El Manantial del Silencio is a peaceful retreat in colonial style splendour, stunningly situated in Purmamarca, the most idyllic village in the Quebrada de Humahuaca, two hours north of Jujuy, innorthwest Argentina. Since the spectacular 150-mile valley of Quebrada de Humahuaca was declared a World Heritage Site by the UN, many hotels have sprung up in the main towns of Tilcara and Humahuaca. However, Purmamarca alone remains blissfully tranquil, despite a trickle of tourists perusing the handicrafts market in the plaza. El Manantial del Silencio is in keeping with its spirit: a colonial white monastic style building, with spare wrought-iron details. Inside, luxury comes in wide spaces, brightly colored locally woven rugs, carved wood, and in its 19 comfortable bedrooms. The cuisine here is award-winning and the pool is gorgeous. The elegant simplicity here instills a powerful sense of peace, allowing guests to unwind and absorb the ancient serenity of Andean culture. This hotel truly lives up to its name: “the wellspring of silence.”El Manantial del Silencio is the ideal starting point to explore the Humahuaca Gorge, with its wonderful rock formations, picturesque Indian villages and colonial churches, and tropical valleys that coexist with wind-warped 13,000-foot highlands. Village life goes on much as it has for centuries, and El Manantial del Silencio quietly showcases the wonders of the Quebrada, as this enchanting pocket of the Province of Jujuy, is known.
This beautiful hotel is the creation of two traditional Salta families: the Patrón Costas and the Lemos, who are also inlaws through their children’s marriage. The work of Salta’s most prestigious architect Mariano Sepúlveda, an expert in colonial architecture, resulted in a true jewel. The wives, Alice and María, took charge of the interiors, incorporating the best of Andean arts and crafts – ceramics from Purmamarca, woven blankets and upholstery from Catamarca, and lanterns and paintings from Cuzco, all blending to together to create a delightful atmosphere.
