Tilcara

The town of Tilcara (altitude 8,100 feet), founded in 1600 and witness to many battles during the War of Independence, is on the eastern side of the Río Grande at its confluence with the Río Huasamayo. Purveyors of local crafts crowd the main plaza, and artists and musicians escaping the big cities fill the cafés and bars. Several things make it a main stop in the Quebrada: an interesting museum; nearby Inca ruins, caves, and waterfalls; and a good selection of accommodations.