Santa Catalina
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Santa Catalina, Jujuy
Quaint and small, Santa Catalina is off the beaten path, to say the least. While it is on the way to the more visited El Angosto, this sleepy little town is rarely visited for itself, sadly ignored by the thousands of visitors who come to Argentina each year.
Jujuy is the northwesternmost province of Argentina, and its mostly rural life is completely different from the larger cities that most people visit while in the country. And, of course, each area of the country has a rural life different from the other areas, and the north is no different.
Santa Catalina has become the epicenter of northeast Jujuy, and it still maintains the pure essence a northern Argentine town, unaltered by outsiders. It is, in fact, the northernmost permanently inhabited community in Argentina. It was originally a gold mining settlement, and has long been referred to as an important commercial center, especially in its prime.
This quiet town has former goldfields, and its rivers still give the temptation to pan for small nuggets. There are also plenty of farms around, including breeders of llamas, sheep and goats. Peaches, plums and apples can be enjoyed right off the tree. It is rural life at its best.
For those that want a peek into how the “other half” lives, this town is the perfect stop. No, there aren’t a ton of tourist attractions, and you may be hard-pressed to find someone who speaks English. But the Argentine hospitality is there, and the picturesque town is emblematic of northern Argentine life.
So what is there to see there? The old church is the town’s main “attraction”, dating back to the 17th century, and sitting right on the main square. It contains colonial art imagery, and its 10 meter telescope tower has three floors. Its colonial style has been preserved, save the newer altars that now sit in the atrium. Next to the church is an old Saravia family mansion, which has its own unique 17th century architecture. The town’s tree-lined, stone-paved roads can be followed out of town to the nearby river where trout angling is a popular sport.
It is important to realize that accommodations in Santa Catalina are limited, at best. Some sources say there are two places to stay, others insist there is only one. In any case, reservations must be made by calling the local public phones: (03887) 49-1140. For more information about northern Argentina, visit this Argentina Travel Guide.
The town can be visited year round, though it is important to note that sometimes the southern hemisphere summer rains can wash out some of the roads. The climate is otherwise rather cold and dry.