Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
TUCUMÁN & AROUND
Though the country's second-smallest province, Tucumán has played a significant role in
Argentina's story. It was here that independence was first declared, and its massive sugar
industry is of great economic importance.
Tucumán city is full of heat and energy, in complete contrast to the lung-cleansing air
of Tafí del Valle, up in the hills to the west. Beyond, Argentina's most important pre-
Columbian site is Quilmes, on the Cafayate road. South of Tucumán, Santiago del Estero
is a backwater with an enjoyably sleepy feel.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Tucumán
0381 / POP 967,000 / ELEV 420M
Baking hot, energetic and brash, (San Miguel de) Tucumán, the cradle of Argentine inde-
pendence, is the nation's sixth-largest city and feels like it, with a metropolitan bustle
that can come as quite a shock after the other, more genteel, northwestern provincial cap-
itals. You may prefer it at night, when the fumes and heat of the day have lulled, and
cafes and bars come to life.
Tucumán's blue-collar feel and down-to-earthness is complemented by a lively cultur-
al scene, steps ahead of its serene neighbors. There's world-class paragliding and hang-
gliding in the hills west of town.
History
Founded in 1565, Tucumán distinguished itself when it hosted the congress that declared
Argentine independence in 1816. Unlike other northwestern colonial cities, Tucumán
successfully reoriented its economy after independence. At the southern end of the sugar-
cane zone, it was close enough to Buenos Aires to take advantage of the capital's grow-
ing market. By 1874 the railway reached the city, permitting easy transportation and rap-
id growth. Economic crises have hit hard in the past but sugarcane's growing use as a
fuel source means there's plenty of optimism about the future.
Sights
Casa de la Independencia
MUSEUM
OFFLINE MAP
GOOGLE MAP
