Iruya is a small town in the Altiplano region of northwest Argentina. It is not the most accessible of destinations - you have to negotiate fifty kilometres of unpaved road through mountainous territory to get here. However, many tourists make the trip, lured by the timeless beauty and tranquility of the place. The best places to stay in Iruya boast stunning views, enabling intrepid travellers to soak up the joys of this splendidly isolated town.
The town is perched on the side of a mountain at an altitude of over 9,000 feet (definitely not one for the faint-hearted or those who fear altitude sickness) and its origins date back to the time of the Incas. There is a church (from around 1690), adobe houses and steep narrow streets and the atmosphere is very evocative of days gone by. People come to Iruya as a place of peace and meditation.
But for those looking for more action you can also hike, go horse riding or simply take in the flora and fauna. And if it's culture you're after, check out nearby Titiconte - a pre-Colombian village just 5km away. In October every year is the Fiesta de Nuestra Senora del Rosario, an annual gathering for pilgrims, locals and merchants.
If you plan to visit during this week of celebrations all the best places to stay in Iruya will be very busy, so book well ahead.
Hosteria de Iruya is a wonderfully remote property with fabulous views of the Andes. The rooms are contemporary and neutral in tone and the restaurant specialises in local cuisine. Quite simply a fantastic ‘get away from it all’.
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Iruya (Iruya)
A wondrously remote property boasting epic views of the Argentine Andes. Contemporary rooms are dressed in neutral tones. Sample typical northwest Argentinan fare in the restaurant. The ideal place to get away from the hussle and bustle, a real nature lovers haven.
