Tucuman, Salta and Jujuy, Heritage, Nature, Adventure landscape along Route 40, in the North-West of Argentina
The North-West Argentina has enormous natural and cultural heritage. Take her ROUTE 40 willing to cross, broken, fences, sierras, mountains and mountain ranges, small towns and cities is really a very recommendable adventure that is enjoyed from beginning to end.
Is a lot of information we can get about this region Argentina as, besides having beautiful scenery, National Parks, a very rich flora and fauna and a valuable cultural heritage in their towns and cities, much of the history of Argentina begins to be written in these provinces. further, It is visited by countless tourists worldwide area, so it has the necessary infrastructure to house those adventurers who want to nourish and enjoy this beautiful region. Therefore I would like here humbly share my own comments and images on this trip I was able to experience drive from Buenos Aires and visiting three provinces of North - West Argentina: Tucuman, Salta Y Jujuy, as well as everything I've learned it well and let recommendations and advice for those who choose to venture on this path.
Just a little history
The area is inhabited since prehistoric nomadic populations, hunters and trashumantes. Vestiges found speak of a settled population and more than 2000 years, Who, to settle in the place they could practice some activities such as agriculture and commercial activities from the year 500 D.C.. exchanging minerals, vegetables, feathers. In the eleventh century there were different tribes who used to face why the villages begin to fortify. The ethnic groups that inhabited the region were the omaguacas, diaguitas Y calchaquíes, chichas and later part of the area and dominating the incas, who extracted natural resources that transported to the creation of his empire, for which constructed a great road known as Inca Trail, also leaving its mark on the known Pucaras, strong they considered most suitable and built to replace earlier fortifications. The Incas in their desire for domination imposed their religion of Sun worship - Inti, trying to subdue the local population to abandon their beliefs based on ancestor worship. Tribes like the lules, vilelas, wichis and toconotes, They managed to stay out of the Inca domain. Some native groups, descendants of atacameños, diaguitas omaguanas and settle in the Puna and in the ravines, the calls coyas.
From the sixteenth century the call occurs Current North with the arrival of the Spaniards, period when major cities were founded some of which are the oldest in Argentina, bequeathing a valuable heritage clearly evident in religious and institutional architecture. Develop agriculture and livestock with new crops such as vine, cotton, Also olive and sheep breeding, horses and mules. It creates the Viceroyalty of the Río de la Plata and with it the Municipality of Salta del Tucumán.
As I mentioned at the beginning, Nor was the western Argentine protagonist of important events in the history of the country Independence fighters starring as Manuel Belgrano, Pueyrredón, Dorrego, Diaz Velez, Castelli Y Martin Miguel de Guemes, They are among the protagonists who fought in the battles that lead to freedom.
The architecture, Heritage and Evolution
From pre-Columbian architecture some remains in good condition as the Pucara of Tilcara, in the province of Jujuy, the ruins of Quilmes in Tucuman. Because in that period there had been no major developments, are almost no examples, the houses were characterized as built with bricks and straw roofs, with small windows and doors. flagstones were also used for plastering walls that remained without.
In the sixteenth century, with the arrival in the area of Spanish, They begin to build the most important buildings and urbanizing region. Buildings are constructed mainly religious, administrative and town councils. Also the arrival of the Jesuits brought architectural influences that will be reflected in many of the churches in the villages where they founded missions.
The typology of churches, one of the buildings that we find most often on the road crossed the path 40, It is simple and is influenced by Moorish style churches of Seville, the fifteenth Century. They are mostly single ship, vaulted ceiling and walls plastered adobe. The atria were of great importance in the religious life of the people, many of which were surrounded, including them some external altars that were part of the liturgical rite in processions and in the corners of the surrounding fence was erected in some cases the chapels. Open atriums were also well used for ceremonies with images festivities, to impart catechesis because sometimes the population was large to be housed in the temple. Another use would also grant importance to Atria is the cult of the dead, sometimes used for burials and funerals as chapels.
The churches, what, as previously mentioned, They were mostly of a ship, had a bell tower and sometimes two, one on each side of the main facade. In cathedrals, located in large urban centers, We find temples in cross plant with great domes crowning in transept.
It was in the big cities where the administrative centers were developed with the construction of town halls and cathedrals. Although the highland peoples, those of the gorge and the valleys calchaquíes, Indian villages were, had their church and small urban center. Arts and crafts activities are much developed from the eighteenth century, highlights activities basketry, ceramics, furniture and painting, mainly religious issues, culinary and textiles. Culture, traditions and local folklore are deeply rooted and have been transmitted to the present day.
Between 1810 Y 1825 They occurred in the region numerous clashes in the so-called war of independence, being affected buildings and settlements some of which had to undertake an exodus to other areas, thus leaving many abandoned villages.
