The Hill of Fourteen Colours sits 25 km east of town at 4,300 metres altitude. A jagged sawtooth ridge of mineral-striped limestone rises sharply from a high desert plateau; the colours are most vivid in late afternoon light when the slope faces the sun. This is the single most spectacular landscape near Humahuaca and the main reason many travellers choose the town over Tilcara as a base.
Shared tours leave the plaza every afternoon — about three hours round trip including a stop at the viewpoint. Bring water, sun cream, and warm clothing: the wind at the mirador is fierce even when the sun is strong. The altitude is no joke either, so acclimatise in town for a day before going up.