Discover El Durazno

You can get to know El Durazno through two distinct highlights: the views and geology around Mirador El Durazno, and the Dzogchen teachings and activities at Tashigar Sur. Together, these give you a practical way to choose this destination for your stay.

Views and geology at Mirador El Durazno

Mirador El Durazno is part of the Circuito Geológico: Ruta de Alta Montaña. The view changes depending on the direction: to the east, you can see the rise of the Sierras Chicas. To the west, a small valley opens up, with houses that are more than 100 years old. At the same lookout, a broad view of the landscape sits alongside a glimpse of older buildings.

The rocks in the surrounding area also add a specific geological detail: pink feldspar crystals are aligned in the granite. If you are interested in landforms and rock, you can consider this feature alongside the view from above. The views and the rocks are different aspects of the area; they do not have to be combined into a single walk.

Tashigar Sur and Dzogchen

Tashigar Sur was founded in the El Durazno area of the town of Tanti as one of the main centers of the International Dzogchen Community. It is a center for the development of Dzogchen teachings in South America. The site includes a Gonpa, which is used for learning and practicing these teachings. Alongside the landscape, this provides a clearly defined cultural and spiritual focus.

In summer, visitors and residents of Tashigar Sur take part in various activities, including Yantra Yoga and dances on a mandala. The season is part of how these activities are described: they are specifically mentioned as taking place in summer. For planning purposes, the themes are easy to distinguish: Mirador is about views and geology, while Tashigar Sur is about teachings and practice, as well as the activities described as seasonal.

Ashram Piedras del Sol is also located in Barrio El Durazno, surrounded by vegetation and open spaces. Together with Tashigar Sur, it adds another named place to the cultural side of the destination. The description of the ashram’s setting and the activities at Tashigar Sur are different details; they do not convey the same thing about El Durazno.

A guide to planning your trip

The access road from Tanti to Macizo Los Gigantes passes through El Durazno. When making your choice, you can weigh the themes mentioned: if you are mainly interested in views and rock formations, Mirador is a destination in its own right; if you are interested in Dzogchen, the history and activities described at Tashigar Sur are relevant.

In the context of Departamento Punilla

The wider destination of Departamento Punilla has other landscape and tourism highlights, distinct from the features of El Durazno. At 1,979 meters, Cerro Uritorco is the highest point in northern Punilla. Quebrada del Condorito is V-shaped, 800 meters high, and 1,500 meters wide at its broadest point; Andean condors can be seen from its upper rims. The national park is located partly in Departamento Punilla.

The reservoirs also offer a distinct regional attraction: Punilla has five major reservoirs where visitors can fish; sailing and motorized water sports are also available there. The nine-kilometer Camino de los Artesanos connects Villa Giardino and La Cumbre. These examples broaden the picture of Departamento Punilla, while Mirador, Tashigar Sur, and Ashram Piedras del Sol are the specific points of interest for finding your way around El Durazno.

Discover more destinations: Santa María de Punilla, Villa Parque Síquiman, Villa Garcia, Bialet Massé, Huerta Grande, Cavalango, Villa Parque Lago San Roque, Cosquín.

View the destination overview: Departamento Punilla.