The small northern Argentine town of Maimará has earned global recognition after being awarded top honors at the Best Tourism Villages 2025 ceremony held in Huzhou, China, becoming the world’s best village for tourism.
Why Was Maimará Chosen as the World’s Best Tourism Village?
Located in the heart of the Quebrada de Humahuaca, Maimará stood out among more than 270 candidates from 65 countries thanks to its breathtaking natural setting, rich cultural identity, and commitment to sustainable development.
The award, presented by UN Tourism, recognizes rural communities that successfully preserve their cultural and natural heritage while promoting responsible tourism. In the 2025 edition, Argentina was represented by eight villages, but only Maimará and Colonia Carlos Pellegrini in Corrientes received the highest distinction.
What Makes Maimará Unique?
Maimará lies beneath the spectacular Paleta del Pintor (“Painter’s Palette”), a multicolored mountain formation considered one of northern Argentina’s most iconic landscapes.
Part of the Tilcara Department, the village has just over 5,000 residents, many of whom work in agriculture, floriculture, and high-altitude winemaking.
Life in Maimará revolves around the Río Grande and reverence for Pachamama, or Mother Earth. The community produces vegetables, flowers, and vineyards while preserving ancestral traditions celebrated during annual festivals such as:
- Pachamama Festival
- All Saints’ Day
- Carnival
Tourism Growth Boosted by the Solar Train
The arrival of the Quebrada Solar Train has significantly transformed Maimará’s local economy, increasing tourist arrivals and encouraging the development of new accommodations, inns, and rental homes.
Top Attractions and Experiences in Maimará
Visitors to Maimará can enjoy a wide range of cultural and natural experiences, including:
- Touring flower plantations and fields of roses, gladioli, and carnations
- Visiting local high-altitude wineries
- Attending the Vendimia del Bayeh, a harvest festival blending wine, art, music, and regional gastronomy
Traditional Local Cuisine
Maimará also offers travelers a taste of authentic northern Argentine cuisine, including:
- Picante de lengua
- Locro
- Humita
- Stews
- Jujeña-style empanadas
Traditional desserts include:
- Rice pudding
- Mazamorra
- Cayote-filled pastries
Other Argentine Villages Recognized by UN Tourism
Argentina further strengthened its position in global rural tourism in 2025 with additional recognitions:
- Colonia Carlos Pellegrini (Corrientes): Awarded for its conservation efforts in the Iberá Wetlands and sustainable regional development
- San Javier and Yacanto (Córdoba): Received special mentions in the Upgrade Program, which supports communities progressing toward international sustainability standards
Previous Argentine winners include:
- Caspalá (Jujuy)
- La Carolina (San Luis)
- Trevelin (Chubut)
What This Means for Argentina
The Best Tourism Villages recognition places Maimará and Colonia Carlos Pellegrini firmly on the global map of sustainable tourism destinations.
National authorities view the award as a major opportunity for:
- Economic growth
- International visibility
- Promotion of Argentina’s cultural diversity
“Having my town named in such distant lands for the work we have done as a community fills me with pride and happiness,” said Luis Zerpa, Maimará’s Secretary of Tourism.
How to Visit Maimará
Maimará is located:
- 77 km from San Salvador de Jujuy
- 8 km from Tilcara
- 19 km from Purmamarca
Its strategic location makes it an ideal stop for travelers exploring the Quebrada de Humahuaca.
Visitors can reach the village by:
- Car
- Bus
- Solar Train, which offers a scenic panoramic journey through the colorful mountain landscapes
A Rising Star in Global Sustainable Tourism
Maimará’s international recognition highlights not only the beauty of northern Argentina but also the growing global appreciation for destinations that balance tourism with heritage preservation and sustainability.
With its vibrant culture, dramatic landscapes, and community-driven tourism model, Maimará has become a shining example of how small rural destinations can achieve world-class recognition.