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| Calchaquies Valley (VALLES CALCHAQUIES) |
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| Calchaquies Valley |
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The Calchaquies Valley is a wide valley across Province of Tucuman, Province of Catamarca, and Province of Salta in the northwest of Argentina. It runs along the river of the same name that passes on the east side of the Andes. It is called 摘dge of the Highland (Borde de la Puna),
撤una meaning highland.
The valley stretches to about 200 km over a land area of 17,000 km² and covers the Departments of Poma, Cachi, Molinos, San Carlos, and Cafayate.
The scenery created by the mountain hues changes from place to place. Going along a winding road in the scenery, you can see multi-colored sandstone formations. Small villages are scattered over these formations, creating a very panoramic view. In this region
a lot of influence from Spanish customs, language, and art still remains.
Here you can also distinguish the region痴 cultural difference from that of Patagonia, a culture peculiar to the northwest.
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Main Attractions
Calchaquies Valley (VALLES CALCHAQUIES)
The beautiful Tucuman forest, where the scenery is unmatched anywhere else, is in the wide expanse of the valley.
San Miguel de Tucuman (SAN MIGUEL DE TUCUMAN)
Located northwest of Argentina, it is the center of commerce, industry, and culture.
A lot of historic buildings are here. To name a few, 鍍he House of Independence (la Casa Historica de Tucuman) where the declaration of independence was signed on July 9, 1816, the Cathedral of Matriz (la Iglesia Matriz Catedral), the Church of La Merced (la Iglesia de La Merced),
San Francisco Church (la Iglesia de San Francisco), the City Hall (la Casa de Gobierno), and Provincial Capitol (la Camara de Senadores), etc.
Moreover, the works of famous sculptor, Lola Mora, from Tucuman, are exhibited in the square and the parks. |
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Tafi del Valle (TAFI DEL VALLE)
It is 1,976 m above sea level, 107 km from San Miguel de Tucuman. Tafi del Valle means 典aktikllakta (village at the entrance of splendidness) in the native dialect.
Tafi del Valle is a small village in a valley surrounded by mountains. The view from the top of the mountains is magnificent. The river gradually flows to the bottom of a ravine. There are a lot of small waterfalls. The natives live in peripheral villages.
There are several archaeological ruins worth exploring.
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| Tafi del Valle |
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El Cochuna Provincial Park (PARQUE PROVINCIAL EL COCHUNA)
Subtropical plants grow abundantly and are preserved in El Cochuna Provincial Park at an elevation of 1,700 m.
Quilmes Ruins (RUINAS DE QUILMES)
These are the ruins of the pre-Hispanic settlement at 1,972 m above sea level.
Cactuses of more than 5 m high grow in and around the area.
The place is rich in history. The natives who lived here were conquered as slaves, and were taken to the Quilmes district in a Buenos Aires suburb about 1,500 km away. It is the origin of the name of the Quilmes district in Buenos Aires.
The town ruins also stand as the most important heritage that the natives left.
Amaicha del Valle (AMAICHA DEL VALLE)
This is a small village 2,200 m above sea level with 1,509 people where a traditional festival called 撤achamama Festival is held in February. Pachamama means 溺other Earth.
At the Pachamama Museum you can marvel at the replica of ruins, the explanation behind the geographical features, as well as a collection of the rocks around here. A beautiful tapestry museum is also at the very same site. Native handicrafts are sold there, too.
Pachamama Festival (FIESTA DE LA PACHAMAMA)
People living northwest of Argentina worship PACHAMAMA (Mother Earth). Pachamama Festival (Fiesta de la Pachamama) of the Province of Tucuman is held in Amaicha del Valle on the second week of February every year.
It offers three days of indigenous music and cuisine of Tucuman, as well as their thanksgiving ritual for PACHAMAMA.
Las Yungas (LAS YUNGAS)
This is the district around San Miguel de Tucuman City that has very lush vegetation (Yerba Buena, Tafi Viejo, San Pablo, Villa Nougues, San Javier, Raco, El Siambon). It is best for those who like outdoor sports such as trekking, mountain biking, and horseback riding.
Sugarcane and citrus fruits are grown in this district.
Shopping
Tucuman produces a famous fabric woven from a special thread. Other items include the poncho, which is a specialty of Amaicha and Tafi del Valle; musical instruments such as Quena, Erke, Caja, drums (Bombo) and Pincullo; and leather items.
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| Quilmes Ruins |
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| Quilmes Ruins |
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| Pachamama Museum in Amaicha del Valle |
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| Vivid and cool patterns on a local tapestry |
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| Provinces: |
Tucuman, Catamarca, and Salta are covered. |
| Nearest airport: |
In San Miguel de Tucuman City |
| Tourist base: |
San Miguel de Tucuman City |
| Location: |
1,310 km from Buenos Aires City
578 km from Cordoba City
311 km from Salta City
1,004 km from Mendoza City |
| Access: |
By plane:
Five flights a day from Buenos Aires International Airport
By bus:
Buses are available from Buenos Aires City. Buses go to each city in the province from San Miguel de Tucuman City. |
| Climate: |
With a little annual precipitation of 200-400 mm around Calchakies Valley, the sun bakes the earth mercilessly. There is, however, a thick snow cover on the high mountain peaks in winter. The temperature varies depending on the altitude and latitude.
The average temperature is 20-25 degrees. Temperature differences are on the extreme 末 rising to as high as 35 degrees in summer and 5 degrees in winter. The farther north you go into the valley, the lower the temperature drops. |
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