San Fernando del Valle de Catamarca to Antofagasta de la Sierra

The trip starts in the provincial capital, on the bank of Del Valle River and at the foot of the Ambato and Ancasti mountains. Its attractions include 25 de Mayo Square, designed by architect Carlos Thays, the Basilica Nuestra Señora del Valle, Casa de la Cultura, Casa de la Puna (you can see the work of the textile craftswomen), the Poncho Museum and the Handmade Carpet Factory. As it is an important religious centre, it is worth visiting the Virgen del Valle Museum and Virgen del Valle Cave.

Near the city, you can enjoy nature at El Jumeal Ecological Park and visit Pueblo Perdido de la Quebrada, an archaeological site that dates back to 1800 years ago. Another must-see is Cuesta del Portuezelo, a scenic route with several viewpoints and panoramic views of the entire valley.

Going up Provincial Route 4 you will reach summer village condominiums such as El Rodeo and Las Juntas, ideal places to rest and enjoy streams, trails, horseback rides and typical food. Along National Route 38 and Provincial Route 1, which crosses the Yungas of Catamarca, you will find Las Pirquitas dam and the historical tunnels of La Merced. 

More information at https://sfvc.travel/

The trip starts in the provincial capital, on the bank of Del Valle River and at the foot of the Ambato and Ancasti mountains. Its attractions include 25 de Mayo Square, designed by architect Carlos Thays, the Basilica Nuestra Señora del Valle, Casa de la Cultura, Casa de la Puna (you can see the work of the textile craftswomen), the Poncho Museum and the Handmade Carpet Factory. As it is an important religious centre, it is worth visiting the Virgen del Valle Museum and Virgen del Valle Cave.

Near the city, you can enjoy nature at El Jumeal Ecological Park and visit Pueblo Perdido de la Quebrada, an archaeological site that dates back to 1800 years ago. Another must-see is Cuesta del Portuezelo, a scenic route with several viewpoints and panoramic views of the entire valley.

Going up Provincial Route 4 you will reach summer village condominiums such as El Rodeo and Las Juntas, ideal places to rest and enjoy streams, trails, horseback rides and typical food. Along National Route 38 and Provincial Route 1, which crosses the Yungas of Catamarca, you will find Las Pirquitas dam and the historical tunnels of La Merced. 

More information at https://sfvc.travel/

Fifty kilometres south of San Fernando del Valle de Catamarca is Concepción, which offers accommodation, gastronomy and services. From there you can reach the Arrayanes forest, where you can see species such as vilcas and viscos, as well as myrtles similar to those found in Patagonia.

The journey from Concepción to the forest is of average difficulty. It is 11 kilometres long and can be done on foot or on horseback accompanied by an authorised guide. The path runs between two ravines through which the Pampichuela River and a local stream pass, and you can see flowers, fungi, insects, butterflies and a great variety of native birds.

Fifty kilometres south of San Fernando del Valle de Catamarca is Concepción, which offers accommodation, gastronomy and services. From there you can reach the Arrayanes forest, where you can see species such as vilcas and viscos, as well as myrtles similar to those found in Patagonia.

The journey from Concepción to the forest is of average difficulty. It is 11 kilometres long and can be done on foot or on horseback accompanied by an authorised guide. The path runs between two ravines through which the Pampichuela River and a local stream pass, and you can see flowers, fungi, insects, butterflies and a great variety of native birds.

Following along National Route 38 you will reach Chumbicha and Trampasacha. Both offer a few lodgings and restaurants. 

The landscape of Trampasacha stands out for its forests of caranday palm trees, one of the many native species. There are several hiking trails in the surroundings, where you can walk accompanied by qualified guides.

Following along National Route 38 you will reach Chumbicha and Trampasacha. Both offer a few lodgings and restaurants. 

The landscape of Trampasacha stands out for its forests of caranday palm trees, one of the many native species. There are several hiking trails in the surroundings, where you can walk accompanied by qualified guides.

