Yala – Discovering Lagoons and Yungas

Yala is a small settlement surrounded by green hills and shaped by its lagoons. The Lagunas de Yala are a group of bodies of water in a nature reserve. Yungas, paths and wildlife surround them. The landscape reveals itself in several different ways: bodies of water and green slopes sit alongside dense-looking vegetation and paths winding through the area. If you are looking for a holiday apartment or holiday home for your stay, you might ask yourself whether lagoons, forest landscapes or an active day outdoors hold the greatest appeal.

Lagoons and green landscapes

The Lagunas de Yala give the area a distinct connection to nature. As a group of bodies of water in a nature reserve, they offer a different impression from the Angosto de Jaire, a narrow gorge characterised by water, moss and jungle. Both are striking landscapes, but they are not interchangeable experiences. If you are particularly interested in lush, moisture-loving vegetation, the Angosto de Jaire offers a setting all its own; at the lagoons, the focus is on the bodies of water and the surrounding Yungas.

Waterfalls and trails as nature experiences

The Chorro de Varas is a waterfall in the Yungas and is well suited to a day of trekking and nature experiences. The Cascada La Horqueta is a hidden spot in Yala: it is surrounded by Yungas and paths, and trails lead to an impressive waterfall. Nature and waterfall experiences may be the deciding factor for both destinations, but their described highlights differ. There is also an important restriction to bear in mind at Horqueta: access to the Cascada La Horqueta in the area around Yala is prohibited during the rainy season. Access to the Paredones de Yala is also prohibited there during the rainy season.

Another option in the area is the Sendero Bosque Montano. The trail is easy, 1,650 metres long and takes about an hour and a half. The duration is approximate. This makes it possible to weigh up this trail differently from a full day of trekking to the Chorro de Varas when choosing nature experiences. The activity that suits you best depends on whether you prefer a trail with the stated length and duration or a day focused on trekking and waterfalls.

Getting there and finding your way around

Yala is on Ruta 9. To take the Lagunas de Yala–Termas de Reyes circuit, drive north on Ruta Nacional 9 to the settlement of Yala, then turn left onto Ruta Provincial 4. Several bus services run between Yala and San Salvador de Jujuy. These road and bus connections are useful points of reference when considering how Yala fits into your trip. Yala is also considered an entrance to the Quebrada de Humahuaca. If you are considering the settlement as a base, you can also take its location on Ruta 9 and the bus connections into account.

Which accommodation suits your plans?

When choosing a holiday apartment or holiday home, it is helpful to consider what you want from your trip: would you like to focus on the lagoons and Yungas, are you interested in gorges and waterfalls, or are you planning a day of trekking? The rainy season should also be part of your planning, as access to the Paredones de Yala and the Cascada La Horqueta is prohibited then.

If you would like to explore more destination pages, you can also find Humahuaca, San Javier, La Quiaca, Huacalera, Hornillos, Tilcara, Purmamarca and Maimará here.

For the broader travel overview: Jujuy.