Getting Your Bearings
San Salvador de Jujuy — usually just called Jujuy, or San Salvador by locals — is the capital of Jujuy Province in northwest Argentina, sitting near the southern end of the Humahuaca Canyon where wooded hills meet the lowlands. It lies at the junction of the Xibi Xibi River and the Río Grande de Jujuy, at roughly 1,200 metres above sea level, and its colonial centre holds the Cabildo, the cathedral and the main square, Plaza Belgrano.
For a visitor, the single most useful fact is that the historic centre is compact and walkable. The colonial architecture, shops, restaurants and cafes are concentrated there, and most daily errands are possible on foot if you stay in or near the centre. The city has also been pursuing a "15-minute city" concept to improve walkability further. Beyond the centre, however, neighbourhoods become less dense, so longer walks or a ride are often needed to reach amenities.
Walking
Walking is the best way to see the centre, and the city's own suggested tours are designed on foot. The main street is Belgrano, and the central sights cluster around it and Plaza Belgrano.
- Cultural circuit (about 2 hours): starts at the Casa de Gobierno, where you can see Lola Mora's sculpture — she was the first woman sculptor whose works were exhibited in the street — plus four statues representing Justice, Progress, Peace and Freedom. From there you pass along Gorriti Street to Urquiza Street beside the Railway Station, home to the Paseo de los Artesanos, where craftsmen sell work in wood, alpaca, leather, reed and clay. Continue along Sarmiento Street to the corner of Belgrano Street for the Cathedral, then follow Belgrano toward Otero Street to the Recrear Foundation, which holds exhibitions and sells calendars with drawings by the 18th-century Peruvian artist Guarnan Poma.
- Belgrano's Exodus: begins in Belgrano Square at the corner of Belgrano and Sarmiento, where the Cabildo stands — in its galleries on 25 May 1813 the new Argentine flag was presented to the people for the first time. Across the street is the Cathedral, whose altar holds a painting of the North Army's oath to the flag in Belgrano Square. Continue around the square to San Martín Street and the Casa de Gobierno's Flag Room, which displays the flag General Belgrano gave after the victory at the Battle of Salta. Return along Belgrano to Senador Pérez Street to find Belgrano's house, where he stayed during his days in the city; the original building was demolished.
Two practical cautions: the city centre is relatively flat and suitable for walking, but the surrounding areas are hilly. And take normal personal safety precautions, particularly at night.
Rail, Metro and Tram
There is no metro, tram or passenger rail network for getting around San Salvador de Jujuy. The Railway Station appears in the city's walking tours as a landmark and the site of the Paseo de los Artesanos, not as a transport option. Plan your movements around walking, buses, taxis and ride-hailing instead.
Buses and Public Transport
Jujuy has an extensive local bus system — the buses are called colectivos — and it is efficient and affordable. It is the practical way to reach parts of the city beyond the central area.
The catch for visitors is information: routes and schedules are hard to come by, and navigating the system is challenging if you don't know the city. Some routes are listed on the Moovit app, so downloading that before you arrive is worthwhile.
- Drivers typically do not give change, so carry coins and small notes.
- Be alert to your belongings in crowded places such as buses and markets.
- Offline maps and apps are recommended, since you may not have reliable data while on the move.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
Taxis are widely available and supplement the bus network, and ride-sharing services such as Uber also operate in the city. Taxi stands are common near tourist areas. Stick to registered taxis or use a ride-hailing app rather than accepting an unmarked car.
For longer trips outside the city, car rental is an option, though you should be prepared for local driving customs and road conditions.
Cycling
There are some bike lanes and a bike-sharing programme, and the flat city centre is well suited to cycling. The surrounding areas are hilly, and bike infrastructure is limited and not widespread — it's an area with room for improvement, and future projects may expand the network. Treat cycling as a pleasant option in the centre rather than a comprehensive way to cover the whole city.
Arriving by Bus
Several companies run buses between Salta and Jujuy, a journey of about two and a half hours. The bus station is roughly a 15-minute slow walk from the centre of town, or a short taxi ride. On arrival you can walk the length of the makeshift market by the station, where food, clothes and coca are sold, and the street food near the bus stop is excellent and cheap. Cross the bridge and keep walking to reach the centre; the main street is Belgrano.
Buses also run to and from La Quiaca at the Bolivian border. If your journey crosses the border, buy your ticket in the same country where the majority of the journey takes place — getting refunds or reductions for split or delayed journeys is difficult once you cross the border.
If you're coming from Salta, you can also share a remis (a local hired car) rather than take the bus. Some of the best meat empanadas in town are sold just across the road from the bus station where the remise leaves from.
Getting In from the Airport
Gobernador Horacio Guzmán International Airport (IATA: JUJ) serves the city with regular flights to Buenos Aires. It is located southeast of San Salvador in Ciudad Perico, a considerable distance out, so budget time and money for the transfer rather than expecting to walk or take a city bus.
The airport transfer is best arranged as a taxi or remis ride, or a pre-booked transfer; if you prefer to use a ride-hailing app, check availability before you land, since coverage at a distant airport can be less reliable than in the city. Confirm the fare or arrange the price in advance where possible.
Practical Tips
- Base yourself in the City Center, near Plaza Belgrano, or in the quieter Alto de la Ciudad area with its city and mountain views — the first two put the main sights, shops and restaurants within walking distance.
- Carry coins and small notes for buses.
- Download Moovit for bus routes and keep offline maps on your phone.
- Free Wi-Fi is available in many hotels, cafes and restaurants, and local SIM or eSIM options exist; internet cafes are also around.
- Basic Spanish is appreciated, and a cheek kiss is a common greeting, including on first meetings.
- Respect local customs in indigenous communities and churches.
- Keep belongings secure and stay alert in crowded places such as markets and buses.