Department of San Blas De Los Sauces

In the Department of San Blas De Los Sauces, travel interests range from natural features near Andolucas to archaeological and religious heritage. If you are looking for a hotel, it helps to first decide what you want to focus on during your stay: waterscapes, Hualco, or churches and traditions. The specific places and their distinct themes provide a helpful guide.

Nature near Andolucas

La Olla is in Paraje Andolucas, twelve kilometers from San Blas, along Provincial Route No. 11 on the eastern slope of the Sierras del Velasco. The natural pool was formed by the erosion of the Río Andolucas in granite rocks; crystal-clear water and native vegetation shape the landscape. A hike leads from Camping Andolucas, also located in Paraje Andolucas, twelve kilometers from San Blas along Provincial Route No. 11, to Paraje La Olla.

Another striking natural feature is the Cola de la Novia waterfall: it is 25 to 30 meters high and flows into a natural pool. The “Cola de la Novia” gorge is in Quebrada del Rincón in the department. At Balneario Andolucas, there is a large pool near the confluence of Arroyo Andolucas and Río de Los Sauces. In summer, it reaches a depth of up to seven meters. The places therefore differ in the features described: at La Olla, granite, erosion, and vegetation are prominent; at the waterfall, its height and pool; and at the balneario, the water's depth.

At Balneario Municipal de Andolucas, Casa del Artesano sells handicrafts and regional products, including Patero wines, olives, walnuts, sweets, and alfajores. If you specifically want to shop there, check in advance whether sales are currently available.

Archaeological heritage in Hualco

The Sitio Arqueológico de Hualco is in the Department of San Blas de los Sauces. Guided tours explain the Ciénaga, Aguada, Belén, and Sanagasta cultures, as well as their connection to the Camino del Inca, the Qhapaq Ñan. The Centro de Interpretación de Hualco supplements this overview with two exhibition rooms and original archaeological artifacts.

The objects include ceramics, funerary urns, grinding tools, and arrowheads. Ritual ornaments are also represented, including the Hualquito made of malachite. Hualco thus combines guided tours and exhibitions, while a visit can focus on its different groups of objects. The pre-Hispanic remains of Pucará de Cuipán are also part of the archaeological heritage and are protected under Provincial Decree 2357/80.

Churches, architecture, and traditions

Iglesia San Blas de los Sauces is a tourist attraction and the department's main church. Its architecture can be described through specific details: the adobe walls are 1.5 meters thick and built from bricks measuring 80 centimeters long, 40 centimeters wide, and 20 centimeters high. Other features include a single bell tower and a roof made of reeds and wood. The date given for today's Iglesia de San Blas is 1748, though with a note of uncertainty. It was rebuilt around 1878 and is protected under Decree 2.357/80.

In the Las Lechuzas neighborhood of Salicas, the San Blascito Oratory, also known as San Blasito, houses a small image of San Blascito dating from 1648. Another reference point for religious traditions is the Seven Churches route. An account from April 2025 describes it as a Catholic tradition during Semana Santa: it begins at the chapel in Suriyaco and ends at the San Blas temple with a water blessing.

The Fiestas Patronales de San Blas include stalls selling traditional foods, dancing, and singing, as well as a procession and Mass on February 3. If you want to plan your trip around the Fiestas or Semana Santa, check the dates and program for the relevant year. This will help you decide whether to focus your plans on architecture and history, archaeological sites, or festive traditions.

With this priority in mind, you can tailor your hotel search to the purpose of your trip.

More destinations

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

For the overview of the wider region: La Rioja.