La Punta: Landscape, Trekking and Traditions

Villa La Punta combines clear streams and rolling hills with a range of tourist activities that includes trekking. This gives you a clear theme to guide your trip planning: nature and outdoor activities are central points of interest. The route there is also straightforward: from the provincial capital, Santiago del Estero, you can reach Villa La Punta via National Route 64 and then Provincial Route 24. The distance is 92 km.

Trekking, Mountain Biking and Quebrada de la Chilca

Villa La Punta is considered an attractive destination for hikers; trekking is part of the visitor offering, and mountain bikers will also find it appealing. A hiking trail leads to Cerro de la Cruz. Quebrada de la Chilca offers a different focus and can be reached on horseback. A spring rises there beneath a rock, at a spot known as “piedra que llora” (“the weeping stone”). A named trekking destination and a ravine with a distinctive spring thus offer different ways to enjoy the outdoors.

Landscape and Trails in Departamento Choya

In the wider destination of Departamento Choya, lush greenery and gently rolling sierras shape the landscape. Villa La Punta lies on the eastern slope of the Sierras de Guasayán. The area within a five-kilometre radius of Villa La Punta was declared a provincial nature reserve. Departamento Choya also has walking and horseback-riding trails from Villa La Punta to nearby ravines, including Quebrada de La Chilca and Pozo de Leiva. Long walks along narrow roads and paths amid lush vegetation are also part of this regional outdoor experience.

Religious Tradition and History

In Departamento Choya, Quebrada de La Chilca is also associated with the Virgen del Carmen: an image of the Virgen, the patron saint of Villa La Punta, is located at the site known as “la piedra que llora” (“the weeping stone”). During Holy Week, residents climb Cerro de La Cruz with torches, commemorating Jesus’ Way of the Cross to Calvary.

The parish of Villa La Punta, dedicated to the Virgen, was founded in 1859. A chapel in honour of the Virgen del Carmen was built from stone in 1860; in 1944, it was replaced by a new temple. These dates mark two milestones in local religious history: the founding of the parish and, later, the construction and replacement of the chapel.

Villa La Punta’s folk festival in honour of the Virgen del Carmen is associated with 16 July, the day of the Virgen. The festivities include a procession on foot or horseback, a fair featuring regional foods, music and folk dancing. If you are planning to travel specifically for a festival, check the event date in advance.

Discover more destinations: Frías.

For the wider travel overview: Departamento Choya.