It has 47,348 inhabitants as per the 2010 census [INDEC], and is the head town of the General Güemes Department.

It lies about 45 km east-northeast from the provincial capital Salta, on National Route 9.

Its name is an homage to caudillo Martín Miguel de Güemes (1785–1821), hero of the Argentine War of Independence.

In 2008, the city gained media attention after sightings of a "mysterious gnome" were reported.

[citation needed] General Güemes is the terminus station of narrow gauge train that connects it to Salta.