Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The main nighttime action is in a zone north of the center on and around Av Gobernador
Galíndez.
Caravati
CAFE $
(Sarmiento 683; dishes AR$40-70; 8am-3pm & 6pm-2am; )
The most inviting of the
plaza's terraces, this is named after the Italian architect who designed much of central
Catamarca, including the cathedral alongside. The handsome interior is popular for a
good line in pizzas, sandwiches and more substantial dishes, including a worthwhile
AR$60 weekday lunch.
La Cueva del Santo
SPANISH $$$
( 446-3544;
www.facebook.com/lacueva.delsanto
; Av República 1162; pintxos AR$10-22, dishes
AR$54-65; from 9pm Tue-Sat)
The somewhat patchy Catamarca dining scene has been
given a real boost by this sweet spot opposite the striking 19th-century hospital. It deals
in authentic Spanish fare: the highlight are delicious Basque-style cold and hot
pintxos
(canape-type tapas). It's a sociable, fun experience. Operates reduced hours in summer -
check Facebook.
Salsa Criolla
PARRILLA $$$
(
www.salsa-criolla.com.ar
; Av República 546; all-you-can-eat AR$99; 11.30am-3pm &
7.30-11.30pm Tue-Sun)
On the plaza, this is a high-class all-you-can-eat
parrillada
. It
doesn't try to stuff you with chorizo first like in some places - rather, it insists on tempt-
ing you with high-quality cuts long after you've insisted you don't want any more. There
are à la carte options.
Shopping
Catamarca enthusiastically promotes its fine natural products; the region is well known
for wines, olive oil, walnuts, jams and conserves. There are several shops stocking these
along Sarmiento and Rivadavia near the plaza.
Mercado Artesanal y Fábrica de Alfombras
HANDICRAFTS
OFFLINE MAP
GOOGLE MAP
(Av Virgen del Valle 945; 7am-1pm & 3-9pm Mon-Fri, 8am-8pm Sat & Sun)
For
Catamarca's characteristic hand-tied rugs, visit this artisans' market. The market also
