In the exact place where the Big River - Río Grande, coming down to the plain meets the Río Xibi Xibi River, in the mouth of the valley of Jujuy, a few kilometres 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 word from the Sipi-Sipi area, where it means ridge or a very pronounced point between two watercourses, since it is located at the point where the rivers Grande and Chico come together.

Located at 1259 m.a.s.l. and with a population of little more than 180 thousand 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 start of the Independence, the capital of Jujuy has always been a regional cultural centre, and since twenty years back, its university has provided 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 decisiveness of general Martín de Güemes and the replacement of Belgrano by general José de San Martín, which ended freeing 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 traveller may count on a regular colectivo car service at his disposal), from where one can get a splendid panoramic view of the city. After this, one can continue onwards to Palpalá, crossing through the Forestry Centre.

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

Thus, a tour through its neighbourhood barrios will permit the visitors to come close to and get to know the customs and where the local population live. Its crooked streets, its old mansions with their wrought iron barred windows and flower filled courtyards are sights the traveller will remember with pleasure.
The city also has all the necessary modern infrastructure for receiving visitors, including comfortable hotels, first class restaurants and pastry shop cafes.

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

The tourist area of the city you will find centred around 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 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 some colonial mansions. Some of the streets crossing Belgrano are also only for people on foot.

In short, San Salvador de Jujuy is a haven for the traveller. A temperate ands moderate climate, which will accompany him during his or her stay, combined with countless possibilities to gladden the senses.