On National Route 60 towards Fiambalá, you will find the Quebrada de La Cébila, a ravine that borders the Ambato mountains and runs between streams. The route runs for 40 kilometres between the natural boundaries of the provinces of La Rioja and Catamarca through beautiful scenery. 

Located in the western side of the Ambato mountains, between 700 and 1600 metres above sea level, this town is surrounded by hills, rivers, streams and mountains. There are hiking trails and cycling and horseback riding guided tours.

A few metres away from the centre is the El Calvario hill offering native vegetation, high altitude views and a trail that leads to the Virgen de Fatima. You can also visit Parque Los Leones, a place surrounded by eucalyptus trees where you can find playgrounds for children and a viewpoint from where you can see olive tree plantations.

Following Provincial Route 46 for 107 kilometres, you will reach Andalgalá, an idyllic town at the foothills of Aconquija mountains. Known as the "Pearl of the West", it is a place to rest, enjoy nature and its ancient culture. There are adventure activities, photographic safaris, four-wheel-drive vehicles, mining tourism in the Rodocrosita Santa Rita mine and more.   In and around the city you can visit museums and historical sites such as the Lafone Quevedo Archaeological Museum, olive farms at the foot of the mountain, the San Francisco temple dating back to 1848 and the Muschaka Museum.

Following Provincial Route 46 for 107 kilometres, you will reach Andalgalá, an idyllic town at the foothills of Aconquija mountains. Known as the "Pearl of the West", it is a place to rest, enjoy nature and its ancient culture. There are adventure activities, photographic safaris, four-wheel-drive vehicles, mining tourism in the Rodocrosita Santa Rita mine and more.   In and around the city you can visit museums and historical sites such as the Lafone Quevedo Archaeological Museum, olive farms at the foot of the mountain, the San Francisco temple dating back to 1848 and the Muschaka Museum.

Once in the Calchaquí Valleys of Catamarca and following National Route 40, you reach Londres, a town that offers a few lodgings, restaurants and basic services. 

Its architectural style is typical of a colonial town: its adobe houses, the Eusebio Colombres square and the San Juan Bautista and Inmaculada Concepción churches stand out. The Folklore Museum, in front of the Hipólito Irigoyen Square, shows the history of the town since the colonial period up to the present day. During the tour around the city, you can visit some staging points of the Ruta del Telar (fabric route) to meet the textile producers.

This is one of the most dazzling archaeological sites in the country, only 5 kilometres away from Londres. You will see precincts, stairways and trails that were part of an urban centre inhabited by the Incas between the 15th and 16th centuries. 

It has an interpretation centre, trails and a guide service to tour the site. You can find out opening hours on the Shincal fanpage, at the Belén tourist office or at the Museo Folklórico de Londres.

This is one of the most dazzling archaeological sites in the country, only 5 kilometres away from Londres. You will see precincts, stairways and trails that were part of an urban centre inhabited by the Incas between the 15th and 16th centuries. 

It has an interpretation centre, trails and a guide service to tour the site. You can find out opening hours on the Shincal fanpage, at the Belén tourist office or at the Museo Folklórico de Londres.

Belén, on National Route 40, is the most important city in the region and a great place to start your journey to the Puna. It offers a wide variety of services, lodging and gastronomy to enjoy typical dishes such as empanadas catamarqueñas, tamales or jigote. 

From here, you can visit archaeological sites and go on trails of different levels of difficulty lasting several days, including the possibility of spending the night in camping sites with qualified mountain guides.

Other things to do in the city are visiting the Virgen de Belén monument to have a panoramic view of the gorge; visiting the Cóndor Huasi Archaeological Museum, the Nuestra Señora de Belén Sanctuary and its Sacred Museum, and the handicraft stalls at the Camila Aybar fair in front of the Olmos de Aguilera square, or the Arañitas Hilanderas women weavers.

It is recommended to refuel before you continue your journey to the Puna.