Later in the nineteenth century, continued modernization period in which the arrival of the railroad was vital. They charge a great development of urban centers with the opening of new squares and public spaces and continuity of development in grid of cities. In 1903 the architect Angel Guido created the first urban master plan for the city of Salta which included sanitation works and neighborhoods on the periphery. Many buildings bear the stamp of what is commonly called colonial style, which prints the label itself Guido, white walls contrasting with red tiles that give the cities of Salta that special caracterisitica and begin to delineate the "neocolonial" style in the region with numerous examples especially in public buildings.
So let this brief review of the history of this region in the north-west Argentina, for now venture into the journey started with the arrival from Buenos Aires to San Miguel de Tucuman, capital of the province.
Tucuman, the "Jardin de la Republica"
Once in the capital of Tucuman, we could start the Trail starting from Independence Square and its immediate surroundings and then tour the city, other parks and other landmarks as "the historic home of Independence" or "House of Tucuman" cradle of independence.
Here is a list of the main monuments and sites to visit in Tucuman:
Independence Square
Opposite Government House Independence Square
Historical House of Independence "Casa de Tucumán"
Park 9 of July
Parish of San Francisco
Parish of Our Lady of the Incarnation photo
Basilica de la Merced (modern)
Casa de Tucuman
House Independence – “Casa de Tucuman”
Tucuman and leaving direction Tafi del Valle, We cross the wonderful Campo de los Alisos National Park. It's an amazing way where they seem not reach their eyes to tremendous natural beauty. We leave San Miguel del Tucumán by route 38 then take Route 307 and penetrate in the park. Some 40 km route in this incredible natural setting. We will certainly stop more than once to admire and enjoy the scenery and take advantage of taking pictures as loving us take with us some of that place, although once tour, stay with us forever.
We reach Tafi del Valle, a small town where we can pause to regain strength to continue the adventure that just started.
Once we leave the path 307 and hardly take Route 40, worth driving a few kilometers from the route to stop at the Wreck of Quilmes, at Valle Calchaquí, Tucuman. Here we will find an archaeological tourist park of what was one of the largest towns in Argentina and also one of the first prehistoric peoples. these ruins, restored and can be visited are proof of the great urban development, agricultural and livestock important irrigation systems for the X century, They had reached Quilmes Indians. In the S XVII, the city had to be abandoned by its inhabitants, after a siege by the Spaniards who finally demanded to leave the venue. They headed towards the Rio de la Plata, where the over 6000 people barely made it around 400 mens.
resumed the ROUTE 40 through the Valleys Calchaquíes to reach, after a stroke 55 km to Cafayate in the province of Salta "The cute".
Cafayate It is a major tourist spot and a must in this journey north on Route 40. It was founded in the mid-nineteenth century. In its streets, plazas, buildings, and in his Church the typical characteristics of colonial architecture are appreciated, with which we will be in more than one town along the route. Cafayate is to walk it and enjoy it. Worth spending a whole day here. Due to the large amount of tourism, It has infrastructure of hotels and restaurants where you can reponernos and try the famous "salteñas Empanadas".
Among its main monuments and places to visit include:
Church of Our Lady of the Rosary
Archeological Museum
Museum of Vine and Wine
Paseo artisans
Plaza 20 February
leaving Cafayate, We return to the route 40 and a few kilometers detour to the right for the Route 68 through the Quebrada de las Conchas, where almost 50 km of travel, we will find an amazing natural landscape, where the mountains show wonderful colors and shapes that seem to have been carved in the rock, as they are: The obelisk, El Mirador Tres Cruces, Amphitheater, The devils throat. It is advisable to stop the car at each of these points and penetrate in them. Special acoustic takes place in the amphitheater where you can hear local singers offer their music there.
After the visit to the Quebrada de las Conchas and monuments, resumed the ROUTE 40 in the direction Animaná, also in the province of Salta. Is Animaná 15 km Cafayate. This is a very small town roadside 40, retains a recova behind which the municipal building works. On the route itself the Church of San Jose, Modern Construction. Opposed to the people across the road is a farm called La Perseverancia, interesting shaped building around a central courtyard, it's probably a wine estate. For a visit would be appropriate to inform the municipal authorities.
Continuing the ROUTE 40, We reach the town of Saint Charles a 10 km of Animaná. It is worth stopping here to visit the Church of St. Charles Borromeo valuable religious building, It is the only church in the Valles Calchaquíes that has cruise and dome. You can also make a tour walking around town.
The Road to the Molinos.Retomamos ROUTE 40 in the direction, Molinos. People that is 90 kilometers from San Carlos.
It is worth stopping at Molinos and the visit to the Iglesia San Pedro Nolasco of the Mills and a walk through the village.
The next village that awaits us 20 kilometers from San Carlos and always ROUTE 40, is Churcal, Seclantas, going in that direction debeos turn to the left and a few meters crossing the bridge we find the people. There we will have the opportunity to visit the Church of Our Lady of Carmen, the village and its cemetery.
Then return to the ROUTE 40 in the direction Cachi, another characteristic village about 30 km of Churcal – Seclantas. Here also it retains a recova and may also visit Church of San Jose.
