San José de Jachal
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Located along a route that simply seeps history, San José de Jachal is one of the most important places to visit in the province of San Juan. This town is located in the northern part of the province, and constitutes one part of the frequently traveled Rodeo tourist circuit. Rodeo itself sits to the north, and acts as a starting point for those looking to visit Jachal.
The town, with a population of just over 10,000 people, was founded in 1751, and it sits within the Valle de Jáchal (Jachal Valley), just 150 kilometers from the capital city of San Juan. While the valley itself is quite fertile, the surrounding areas are arid and scarce of vegetation.
The city is colonial in its design, reflecting the original buildings, many of which are still standing today. The streets all branch from a central plaza, which acts as the heart of the city, even today. Few trees line the streets, but the city still feels quite fresh, due in part to its small size and the surrounding valley.
Tourism is one of the most important industries in Jachal, as it has been declared the capital of culture and tradition within the province of San Juan. Part of this declaration came from a festival that has long existed in Jachal: the Fiesta Provincial de la Tradición (the Provincial Tradition Festival), which takes place every November in the small city. During the festival, the city comes alive with shows, featuring local and national performers and artists, as well as art openings, dancing, and typical food. People from all over the province, and the rest of Argentina come to celebrate the history and tradition of the country and the Cuyo region, also described in this Argentina travel guide.
Another of the most important parts of the city is the Templo de San José, or the Santuario Arquidiocesano San José, (Temple of San Jose), which was declared a National Historic Monument, for the tradition that it represents in the Cuyo region. Some of the most prominent and important happenings in Cuyo history have taken place in this temple, which was opened in 1785. The current building, however, isn’t the original; today’s temple was opened in 1878, with the adobe structure typical of the area. Its tower was added in 1959.
While in Jachal, the church is also worth a visit. Additionally, there is a museum — Museo Prieto — where archaeological pieces that were recovered in the surrounding area are on display. Through these artifacts, you can learn a lot about the history of the region and its climate, as well as the different cultures that have inhabited the land over the years. In addition, it highlights the rural activities of both today and the past.
Other important things to take in while in Jachal include the various typical ranches in the surrounding areas, where artisan products are made, from delicious foods to wooden and cloth handicrafts. Through taking a few days to enjoy the town and its surrounding areas, you can get a wonderful feeling for the region. The town can be accessed by car, from RN 40.