Maimará
A town famous for the Paleta del Pintor mountain and its colorful geological formations visible from the main road. It serves as a convenient stop for viewing dramatic mineral-painted mountainsides along the Río Grande valley.
Things to do
- Paleta del Pintor viewpoint — Stop at the roadside viewing area along Ruta 9 to photograph the iconic multicolored mountain formation with layers of red, green, yellow, and purple mineral deposits.
- Río Grande valley walk — Take a short walk along the Río Grande riverbank to observe the dramatic geology and the erosion patterns that have created the region's distinctive striped mountainsides.
- Geological formations tour — Hire a local guide to explore the nearby mineral-rich hillsides and learn about the oxidized iron, copper, and other elements responsible for the vivid color patterns.
- Pueblo de Maimará town center — Stroll through the small town's main plaza to see local architecture, interact with residents, and access basic services and small shops.
- Sunset photography session — Return to Paleta del Pintor in late afternoon when the low sun enhances the mineral colors and creates dramatic shadows across the mountainface.
- Ruta 9 northern drive — Continue driving north along the Pan-American Highway through the Río Grande valley to see more colorful geological formations and dramatic Andean landscapes.
Food to try
- Empanadas jujeñas — Baked pastries filled with spiced ground meat, hard-boiled egg, and olives, a signature dish of Jujuy province commonly sold at local shops and markets.
- Locro — A hearty stew of corn, beans, potatoes, and meat slow-cooked until tender, traditionally eaten during colder months and at local celebrations.
- Tamales de pollo — Corn dough filled with shredded chicken, wrapped in corn husks or banana leaves and steamed, a traditional Andean preparation still made by local families.
- Sopa de verduras con queso — A warming vegetable soup topped with melted local cheese, popular for lunch in the mountain towns along the valley.
- Fresh juices and smoothies — Local vendors offer freshly made juice from Jujuy's subtropical fruits like passion fruit, orange, and mango, ideal for refreshing breaks during travel.
Local customs & good to know
- Stop respectfully for photography — The Paleta del Pintor is sacred to indigenous communities; photograph respectfully and avoid leaving trash or disturbing the site.
- Spanish is primary language — English is rarely spoken in Maimará; learn basic Spanish phrases or travel with a translation app to communicate with locals and small business owners.
- Best visit during dry season — Travel between April and November when roads are clearer and views of the colored mountains are most vivid; the rainy summer season can obscure visibility.
- Support local small businesses — Purchase empanadas and crafts from family-run shops in town rather than large chains to directly support the local economy and community.