Belén, on National Route 40, is the most important city in the region and a great place to start your journey to the Puna. It offers a wide variety of services, lodging and gastronomy to enjoy typical dishes such as empanadas catamarqueñas, tamales or jigote. 

From here, you can visit archaeological sites and go on trails of different levels of difficulty lasting several days, including the possibility of spending the night in camping sites with qualified mountain guides.

Other things to do in the city are visiting the Virgen de Belén monument to have a panoramic view of the gorge; visiting the Cóndor Huasi Archaeological Museum, the Nuestra Señora de Belén Sanctuary and its Sacred Museum, and the handicraft stalls at the Camila Aybar fair in front of the Olmos de Aguilera square, or the Arañitas Hilanderas women weavers.

It is recommended to refuel before you continue your journey to the Puna.

Driving along National Route 40 from Belén, you will enjoy beautiful panoramic views of the mountains for 11 kilometres. After reaching the ravine, you will pass through some of the villages and post towns of the Ruta del Telar, such as Puerta de San José, San Fernando and El Eje, until you reach Hualfín.

Driving along National Route 40 from Belén, you will enjoy beautiful panoramic views of the mountains for 11 kilometres. After reaching the ravine, you will pass through some of the villages and post towns of the Ruta del Telar, such as Puerta de San José, San Fernando and El Eje, until you reach Hualfín.

This is a small rural spot where National Route 40 and Provincial Route 43 converge. A necessary stop on the way to Antofagasta de la Sierra and other towns in the Puna of Catamarca. You will find a petrol station there.

For a safe trip, it is important to read these recommendations to avoid altitude sickness.

Hualfín can be an alternative place to rest before continuing to the Puna or on your way back. There is a local inn and some basic services. 

In this town, you can visit important archaeological sites of great cultural relevance such as Pucará de Hualfín, Lomas de Maray, Hualfín Inca and Pozo Verde. You may also visit the Nuestra Señora del Rosario Church, built at the end of the 18th century and declared a National Historic Monument. Very close to Hualfín, there are thermal baths and a local winery.

Hualfín can be an alternative place to rest before continuing to the Puna or on your way back. There is a local inn and some basic services. 

In this town, you can visit important archaeological sites of great cultural relevance such as Pucará de Hualfín, Lomas de Maray, Hualfín Inca and Pozo Verde. You may also visit the Nuestra Señora del Rosario Church, built at the end of the 18th century and declared a National Historic Monument. Very close to Hualfín, there are thermal baths and a local winery.

Thirty-four kilometres from Hualfín is Villa Vil, between the Pre-Puna and the Puna, at an altitude of 2300 metres above sea level. Its past and culture are very present in its handicrafts, and it is another stop along the Ruta del Telar. It offers some lodgings.

Some 15 kilometres away from here, you can visit Villa Vil castles, an impressive rock formation similar to the Gothic castles, of various colours and elongated shapes. The place can be covered in about 6 hours, on foot or on horseback, along a trail that runs through carob trees, cacti and biscotes.

Thirty-four kilometres from Hualfín is Villa Vil, between the Pre-Puna and the Puna, at an altitude of 2300 metres above sea level. Its past and culture are very present in its handicrafts, and it is another stop along the Ruta del Telar. It offers some lodgings.

Some 15 kilometres away from here, you can visit Villa Vil castles, an impressive rock formation similar to the Gothic castles, of various colours and elongated shapes. The place can be covered in about 6 hours, on foot or on horseback, along a trail that runs through carob trees, cacti and biscotes.

Halfway along Provincial Route 43, Cuesta de Randolfo offers stunning mountain scenery and striking dunes, the most emblematic of which is Duna de Randolfo (also known by its original name "Medado Trancao"). The highest point, at approximately 3200 metres, is an ideal place to take photos. 

Laguna Blanca is located in the Puna, a place of native communities and ancestral traditions, and is reached by a gravel road of about 16 kilometres. The lake, surrounded by snow-capped mountains and inhabited by flamingos, vicuñas and other species, is a unique place of great biological interest, as it is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. 

