Discover Independencia

Independencia can be explored through very different themes: protected landscapes and rock art in Los Colorados, guided walks in Parque Provincial El Chiflón, and the mining history of Amaná. These places offer concrete ways to give nature, archaeology and historical traces different emphasis when planning your trip.

Los Colorados: Trails and Rock Art

Los Colorados was designated a Reserva Provincial de Usos Múltiples in 2015 under Provincial Law 9714. The designation aims to preserve the existing ecosystem, regulate the use of natural resources and protect archaeological sites. Law No. 10,360, passed on December 10, 2020, establishes a tourism, heritage, cultural and ecological development circuit in Los Colorados, in the Departamento Independencia.

The rock art is understood as evidence of the possible use and repopulation of the site sometime between 600 and 1500 AD; this dating is an archaeological interpretation. Cueva del Chacho is considered Los Colorados’ main traditional attraction. Comparing the trails also reveals different time frames: the Valle Los Bordos loop can be completed on foot or on horseback in about an hour and a half. The loop to Puente Natural in the Los Colorados protected area is listed as taking two to three hours on foot or on horseback. This lets you compare the two routes by duration.

El Chiflón: Walks and Geology

In Parque Provincial El Chiflón, three guided walks lead to traces of earlier civilizations. The park’s geological formations include Hongo. The archaeological sites can be reached by private vehicle. Conditions may change, so check them before setting out.

Amaná and Its Mining History

Amaná is a place with more than 400 years of history and culture. The old mining route is more than 22 kilometers long and connects Amaná with the historic Campamento Minero Basalto SA. The first restored section runs along the foot of Cerro Peinado. These details give the route two distinct historical points of reference: the town of Amaná and the former mining camp it connects.

The improved mining route offers trekking and mountain biking, as well as 4x4 drives, quad bike excursions and geological-mining tourism. Route conditions and services may change; check the latest conditions before planning your trip. In addition to the archaeological and geological themes of Los Colorados and El Chiflón, this gives you activities related to the history of mining to choose from.

A Historic Monument in Patquía Viejo

Iglesia Virgen de la Merced in Patquía Viejo is a National Historic Monument dating from 1763. Its adobe walls are almost one meter thick. The material and remarkable thickness of the walls are specific architectural details that distinguish a visit to this church from the nature and archaeology themes of the other places mentioned.

La Rioja as a Wider Setting

The wider destination of La Rioja offers other distinct landscape and cultural themes. Talampaya National Park is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site in La Rioja Province; its red sandstone cliffs reach up to 200 meters. Reserva Provincial Laguna Brava is a Ramsar wetland in the province’s Andes, near the Chilean border. A 114-kilometer section of Ruta 40 runs along Cuesta de Miranda, connecting Chilecito with General Felipe Varela. Viewpoints there are used to observe geological features, flora and fauna.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Paganzo, Departamento General Lamadrid, Departamento Chilecito, Departamento San Blas De Los Sauces, Departamento General Juan Facundo Quiroga, Departamento Capital, Arauco Department, Coronel Felipe Varela.

For the wider travel overview: La Rioja.