At Las Juntas, two waterfalls with different heights and tributaries can be reached by two different routes from La Majada. Salto Las Juntas and Salto Pozo Hondo can be distinguished by their rivers; the routes differ in that one follows an unpaved road by vehicle, while the other is a trekking route along the Río La Majada.

Waterfalls with different tributaries

The waterfall Salto Las Juntas, which locals also call Salto Los Godoy, is approximately 8 meters high and is fed by the Río Las Juntas. Salto Pozo Hondo is approximately 12 meters high; its tributary is the Río La Peña. Both height figures are approximate values from a 2018 field description.

Two options from La Majada

There are two ways to get to Las Juntas from La Majada. One route follows an unpaved road by vehicle, passing small hills and river crossings. The second option is a trekking route along the Río La Majada. The practical difference for planning is the mode of travel and the route: one involves driving and crossing rivers, while the other involves trekking along the river.

The route descriptions date from 2018. Before planning, check current trail and river-crossing conditions if you are considering either option.

Culture and history in Departamento Ancasti

In Departamento Ancasti, Parque Arqueológico La Tunita protects significant rock paintings and the surrounding 2,000-hectare forest. The paintings belong predominantly to the iconography of the La Aguada culture. Depicted motifs include big cats, hybrid beings, and anthropozoomorphic figures. The rock art reaches its fullest expressive power on the rock overhang known as “La Sixtina.”

As part of the park’s development, a small protective structure and an interpretation room were built, trails were laid out, information panels were installed, and a park ranger was appointed. The infrastructure is documented as of 2018. Before visiting, check which parts of the site are currently in operation.

Another rock art site in Departamento Ancasti is Cueva de La Candelaria, also called Cueva de la Salamanca. It contains a significant collection of rock paintings. The images are stylistically attributed to the La Aguada culture and interpreted as expressions with ritual and ideological functions. A free, interactive, immersive virtual tour of the cave has also been developed.

In Departamento Ancasti, textiles made from native Coyoyo silk are produced in Santa Gertrudis for the local tourism market. Santa Gertrudis is five kilometers from Villa de Ancasti.

The ruins of Iglesia de San Roque de Ancastillo in Ancastillo are also among the historical sites of Departamento Ancasti. The church was built between 1606 and 1748 by Jesuits who came from Santiago del Estero, and is considered one of the oldest churches in the province of Catamarca. The ruins have not been preserved or developed and are more than 40 kilometers from Villa de Ancasti.

Discover more destinations: Ancasti, Anquincila, Concepción

Go to the main travel overview: Departamento Ancasti.