Discover Las Mojarras

Las Mojarras combines archaeological themes related to Cerro Pintado with a cycling tourism route that visits the area. This picture is complemented by llama trekking and a rural campground. This makes it possible to choose a destination based on your interests; you can then compare specific hotel details in each listing.

Archaeology around Cerro Pintado

The Cerro Pintado de Las Mojarras settlement dates from the period of Regional Developments, beginning around 900 AD. In Santa María Department, the high-altitude village of Cerro Pintado de Las Mojarras sits on a 100-meter-high hill next to National Route 40. The hill next to National Route 40 in Santa María Department was once likely traversed by the Inca road. The approximate dating of the settlement and the historical route offer two different perspectives on the area's history.

Hikers can reach the Pukará located on Cerro Pintado; it is attributed to the time of the Diaguita. A permit has been issued for responsible visits to Cerro Pintado by residents and tourists. If you are planning a visit, check access arrangements in advance.

Cycling and National Route 40

A cycling tourism route leads to Las Mojarras. Its other highlights include the historic village of Fuerte Quemado, wineries, regional bakery businesses, and historic sites. This route therefore encompasses cultural and culinary themes as well as cycling. The complete paving of the 21 kilometers of National Route 40 from Las Mojarras to the level of the Quilmes ruins was intended to promote tourism in the Calchaquí Valleys.

Visits and camping

A llama-breeding farm in Las Mojarras offers llama trekking excursions and can be visited. If this activity is important to your trip, it is best to check visiting arrangements in advance. A description from January 2024 mentions a rural campground in Las Mojarras with a pool, native woodland, and space for camping or parking motorhomes. Check the availability of this offering before your trip.

More attractions in Santa María Department

In Santa María Department, Rincón Chico offers its own archaeological and landscape highlights. The pre-Columbian village comprises at least 365 structures spread across an area of about 39.6 hectares and is located on a mountain spur of the Sierra del Cajón. White quartz veins, pegmatite outcrops in a drainage channel, and dark formations of phyllite and schist shape the landscape. The area's description thus brings together archaeological structures and distinctive geological formations.

Cultural events in Santa María Department can also be distinguished by day of the week and season. Markets organized by local entrepreneurs are held on Fridays in Plaza Gral. Manuel Belgrano. On Saturdays, the Feria Arcoiris offers products from local artisans and producers there. Check dates locally before your trip. The Fiesta Nacional Santa María la Reina del Yokavil was conceived in 1967 and began in the summer of 1968. Every year on February 2, Santa María celebrates Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria as the city's patron saint; the city's founding is also commemorated on that day. The Fiesta del Cabrito is held every year during Holy Week in El Cerrito.

For culinary interests, the Ruta de la Capia showcases an alfajor from Santa María made with capia corn and homemade dulce de leche. The Fiesta de la Capia takes place in Santa María in winter. Dulces y Licores offers visits and tastings of sweets and liqueurs made from fruit grown in the valley. Nuestras Especias shows where spices from the Calchaquí Valley are ground, including cumin, oregano, rosemary, and sweet paprika. Vinos de Altura includes visits to wineries that produce high-quality wines at altitude. Check the arrangements for visits, tastings, and wineries in advance.

Crafts and culture round out these themes: Cestería en Simbol shows the process of making wickerwork from Simbol. Textiles del Valle demonstrates how fibers are processed into yarn and woven garments are made from different types of wool. Museo Arte Sacro Ntra Sra Candelaria displays Christian sacred art and tangible and intangible cultural heritage alongside the heritage of pre-Columbian cultures.

Discover more destinations: San Fernando Del Valle De Catamarca, Coneta, Tinogasta, La Merced, Cerro Negro.

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