Fiambalá
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Fiambalá, Catamarca
Nobody can argue with the stark beauty of an expansive desert, especially when framed by towering mountains sitting peacefully in the distance. Arid winds, endless skies and rich colors come to mind. Normally, though, there isn’t too much to do once you get there, besides catch your breath from the amazing scenery, that is.
Now imagine within that desert lies an oasis, but not just any old oasis. No, imagine you find a wine oasis, where vineyards calmly display their neat rows of prime grapes, just waiting to be transformed.
As if that wasn’t good enough, add in some thermal baths and spas. Heaven? Nope. Welcome to Fiambalá. Fiambalá sits in the Tinogasta valley, in the province of Catamarca. It was founded in 1702, and remains the seat of wine production in the province, as over 80% of Catamarca’s wine comes from the valley.
Temperatures can be intense here, reaching up to 47ºC in the summer, and around –5ºC in the winter. While this might be a lot for visitors to handle, the grapes love the fluctuations, which enhance their ripening abilities. Keeping this in mind, the best time to visit is generally from October to April, although the dead of summer may be a bit extreme, as well.
The wine from the region has been growing steadily in popularity, and regularly brings home international awards, focusing on Syrahs, Malbecs, Cabernet Sauvignons and Merlots. In fact, the region has been named the Fifth Wine Region of Argentina. Check out this Argentina Travel Guide for information about other wine areas of Argentina. Besides the wine, raisins and olive oil are also successful products made in the area.
Just arriving to the valley will take your breath away, driving along the Seismiles, (Spanish for six thousand), an impressive mountain chain. It is here, on the Paso de San Francisco, which can also take you directly to Chile, that you will find the lost little town, tucked away in all its unspoken glory.
The thermal pools consist of 14 natural pools, with temperatures that reach up to 50ºC, and go as low as 30ºC. The complex has some basic accommodation, including cabins fit for 6 people, a mini 19-person hotel, and bungalows for rent.
Other accommodations in the area include the Guest House, at the Don Diego winery, which offers a house with three bedrooms and two bathrooms. There is also a municipal hotel and a hostel in town, and as this quiet little town gains ground, more accommodations are sure to come. The town is also home to a colonial church, built in 1770.
Still largely undiscovered, this town is relaxation at its finest. Spectacular backdrops, world-famous wine and rejuvenating natural thermal pools. Could you ask for more?