Quebrada de Humahuaca
A mountainous and semiarid valley in the northwestern province of Jujuy, recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage cultural landscape.
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The town of Uquía owes its name to the indigenous group of this territory, the Uquías. The small Church of the Holy Cross and San Francisco de Paula is located in front of the square, on the side of National Route RN9, about 115 kilometers north of Jujuy capital.
Framed by the colorful Cerro de Las Señoritas, built in adobe, wood and cardón in the last decade of the XVII century, it is distinguished by the location of the bell tower that, instead of being attached to the nave, is part of the perimeter wall.
The main door has an inverted lock whose key weighs about 700 grams. The simplicity of the interior contrasts with the splendor of the carved and gilded wood altarpiece, estimated to date from 1699.
The church of Uquía is also famous for its collection of Arquebusier Angels.
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© Photos, summary: Binder & Haupt, Universes in Universe
A mountainous and semiarid valley in the northwestern province of Jujuy, recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage cultural landscape.
Trichocereus atacamensis, known as "cardón" or "pasacana" is a cactus species characteristic of northwestern Argentina.
Its cylindrical trunk can reach 50 cm in diameter, and up to 15 m in height forming candelabra-like branches, with thorns up to 15 cm long. It is a plant of high longevity, but of slow growth. A 10 m tall cardón can be around 180 years old. It grows on rocky slopes and plains, withstanding extreme conditions of cold and aridity at an altitude between 2,000 and 3,500 meters.
Its structural tissue hardens when it dries, from which is obtained what is known as cardón wood, traditionally used in construction, especially for the beams and roof trusses.
At present, the cardón is a protected species. It is forbidden to cut it, and only the production of handicrafts with fallen or dried specimens is authorized.
Flowers of cardón are yellowish white. The fruit is sweet and is used in the elaboration of jams or syrups.