Day 1
Transfer from Catamarca Airport. Excursion to Cuesta del Portezuelo, Museo de la Zamba, Casa Natal del Beato Fray Mamerto Esquiú, and Casa de la Puna. Overnight in Catamarca.
Cuesta del Portezuelo – Departure from the hotel toward the Museo de la Zamba, officially declared of tourist, cultural, and educational interest as the “Museo y Monumento a la Zamba Paisaje de Catamarca,” located at the entrance to Cuesta del Portezuelo. This is a magnificent and winding mountain road that climbs along dramatic cliff edges, offering stunning landscapes and postcard-worthy views. The viewpoint stands at 1,070 meters above sea level, providing sweeping panoramic views of the Valle Central and its countless shades of green—an inspiring scene that gave rise to the famous zamba “Paisaje de Catamarca.”
Casa Natal Fray Mamerto Esquiú – Fray Mamerto Esquiú was a prominent religious figure from the province, serving as a Franciscan friar and later as bishop of Catamarca and Córdoba, deeply revered by the people of Catamarca. His religious vocation began in childhood, and he also played a significant political role, advocating for Catamarca to adopt and uphold the National Constitution of 1853 through his renowned “Sermón de la Constitución.”
His birthplace has been protected by a small temple since 1941. The house is a traditional adobe construction, with walls nearly one meter thick and algarrobo wood doors mounted on pivots instead of hinges. It features three rooms displaying family belongings such as a bed, textile tools, and a high ceiling made of cane and mud. During the visit, local guides recount the life story of Fray Mamerto Esquiú, from his early devotion—marked by a promise made by his mother after recovering from a serious illness—to his achievements in religion, politics, and journalism. Due to political conflicts in the 19th century, he lived in exile and traveled through Bolivia, Peru, Europe, and the Holy Land. He passed away in 1883 in Catamarca while traveling between La Rioja and Córdoba. After his death, an autopsy revealed that his heart remained intact, a fact that deeply marked local devotion. His heart was kept at the San Francisco Church in Catamarca until it was stolen in 2008. The house has been declared a National Historic Monument. Visitors can also explore nearby sites linked to his life, such as the Capilla del Señor de los Milagros, where the baptismal font used for his baptism is preserved.
Day 2
Full-day excursion to Fiambalá (Ruta del Adobe, wineries, and high-altitude hot springs). Overnight in Catamarca.
Ruta del Adobe – A circuit rich in the historical legacy of the Diaguita indigenous peoples. This 55-kilometer route includes visits to churches and ruins where adobe is the predominant construction material. Some of these buildings are National Historic Monuments, with nearly 300 years of history. Along the way, you’ll discover charming villages where skilled hands combined wood and adobe (a mixture of straw, mud, and manure) to create long-lasting structures such as traditional houses, estates, chapels, and churches.
Termas de Fiambalá – Fiambalá, whose name in the language of the original peoples means “water that penetrates the mountain,” is a small town located just a few kilometers from Tinogasta. In addition to its pleasant microclimate and warm hospitality, it offers a unique highlight: its hot springs. Set in natural pools descending from the mountains, the water temperatures range from 38°C to 70°C. Thanks to their mineral properties, these waters are highly recommended for their therapeutic and healing benefits.
Day 3
Excursion to Cumbres de Ambato, Dique El Jumeal, El Rodeo, visit to the monument of the Virgen del Valle, and Las Juntas. Overnight in Catamarca.
Ambato – Ambato is a department in the province of Catamarca, located in northwestern Argentina. It covers an area of 1,761 km² and features predominantly mountainous terrain. Administratively, it is divided into seven districts: El Rodeo, Las Juntas, La Puerta, Los Varela, El Bolsón, Singuil, and Los Castillos. This region is known for its scenic landscapes, fresh mountain air, and traditional villages nestled among the hills.
Day 4
Transfer to Catamarca Airport.
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