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Santa María: Argentina

The Queen of Yokavil

It is the capital of the Calchaquies Valleys. Santa Maria used to be the main settlement of the yokavile aborigens, who left their culture printed on rocks and constructions that today are important archeological areas.

The Calchaquies Valleys themselves are one of the most important touristic destinations in northern Argentina, part of the sacred valleys of the pre-Colombus Argentina, which goes as far as Salta, Catamarca and Tucuman. It is a beautiful area, with big mountains and beautiful valleys.

Santa Maria is a small town surrounded by mountains and blue sky, where history and archeology are the main activities for tourists to indulge in, unless they rather practicing adventure sports as well.

Just like in other provinces and localities in northern Argentina, Santa Maria is also a spot for celebrations. In January, for example, people gather for the “Queen of Yokavil” festivity, a popular party where craftsmen, musicians and artists come together in a folk festival that lasts for three nights.

Festivities continue in February, with the celebration to honor the Candelaria Virgin, and in August again when people gather for the San Roque in San Jose patronal celebration.

Attractions

Santa María, with its buildings that take you to the past, surrounded by mountains and near beautiful valleys, where you can practice sports or take walks.

Visiting important archeological settlements, what is left of the yokavil people, in the middle of the valley. It is one of the most important valleys in pre-Colombus America, used as a sacred place by the aborigens, an ameable and traditional town.

In January and February you can see colorful religious celebrations, where artists from all the nearby cities and countries come together to share stories and anecdotes with other tourists. At the same time, you can see craftwork and taste extraordinary food.

Activities

Walks and horseback riding, historic tourism, archeological tourism, observation of flora and fauna, photography, adventure sports.

Location

Northern Argentina, in the Catamarca province.

How to get there

By land, you take the RN9, then the RN60 and, finally, the RP33, which takes you to Catamarca.

Buses leave daily to Catamarca from Buenos Aires, and other main cities. From there you can travel by air to Catamarca, too.

When to go

All year.

Climate

Template, humid.

Services

Accomodations, camping, food services, crafts center, museum, archeological settlements, touristic information.

Surroundings

Catamarca, Antofagasta de la Sierra, San Fernando del valle de Catamarca, San José.

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