Aparzo

Aparzo is the oldest town in the region, its existence dates back to colonial times and its church from the year 1617 accounts for it. Its inhabitants affirm that its name has some relation to the fact that it is a place “passing through”. And it is very likely that it was an important stop within the colonial road system, towards the important urban centers of the time such as Humahuaca or San Ramón de la Nueva Orán. Located at 4,002 m.a.s.l., the topography of Aparzo shows the transition from the ravine to the puna, observing a predominance of livestock activity over agriculture. The locals raise cattle that are transhumed between the valleys of Salta and the surrounding “cienegos”; and some families have recently dabbled in camelid farming.
Aparzo is an original community, located 46 km from the city of Humahuaca. It is an obligatory place of passage on the route of Provincial Route No. 73 towards Santa Ana, it is also a passage of Provincial Route No. 73 B towards Laguna de Leandro.

Essential Information:

The climate of the region in general is pleasant, in winter the minimum temperatures usually reach -10 ° C, on very cold days, between 6:00 and 9:00 in the morning, but at noon, almost every days are around 15 ° C. In the summer the minimums are around 12 ° C and the maximum 30 ° C. The rains occur only in summer, generally from December to March, and can be anticipated or extended by a few years.
As far as Aparzo, it is possible to get there all year round, taking extreme caution in the rainy season (from December to March), as it is a mountain road and numerous streams form along the way that crack the road.
The closest service station is located in the city of Humahuaca. Make sure that you are well supplied with fuel before starting the trip and that you have a spare wheel in optimal conditions of use, as there are no tires within 50 km. around.
The enterprises do not have a cell phone signal or internet, for this reason it is impossible to charge with a credit card, debit card or other electronic means of payment. The closest ATM is located in the city of Humahuaca. Take this situation into account before leaving Humahuaca.
During the journey you will ascend more than 4000 m.a.s.l. take the necessary health precautions, try to eat lightly and do not consume alcoholic beverages before or during the trip. Coca and pupusa infusion help mitigate the effects of pointing.
Due to the height and the clearness of the atmosphere, the sun’s rays arrive with great force and are even harmful, always use sunscreen SPF 50+ and a hat or cap.
In the community there is a first aid room, however it only provides care from Monday to Friday. On weekends, the closest medical attention can be found at the Humahuaca Hospital.
It is not advisable to travel at night, especially when the rainy season begins, because along the road there are streams that grow and crack the road and in other areas it becomes slippery.

How to get?

From Humahuaca it is accessed through Provincial Route No. 73. The road is dirt all the way, with a very steep, winding and busy ascent, until the access to the Mirador de las Serranías de Hornocal. The maximum height of the entire journey is 4,350 meters above sea level. in the Abra de Cianzo.

Distances:

Humahuaca – Aparzo 46 km
Maximum height throughout the journey: 4,350 m.a.s.l.

Telephone Numbers of Interest:

• Municipal Emergencies (Defensa Civil) 103
• Humahuaca Hospital (03887) 421009
• SAME Operating Base Humahuaca (03887) 421159
• Medical Emergencies (SAME) 107
• Humahuaca Police (03887) 421017
• Police Emergencies 911
• Fire and Rescue (Firefighters) 100
• Zenta Public Transport: Agrocianzo (0388) 4408532