Map of Jujuy

History

Pre-Columbian inhabitants known as the Omaguacas and Ocloyas practiced agriculture and domesticated the guanaco. They had huts made of mud, and erected stone fortresses to protect their villages. An example of such fortresses is Pucará de Tilcara, Pucará meaning "fortress" (word also used for the Argentine combat aircraft Pucara). Omaguacas and Ocloyas were later conquered by the Incas during their expansion period.

The name Jujuy derives from a type of Inca provincial governor (xuxuyoc) encountered there by the Spanish in the late 16th century.

In 1593, a small settlement (current San Salvador de Jujuy) was erected in the Jujuy valley by the effort of Francisco de Argañaraz y Murguía.

Geography

The Altiplano, a plateau 3,500 meters (11,500 ft) high with peaks of 5,000 meters (16,000 ft), covers most of the province.

The Río Grande of Jujuy cuts through the Quebrada de Humahuaca canyon, of heights between 1,000 and 3,500 meters (3,300 and 11,500 ft).

The vast difference in height and climate produces desert areas such as the Salinas Grandes salt mines and subtropical Yungas jungle.

The terrain of the province is mainly arid and semi-desertic across the different areas, except for the El Ramal valley of the San Francisco River. Temperature difference between day and night is wider in higher lands, and precipitation is scarce outside the temperate area of the San Francisco River.

The Grande River and the San Francisco River flow to the Bermejo River.

Economy

Jujuy's economy is moderately underdeveloped, yet very diversified. Its 2006 economy was an estimated US$2.998 billion, or, US$4,899 per capita (over 40% below the national average).

Jujuy is, despite its rural profile, not particularly agrarian. Agriculture contributes about 10% to output and the main agricultural activity is sugarcane. Its processing represents more than half of the province's gross production, and 30% of the national sugar production. The second agricultural activity is tobacco, cultivated in the Southeastern valley, as a major national producer.

Other crops include beans, citrus and tomatoes, and other vegetables for local consumption.

Tourism

After the financial crisis of 2001 in Argentina, citizens were encouraged to explore their own country as opposed to travelling abroad. Tourism in the area is still a growing activity and brings a number of Argentine tourists (80%), tourists from other South American countries (12%) and Europeans (7%). Most tourists head for San Salvador de Jujuy to start their exploration of the province. The Horacio Guzmán International Airport, 34 km from San Salvador, connects the province with Buenos Aires, Córdoba, and some destinations in Bolivia.