Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
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Western Catamarca
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Western Catamarca province is well worth exploring, with historic adobe churches, vine-
yards, and stunning views from the hot springs above Fiambalá, an oasis town set in an
arid valley among dunes and spectacular mountainscapes that have been favorite terrain
for the Dakar rally since it moved here from Africa. In the far west, a cluster of awe-in-
spiring 6000m peaks form the planet's second-loftiest ensemble after the Everest region.
The main settlements are Tinogasta and Fiambalá, 50km apart. If you don't have trans-
port, tours from Belén or Catamarca are the best ways to see the area.
Sights & Activities
Ruta del Adobe
HISTORIC BUILDINGS
The road between Tinogasta and Fiambalá is designated the 'adobe route' for its
ensemble of fantastic historic buildings with thick walls of mud, straw and dung and
cane roofs supported by algarrobo beams. Buildings are signposted off the road and in-
clude former inns and little museums. This was an important trade route to Bolivia and
Peru. On public transport you can check out the Iglesia de San Pedro, at the southern en-
trance to Fiambalá, and the adjacent Comandancia de Armas.
Termas de Fiambalá
HOT SPRINGS
(Fiambalá; AR$30; 7am-10pm)
From Fiambalá 15km east into the mountains, these
thermal springs emerge from rock and cascade down the mountainside in a series of
pools: the highest at around 40°C, cooler ones below. The views over the desert valley
are epic. It's best after 5pm when there's more shade. Weekends are rowdy. There's a
campsite and various simple accommodation options here. It's AR$100 in a
remise
from
Fiambalá.
Museo del Hombre
MUSEUM
(Azarelli s/n, Fiambalá; AR$10; 7:30am-1:30pm & 3:30-8pm Mon-Fri, 8am-1pm & 3-8pm Sat &
Sun)
This interesting local museum has sections on geology and archaeology, with high-
quality ceramics and two haunting Inca mummies with their well-preserved funerary
goods. Another room is dedicated to mountaineering, giving details of famous expedi-
tions to the province's fourteen 6000m-plus peaks.