There are also several rock art sites featuring pre-Inca engravings and petroglyphs. You can walk along a trail of heritage interpretation in the territory of the Laguna Blanca indigenous community accompanied by the villagers.

An interesting fact: between October and November takes place the Chaku, a respectful shearing of vicuñas to obtain one of the finest fibres in the world. If you arrive on your own, you must ask for permission from the community to be part of the ceremony (there are some lodgings where you can spend the night).

Laguna Blanca is located in the Puna, a place of native communities and ancestral traditions, and is reached by a gravel road of about 16 kilometres. The lake, surrounded by snow-capped mountains and inhabited by flamingos, vicuñas and other species, is a unique place of great biological interest, as it is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. 

There are also several rock art sites featuring pre-Inca engravings and petroglyphs. You can walk along a trail of heritage interpretation in the territory of the Laguna Blanca indigenous community accompanied by the villagers.

An interesting fact: between October and November takes place the Chaku, a respectful shearing of vicuñas to obtain one of the finest fibres in the world. If you arrive on your own, you must ask for permission from the community to be part of the ceremony (there are some lodgings where you can spend the night).

El Peñón, a town on the side of RP 43 and at 3400 meters above sea level, has some lodgings, restaurants and guide services. From here you can visit the Campo de Piedra Pómez hiring the excursion with authorized providers. It can also be an alternative to Antofagasta de la Sierra to explore the attractions of the area.

El Peñón, a town on the side of RP 43 and at 3400 meters above sea level, has some lodgings, restaurants and guide services. From here you can visit the Campo de Piedra Pómez hiring the excursion with authorized providers. It can also be an alternative to Antofagasta de la Sierra to explore the attractions of the area.

Our journey ends in Antofagasta de la Sierra at more than 3200 metres above sea level. This village offers gastronomy, lodging and petrol stations. Its people and streets lined with small adobe houses invite you to experience the culture and history of this local community that lives among lagoons, salt flats and volcanoes. 

Antofagasta is an ideal starting point to discover the attractions of the Puna in Catamarca: to the north, the Antofalla volcano and salt flat, the Hombre Muerto salt flat, the Incahuasi gold mines and Las Tobas field; to the west, Peñas Coloradas; to the east, the Galán volcano and the Diamante lagoon; and to the south, Campo de Piedra Pómez Natural Protected Area, Laguna Grande and Carachi Pampa, Antofagasta and Alumbrera volcanoes. Archaeological tourism is another experience that can be enjoyed at Pucará de la Alumbrera, an indigenous settlement built with volcanic sediments at the foot of the Antofagasta volcano (all these sites must be visited accompanied by authorised guides and in four-wheel drive vehicles).

Eighty-seven kilometres away you may visit Antofalla, whose 60 residents belonging to the original Kolla Atacameña community still maintain their ancestral traditions.

Our journey ends in Antofagasta de la Sierra at more than 3200 metres above sea level. This village offers gastronomy, lodging and petrol stations. Its people and streets lined with small adobe houses invite you to experience the culture and history of this local community that lives among lagoons, salt flats and volcanoes. 

Antofagasta is an ideal starting point to discover the attractions of the Puna in Catamarca: to the north, the Antofalla volcano and salt flat, the Hombre Muerto salt flat, the Incahuasi gold mines and Las Tobas field; to the west, Peñas Coloradas; to the east, the Galán volcano and the Diamante lagoon; and to the south, Campo de Piedra Pómez Natural Protected Area, Laguna Grande and Carachi Pampa, Antofagasta and Alumbrera volcanoes. Archaeological tourism is another experience that can be enjoyed at Pucará de la Alumbrera, an indigenous settlement built with volcanic sediments at the foot of the Antofagasta volcano (all these sites must be visited accompanied by authorised guides and in four-wheel drive vehicles).

Eighty-seven kilometres away you may visit Antofalla, whose 60 residents belonging to the original Kolla Atacameña community still maintain their ancestral traditions.