Essential Information: Tilcara is a very pretty town of cobbled streets nestled in the mountains near the border with Bolivia. The bus station is three blocks west of the main plaza. There is neither an airport nor a train station; although, old rail tracks can be seen around town. There's an ATM machine on the main plaza. Local shops might change US dollars. There is very little chance here of you being able to change traveller's cheques.

Recommended tourist sites and activities: Tilcara boasts the magnificent ancient ruins called El Pucara set on a hill on the edge of the town. The surrounding countryside is breath taking. There are a variety of treks you can do. The most popular are the treks to Garganta del Diablo, a ravine with a waterfall, and to the Wayra Caves. The former trail is well marked, the latter needs a guide to find. In town there is the Museo Arqueologico which has many exhibits about the Tilcaras who built El Pucara. There's also an art gallery featuring pictures by Argentine painter Jose Antonio Terry. In the evening around the main plaza there are bars with live music. It's a good chance to listen to some musica folklorico. Normally there's no cover charge but you are expected to buy at least a drink.

There's a big religious procession in January and a Pachamama (mother earth) festival in August.