Palpalá: Sanctuary, Industrial Heritage and the Serranías del Zapla

For a trip to Palpalá, the possibilities range from the pilgrimage site at Río Blanco and the industrial history of Altos Hornos Zapla to viewpoints and activities in the Serranías del Zapla.

Pilgrimage and Architectural History in Río Blanco

The Santuario Nuestra Señora del Rosario de Río Blanco y Paypaya is located in Río Blanco, in the Department of Palpalá. Its chapel dates from 1833 and houses the image of the Virgen del Rosario de Río Blanco y Paypaya, patron saint of the Diocese of Jujuy. In 2025, under Law 6476, the chapel and sacristy were recognized as historical and cultural heritage of Jujuy Province for their historical, religious, and symbolic value.

The sanctuary draws pilgrims year after year. Religious celebrations include a procession that carries the image of the Virgin from the provincial capital to Río Blanco. Every Sunday in October, Río Blanco welcomes pilgrims honoring the Virgen del Rosario de Río Blanco y Paypaya, patron saint of Jujuy Province. If you wish to plan your trip around these celebrations, check the specific dates in advance.

Altos Hornos Zapla and Industrial History

For a long time, the Altos Hornos Zapla steelworks complex was a defining landmark in Palpalá’s urban landscape. On the access route to Palpalá, Centro Forestal adds another perspective on the area’s industrial past: the former company Altos Hornos Zapla founded the settlement to process eucalyptus and turn it into charcoal for the plant’s blast furnaces. Both the history of steelmaking and the processing of timber are among the themes that have shaped Palpalá’s history.

Views, Access and Activities

The Mirador Norte viewpoint at the Complejo Turístico Serranías de Zapla is in the Department of Palpalá. From there, you can see San Salvador de Jujuy, Alto Comedero, and Palpalá.

The RP 56 via Alto La Viña leads to Villa Turística Serranías del Zapla. From the entrance at kilometer 22, an eight-kilometer uphill gravel road leads to the villa. Road conditions can change, so it’s worth checking them before setting out. Activities offered there by prior arrangement may include trekking, horseback riding, rappelling, zip-lining, and mining tourism; staff must be available for guided activities. Check in advance whether your preferred activity can be arranged for your dates.

Pumas, jaguars, and other Yungas wildlife are associated with the area around the complex. A jaguar sighting has been recorded in the vicinity. Wildlife encounters are not guaranteed.

Jujuy as a Wider Travel Destination

Elsewhere in Jujuy, other destinations offer their own cultural attractions. The Quebrada de Humahuaca follows the Inca Trail and forms a 155-kilometer north–south corridor containing hundreds of archaeological and architectural sites. In Susques, the colonial chapel Nuestra Señora de Belén was built in the 16th century and declared a National Historic Monument.

Jujuy’s landscapes also extend beyond Palpalá: Parque Nacional Calilegua protects more than 76,000 hectares of the Yungas ecoregion. The Aguas Negras recreation area has camping facilities for day trips and overnight stays, as well as trails of varying difficulty. The Salinas Grandes, meanwhile, cover 525 square kilometers and lie at an average elevation of 3,350 meters; they are among the three largest salt flats in the world. These varied attractions help place a stay in Palpalá in the broader context of Jujuy Province.

Discover more destinations: Palpala, Ledesma Department, Humahuaca Department, Doctor Manuel Belgrano Department, Susques Department, Santa Catalina Department, Santa Bárbara Department, San Antonio.

Go to the wider travel guide: Jujuy.