Rock art, a historic church and water activities at the Dique de Ipizca give Ancasti Department several distinct highlights. For planning, it is worth considering cultural sites and trips to the reservoir separately: Provincial Route No. 2 passes through Anquincila and continues to Villa de Ancasti; the road to the Dique branches off this route and is unpaved.

Rock Art at Parque Arqueológico La Tunita

Parque Arqueológico La Tunita in Ancasti Department protects significant rock paintings and the surrounding 2,000-hectare forest. The motifs belong predominantly to the iconography of the La Aguada culture. They include big cats, hybrid beings and anthropozoomorphic figures—that is, figures with human and animal characteristics. The paintings reach their greatest expressive power at the La Sixtina rock shelter.

Another archaeological site is Cueva de La Candelaria, also known as Cueva de la Salamanca. It is also located in Ancasti Department and contains an important group of rock paintings. These are stylistically attributed to the La Aguada culture and interpreted as expressions with ritual and ideological functions. In 2024, a free, interactive and immersive virtual tour of the cave was developed.

As part of improvements to Parque Arqueológico La Tunita, a small shelter and an interpretation room were built, paths were laid out, information signs were installed and a park ranger was assigned. These improvements date from 2018. Before planning your visit, check whether the facilities are currently operating.

Church History and Local Crafts

The ruins of Iglesia de San Roque de Ancastillo are located in Ancastillo. A report published in 2021 describes it as one of the oldest churches in Catamarca Province. The church was built between 1606 and 1748 by Jesuits who came from Santiago del Estero. The ruins have not been preserved or restored. Ancastillo is more than 40 kilometers from Villa de Ancasti; the site's historical significance should therefore not be taken as confirmation that it can be visited today.

Santa Gertrudis offers a different cultural perspective: textiles made from native Coyoyo silk are produced there for the local tourism market. The place is five kilometers from Villa de Ancasti. This craft tradition complements the archaeological themes with a contemporary example of local textile production.

Dique de Ipizca and Getting There

Dique de Ipizca lies on the eastern slope of the Sierra de Ancasti. Its reservoir is at an altitude of 1,000 meters on the Río Las Beatas. Fishing and boating in small boats take place on the water. If these activities are important to your plans, ask locally about the specific options available.

Provincial Route No. 2 passes through the center of Anquincila and continues to Villa de Ancasti. The road from this route to Dique de Ipizca is unpaved, but can be driven by car with care. Check local road conditions before setting out. This lets you treat a visit to the reservoir as a separate planning item, rather than assuming a particular driving time or fixed itinerary.

When choosing accommodation, it helps to decide first what you want to focus on: the rock art and historic sites, or the landscape and activities at the Dique. The places and themes offer different starting points for a stay in Ancasti Department.

Discover more destinations: Ancasti, Anquincila, Las Juntas, Concepción, Santa María Department, Tinogasta Department, Andalgalá Department, Ambato Department.

Go to the broader travel overview: Catamarca.