Chicligasta Department: Mountain Forest, Hiking Trails and Historic Sites

Nature and cultural experiences take center stage in Chicligasta Department. Aconquija National Park extends across several departments, while Concepción is a gateway to the park. Villa de Medinas is a historic site in its own right. When planning your trip, it is therefore worth treating your preferred hiking trails, the drive to Portal Cochuna and visits to Concepción as separate priorities.

Nature and Hiking Trails in Aconquija National Park

Aconquija National Park extends across Chicligasta, Alberdi, Monteros, Río Chico and Tafí del Valle departments. In Tucumán, the park also protects Argentina’s southernmost remaining tract of Yungas forest, as well as high-altitude Andean landscapes.

The park has numerous trails for walks and outdoor activities. The El Pozón Trail passes through mountain forest to a natural pool in the Arroyo Sufrimiento and is rated easy. The La Selva Misteriosa Interpretive Trail also runs through mountain forest and has seven stations where visitors can learn about important processes in this habitat. The moderately difficult Puesto Zárate Trail is 4.5 kilometers long and leads through Yungas forest, crossing the Arroyo El Calao on its way to Puesto Zárate.

The Puesto La Mesada Trail has a free-use campsite, a shelter with a fire pit and a toilet for visitors. Facility availability may vary. From the La Banderita Lookout, views extend across the Tucumán plain to the imposing peaks of the Nevados del Aconquija; access conditions here may also vary. Check current trail conditions before hiking.

For a longer outing in Tucumán, take the trail to Laguna del Tesoro in Aconquija National Park. It is rated moderate to challenging; the 12-kilometer route is listed as taking approximately six hours one way. This distance and time commitment differ significantly from those of the shorter circular trails described above and should be taken into account when planning.

Getting There via Concepción

Concepción is a gateway to Aconquija National Park. From there, travel 37 kilometers west along RN 65 to Portal Cochuna. The road is paved as far as Alpachiri; beyond that, it becomes a gravel road that is passable for all types of vehicles. Road conditions can change, so check them before setting out.

Gutiérrez’s intercity service runs from Concepción to Alpachiri. From there, rural vehicles can take visitors to Portal Cochuna and Laguna del Tesoro. Confirm transportation arrangements and service frequency before your trip. Concepción also has two daily connections to the San Miguel de Tucumán bus terminal; check schedules and operators in advance as well.

Historic Sites and Culture

Villa de Medinas is in Chicligasta Department and is legally designated a historic town. One of the town’s principal buildings is the Iglesia Nuestra Señora de la Merced. It houses an old statue of Our Lady of Mercy, which the Medina family brought there in the 17th century.

In Concepción, the Catedral de la Inmaculada Concepción stands opposite Plaza Mitre in the city center. During the renovation of Plaza Mitre, reported on February 15, 2019, an interactive fountain with light and sound effects was created and described as one of the attractions of the downtown green space. A municipal report dated December 30, 2024, announced the reopening of the Museo Nasif Estéfano and described it as a place to learn about the story of an internationally renowned athlete.

More Places Nearby

Nearby are the ruins of La Ciudacita. Visitors must be accompanied by experienced mountain guides. The ruins mark the southernmost extension of the Inca Empire. The La Ciudacita Trail includes a section of the Qhapaq Ñan, the Andean road network and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A walking expedition to the end of the route takes five to seven days.

Samay Cochuna campsite is about 30 kilometers from Concepción and provides access to the Cochuna River, as well as trails suitable for trekking and cycling. Check facility availability and trail conditions before your visit. A few kilometers from Concepción, Alto Verde is also home to Crazy World Multiparque, with a ropes course, zip line, swimming pools, paintball and sports courts. Confirm current operating arrangements before visiting.

Take the respective travel distances into account, as well as the stated time required for longer outings.

Discover more destinations: Concepción, Lules Department, Simoca Department, Tafí Del Valle Department, Yerba Buena Department, Tafí Viejo Department, Graneros.

Return to the main travel overview: Tucumán.