is also a three arch viaduct bridge crossing the Quiaca River.

With time, La Quiaca grew and acquired more importance from the middle of the XIX century onwards. At the same time, on the opposite side of the border, the Bolivian town of Villazón grew, owing its name to the Bolivian President Eliodoro Villazón.

La Quiaca comes from the Aymara language Quisca, which refers to a stone shearing tool. Today it is a never ending sea of people from the highlands with their various clothing lending a bright touch to the scenery. It is the only town in the northern Puna highland resgion that can offer the travellers all the possible comforts and services they may need.

The river bank and the railroad installations divides Quiaca into two parts: the western part is the one frequented by travellers: here you will find the hotels, the bus terminal, the hospital, the church and the Police Headquarters; to the east you will find the Municipality and the marketplace; both contribute to the colourful and populous scenery on a daily basis.

The town is linked to San Salvador de Jujuy through a bus line that follows a roundabout route through Yavi, Barrios and Cangrejillos, before it hits the National Route Nº 40.

Between the second and third Sunday of October, all the visitors from the most remote corners of the region come together to take part in the Festivity of the Pot, Fiesta de la Olla or "Manca Fiesta", an important celebration in the Province. The village owes its importance in the area to its fantastic Puna highland landscape, apart from harbouring the necessary infrastructure of accommodations, restaurants and excellent opportunities for tours, as for example the observation of the local flora and fauna life at the Laguna de los Pozuelos Lake.

GENERAL SERVICES
This border town, of ethnographic and cultural interest, is a good central place from where to start out or rest up after making tours in the surroundings, although the place still needs some time to become a fully developed supply centre. However, there are many places where tourists can sleep and eat well.
Whenever you travel in your own or in a rented vehicle in the area it is a good idea to keep in mind that La Quiaca is the appropriate place to service and fill up the tank of your vehicle.

BORDER SERVICES AND REQUIREMENTS
The border police, customs and migrations work around the clock.
Here is what you will need to enter Argentina (for people driving their own cars for purposes of tourism):

Persons
Valid Passport.
Drivers Licence.
Tourists have to fill in a temporary admission card for tourists.

Vehicle
International Border Crossing Customs Permit.
Vehicle Ownership Card. (If rented, the corresponding authorisation).

HOW TO GET THERE BY ROAD
If you are driving up from the southern part of the Province of Jujuy, you must start out by first acceding to the Quebrada circuit before entering the Puna circuit, through the well-known National Route Nº 9. It is important to remember that the Quebrada road may be out of commission during some short periods during the southern hemisphere rain season.

TOURING THE CITY
The International Border Bridge This bridge, which crosses the course of the La Quiaca River, will give the traveller a very interesting scenic view over the impressive and dry landscape. The necessary documents to cross the border are, for Argentinean citizens the ID document emitted by the Federal police. If you are travelling in your car, they will ask for your driver's licence, the Vehicle's Green Card and proof that your insurance and circulation permit are up to date.

The Main Square
Around the Plaza of the city there are shops and fairs run by the local people, which gives the place a special atmosphere. Here in the stalls you can find handicrafts, baskets and pieces of local clothing such as ponchos and weavings made by hand. You will also be able to try exquisite and tasty sweets and pastries. Handicrafts are an important economic activity in the Puna highlands, and the ceramics made here of natural clays are justly famous. The basket work with its simple and clean lines and shapes are a delight to the eye and soul.

The Iglesia de La Quiaca Church
The tower of the La Quiaca Church, with its impressive views is a place well worth visiting.

The Sansana Archaeological site
Eric Boman was the first investigator to visit the ruins of Sansana in 1908. He describes having seen dry stonewalls forming squares two by two m on top of a hill at whose foot was bathed by a small stream. His expedition found three graves, two with adults and one of a child in a sitting foetal position. The parish priest Luis Massing can show you an interesting collection of archaeological items found in the area.

It is located very close to the town of La Quiaca. A dirt road will get you there. Don't forget that the best time to visit is during the southern hemisphere winter months because of the summer rains, but access is possible for the most part of the year.
Activities that can be carried out: bird life observation, photography, walks and horseback riding.

The Festivity of the Pot - La Fiesta de la Olla or the Manca Fiesta
A traditional event in La Quiaca. It takes place on the third and fourth Sunday in October, when merchants from all over the highlands come together here. It is an important fair where barter trading still takes place like in the fair at Iruya. Here meat, wool, hides and handicrafts are all bartered.

During this occasion there is ceremony to thank the land for its fertility and munificence, with confetti and flower filled clay pots. This is the only indigenous American celebration of this type in the whole of Argentina. Another big typical festivity in La Quiaca is the carnival, which is attented by many visitors.