Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The 1950s reconstruction has taken liberties; worse yet is the earlier, ridiculous monu-
ment to pioneering archaeologists bang where the plaza would have been. Nevertheless,
you can get a feel of what would have been a sizable fortified community. Most interest-
ing is the 'church,' a building with a short paved walkway to an altar; take note of the
niche in the wall alongside.
Museo Arqueológico
MUSEUM
(Belgrano 445; admission incl pucará Argentines/Latin Americans/others AR$15/20/30, Mon free;
9am-6pm)
This well-presented collection of regional artifacts in a striking colonial
house has some pieces from the
pucará
(walled city), and exhibits give an insight into
the life of people living around that time. The room that is dedicated to ceremonial masks
is particularly impressive.
Activities
You'll see phone numbers for
cabalgatas
(horseback rides) everywhere, and most ac-
commodations can arrange it for you. Guides for walks around the area congregate at the
tourist office.
Garganta del Diablo
HIKING
(AR$5 admission)
Of several interesting walks around Tilcara, most popular is the 4km
hike to Garganta del Diablo, a pretty canyon and waterfall. Head toward the
pucará,
but
turn left along the river before crossing the bridge. Swimming is best in the morning,
when the sun is on the pool.
Tilcara Mountain Bike
BICYCLE RENTAL
( 15-500-8570; tilcarabikes@hotmail.com; Belgrano s/n; per hr/day AR$20/100 ; 9am-7pm)
A friendly setup just past the bus terminal that hires out well-maintained mountain bikes
and provides a helpful map of routes in the area.
Tours
Several operators around town run trips up and down the Quebrada and to the Salinas
Grandes. A recommended guide for the spectacular multiday trek to the Calilegua na-
tional park is
Juan Pablo Maldonado
(
15-504-5322)
.
Caravana de Llamas
TREKKING