Before heading to the city of Salta Capital, we recommend a visit to the Cardones National Park. The Park is 40 km from Cachi taking route 33. Advise stop and enter the park has a magnificent natural setting and where the surrounding mountains make amazing scenery.
Then continue by Route 33 to take then the 68 towards Salta, capital. From the Park to Salta about 120 km that they come in handy for rest.
In most of the people I mentioned you can stop for a night or two and then continue the journey. It is a highly visited area and has small hotels or lodges and restaurants to serve the visitor.
Salta “The cute”
Salta is a great city and as such offers much to see. It has a valuable cultural and natural heritage, as well as museums and parks.
Here is a list of the main monuments, parks plazas:
- Cathedral and Cathedral Museum Salta
- Salta Cabildo
- Plaza 9 of July
- Church and museum of San Francisco
- Monument of the Battle of Salta
- Guemes Monument, at the foot of the hill of San Bernardo
- Anthropology Museum
- Contemporary Art Museum
- Temple of Our Lady of Candelaria de la Vina
- Convent of San Bernardo
- Home of General Martin Miguel de Guemes
- Convent of San Bernardo
- House of Culture of Salta
- House Hernández
- Plaza General Don Martin Miguel de Guemes
- Cerro de la Virgen in the Barrio Tres Cerritos
Church and museum of San Francisco
He Cerro de San Bernardo It is also known as "natural balcony", a 1482 m above sea level can easily reach this beautiful viewpoint from where incredible views of the city are obtained. It can take to climb the Way of the Cross. At the top we find the Christ the Redeemer monument and a cross dating from the early twentieth century. We also find there a tearoom. Another possibility is to ascend by cable car from San Martin Park.
Convent of San Bernardo
Salta Cathedral
Some pictures of City tour Salta
Salta is the famous "Train to the Clouds". To travel on that train and reach San Antonio de los Cobres It is a fantastic and unforgettable experience. There is also the possibility of a tour buses and trucks prepared for those mountain roads. I made the train trip and really recommend it. In the near Post tell you more about the Train to the Clouds, I mention it now and leave a photo.
Now we prepare to leave the city of Salta and resume our way. walking 170 km reach a small town again, now in the province of Jujuy called Tumbaya. It is a town that left us step on the road, but worth the stop, stand a journey time by car and enjoy the air of the place. We find the Church of Our Lady of Sorrows, Here we can see the characteristic enclosed outdoor atrium in many churches place.
Always in the province of Jujuy and 16km from Tumbaya, We reach Punmamar by. On the way we will be anticipating how wonderful it can become his famous Cerro de los 7 colors, but once there one can not help but look tremendous work of art of nature that seems to have been painted by the best artists. It is worth taking the walk very quietly Punmamarca, walk its streets, and appreciate this magical landscape that opens our eyes and is among the most beautiful silent. You can also visit the Santa Rosa de Lima Church and next to it the historical Algarrobo.
Santa Rosa de Lima Church
After this wonderful stop in this wonderful scenery that nature gives us, We continue on the Route 9 enjoying the incredible scenery that gives us the Quebrada de Humahuaca through Maimara and after about 25km of travel we reached Tilcara. A few kilometers before entering the city on one side of the path is the Pucara de Tilcara, worth a visit.
Pucara de Tilcara
In Tilcara worth spending at least one night. The city offers various proposals music and typical food to visitors and is a good excuse to travel and discover the night in these small towns. We can also visit Church of Our Lady of the Rosary.
Since Tilcara can also take a trip to the Salinas Grandes. An amazing place like all the way up. Prepare for heights if you decide to get wings Salinas, To over 4200 m above sea level. To get there take the Route 52. Are some 65 m from Punmamarca.
Salinas Grandes and way up
A 57 km of Punmamarca, along the route 9, It is the town of Uquia, Jujuy Province, where we can stop and visit the Church San Francisco de Paula
Continuing along Route 9 some 12 km we reached Humahuaca. We can do a walking tour of the village and also visit the Church of Our Lady of Candelaria.
A 74 km by Route 9, we will leave the province of Jujuy to enter again in the province of Salta and visit Iruya, an amazing village that seems lost in the mountains. The walk can be enjoyed from the road. To move up the landscape becomes increasingly interesting, amazing views from the top and the clouds.
In Iruya is the Church of Our Lady of Rosario and San Roque, which will be the first building to distinguish the distance as we get closer to the people. It also has several vantage points from which to appreciate the wonderful scenery surrounding this small town.
This walk in the Nor- Argentine west crossing it largely ROUTE 40 It is highly recommended. It enjoys both in each of the towns and cities, in parks and rides, and in the same way. It is very advisable to do so by car, stopping at each village or where our adventurous spirit suspect that there is a wonderful place to discover.
No this allowed the use or copy of the written material, information written and / or graphic, photographs and any items published in the Blog www.portalciudadspots.com for commercial purposes without appropriate authorization.