Tinogasta
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Tinogasta, Catamarca
Situated along the Paso de San Francisco, the road that has historically served as a means of communication between Argentina and Chile, sits the town of Tinogasta, in the Province of Catamarca.
Tinogasta is surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, which is not unusual in this part of Argentina; the north is known for its raw beauty. Here, a variety of flora and high-Andean fauna roam, making their way through the valleys, surrounded by 6,000-meter high volcanoes.
The town itself sits in the vast valley on the banks of the Río Abaucán, and its beautiful land flourishes, thanks to the natural fertilizers that nourish the soil. Fruit orchards, vineyards and olive plantations complete the green road leading to the city.
The area is full of history, having been occupied by a variety of different civilizations, including the Incas. In fact, the multicolored hills that tower over RN 60 mark part of what was once the Inca Trail, which led to Copiapó, in Chile. This is an important part of history, which makes this area that much more valuable to the visitor, offering a historical and cultural reference point.
Tinogasta, with its amazing landscapes, has become one of the most important tourist points in Catamarca. Nearly 300 kilometers from the provincial capital, it has developed all the infrastructure necessary for a successful tourism industry, and it offers a wide variety of activities to its visitors. Check for other important touristic places of Catamarca in this Argentina travel guide.
The primary type of tourism here is adventure tourism, made possible by the natural setting. Here, you can go rock or mountain climbing, visiting some of those towering volcanoes. 4×4s are also available, if you would like to go zooming off into the distance. For those looking for something more rustic, you will enjoy horseback riding with expert guides. Photo safaris are also offered, taking advantage of the photogenic landscape, as are hiking and mountain biking trips.
Agrotourism is an up and coming sector for Tinogasta, which only makes sense, given its fertile land. You can visit the wineries, fruit orchards, and olive fields, some of which offer tours and tastings. Beyond that, the local products can easily be found throughout town.
And for those who want to appreciate nature but still get the relaxing vacation they’re after, there are the thermal baths, which can’t be missed. Check out the archaeological museums for a wealth of information about the area and its history.
The department of Tinogasta is one of the largest in Catamarca, and has about 22,000 inhabitants, with about 15,000 of them living in the city itself. The weather is rather pleasant year-round, and the elevation, at 1,500, may take a little adjusting to. The city can be reached by land, with on RN 38 and 60.