The best things to see in Tucumán and Valle de Tafí (Argentina)

La northwest region of Argentina, close to Chile and Bolivia, is one of the most interesting in the country due to the variety of its attractions.

Among them, the landscapes stand out, which are very diverse due to the enormous difference in altitude that we can find along a route.

We can also visit several interesting cities, colonial architecture towns y archaeological sites of pre-Hispanic cultures.

Gastronomy, wine, good hotels and crafts are other important values ​​when planning a trip through the provinces of northwestern Argentina.

What to see when visiting San Miguel de Tucumán

The journey to enjoy this region, which until a few years ago was relatively little known, can begin in San Miguel de Tucuman, the city that boasts of being the cradle of independence the country.

Independence House of Argentina

To discover the essence of San Miguel de Tucuman, you have to go to the Independence House, which is located in the 151 Congress Street, very close to the main square, which is also called Independence Square.

This is the colonial style mansion where he July 9, 1816, a Unitarian congress declared the Argentine independence.

The room in which this important document for the Argentine history It is decorated with the portraits of the signatories.

It is really the only original part of the house since other rooms have been modified over time.

In the aAround the Independence House one can immerse themselves in other aspects of the local culture.

In these streets there are many stalls. crafts where are they sold typical charangos, musical instruments that were previously made with armadillo shell but now, to protect them, they are built with wood.

Typical dishes of local gastronomy in Tucumán

You have to take advantage of the walk through the area to enjoy the local gastronomy.

The restaurants offer traditional dishes such as locro, a stew with corn, potatoes and zapallo (pumpkin), ingredients that show its pre-Hispanic origin.

For a snack there is nothing better than some Tucuman's Panini or some humitas.

In the Independence Square highlights the Cathedral, neoclassical style.

A few steps away is a statue of Mercedes Sosa, the best known from Tucumán; Everyone sits next to her to take a photo with the image of Argentina's most recognized folk singer.

In the square there are large trees that offer shade in the hottest moments.

What to see around Tucumán

Although tour of the province of Tucumán runs through more or less elevated valleys, the city of San Miguel de Tucuman It is still in a relatively low area.

This data explains two things: the heat it can get during many months of the year and the existence in its surroundings of large sugar cane plantations.

The benefits that this crop provided, together with good rail connections with Buenos Aires to export the production, are at the base of the architectural wealth of this little-known provincial capital that is the fifth most populated city in Argentina.

We must remember a curiosity for those who know the history of From the Apennines to the Andes, which tells the journey of the Italian boy Marco to Argentina in search of his mother.

In the story the woman has gone to work on a farm in the surroundings of San Miguel de Tucumán so that The Andes What the title refers to is the region that we can visit on this trip.

Tafí del Valle near Tucumán

As we begin our trip through the province of Tucumán the first recommended destination is Valley Tafi, which is located about 100 km away.

The surprising thing is that this small town is already at more than 2.000 altitude, so the journey is truly spectacular, with a permanent climb through thick forests.

When there is no fog you can enjoy some viewpoints.

Valley Tafi It is a large town that has become the center of exploration of the surrounding area, with all types of accommodation, restaurants and excursion options.

An interesting option is stay in one of the old rooms created two or three centuries ago and that now function as hotels while they maintain their agricultural and livestock activity.

You should not miss visiting the Band Chapel.

It is a little away from the inhabited center, in the José Frías Silva avenue, and it is an interesting museum that remembers the presence of the Jesuits in the area.

The surroundings of Tafí del Valle They are suitable for hiking (there are mountains of more than 4.000 m nearby) and horseback riding.

Several places to rent horses for tours of the area, from half an hour to the entire day.

Some hotels have their own horses or can take care of establishing contact with the right person.

It is a pleasure to ride through the valley, through meadows surrounded by hills, ford streams and feel for a while like a traveler from another time. Of course, it is advisable to be warm and wear comfortable clothes.

Archaeological reserve of the Menhirs near Tucumán

One of the most curious visits in the surroundings of Tafí del Valle is Menhirs Archaeological Reserve, which is in the town of El Mollar, about 12 km away.

These menhirs They were distributed in different places in the surrounding area, almost always associated with the banks of rivers, graves and crop fields.

They belong to the tafi culture, which developed almost 2.000 years ago in the area, and archaeologists relate them to fertility ceremonies of fields and animals.

Their number, more than a hundred, makes the complex something exceptional, although the park in which they are located takes away from the spectacular character they could have in a more appropriate location.

Crafts in Tafí del Valle

La crafts It is one of the hallmarks of Tucumán, and in Tafí del Valle and its surroundings There are a high number of artisans of interest.

Several of the most interesting are organized in a kind of route to show their work to visitors.

Perhaps the most interesting are the fabrics and pottery, recognized for a long time and with a deep meaning, but there are also artisans dedicated to the stone carving, confectionery, saddlery, antler draft, carpentry, metal, etc.

On the pedestrian street of Tafí is the tourist office where they offer information with the address of the artisans.

To take a route in search of the artisans, you would have to have your own transportation or hire a taxi.

The route continues with a rapid ascent of almost a thousand meters to the open of El Infiernillo (3.042m).

What to see in Valles Calchaquíes

This is the hill through which you access the Calchaquíes valleys, that run from north to south through the provinces of Salta, Tucumán and Catamarca.

On the way you can see very well how the landscape changes from one side to the other, and the green of the Tafi Valley It becomes a much drier place.

The teasels, gigantic cacti, they take over the panorama, and from here it rains much less and the days are sunnier.

Amaícha del Valle in Valles Calchaquíes

The first stop is Amaícha del Valle, a small town worth walking around for a while.

Here the place to visit is Pachamama Museum, which is located on the road, at the entrance to the town.

The museum offers a curious collection of pieces that describe local culture, and the building in which it is located is very peculiar.

La main square of Amaícha del Valle It is the place to take the pulse of this quiet town and look for an establishment to eat some Tucumán empanadas.

A few kilometers ahead you reach the junction with the legendary Route 40, the 4.700 km highway that in this part crosses the Calchaquíes valleys and that towards the south reaches Patagonia.

Quilmes archaeological site

Slightly separated from the road is the Quilmes archaeological site, one of the most important of all Argentina.

The quilmes, which are integrated into the diaguita nation, are the people who have inhabited this area for many centuries. They had to resist the Inca expansion and, a century later, the Spanish conquest.

La Quilmes visit It is a walk along paths between semi-ruined or moderately reconstructed walls that progressively ascend, clinging to the slope.

We recommend going up towards the northern end (on the right as you enter) to have a good perspective of the complex.

The view goes down the complex and then wanders through the valley covered with teasels before ascending to the summits of the Stock Market Hill and Snowy Padlock, both of about 5.500 m.

Then you can see how well located it is. Quilmes and the control it could exert over this entire stretch of the valley.

The route continues from here through the Calchaquíes valleys until you reach Salta, the most interesting city in northwest Argentina.

From there there are other fascinating destinations such as Quebrada del Toro and Quebrada de Humahuaca.